The White Devil by Justin Evans

Looking for a creepy ghost story to get you in the Halloween spirit? Look no further than Evans' second book, The White Devil.

Andrew Taylor, a 17 year-old American, is enrolled in the prestigious Harrow School of London after he is expelled from his elite prep school in the U.S. for drug abuse. Shortly after his arrival at the school, Andrew witnesses the murder of one of his peers by a sickly and odd-looking fellow. The murderer is not located, and as strange situations seem to follow Andrew, he becomes an object of scrutiny, particularly after his past comes to light.

Renowned poet and cynical alcoholic Piers Fawkes is the unlikely housemaster of Andrew's dorm and also writer and director of a play that features Lord Byron, one of Harrow's more famous alumni. Andrew, who bears an uncanny resemblace to Byron, is cast in the lead role, and Fawkes finds himself drawn to the young man.

Evans has crafted a spooky and well-written story, with elements of history, poetry, paranormal and romance all wrapped up in one tragic, ghostly tale.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

This is a little book with a great big title and an even bigger heart. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows is an unusual tale, told in the form of correspondence between numerous characters.

Juliet Ashton, who writes a human interest column in World War II London, is looking for a new project. The war is over, London is beginning to rebuild, and her column is played out. One day, out of the blue, she receives a letter from Dawsey Adams, a resident of the isle of Guernsey, who spotted Juliet's name in a book. Juliet becomes intrigued by Dawsey's mention of the "Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society," which was formed in order to prevent the members (who were violating curfew) from being arrested by the German soldiers who had taken over the island. She asks Dawsey to have anyone interested from the society write to her as well, in the hopes of doing an article on them.

Well, write to her they did - enthralling Juliet with life on the island and tales of coexisting with the German soldiers. Eventually, Juliet decides to visit Guernsey, despite the fervent wishes of her current suitor, the rich and powerful Mark Reynolds, who is looking to solidify their relationship. Will Guernsey spell the end of Juliet and Mark's relationship? Will the island and its people be everything Juliet hoped it would be? Will Juliet's career plans pan out as she hoped? Read this lively little book to find out the answers - you won't be disappointed!

The Tower, the Zoo and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart

Beefeater Balthazar Jones was struggling along living in the Tower of London with his wife while working as a Yeoman Warder in the Queen's service. Since the untimely death of their son, he and his wife, Hebe, have drifted through life and further apart. When he is offered the newly recreated position of "Keeper of the Wild Menagerie," - caretaker of the various animals that have been gifted to the queen over time - he reluctantly agrees despite the fact his only qualification for the job is the fact that he is the most recent caretaker for an ancient tortoise named Mrs. Cook.

As the animals are moved in, Balthazar learns to care for and understand them, and they bring him comfort (particularly the bearded pig,)as his personal life continues to disintegrate. Along the way the reader becomes acquainted with the other cast of characters that reside within the tower walls, in addition to those who Hebe encounters on a daily basis.

This is a quietly sweet and funny tale - there is heartbreak, joy, mirth, triumph and even ghosts. Anyone who enjoys British history or quirky characters will enjoy this unusual book.