ROADTRIP RECOMMENDS: The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree

The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree is a straightforward ladies garden club mystery, although the setting -- early 1930s Alabama -- is an interesting departure from the usual. The cast of characters is wonderful, the story easy to follow, but with entertaining twists. Although some sensitive subjects are addressed (adultery and... sugar daddies), they are done well -- and talked about as 1930s Alabama ladies would talk -- and shouldn't be any harm for kids listening. Great first book in what looks like a promising series. *Check your local library for holdings in your area.

ON THE RADIO: The Gates/The Infernals

If you are traveling with teens or tweens, this is a great selection. Young Samuel and his faithful dachshund Boswell thwart the takeover of our world by demons in hell in The Gates, and are accidentally sucked into hell and have to escape in The Infernals. Both books are extremely funny, take a practical look at good and evil, and explore what it means to be human.

ON THE RADIO: The Night Circus

Not only is this a fun, breezy mystery/romance full of magic, it's read by Jim Dale, who's won Grammys for his readings of the Harry Potter series. The story centers on two magicians who were locked in battle as children, but who ultimately fall in love. The setting is very Carnivale, and there are all kinds of wonderful supporting characters, and a secondary love story maybe more compelling than the primary.