Fans pick 100 books like Cracking the Bell

By Geoff Herbach,

Here are 100 books that Cracking the Bell fans have personally recommended if you like Cracking the Bell. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Best Kept Secrets

Sharon Michalove Author Of Dead in the Alley

From my list on mysteries to give you that Great Lakes feeling.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a Chicago native, the Great Lakes area is part of my identity. My family spent summers in Michigan and, one year even went up to Sault St. Marie on the border between Michigan and Canada to spend a week on Lake Superior. A knitting retreat in Petosky was another Michigan adventure I enjoyed. The idea of writing about Northern Michigan turned out to be a fascinating exploration of an area I barely knew. And I’ve been able to meet other writers from there and enjoy their varied mysteries set in the region. From Minnesota to Ohio, I hope you enjoy the many faces of the Great Lakes.

Sharon's book list on mysteries to give you that Great Lakes feeling

Sharon Michalove Why did Sharon love this book?

Best Kept Secrets by Great Lakes author Tracey Phillips is a psychological mystery set in and around Indianapolis, Indiana. When I met Tracey at the Writers’ Police Academy in Appleton, Wisconsin, we ended hung out together and became fast friends. We bought each other’s books. And became fans.

Morgan Jewell is a homicide cop with a dark secret. Her best friend, Fay, was murdered years ago and Morgan, who can barely remember what happened that night, worries that she was somehow to blame. Now, as other bodies start surfacing, Morgan and her partner try to piece together the puzzle that might lead to catching a serial killer and resolve the mystery of Fay’s death. The twists and turns and the breakneck pace meant I could hardly put it down.

By Tracey S. Phillips,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Best Kept Secrets as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Best friends tell each other everything.

Even their deepest, darkest secrets--pinky promise.

Right?

Morgan Jewell and Fay Ramsey are enjoying their last summer together before college. Fay is shy, with a controlling mother, and Morgan is the perfect, wild, loud-mouthed yang to Fay's yin. But when Fay is found dead, Morgan's entire world crumbles.

Years later, Morgan is still haunted by the abrupt end to her best friend's life. She knew Fay held a secret in those final days, but Morgan, now a homicide detective, has failed to make a picture out of the crooked puzzle pieces she left behind.…


Book cover of Whereabouts Unknown

Sharon Michalove Author Of Dead in the Alley

From my list on mysteries to give you that Great Lakes feeling.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a Chicago native, the Great Lakes area is part of my identity. My family spent summers in Michigan and, one year even went up to Sault St. Marie on the border between Michigan and Canada to spend a week on Lake Superior. A knitting retreat in Petosky was another Michigan adventure I enjoyed. The idea of writing about Northern Michigan turned out to be a fascinating exploration of an area I barely knew. And I’ve been able to meet other writers from there and enjoy their varied mysteries set in the region. From Minnesota to Ohio, I hope you enjoy the many faces of the Great Lakes.

Sharon's book list on mysteries to give you that Great Lakes feeling

Sharon Michalove Why did Sharon love this book?

Another Great Lakes writer, Meredith Doench is an Ohio native who teaches in the English Department at the University of Dayton. Meredith, another member of my writing group, is the author of the Luce Hansen series, Whereabouts Unknown is a standalone introducing Office Theodora Madsen of the Dayton P.D.

Theo is investigating the case of two missing teenage girls, who vanish, each leaving behind a bloody handprint. When Theo is injured and faces a lengthy recovery, the case goes cold while Theo tries to piece together the connection between the two girls before time runs out.

By Meredith Doench,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Whereabouts Unknown as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Theodora Madsen has everything she’s ever hoped for: a distinguished career as a homicide detective with the Dayton Police Department, a woman she loves, and a baby on the way.

While Theo and Bree nest and plan for their family’s future, two sixteen-year-old Ohio girls vanish—one from Dayton and the other from Brecksville—each leaving behind a bloody handprint. Then a routine interview goes disastrously wrong, and Theo’s injured and facing a lengthy recovery.

With her professional future uncertain and the cases growing cold, Theo scrambles to piece together the links between the girls. But the clock is ticking and time…


Book cover of Strike Me Down

Sharon Michalove Author Of Dead in the Alley

From my list on mysteries to give you that Great Lakes feeling.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a Chicago native, the Great Lakes area is part of my identity. My family spent summers in Michigan and, one year even went up to Sault St. Marie on the border between Michigan and Canada to spend a week on Lake Superior. A knitting retreat in Petosky was another Michigan adventure I enjoyed. The idea of writing about Northern Michigan turned out to be a fascinating exploration of an area I barely knew. And I’ve been able to meet other writers from there and enjoy their varied mysteries set in the region. From Minnesota to Ohio, I hope you enjoy the many faces of the Great Lakes.

