The Death Cure

by James Dashner

This third and final book in the Maze Runner trilogy begins where the last book left off, with Thomas and the other Gladers (those who survived the Scorch Trials) at WICKED. I hate spoilers, so I won't say more about the plot, but you will definitely get your questions answered. Full of the same excitement and tension we've come to love from Dashner, The Death Cure will not disappoint.

Jasper Jones

by Craig Silvey

Charlie doesn't know Jasper Jones, the local boy with a bad reputation. But when he knocks on Charlie's window asking for help one night, Charlie feels compelled to go. When they arrive at their destination, Jasper lets Charlie in on secret, one that will change both of their lives forever.

The story is set in 1960's Australia, during the Vietnam War. I didn't realize the extent of Australia's involvement there before reading this book. Jasper Jones is beautifully written, with unforgettable characters you can believe in. The tension is almost unbearable as Charlies tries to bear the burden of his secret, help his Vietnamese best friend deal with pervasive racism in their small town, and solve the mystery that haunts Jasper Jones.

Texas Gothic

by Rosemary Clement-Moore

Amy Goodnight is a coed at UT, but she's gone home to Barnett for the summer to care for her Aunt Hiacynth's farm while her aunt is away. Her sister Phin is there to help, too, but the Goodnight Farm is no ordinary Texas ranch. Aunt Hiacynth is a kitchen witch, and her dead husband still hangs around the house in ghost form. The discovery of centuries-old bones on neighboring land brings a group of anthropology students from UT, and Amy and Phin can't resist checking out what they've found. Their interference doesn't please Ben, the hot cowboy whose family owns that land, and the sparks fly between him and Amy. Add to the tension an old legend of a ghost called Mad Monk, and the fact that Amy's being haunted, and you have quite the mystery on your hands.

The story started out slow for me, but picked up quickly. This is a light, fun, mystery with great Texas references scattered throughout. (The author is from Arlington, so she got it right!) Definitely a good choice for CSI fans, who want a little drama and a little romance with their forensics!