New local author titles, July-December 2025

Dozens of titles were added to our Local Authors collection during the second half of 2025. These are books written by authors born or living in Scott County, Iowa, or Rock Island County, Illinois. In most cases, the items were donated to the Davenport Public Library by the authors themselves. All Local Author items are available for checkout from our Fairmount branch.

Don’t forget — Zines are being added to the local author collection. Zines (pronounced “ZEEN” and short for “fanzine” or “magazine”) are small, independently produced publications. Zines are often created and photocopied by hand. Zines cover a wide range of topics, including art, politics, music, and personal experiences. If you are the creator of a zine (or zines) and are interested in donating to The Library, please drop off a copy at any Davenport Public Library branch. Please include a detailed synopsis along with the author’s contact information. Zines do not need an ISBN number or barcode.

My wicked hometown: the hidden history of Davenport, Iowa by D. Ezra Sidran, Ph. D. — A sordid history of Davenport, Iowa, as told using newspaper clippings going back to the 19th century. This book describes Davenport’s infamous Bucktown and how the archbishop of Davenport called the city, “The wickedest city in America.” Also included are photographs and reports from the Iowa DCI investigation into the collapse of 324 Main Street on May 28, 2023. When the building collapsed there were 74 open housing violations, 2 orders to vacate and a declaration from the Fire Marshall that it was a public hazard. Three people died when the building collapsed. A fourth had her leg amputated in the rubble.

I should’ve cheated by Isis. Robin Richardson swore she’d never be that woman — the one who gave her heart to a man who broke it a thousand times. But when it came to Saxon Anderson, she was addicted. Robin clung to the hope that one day he’d finally choose her. Enter Keontae Adams. Smooth, patient, and dripping with talent, Keontae gave Robin everything Saxon denied her. For the first time, Robin tasted real love — the kind that didn’t come with lies, games, and betrayal. Now Robin is caught between the man who’s owned her heart for years and the man who’s teaching her what love really means. The streets are watching and one wrong choice could cost her everything. Will Robin finally break free from the chains of her toxic past, or will Saxon’s pull drag her back into the chaos?

Escape on the Silk Road by Dan Moore — The thrilling adventure of four people who survive an airplane crash in the desolate reaches of western China. Fritz and Betta, German clothing designers, and Tegh, a Mongolian Uighur student, are expelled from China under suspicion of anti-government activities. Steve, an American forced to leave his NGO work by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, is on the flight by happenstance. Thrown together by fate, the four strangers find themselves traveling the hazardous route of the ancient Silk Road as they head west, hoping to elude the Chinese officials who have declared them fugitives and find safety in Kazakhstan, more than 2,300 miles away.

Death and the dragon by David Hankins. After Lucifer played fast and loose with the Rules governing soul management–after he stole Abigail’s soul without Judgement–Grim storms into Hell to have words with the Lord of Lies. But one does not just waltz in demanding to speak with the Dragon. There are receptionists to battle, forms to complete, and minotaurs to charm. Oh, and a coup by Nigel the Demigod to stop. But what happens when Hell’s new leadership starts pulling the living into Hell before their time? When they bypass Death and threaten premature Armageddon? For Grim, there is no greater sin, and he will tear Hell apart to set thingsright, even if it costs his soul. Death is coming, and Hell will never be the same.”

To dwell in shadows by Avalon Griffin. Samael and Selene’s journey continues into the sinister depths of the Underworld, where Sam’s search for redemption becomes a battle between duty and desire. When Selene left her dull life in the human world to be with her demon mate, she was determined to thrive on her own terms. Selene was ready to build a life with Samael in the realm of Aurelia, free from the expectations of others. Yet, she soon realizes that being the fated mate of a demon comes with more than passion, as a trip to the Underworld forces her to question everything. After decades of loneliness, Samael is ready to heal from his traumatic past. With Selene at his side, he is certain that a reunion with his parents in the Underworld will bring only joy and closure.

Eerie April: a compilation of hauntings by April Crowder. Step into the world of Eerie April, where you will experience ghostly tales of the unexplained.

Silence chases miracles … the extraordinary true story of defying limits, rewriting futures, and finding healing in unexpected places by Dara and Mitch Dietrich. the extraordinary true story of Dara and Mitch, two individuals who defied diagnoses, defied expectations, and found healing not only in medicine and determination but in each other.