Staff Picks - Chelsea's Top 5 for the Second Half of 2022

Happy Holidays! And welcome to the end of the year and the second half of my top picks for the year. Just like the first time, I did find it difficult to narrow it down but I managed to get it down to just 5!

The Change - Kirsten Miller

Not for the faint of heart, The Change follows three women each at different points in their lives. Miller blends mystery with light fantasy well to create a rich environment that you can't help but get lost in. 

A little slow to start but once it starts you just can't put it down.

For fans of women taking a stand and defying expectations and reality. 

Cackle - Rachel Harrison 

This speculative fiction from Harrison is a spooky good time. I loved reading this one for Halloween. It follows Annie, as she moves to a new town to start over and in the process makes new friends and discovers a new side to herself. 

For fans of speculative fiction, strong female characters, and those not afraid of spiders. 

Shady Hollow - Juneau Black

Of course, there would be a cozy mystery. This one is a little more unique where all the characters are woodland creatures. And our lead is the clever fox, Vera Vixen a reporter at the local paper who is on the hunt for the murderer of the cantankerous old toad that lived in the pond.

For fans of cozy mysteries, cute characters, and clever mysteries. 

House of Hunger - Alexis Henderson

This gothic horror retells the nature of vampires as Marion fights to survive. Lush in description, this bloody tale leaves your heart racing as it quickly advances to the climax and an ending that you'll never see coming. 

For fans of vampire stories, gothic horror, and never knowing what happens next.

The Sandman Vol. 1 - Neil Gaiman

A timeless classic that has recently been adapted into a tv series. I don't know why it's taken me so long to read this series but I am happy to finally do so. 

I think everyone should read this!