A stunning imagining of critical years in the life of a woman -- a girl -- we think we know, but don't. The choice to use language to explore the lifeA stunning imagining of critical years in the life of a woman -- a girl -- we think we know, but don't. The choice to use language to explore the life and heart of a woman known as a translator was brilliant, and the language! It sings and soars, it plunges, it will break your heart. And you'll never think of "the West" the same way again. ...more
Utterly delightful! Veronica Speedwell, adventurous and professional lepidopterist, is a literary descendant of Amelia Peabody, but entirely her own wUtterly delightful! Veronica Speedwell, adventurous and professional lepidopterist, is a literary descendant of Amelia Peabody, but entirely her own woman. Her voice and the author's style -- thoroughly readable but with a Victorian feel -- will keep readers engaged in the mystery and turning the pages to the perfect ending. ...more
Playful and serious, Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn is a great read from start to finish. Perfect summer reading, no matter what your agePlayful and serious, Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn is a great read from start to finish. Perfect summer reading, no matter what your age!...more
This well-written historical novel, tinged with mystery, suspense, and a touch of the other-worldly, follows a young Detroit reporter in 2019 who goesThis well-written historical novel, tinged with mystery, suspense, and a touch of the other-worldly, follows a young Detroit reporter in 2019 who goes to Birmingham to look at links between the Black Lives Matter movement and recent killings of Black people by police, and family stories of her own great-grandfather's murder by Birmingham police in 1929. A second storyline follows the great-grandfather as he tries to build a life for his young family in a city that offers good work and community but simmers with deep racial tensions. The two stories mesh together beautifully for a rich, complex portrayal of difficult times. ...more
Siblings, a country estate, a wine cellar, a weekend, and a storm -- what could go wrong? Add in simmering resentments and a dead mother whose shadow Siblings, a country estate, a wine cellar, a weekend, and a storm -- what could go wrong? Add in simmering resentments and a dead mother whose shadow looms large for a well-crafted case of domestic suspense that will remind you of Ruth Ware and keep you waiting -- somewhat anxiously -- for the author's next book. ...more
Crow Mary is a marvelous story that does what historical fiction does best, giving the modern reader a vivid experience of the past. Narrated by the tCrow Mary is a marvelous story that does what historical fiction does best, giving the modern reader a vivid experience of the past. Narrated by the title figure, a young Crow Indian woman, and set from 1863 to 1892 in the Crow Country of what is now Montana and at a trading post in Saskatchewan, the novel is both an unflinching look at a dark time and a glimpse into a fascinating culture. Mary's strength, heartbreak, and courage make her a compelling figure and make this book one that will stick with me for a long time. ...more
An engaging and energetic debut, the tale of a young woman whose dead-end job brings her face-to-face with death -- and whose talents for reading taroAn engaging and energetic debut, the tale of a young woman whose dead-end job brings her face-to-face with death -- and whose talents for reading tarot and making poor decisions thrust her deep into an investigation where she has no business being, but that also give her the ability to solve crimes no one else could solve. ...more
It's 1952 and Evander "Andy" Mills has just been fired as a San Francisco police inspector (detective) after being caught in a raid at a gay club. He'It's 1952 and Evander "Andy" Mills has just been fired as a San Francisco police inspector (detective) after being caught in a raid at a gay club. He's approached by a wealthy woman to investigate a death in her family at their estate, Lavender House, named for an ingredient in one of the soaps the family makes. The death looks like an accident. Is it? Andy quickly concludes otherwise, then probes the secrets of this unconventional family, making some important discoveries about himself in the process. I stayed up too late reading, then slowed down, not wanting the story to end -- and worrying that the ending would not be as strong as the rest of the book. Never fear, lucky readers; the ending is perfect and it's the first in a series. ...more