Sharon's book list on mysteries to give you that Great Lakes feeling

Sharon Michalove Why did Sharon love this book?

Mindy Meija is another author I recently met at a conference. She is, appropriately enough, an accountant who lives in the Twin Cities and uses her expertise to craft thrillers that keep you on the edge and guessing what will come next.

Nora Trier is a forensic accountant, hired to check into missing prize money for a big kickboxing tournament. Expected to find both the thief and the cash, Unfortunately, Nora has a secret connection to the company sponsoring the tournament which made her reluctant to take the job until she came under pressure from her partner. 

Kirkus Reviews called Strike Me Down a tense and unpredictable thriller that “crackles with obsession, greed, lust, and plenty of ambition, and it’s loaded with more twists and turns than a spy novel.”

By Mindy Mejia,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Strike Me Down as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In this “whip-smart thriller featuring a brilliant female protagonist, a finely-tuned plot, and some truly spectacular writing” (Cristina Alger, USA TODAY bestselling author) from the author of Leave No Trace, a high stakes crime triggers a woman’s complicated and potentially deadly search for the truth.

Nora Trier catches thieves. As a forensic accountant, she’s unearthed millions in every corner of the world. She prides herself on her independence, the most essential currency of accounting, until her firm is hired by Strike.

An anti-corporate, feminist athletic empire, Strike is owned by Logan Russo, a brash and legendary kickboxer, and her marketing…


Book cover of Death Stalks Door County

Sharon Michalove Author Of Dead in the Alley

From my list on mysteries to give you that Great Lakes feeling.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a Chicago native, the Great Lakes area is part of my identity. My family spent summers in Michigan and, one year even went up to Sault St. Marie on the border between Michigan and Canada to spend a week on Lake Superior. A knitting retreat in Petosky was another Michigan adventure I enjoyed. The idea of writing about Northern Michigan turned out to be a fascinating exploration of an area I barely knew. And I’ve been able to meet other writers from there and enjoy their varied mysteries set in the region. From Minnesota to Ohio, I hope you enjoy the many faces of the Great Lakes.

Sharon's book list on mysteries to give you that Great Lakes feeling

Sharon Michalove Why did Sharon love this book?

I first met Patricia Skalka when I joined Off-Campus Writers’ Workshop, the oldest continuous writer’s group in the Chicago area. She divides her time between Chicago and a cottage in Door County, Wisconsin. It’s not surprising that Park Ranger Dave Cubiak, her sleuth, moved from Chicago to Door County. 

Cubiak, a former Chicago homicide detective, quit his job and moved to Door County after the death of his wife and daughter. Six deaths among visitors to the popular tourist area entangle an unwilling Cubiak in the search for a clever killer who may be planning more murders as a popular festival floods the charming waterfront villages with more prospective victims. New to the area, Cubiak doesn’t know who to suspect and who to trust.

By Patricia Skalka,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Death Stalks Door County as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Six deaths mar the holiday mood as summer vacationers enjoy Wisconsin's beautiful Door County peninsula. Murders, or bizarre accidents? Newly hired park ranger Dave Cubiak, a former Chicago homicide detective, assumes the worst but refuses to get involved. Grief-stricken and guilt-ridden over the loss of his wife and daughter, he's had enough of death.

Forced to confront the past, the morose Cubiak moves beyond his own heartache and starts investigating, even as a popular festival draws more people into possible danger. In a desperate search for clues, Cubiak uncovers a tangled web of greed, betrayal, bitter rivalries, and lost love…


Book cover of Before the Ever After

Darlene Beck Jacobson Author Of Wishes, Dares, and How to Stand Up to a Bully

From my list on in verse with emotional themes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love the way verse novels eliminate unnecessary background and scene-setting. They cut straight to the heart of conflict and emotions. We instantly feel what the characters feel. The lyrical flow of words, figurative language, and freedom to arrange the poems in different ways on the pages taps into a different creativity for an author. Each poem stands alone, telling its own story. While writing Wishes, Dares, and How to Stand Up to a Bully, eleven-year-old Jack insisted I tell the story his way. Raw, unflinching, unfiltered. I am in love with this form and plan to write more novels in this format. The book is a 2021 NCTE notable verse novel.

