Stephen's parents used to put books in his crib to keep him quiet when he woke up early in the morning, thus starting him on a lifetime of loving literature. At home, he enjoys reading mysteries and poetry, with occasional forays into horror and fantasy. A displaced Vermonter, he has lived in southwest Michigan since the mid-'90s. When not in the book store he can often be found as a substitute at one our local schools!
Charlie Fitzer is surprised to inherit his uncle's supervillain empire, complete with a volcanic island lair managed by superintelligent cats, but is less than thrilled to inherit his enemies as well. Can Charlie survive long enough to get a grip on things, or will he swim with the fishes (specifically, a group of foul-mouthed killer dolphins)? Recommended by Stephen
Lush and heady, swirling with music and magic, this is a delightful Venetian fairytale about the friendship between two girls and the boundless desire that will set them free, if it doesn't consume them first.
In his first collection of short stories in nine years, Saunders returns to the form that made his name. Ranging from science fiction to urban fantasy to detailed realism, these stories explore the duties we owe each other in times of trouble and oppression. A brilliant collection.
The cast and crew of a reality TV show focusing on the paranormal encounter more than they'd bargained for in their latest assignment, with life-changing effects. An great haunted house story with interesting psychological underpinnings.
Recommended by Stephen
Devon is a book eater, a member of a reclusive family that derives nourishment and knowledge from eating books. But when her son is born, he turns out to be something much more dangerous -- a mind eater --
and Devon is forced to flee into a hostile world to make a place for herself and her child. A strange, dark, compelling, original fantasy, unlike any book I've read in years.
Set in the Cloisters Museum in New York, Hays's debut novel features murder, history, suspense, ill-advised love, and a Tarot deck that may actually predict the future. An attention-grabbing and -holding mystery with a satisfying ending.