Love & Loss TRENDINGGENRES AND AUTHORS 2024 Hidden Worlds: Learning Literature in Love and Loss Works Hidden Worlds: Learning Literature in Love and Loss Works MAY 2024 WWW.REALLYGREATBOOKS.COM V O L . 1 1 | G R O U P & C O . | I S S U E 1 2
Table ofContentsA GOOD GIRL’S GUIDE TO MURDER A GOD IN THE SHED THE MYSTERY GUEST THE BALLADS OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES ARCADIA ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 2 4 6 8 10 11 01 LOVE & LOSS12 EDITORS
A G ood G i r l ’ s G u i d e t o M u rd e r 02 LOVE & LOSSA high school senior, Peppa Fitz-Amobi, is assigned a graduating project which she decides to do on a disturbing murder that happened in her small town. She knows that the sweetheart painted, Andie Bell wasn’t really what she was ought to be, and the backstabbing boyfriend, Sal Singh, was, in reality, the sweetheart. Because she doubted the town’s verdict on the case, she tries to find the truth. As she uncovers the lies, the quest she takes become more dangerous. However, Peppa is on a journey to find herself. Since she is a student who will give her 100% to whatever she put her mind to, she doesn’t back down to threats until they are directed to someone she cares for. As she realizes she is more involved in the case then she thought she was, Peppa learns the truth about the people she been close to since she was a child, hurting some of the closest people she has. Completing the case with Sal’s brother, Ravi, Peppa unloads the reality to the town and brings events to light that were discarded and left undiscovered. Coming to a close, the investigation’s loose ends and tied tightly and Peppa along with Ravi complete their personal life’s loose ends as well. Peppa completes her college requirements and will forever remember the time she completed an investigation that police couldn’t
03 THE LEAD After reading this book, you may come to realize how strongly the main character is written. Peppa, who is only a teenager strives to solve a case that was easily overlooked. Being a student, Peppa has advantages to figuring out what really happened that the police officers may not. Written in Peppa’s perspective, the book allows the readers to understand how Peppa feels and the thoughts she goes through. One of the main conflicts Peppa goes through is figuring out who she is. At the beginning of the book, we get introduced to a straight A student who knows what she wants, Peppa. However, after a few chapters she realizes that she really doesn’t know what she wants that doesn’t have to do with school. Unsure, Peppa uses the investigation to search for her problem. Although, since Peppa has other intentions for the investigation, she soon gets obsessed with the project, so even though she gets threats to stop investigating, she continues and has no fear what someone could do to her. It isn’t until threats are directed to who she is close to, that she proceeds with caution. This reveals some key characteristics about her. The first thing the audience can tell is her determination. Peppa put her 100% to whatever she sets her mind to. This allows her to solve the case as well and as quickly as she did. It also allows other things like her college submission essay, straight A’s in classes, and her completion and presentation of the project. www.reallygreatsite.com LOVE & LOSSHolly Jackson is a British author that has written multiple young adult mystery novels. Born in 1992, Jackson was born in Buckinghamshire. Her debut novel being A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Jackson has published other famous mystery novels. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A God in the Shed 08 04 LOVE & LOSSBored out of their minds, Nathan Joseph Cicero, along with his buddies, venture off into the unexplored forest near their house. There, they run into a clearing completely devoid of life, save for a human-like creature that dwells in a cave. Hesitantly, they befriend the creature and start playing a version of tag in which whoever is “it” cannot move. The creature, who hates when rules are broken, follows them to a tee but lashes out when the others don’t abide by them. After two kids get killed, they stop visiting the creature, and it remains “it.” Fast forward about a hundred years: Venus McKenzie attends the funeral of Audrey, Saint Ferdinand's latest victim. The Saint Ferdinand Killer is an elusive figure that has haunted the townspeople for years and is the reason for their overflowing graveyard. After years of attempting to find the person behind these deaths, Inspector Stephen Crowley finds his break when, during a wellness check on Sam Finnegan, he finds various bodies stuffed into freezers with all of their eyes missing. These eyes, as it turns out, are located in a clearing, spiked onto metal rods staring into a cave, which unbeknownst to many harbors a God of Hate and Death. Following various perspectives, the reader is thrust into different storylines from the perspective