In today’s podcast, Dave shares two fascinating novels written by independent musicians: Nobody’s Empire by Stuart Murdoch and Devil House by John Danielle.

Nobody’s Empire by Stuart Murdoch follows Stephen, a young Glaswegian diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, as he navigates isolation, creative awakening and spiritual longing. Feeling trapped by illness, he forms bonds with fellow sufferers and eventually journeys to California in search of healing — and a new sense of purpose.
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1941137

Devil House by John Darnielle follows true-crime author Gage Chandler, who moves into the house where a gruesome double murder occurred during the 1980s Satanic Panic. As he investigates, he becomes entangled in a morally fraught narrative, questioning the ethics of storytelling, memory and the distance between sensationalism and real human lives.
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1857996

Nobody's Empire and Devil House

In today’s Kids’ ReadRadio podcast, Sally shares a daring superhero adventure story: Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue by Paula Harrison. It’s a great read for kids who are starting out with chapter books and still enjoy some pictures and shorter chapters. Kitty wants to be a superhero like her mother, once she gets over her fear of the dark. But when Figaro the cat needs help, she springs into action.

Find this title in the FVRL catalogue: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1800605


Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue

Welcome to December! As we approach the holiday season, Reading Adviser Sally (our resident horror expert) wants to revive the Victorian tradition of sharing spooky stories around the Christmas season. In today's podcast, she offers a few of her favourite "holiday horrors": 

The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1880171 

The Twelve Deaths of Christmas by Marian Babson
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1833620

Christmas and Other Horrors
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1915114 


Holiday Horrors

In today’s podcast, Sally shares the graphic novel The Dark Times by Tim Probert. This dark fantasy is the third installment in the Lightfall series. It features a unique art style and is a great read for kids in Grades 5 and up.

While the rest of their fellowship seeks safety, Bea and Cad team up with a small group of survivors to travel to the Citadel of Knowledge, pursuing answers to their world's darkest mysteries. But their journey reveals even more secrets. Until an unexpected ally shines a light in the darkness, providing a clue to a mystery from long ago…and a beacon of hope for the future.

Find this title in the FVRL collection: 
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1916400 


Lightfall: The Dark Times

Bronx Library Center's Podcast: November 2025

In today’s podcast, staff from FVRL’s Maple Ridge Public Library share their top picks for the holiday season:

Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night by Sophie Hannah
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1902696 

The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1940424 

Christmas in Spite of You by K.C. Mills
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1947097 

Moo, Baa, Fa La La La La! By Sandra Boynton
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1869949


Maple Ridge Public Library Holiday Picks 2025

In today’s podcast, we explore Eden Royce’s The Creepening of Dogwood House, an award-winning horror novel for middle schoolers.

After the tragic death of his mother, Roddie moves in with an aunt he barely knows at their eerie ancestral home in South Carolina. Strange and spooky things begin to happen, and Roddie learns that the house — and his family — are tied to powerful hoodoo traditions. As he uncovers these secrets, Roddie must face his grief and the eerie forces around him.

Find this title in the FVRL collection: 
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1932437  



The Creepening of Dogwood House

Today, Larissa shares her review of The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones, a chilling historical horror novel set in the American West.

“A diary, written in 1912 by a Lutheran pastor, is discovered within a wall. What it unveils is a slow massacre, a chain of events that go back to 217 Blackfeet dead in the snow. Told in transcribed interviews by a Blackfeet named Good Stab, who shares the narrative of his peculiar life over a series of confessional visits.”

Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1952613 


The Buffalo Hunter Hunter

In today’s podcast, Deanna tells us about FVRL’s exciting Family Literacy Day contest, which will run through the month of January.

Family Literacy Day will take place on January 27, 2026, and it’s all about having fun while boosting your family’s love of reading and learning. This year’s theme is: “Make meal time family learning time!” 

FVRL is celebrating all month long with a contest. Until January 31, enter to win your copy of tawâw: Progressive Indigenous Cuisine by Shane M. Chartrand.

“Acclaimed chef Shane M. Chartrand's debut cookbook explores the reawakening of Indigenous cuisine and what it means to cook, eat and share food in our homes and communities.”

Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1797966 

Enter the contest: https://www.fvrl.bc.ca/family-literacy-day-contest

Family Literacy Day 2026

Today, Charlotte shares a heartfelt and uplifting book for kids ages 9 and up: Sparkle by Lakita Wilson. 

“After 12-year-old aspiring superstar Sparkle Moore is diagnosed with alopecia, she must navigate family, friends and her own self-esteem with the added challenge of losing her hair.“

Find this book in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1913746 

Sparkle

Are you looking for something good to read? Or watch? Or listen to? Tune in to Fraser Valley Regional Library’s ReadRadio podcast for some great recommendations. In each episode we will highlight some of the library’s books, movies and TV shows that you might not know about. All reviewed materials are available for loan in the FVRL catalogue. 

Fraser Valley Regional Library is the largest public library system in British Columbia, with 25 community libraries serving nearly 680,000 people in its service area.