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Cautionary Tales Book Club

University Park Branch

Cautionary Tales book club explores science fiction, horror, and thrillers with a slant towards cautionary tales. The club will delve into the frightening nature of horror stories, the cautionary aspects of many science fiction stories, and the page turning events within thriller novels.

1/17/2026: Ararat by Christopher Golden

When an earthquake reveals a secret cave hidden inside Mount Ararat in Turkey, a daring newly engaged couple are determined to be the first ones inside...and what they discover will change everything. The cave is actually a buried ancient ship that many quickly come to believe is Noah's Ark. When a team of scholars, archaeologists, and filmmakers make it inside the ark, they discover an elaborate coffin in its recesses. Inside the coffin they find something hideous. Shock and fear turn to horror when a massive blizzard blows in, trapping them thousands of meters up the side of a remote mountain. All they can do is pray for safety. But something wicked is listening to their prayers...and it wants to answer.

Available as a Book, eBook, and eAudiobook.

2/21/2026: Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant

Seven years ago the Atargatis set off on a voyage to the Mariana Trench to film a mockumentary bringing to life ancient sea creatures of legend. It was lost at sea with all hands. Some have called it a hoax; others have called it a tragedy.
Now a new crew has been assembled. But this time they're not out to entertain. Some seek to validate their life's work. Some seek the greatest hunt of all. Some seek the truth. But for the ambitious young scientist Victoria Stewart this is a voyage to uncover the fate of the sister she lost.
Whatever the truth may be, it will only be found below the waves.
But the secrets of the deep come with a price.

Available as a Book, eBook, and eAudiobook.

3/21/2026: The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher

Freshly divorced and living back at home, Kara becomes obsessed with a cryptic phrase and starts exploring a peculiar bunker, only to discover that it holds portals to countless alternate realities.

Available as Book, Audiobook,eBook, and eAudiobook.

Register to save your seat. Registration must be completed two hours prior to the start time. A library card and PIN are required for registration. If you do not have a card, click HERE to obtain one.

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Please allow 1–2 business days to process. Last-minute requests will be accepted, but may not be possible to fulfill. Please ask for Learning Services at 255-2665 or email JPLPrograms@coj.net.

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