Kerry @ Bellevue Archive.

The Shadow of the Wind begins with learning about a secret, mysterious library. It is a labyrinth known as the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. The main character is taken there by his father and gets to choose only one book that he must protect for life. As he reads the book a thrilling, magical and romantic story unfolds. 

At first I assumed it was a mystery, but it turns out that the novel has multiple storylines. I was constantly surprised by the turns it takes as it weaves layer upon layer. The author has a very eloquent writing style that seems to be of another world.  In fact, this book is very difficult to describe. I just know that I was immersed in the story until I finished it.

The Shadow of the Wind is by the Spanish writer, Carlos Ruiz Zafón. It was translated into English a few years after it was first published. I am sure that anyone who loves books will more than likely love this one.

For those of you who like mysteries/thrillers set in other countries, John Burdett has written three fascinating books that take place in Thailand Bangkok 8, Bangkok Tattoo, and Bangkok Haunts. The backdrop is a place of mysticism, Buddhism, sex, drugs, smuggling, poverty, and police corruption.

Sonchai Jitpleecheep seems to be the only honest cop on the force, yet respects his corrupt colonel. His mother is a cunning hooker (and his father an unknown American GI), but he stays out of the sex trade. Many other contradicting cultural ideas fill this story which is narrated by Sonchai. He not only taught me a lot about Thailand, but also how the Thai's view Americans which is very interesting.

In Bangkok8 the story starts out with Sonchai and his partner investigate jade smuggling by a Marine. His partner, and friend, is murdered in a very bizarre fashion, and Sonchai becomes determined to kill those responsible. Soon he is teamed up with a female FBI agent to further pursue answers to the chaotic case that progresses at a very fast relentless pace.

These books are not for everyone and I'm tempted to say they are more for the "guys". However, I'm not one and I enjoyed these immensely. I keep hoping John Burdett writes another one.

Shutter Island is a psychological thriller, written by Dennis Lehane, the author of Mystic River. You may have read the book or seen the movie.

It's 1954. U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (soon to be played by Leonardo de Caprio in a Martin Scorsese film) and his new partner have orders to go to a small island near the northeast coast. The island is home to the federally funded Ashcliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane.

They are there to investigate the disappearance of a patient, a murderess. However, there seems to be no way that she could have escaped from the asylum. The hospital administrator won't give them straight answers to their questions. It seems he is hiding something (think psychological treatment in the 50's).

Teddy soon feels that just about everything and everyone on the island is suspect. As hospital staff try to convince Teddy that his suspicions are unfounded, he realizes that there may be no escape from the island. Is anything as it seems on Shutter Island

When you start reading this book, don't give up if you think it is a little slow. That is only the beginning. Soon you will get caught up in its escalating intensity and plot twists. You won't be able to turn the pages fast enough. I know it kept me up late at night.

Some of you have probably heard about the new HBO series, "True Blood".  If you have tried watching it and found it a bit too graphic, you will have a blast reading the series that it is based  upon:  The Sookie Stackhouse Novels by Charlaine Harris.  It is often described as a Southern Vampire Mystery  Series, but I found them to be a combination of mystery, fantasy, romance and absudity (and not nearly as graphic as "True Blood").

Normally, I am not drawn to vampire stories, but these are just absolutely fun to read.  Sookie narrates her adventures as a barmaid and telepath when she becomes involved with vampires who have recently "come out of the coffin".  She tells her story with a sunny outlook, Southern manners, and a sense of humor. 

The stories get more and more wonderfully crazy, but these light reads are so entertaining, I couldn't read them fast enough.  I don't want to say much more about the plot, because of the surprising twists and turns it takes,  and the very interesting characters that become a part of Sookie's  life.

If True Blood has piqued your interest (or you are a big fan), try the first book in the series, Dead Until Dark.  I bet you will have to read the entire series to find out what happens to Sookie Stackhouse, a character you will wish you could meet.