Darlene's book list on in verse with emotional themes

Darlene Beck Jacobson Why did Darlene love this book?

This book lets young readers know that not every ending is neatly tied up in a bow. It helps readers understand that pro sports can cause serious injury to players and affect the lives of their families. Even if you aren’t a football fan, you can relate to the conflicting emotions of the main character ZJ as he comes to terms with the changes he sees in his football-hero father after numerous concussions. A thought-provoking subject that is sure to spark conversations.

By Jacqueline Woodson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Before the Ever After as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

WINNER OF THE NAACP IMAGE AWARD

WINNER OF THE CORETTA SCOTT KING AUTHOR AWARD

National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson's stirring novel-in-verse explores how a family moves forward when their glory days have passed and the cost of professional sports on Black bodies.

For as long as ZJ can remember, his dad has been everyone's hero. As a charming, talented pro football star, he's as beloved to the neighborhood kids he plays with as he is to his millions of adoring sports fans. But lately life at ZJ's house is anything but charming. His dad is having trouble remembering things…


Book cover of Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It

Cindy Williams Schrauben Author Of This Could Be You: Be Brave Be True Believe Be You

From my list on picture books for growth mindset.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a parent, a former educator, and a children’s museum administrator, my passions have always centered around children and encouraging them to believe in themselves. I wrote my book to empower my own grandchildren with a growth mindset, which, in simple terms, means to believe in our own abilities, accept challenges, learn from our mistakes, and persevere. It is the belief that our abilities and talents are malleable as opposed to the view that we are either good at something or we are not. Adapting a growth mindset has been valuable in my own life, as well – it’s not just for kids. Please take a look at these books to give yourself and the kids in your life a healthy new perspective.

Cindy's book list on picture books for growth mindset

Cindy Williams Schrauben Why did Cindy love this book?

This book speaks to my curious side. Its simple text and illustrations helped me to understand and speak to children about the brain and how it works.

This book puts the way we learn and grow into simple but tangible terms, making the concept easier to understand and remember. 

By JoAnn Deak, Sarah Ackerley (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Your Fantastic Elastic Brain as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Learn how much your brain can grow! The perfect introduction to growth mindset, Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It is:

A growth mindset book for kids
A teacher must-have for classrooms
The best resource for anyone to teach growth mindset

Did you know you can stretch and grow your own brain? Or that making mistakes is one of the best ways your brain learns? Awarded as one of the best growth mindset books for kids, Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It teaches all the ways that the brain can develop with exercise, just like the rest…


Book cover of Who Switched Off My Brain?: Controlling Toxic Thoughts and Emotions

Roxane Lapa Author Of How I Overcame Panic Disorder Without Drugs

From my list on overcoming anxiety.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve experienced crippling anxiety personally, to the point of nervous breakdown. I’ve researched this topic extensively and have been panic-free for over a decade due to the knowledge and coping skills accrued.

Roxane's book list on overcoming anxiety

Roxane Lapa Why did Roxane love this book?

Caroline Leaf is a brain scientist who has specialized in the science of thoughts for decades. She is also a Christian. In this book, she explains scientifically (though in layman's terms) how our thoughts affect our bodies, and even our genes (epigenetics). She shows how to utilize this knowledge to better our mental and physical health. I really believe this is an important book that should be read by almost everyone at some point in their lives. I see that she has a new book called 101 Ways to Be Less Stressed: Simple Self-Care Strategies to Boost Your Mind, Mood, and Mental Health which may be even more pertinent to the subject, though I haven’t yet read it.

By Caroline Leaf,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Who Switched Off My Brain? as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

We're living in an epidemic of toxic emotions.

Research shows that as much as 87% to 95% of mental and physical illnesses are a direct result of toxic thinking-proof that our thoughts affect us physically and emotionally.

In this best-selling book, Dr. Caroline Leaf clearly communicates 13 ways to detox your thought life and live a life of physical, mental, and emotional wholeness.


Book cover of Holding Up the Universe

Kris Dinnison Author Of You And Me And Him

From my list on YA with fabulous plus-size heroines.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always felt like a bit of a misfit. I was taller, bigger, and clumsier than the other kids. I listened to the wrong music, wore the wrong clothes, and read the wrong books. I wasn’t cool. And when I became a high school teacher, I saw many kids, especially young women, who I could see felt the same. When Young Adult literature came into its own, I really loved all the wonderful ways YA stories were telling the stories of the kids who didn’t fit in, and it made me want to read them, and eventually write one of my own.