of Venus McKenzie, Inspector Crowley and his son Daniel, Randy McKenzie and various victims. Throughout these chapters, the reader learns about the Sandman, an organization led by Inspector Crowley with the sole purpose of entrapping God and using it for their selfish purposes. That being said, the Sandman are racing against time because the Craftsman, an organization that exists to destroy that very God, is on their tail. “Dang! This was one nicely messed up little town. They've got a serial killer on the loose, who ended up being one of my favorite characters in the book. They've also got a nasty little god in a shed.” Lisa Noelle, Goodreads “Dang! This was one nicely messed up little town. They've got a serial killer on the loose, who ended up being one of my favorite characters in the book. They've also got a nasty little god in a shed.” Lisa Noelle, Goodreads “Dubeau creates such a rich, gothic story of murder and mystery, it's quite possibly one of the most enthralling and entrancing novels I've read in the last ten years." Jerry Smith of Fangoria Magazine and Blumhouse.com “Dubeau creates such a rich, gothic story of murder and mystery, it's quite possibly one of the most enthralling and entrancing novels I've read in the last ten years." Jerry Smith of Fangoria Magazine and Blumhouse.com
As the story progresses, the reader is introduced to Nathan Joseph Cicero, head of Cicero’s Circus. Despite being kicked out of Saint Ferdinand by Inspector Stephen Crowley years ago for his involvement in the Craftsman, Cicero returns to the town in order to stop the god once and for all. He is not alone, however, because, as Venus later discovers, the circus are the craftsmen. While investigating this group, Venus discovers that every single member of the Circus has been touched by God in some way, shape, or form and is now seeking retribution for its acts against humanity. The ringleader, Cicero, is revealed to be the first of them to have been affected by this God when, in the 1870’s, he played a form of tag with the God of Hate. This caused what the others refer to as “Cicero’s Curse,” which traps God when looked at. Another notable member of the circus is Elizabeth Lussier, a fortune teller. After agreeing to release it from its hold, she was blessed by God to see and foresee the future. Seeing that it would only cause destruction, Lussier trapped God once again, angering it. Due to this gift, Lussier is able to foresee everyone’s death, including her own. She told each member as much, and now everyone there knows when they will die. This is important because, at the final showdown, Cicero is well aware that he will die but welcomes it with open arms. The circus, which has grown fond of their ringleader, is aware of it too. When the time comes, Cicero, in his ostentatious attire, walks towards his death while the crowd parts for him, each member bidding him farewell as he does. Although Venus is confused as to why no one is attempting to stop him, she quickly discovers that it was time for Cicero, who had carried God’s curse for hundreds of years, to pass it on to his dearest family, the Circus. Welcome to the Circus A B O U T T H E A U T H O R Born in Trois-Rivieres, Canada, J. -F. Dubeau has published various works while working as a graphic designer. A God in the Shed, his second novel, is an ongoing trilogy that is largely regarded as his best work, and his fascination for science and love of storytelling is the driving force behind his works. “Dubeau distinguishes himself as one of the most original voices in the genre today...[H]e is a writer to be watched.” Anthony Cipriano, creator of Bates Motel “Dubeau distinguishes himself as one of the most original voices in the genre today...[H]e is a writer to be watched.” Anthony Cipriano, creator of Bates Motel
About the Author 06 LOVE & LOSSGrimthorpe is a well known author for writing mystery novels. He booked the Grand Tearoom to make an important announcement. Molly the head maid was put to be in charge of this event with Lily, her maid in training. Everyone began waiting for his appearance eagerly, whispering about what the announcement could be about. As Grimthorpe was about to make his announcement, he took a sip of his tea but dropped dead to the floor before saying anything. Was he murdered or died of natural causes? Who could be the killer running free through the hotel? Throughout reading the book, we learn that Molly knew Grimthorpe since she was small, but doesn’t tell anyone because she is scared to become the prime suspect. Pretending to be an undercover detective, Molly unleashes the truth about who the murder is, but before she does, she goes through the different suspects only to be left with a dead end. The Mystery Guest : A Maid Novel Nita Prose is a canadian author, who wrote The Maid and The Mystery Guest. The Maid won the Ned Kelly Award, Barry Award, and was an Edgar Award finalist for Best Novel. "A delightful whodunit.... In this affecting and socially pointed mystery series, invisibility becomes the superpower of the pink-collared proletariat." - The Washington Post