The latest entry in one of my favorite series, Hidden Beneath takes Julia and her mother Jacqueline to a nearby island for the memorial service of oneThe latest entry in one of my favorite series, Hidden Beneath takes Julia and her mother Jacqueline to a nearby island for the memorial service of one of Jacqueline's childhood friends. But the woman's death remains mysterious, as do its link to another old death -- and a brand-new murder. Julia -- and the reader -- learns more about Jacqueline, and several characters are making major changes and transitions. Another solid mystery, with smart human insight "hidden beneath." ...more
Smart characters, an intriguing setting, a mystery from the past with deadly repercussions in the present -- I love everything about this 4th entry inSmart characters, an intriguing setting, a mystery from the past with deadly repercussions in the present -- I love everything about this 4th entry in Connie Berry's Kate Hamilton mysteries. The lush texture and local color never overwhelm the plot. Readers who like armchair travel and learning about art, history, and antiques as they read will drink this up. Plus, how can you not love a book where the dog bites the killer? ...more
A good story depends on plot, setting, and character, and Crombie nails all three in A Killing of Innocents, 19th in the series. When a young doctor iA good story depends on plot, setting, and character, and Crombie nails all three in A Killing of Innocents, 19th in the series. When a young doctor is murdered shortly after Duncan Kincaid sees her in a pub, he feels personally invested in the case. When a second murder occurs, he's sure there's a hidden connection between the two victims. Finding it takes Duncan and his team deep into the victims' lives -- and deep into danger. Find a comfy chair where you can read for hours, because you won't want to put this one down. ...more
This book is why I love independent booksellers. When the titles I was looking for in the Left Coast Crime mystery fan convention bookroom were sold oThis book is why I love independent booksellers. When the titles I was looking for in the Left Coast Crime mystery fan convention bookroom were sold out, the bookseller pointed to this one and said "you must read it." And now it's my turn. You must read this. Two Black sisters in Jackson, MS in 1964 leave home, going in different directions for different reasons, but wind up together, fighting for their future in the only way they can. Morris captures the time and place, and the terror and joy, with strong, confident writing that does exactly what historical fiction should do: illuminate the past with a story we don't want to put down....more
Take a trip to the French Alps with Ruth Ware, but don't forget to pack the coffee because you'll need it the next morning, after you stay up too lateTake a trip to the French Alps with Ruth Ware, but don't forget to pack the coffee because you'll need it the next morning, after you stay up too late reading! Great twist on the locked room -- the locked mountain -- with nearly every character hiding something. You might figure out the killer but you won't figure out all the twists -- and even if you do, you'll want to know what happens next and who gets out alive!...more
After personal and professional tragedies, Detective Harriet Foster is assigned to a new squad in downtown Chicago, and quickly finds herself leading After personal and professional tragedies, Detective Harriet Foster is assigned to a new squad in downtown Chicago, and quickly finds herself leading a team tracking a killer who appears to be targeting blue-eyed redheads. Can she get inside the killer's head -- as the author takes us, unwittingly -- before more women die? Foster is a terrific character who knows just what to do on the job, at the same time as she's stuck in her own life. The psychology of the crime is fascinating and believable. A creepy good start to a new series by an award-winning author. ...more
I listened to the audio book. The author and narrator combined to evoke in me as a reader everything the characters felt -- the guilt, the anxiety, thI listened to the audio book. The author and narrator combined to evoke in me as a reader everything the characters felt -- the guilt, the anxiety, the fear, love, and not-knowing. The two timelines -- before and after the barbecue, and the day of the barbecue, and the multiple points of view are handled expertly. Just at the point where I couldn't handle the suspense any longer, where I wanted to scream "what happened at the barbecue?", we're finally told, and it wasn't what I'd expected. It was perfect -- perfectly awful, but perfectly okay, and the characters' responses were pitch perfect. I wish I'd written this book!...more
A delightful memoir in essays about a young Vietnamese girl, one of the "boat people" who came to the US as a baby in 1975, about growing up in MichigA delightful memoir in essays about a young Vietnamese girl, one of the "boat people" who came to the US as a baby in 1975, about growing up in Michigan in the 1970s and 80s, her complicated family, and as the title suggests, food....more
Loading...