Kris' book list on YA with fabulous plus-size heroines

Kris Dinnison Why did Kris love this book?

I picked up this book because I loved Niven’s beautiful novel All The Bright Places, and she did not disappoint. The way Libby, once known as “America’s Fattest Teen,” deals with her unwelcome notoriety, as well as the death of her mother and her grieving father, is genuine and honest. As is her desire to make a new life and identify for herself as she enters high school. Her relationship with the handsome and popular Jack, and her ability to see through his façade, happens because she takes the time to be curious about what’s beyond the surface.

By Jennifer Niven,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Holding Up the Universe as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

Gorgeously written and oh-so-deeply felt - Nicola Yoon, author of Everything Everything and The Sun is Also a Star

From the author of the New York Times bestseller All the Bright Places comes a heart-wrenching story about what it means to see (and love) someone for who they truly are.

Everyone thinks they know Libby Strout.
I know the part I want to play here at MVB High. I want to be the girl who can do anything.

Once dubed 'America's Fattest Teen', she is only seen for her weight. Not the girl underneath.

Since her mum's death she's been…


Book cover of Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain

Kevin Davis Author Of The Brain Defense: Murder in Manhattan and the Dawn of Neuroscience in America's Courtrooms

From my list on neuroscience for non-scientists.

Why am I passionate about this?

Kevin Davis is the author of three non-fiction books about the criminal justice system, The Wrong Man, Defending the Damned and The Brain Defense. Davis has also authored eight nonfiction children’s books. He’s an award-winning journalist and magazine writer based in Chicago.

Kevin's book list on neuroscience for non-scientists

Kevin Davis Why did Kevin love this book?

Is the brain a separate, independent entity from who we are? Do our brains control us, or do we control our brains? Or is it something in between? In an often lyrical, easy-to-understand narrative, neuroscientist David Eagleman argues that it’s the unconscious that influences most of what we do, even before we’re aware that we’ve decided to do something.

By David Eagleman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Incognito as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

If the conscious mind--the part you consider to be you--is just the tip of the iceberg, what is the rest doing?
 
In this sparkling and provocative book, renowned neuroscientist David Eagleman navigates the depths of the subconscious brain to illuminate its surprising mysteries. Why can your foot move halfway to the brake pedal before you become consciously aware of danger ahead? Is there a true Mel Gibson? How is your brain like a conflicted democracy engaged in civil war? What do Odysseus and the subprime mortgage meltdown have in common? Why are people whose names begin with J more like…


Book cover of Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn't Designed for You

Sara Hosey Author Of Summer People

From my list on for those of us in the neurodiverse universe.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was an adult before I realized I had ADHD. Getting a diagnosis was like getting glasses; so many things in my life immediately became clear to me, including that I wasn’t simply a sloppy, lazy, scattered person. And I also learned, like many others, that ADHD can be a challenge and a strength.

Sara's book list on for those of us in the neurodiverse universe

Sara Hosey Why did Sara love this book?

My friend Vanessa gave me this part memoir/part investigation of how, why, and to what end neurodiversity is often misunderstood or overlooked in women. (I wonder why? Just kidding. I know why.)

I so appreciate how Nerenberg approaches neurodiversity not as a problem, but as, at core, simply a difference. And difference, as well know, can be difficult, but it can also be rad.

This is a must-read if you kind of suspect you might be neurodiverse and want to learn more, or if you know you’re neurodiverse and are looking for a book that will make you feel less alone, as well as will offer a hopeful and empowering perspective. Thanks, Vanessa!

By Jenara Nerenberg,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Divergent Mind as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

AUDIBLE EDITOR'S PICK


A paradigm-shifting study of neurodivergent women-those with ADHD, autism, synesthesia, high sensitivity, and sensory processing disorder-exploring why these traits are overlooked in women and how society benefits from allowing their unique strengths to flourish.

As a successful Harvard and Berkeley-educated writer, entrepreneur, and devoted mother, Jenara Nerenberg was shocked to discover that her "symptoms"--only ever labeled as anxiety-- were considered autistic and ADHD. Being a journalist, she dove into the research and uncovered neurodiversity-a framework that moves away from pathologizing "abnormal" versus "normal" brains and instead recognizes the vast diversity of our mental makeups.

When it comes…


Book cover of Best Kept Secrets
Book cover of Whereabouts Unknown
Book cover of Strike Me Down

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