Throughout the story we get to meet all the characters and learn the relationships they have with one another. The main character is Molly, who works at the Grand Regency Hotel. She takes her work very seriously and is better at it than anyone else. During her childhood she never quite fit in with the other kids and was forced out of school for her “learning disabilities.” That is when she starts going to work with her grandmother, Flora, who worked at a massive mansion, where Mr. and Mrs. Grimthorpe lived together. Now working alongside her is Lily Finch, the maid in training. Cheryl is a maid at the hotel who makes work impossible for both Molly and Lily, she was believed to be the first suspect of the murder. Flora is introduced as a mother figure to Molly and the person who inspired Molly to become a maid just like her. Flora was in love with Mr. Preston, who at the time worked at the security tower at the mansion. Later on we find out that he works with Molly at the hotel as the doorman, but she did not know it at the time yet. Molly would have dinner with Mr. Preston every week with her husband, Juan Manuel. When Mr. Grimthorpe ends up dead, they put Detective Stark in charge of the murder case. Her and Molly had already met before this case in a previous case where Molly was thought to be a murder. This makes Molly nervous of being accused as the murder again since she was in charge of setting up the event. She learns to accept that Molly is not so bad to be around, and actually makes a pretty good detective herself. Mr. Grimthorpe turns out to be a fraud because he would steal stories off of his secretarys grandmother and name it as his. This makes his secretary a suspect as well since she had a motive to get revenge for her family. In the Grand Regency, the Grimthorpe fan club is keeping a close eye on everything going on. They help Molly to find out who the murder is but only because they think she is an undercover detective. Could one of them be the killer? Read The Mystery Guest to find out… Characters Involvement 07 LOVE & LOSS
“I would recommend this book to just about everyone. As a fan of the Hunger Games, I think other fans would like it too. It’s a great prequel.” Ceci, Barnes and Noble Suzanne Marie Collins is an American author and TV writer. Born August 10, 1962, in Hartford, Connecticut, she attended New York University and received her masters degree in dramatic writing. Her best known work is the dystopian novel series “The Hunger Games,” which is an international bestseller. She can also be credited with being part writer for the “The Hunger Games” movie series screenplay. Collins has been named to the TIME 100 list and the Entertainment Weekly Entertainers of the Year list. Other works include the Underland Chronicles book series. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is a prequel to the “Hunger Games” trilogy focusing on President Snow’s rise to his position. In this dystopian world, the nation of Panem had just ended a civil war where the districts rebelled against the Capitol’s rule. Taking place ten years prior, the war led the Capitol to ruins where hunger and death were all that remained. The war was eventually won by the Capitol, and the Hunger Games were born as a punishment for the district’s rebellion. Two children, one girl and one boy, from each district were selected to fight each other to death until one sole victor remained. On the tenth anniversary of the games, students from the Capitol’s Academy were assigned to mentor the district tributes so the games gained attention from the public. New traditions were formed that would continue for the following years. Coriolanus Snow came from the well-off “Snow” family who suffered tremendous economic losses due to the war’s aftermath. Assigned to the District 12 girl tribute, Lucy Gray Baird, Coriolanus goes through a series of emotions as he struggles to balance saving his family’s legacy with his newly developed feelings for his tribute. Snow eventually achieves his goal of helping Lucy Gray win the games, winning the prize money himself to attend University. However, the gamemakers find out Coriolanus and Lucy Gray cheated several times to win, and Coriolanus is forced to become a Peacekeeper. Coriolanus faces moral dilemmas as he betrays his loved ones for a second chance and ends up living in the Capitol once more as the heir to the Plinth fortune. The story ends with a look at Coriolanus’ future which will continue in the “Hunger Games” trilogy. 08 LOVE & LOSSSummary About the Author Otherworks
