The Buzz...About Books

As the year 2013 began, I started to think about the number 13 and I realised that it had appeared in the title of several books that I had come across in the last while.    As one would imagine, many of the books are paranomal novels with battles with other-worldly forces, but not all.  The first book is an award-winning historical fiction short story collection and the last book in the following list is also award winning, but for being a thriller. 

If you are looking for something to read, why not start the year with a book with the number 13 in the title.

Siege 13 by Tamas Dobozy.
In the fall of 1944, the Soviet Red Army began its siege of Budapest.  By late December, the city was completely encircled and one of
the bloodiest campaigns of the Second World War began. Two months later, the German and Hungarian defenders were almost annihilated and Budapest was in ruins.   Siege
13 is a collection of thirteen linked stories about this terrible time
in history, with stories set during the siege as well as during the following years, exploring its long lasting effects on the survivors and their families. 
Winner of the 2012 Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize and a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award.

The Thirteen by Susie Moloney.
When Paula Wittmore returns home to Haven Woods, she gives twelve of her mother's closest frenemies (who like to keep their numbers at thirteen) their last chance to make a gift to the darkness – Paula's young daugter. A circle of friends will support you through bad times. A circle of witches can drag you through hell.
Also available in eBook and Talking Book (Restricted to Print Disabled patrons).

13 by Kelley Armstrong
This is the thirteenth and concluding book in her very popular Women of the Otherworld series which began with Bitten. Savannah Levine, a young witch whose magical
powers have been temporarily stripped, is faced with the task of saving
her family and friends and finding a way to win the battle against the
evil creatures that have been unleashed upon the world. For a full list of all the books in this series, visit Novelist Plus (you'll need your library card).
Also available in eBook and eAudiobook.  

The Thirteen Hallows by Michael Scott.
When Sarah Miller comes to the
aid of an elderly woman getting mugged, she becomes hopelessly
entangled in a murderous conspiracy. A criminal mastermind known as the
Dark Man is gathering together the 13 Hallows, sacred ancient objects
of immense power, and ritualistically killing those who protect them.
The woman Miller saved was one of the last Hallowed Keepers. Armed only
with a broken sword, Miller must stay alive long enough to somehow stop
the Dark Man from completing his apocalyptic plan.
Also available in Audiobook, eAudiobook and Talking Book (restricted to Print Disabled patrons).

13 Hours by Deon Meyer.
Following Devil's Peak, this is South African author Meyer's second thriller to feature
Cape Town Det. Insp. Benny Griessel.  Spanning
just 13 hours in a single day, Benny must solve a pair of explosive cases – the gang slaying of an American'tourist and the murder of the husband
of a washed-up, alcoholic popular singer – all while trying to remain sober and mentoring the young
black detective assigned to the case.
Winner of the 2011 Barry Award for Best Thriller and the ATKV Prize for Suspense Fiction (South Africa).
Also available in eBook, Audiobook, and Talking Book (restricted to Print Disable patrons).

If you want to learn more about the number 13, check out 13: The Story
of the World's Most Popular Superstition by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer