Staff pick

Starting today and appearing every so often, we'll feature a book recommended by one of our staff members. My main reading interests are historical fiction, mysteries and science fiction/fantasy (and if you are looking for book suggestions in any of those genres, please come talk to me!) and I'm going to kick things off with one of the best works of historical fiction I have ever read: A Conspiracy of Paper by David Liss. The author is a historian who filled his book with fascinating period detail without making it obtrusive or boring. You'll learn all about the beginnings of the stock market in early 18th century London - and its attendant corruption, scandals and villains (not so different from today!). But it's not a dry & dull discussion of finances; the main story follows a 'thief-taker' (think early version of private eye) named Benjamin Weaver, a Jewish former boxer, who investigates the mysterious death of his father. The dialogue is fabulous, the action intense, the settings and characters wonderfully described. Anybody who enjoys historical fiction but hasn't discovered David Liss is in for a treat! (best of all, it's the first in a series!) - Randy