LOVE CORIOLANUS AND LUCY GRAY’S Coriolanus Snow and Lucy Gray Baird’s relationship in “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is complicated and unusual as it involves genuine feelings of affection, the need for manipulation, and contrasting ambitions. Their relationship begins when Coriolanus Snow is assigned to be Lucy Gray Baird’s mentor for the 10th anniversary of the Hunger Games. In the beginning, Coriolanus sees Lucy Gray as a means to win the prize money that will allow him to study in the University and save his family from poverty and shame. Coriolanus treats Lucy Gray well so she’d be willing to cooperate with him and participate in the new events the Gamemakers had planned to bring attention into the games. As the games progress, Coriolanus develops romantic feelings for Lucy Gray as he admires her talent, bravery, and wildness that is not usual for the Capitol citizens. Lucy Gray, being portrayed as an independent girl, struggles with trusting her mentor. But as the acts of kindness continue, Lucy Gray and Coriolanus begin a romantic relationship where their main priority is helping her survive. Coriolanus begins to doubt his values and the Capitol’s need for the games, leading him to go against his personal beliefs and cheat to help Lucy Gray win. After he is sent to live as a Peacekeeper as punishment for his cheating, Coriolanus continues to struggle with his need for power. Coriolanus and Lucy Gray continue to grow closer in their relationship when Coriolanus gets sent to district 12. When it comes down to fleeing the nation of Panem together or going back to the Capitol with a second chance, Coriolanus chooses to betray Lucy Gray and choose power. 09 LOVE & LOSS
"Iain Pears' 'Arcadia' intricately weaves together fantasy, science fiction, and romance to delve into the themes of loss and love across multiple interwoven storylines. Set in a parallel universe, the narrative follows Rosa, a young woman with the ability to traverse alternate realities using a device called the 'kennel.' As Rosa explores these realms, she encounters figures from various historical periods, including scientist Henry Lytten and time traveler Angela Meerson. The novel explores the concept of loss as characters confront the consequences of their actions and the inexorable march of time. Whether it's the loss of loved ones, innocence, or identity, each character grapples with personal struggles in search of redemption and closure. Simultaneously, 'Arcadia' delves into the complexities of love, portraying its joys and challenges. From forbidden romances to unrequited affections, the novel examines the myriad forms love can take and its profound impact on characters' lives. Through mystery, adventure, and romance, 'Arcadia' offers a richly layered narrative that captivates readers, inviting them on a journey across dimensions to explore the intricate tapestry of loss and love." ARCADIAIAIN PEARS LOVE AND LOSSsummary 10 IAIN PEARS, THE VERSATILE BRITISH AUTHOR, IS CELEBRATED FOR HIS DIVERSE REPERTOIRE SPANNING MYSTERY, HISTORICAL FICTION, AND FANTASY. HIS RENOWNED ART HISTORY-INSPIRED MYSTERY SERIES FEATURING DETECTIVE JONATHAN ARGYLL, NOTABLY BEGINNING WITH "THE RAPHAEL AFFAIR," HAS GARNERED WIDESPREAD ACCLAIM. PEARS' STANDALONE NOVELS, INCLUDING THE INTRICATE HISTORICAL THRILLER "AN INSTANCE OF THE FINGERPOST," SET IN 17TH-CENTURY ENGLAND, AND THE COMPLEX EXPLORATION OF PARALLEL UNIVERSES IN "ARCADIA," SHOWCASE HIS PENCHANT FOR IMAGINATIVE STORYTELLING AND METICULOUS RESEARCH. RENOWNED FOR HIS INTRICATE PLOTTING, VIVID CHARACTERIZATION, AND CHALLENGING OF CONVENTIONAL STORYTELLING NORMS, PEARS CONSISTENTLY MESMERIZES READERS WITH ENGAGING NARRATIVES THAT TRANSCEND GENRE BOUNDARIES.
central conflict PERSONAL QUESTS AND DESIRES MAIN CONFICT IN "ARCADIA" BY IAIN PEARS, THE CENTRAL CONFLICT REVOLVES AROUND THE STRUGGLE TO UNDERSTAND AND CONTROL THE NATURE OF REALITY ITSELF. THIS CONFLICT IS MULTIFACETED AND MANIFESTS IN VARIOUS FORMS THROUGHOUT THE NOVEL: EXPLORATION OF MULTIPLE REALITIES THE CHARACTERS IN "ARCADIA" GRAPPLE WITH THE EXISTENCE OF MULTIPLE DIMENSIONS AND ALTERNATE REALITIES, EACH GOVERNED BY ITS OWN SET OF RULES AND PRINCIPLES. T POWER STRUGGLES AND MANIPULATION EACH CHARACTER IN "ARCADIA" EMBARKS ON A PERSONAL QUEST OR JOURNEY DRIVEN BY THEIR DESIRES, MOTIVATIONS, AND ASPIRATIONS. WITHIN THE DIFFERENT REALMS OF ARCADIA, THERE ARE POWER STRUGGLES AND CONFLICTS ARISING FROM INDIVIDUALS SEEKING TO CONTROL OR MANIPULATE THE FABRIC OF REALITY FOR THEIR OWN ENDS. 03Overall, the central conflict in "Arcadia" revolves around the characters' exploration of reality, their struggles for power and control, and their quest to confront existential threats that endanger the fabric of existence itself. 11 LOVE AND LOSS
6 Editors Analyzing a Good GIrl’s Guide to Murder. Interested in mysteries and the unknown. Gloria Castillo Guevara, editor for Group & Co. dissects A God in the Shed, the first in a trilogy. Yngrid Guevara Editor for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a prequel to the international bestseller “The Hunger Games” trilogy. Dayana Castillo dissecting Arcadia. understanding loss Juan Castillo Editor for The Mystery Guest, a #1 New York Bestseller Fernanda Flores
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