In this debut novel, Boyden leads us into the trenches of the First World War through the eyes of Xavier Bird, a Canadian soldier and Cree Indian, and his lifelong friend Elijah Whiskeyjack. Following them through adolescence and into the army, we are given a first hand account of what it's like to be a sniper in the Great War in France and Belgium, fighting not only Germans but the equally menacing addiction to morphine. This incredibly detailed novel shifts between the horrific realities of combat and the side story of the youth of Niska-Bird's great aunt and a tribal elder-in Ontario. Based in part on real-life World War One hero Francis Peghmagabow, Boyden's work is well researched, superbly written, and quite enjoyable. ~Andrew

PERFUME: THE STORY OF A MURDERER by Patrick Suskind
Set in the slums of cities in 18th century France, this novel recounts the tale of Grenouille, a social outcast gifted with an extraordinary sense of smell. Born without any scent or odor of his own and abandoned by his family, he becomes obsessed with the olfactory arts and sets out on a quest to find and duplicate the perfect scent, that of a beautiful virgin girl. His obsessive indulgence in aroma eventually leads him to murder, and the moral and criminal consequences of his crime soon catch up with him. Suskind weaves his dark story of mystery and terror with an eye for the details of the period, and the character of Grenouille is brilliant, terrifying yet pathetic. Perfume will make you rethink your sense of smell, how you use it and how it uses you. ~ Andrew

Seldom does one find a book as enjoyable and captivating as this. Drawing extensively from experiences the author actually had, his tale follows Lindsay, an escapee from the Australian prison system, as he seeks freedom, fortune and a new life in India. Lyrically descriptive writing propels the protagonist and the many other vivid characters through their stories of life, love and loss in the center of Bombay. The city itself comes alive, embarking the reader on a real-world tour through the slums, prostitution dens, nightclubs and opium houses in rich detail, leaving no stone unturned, no alley unexplored. A deep understanding of the cultures and traditions of India and its people further enhances the realism and the depth of the story. Shantaram is an amazing novel of incredible scope, with an authentic voice throughout, a wonderful story of the human spirit and how far it will go, not only for love and money, but for freedom and redemption as well. ~Andrew

Jack Reacher-a former military policeman turned drifter who has a knack for thwarting trouble with his unique and militant sense of justice-returns in Childs' latest thriller, which stays true to its title. Someone is killing off former members of Reacher's Army Investigation Unit. He is forced to reunite with the remaining members to show those responsible why "You do not mess with the special investigators." Though Reacher is not the most sentimental guy, as he reminisces, comparing himself to his compatriots and their various successes and failures, we get unique insights into his life. The action builds in classic Reacher style to a fantastic, edge-of-your-seat helicopter finale. We like Reacher, and think you will too. ~ Andrew & Alison