Martha Ballard is an 18th Century midwife living in Hallowell, Maine. Lawhon has written a fictional account of a harrowing winter in the life of Mrs. Ballard, a real woman known to us through her diary and a Pulitzer winning biography. The novel is driven on its‘ arc through the account of a horrific rape and Martha‘s quest for justice for the female victim.

Exceptionally researched, and well written. The characters will be hard to forget.

There are flaws in this debut novel, notably the wackiness of the fast paced “all is revealed” ending. Its power lies in the forceful condemnation of colonialism that Britain cannot free itself from, even in a time traveling future. A clever premise, worth reading.

“In this sense, the predicament of the expats was unique. But the rhythms of loss and asylum, exodus and loss and loneliness, toll like floods across human history.” p. 271

It is so satisfying to revisit characters crafted by an author that you‘ve read for years. They‘re so familiar; like spending time with old friends. In Cornwell‘s latest, Kay Scarpetta is investigating the death of an old flame who was apparently dropped from a UPA into an abandoned theme park. All the usual folk are helping: Marino, Lucy and Benton. The archenemy, back from the grave, Carrie Gretchen threatens. An enjoyable read.

The second entry in the “Monster Hunter” series finds cryptozoologist Morgan Hunter in Wisconsin‘s Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest following reports of Bigfoot sightings. As a trained scientist she‘s skeptical, but something‘s out there, and there are mysterious deaths. I missed the humor of her first, but this is infinitely readable.

BTW, the National Forrest, that serves as the setting, is real, gorgeous, and well worth a visit!

Our protagonist, Cassie Andrews, is given a book by a dear friend, that opens doors to any place, and time she can imagine. Unfortunately, super baddies are stealing other magic books, including her‘s.

A book about identity, love, and life‘s challenges. The writing is a bit kludgy, with flashes of brilliance.

“Someone once told me that you can‘t change the past, you can only create the present you live in.” (p. 248)

Another great gothic from Harrow. Starling House is a living entity, sheltering monsters initially created by Eleanor Starling, and born out of her fear. The house has lured and killed successive guardians. Arthur is determined to break the curse and die killing the monsters. Opal, who lost her mother to the curse, is inescapably drawn to the House and wants to save Arthur. Explores, very well, concepts of addiction to fear and ideals. Great read.

Judge Dee and Lao She team to investigate the murders of Chinese members of a tontine. Set in London, 1924. An interesting premise; comic book like. A quick read, at times charming, but the writing is, hampered by the collaboration between the idea person, John Shen Yen Nee, and the wordsmith, Rosen. The fight scenes choreographed by yet another person.

First in what they say will be a series. There‘s promise here, so I‘ll read the next.

Usually I‘m not a big reader of romances, but throw in vampires, a tournament held by the goddess of death that grants to it‘s winner their heart‘s desire, a human protagonist competing at the behest of her adoptive vampiric father, and a vampire partner from the opposing clan and you can sign me up. The human is a bit too clueless, albeit fierce. Her partner, whose physique is endlessly described, is a good guy, until he‘s not. 1st in series.

After an accident when he was a young man, Mike Brink develops a savant syndrome that allows him to see interlocking patterns, making it possible for him to solve impossible puzzles. Every twelve years, since the Meiji Restoration, puzzle masters have attempted to open the Dragon Box, providing access to the treasure within.; all have died in the attempt. Now it‘s Mike‘s turn. Reminiscent of works of Dan Brown, although not as tautly written. Fun!

From the first pages of this incredible novel, the place is primary; the wonderful characters, chronicled across the ages, are defined by their relationship to this tract. For some it is an Eden, for some an escape, for others an opportunity, or a land to be exploited. Some find it a prison that allows no escape. The catamount hunts, ghosts attack interlopers or find solace within its confines. The story is magnificent, the writing sings. Wow!

I am a big fan of Paul Doiron‘s mysteries featuring Mike Bowditch. Bowditch is a Maine game warden whose deep commitment to justice, and penchant for trouble are combined to yield great stories. Here, he pursues a murderous man and his daughter into Canada. In fine twists, we come to understand that nothing is as it seems. His father-in-law, Charley and pilot Jo Johnson accompany Mike on the first leg of this great chase. Don‘t miss this thriller!

Ragnar Jónasson has given us a well crafted mystery that pays homage to Dame Agatha Christie. Told in two time frames. Helgi Reykdal is working on a criminology masters thesis, taking as his subject two 1983 murders of medical professionals working in a decommissioned TB sanitarium. He‘s not interested in solving the mystery, but eventually does. His home life is filled with violence at the hands of his wife. A fascinating character and story.

Marginalized by society and family, Lady Augusta and Lady Julia Colebrook, judged spinsters, seek meaning and purpose. Augusta (Gus) is bolder than her sister, but Julia can hold her own. In separate chapters, they embark on quests to protect or rescue woman who have been preyed upon by men. Along the way they become powerful, and may find love. Set in Regency England and well researched, it was a great read to counter the election results.

This was a hoot. This gives you a feel for the story.

“” Of course,” Sheriff Brown said, and then slowly, deliberately started turning his head 280 degrees around on his neck … A second later he groaned and put both hands to his neck. “What the—did I just—“My neck—“”

And her cat is possessed by Thomas Cromwell!! Not very well written, but like popcorn, you just can‘t put it down.

I enjoyed “The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharpe”, unfortunately this new title in the series falls a bit flat. The genuine warmth and humor of the earlier title feels contrived and strained.

The Sunset Hall boiler is on the fritz. Amazingly Edwina has won a trip to a luxury hotel, so they decamp seeking warmth. Unfortunately, murder is afoot: guests dropping like flies. The gang, with the help of a white boa constrictor, investigates.

Wow, just wow! This novel is a magnificent fantasy built around a wonderful premise in a brilliantly built world. Following an apocalyptic historical event, the “silence” nearly destroys the world. Slowly language returns, but the process is corrupted when Committees strangle its growth and disenfranchise those considered “Other.” People dream monsters into being; ghosts are slaves; railroads loom large. Ends with a soul-satisfying rebellion.

A marvelous folk tale brought to life by Yangtze Choo. Beautifully written, she introduces us to a world where humans and fox spirits coexist. Told in alternate stories, that ultimately coalesce, we meet Bao and Tagtaa whose lives were changed by fox spirits and Snow, whose life was almost destroyed when her kit was killed by a human. As the Qing Dynasty begins to die, all the characters must find their way into a new world. Highly recommended!

Governor General Jan Haan is a brute who mistreats his wife, Sara, daughter, Lisa and mistress Creesie. Forced to sail on The Saardam, they know Haan has brought secret cargo on board. They could not know that an evil force stalks the passengers and crew, but is Old Tom real, and what is the Eighth Light that keeps appearing? Turton keeps us guessing and provides a great ending. An exciting read!

I enjoyed every page of this book. The author cleverly creates a twelve-step program for professional assassins who want to leave that soul-crushing life. Our protagonist, Mark, known in his past life as the Pale Horse and approaching his one-year anniversary, finds himself back in and craving his old life. As an alcoholic in recovery myself, I found the program details accurate, and a fascinating spin on an important lifeline. A great read!

Grabbed this off my Library‘s new book shelf. Set in Elizabethan England, largely in Cornwall, it‘s based on a ridiculous premise: that pirates want to kidnap the Queen of England, selling her into slavery in Constantinople. Lady Ursula Blanchard, half sister to the Queen, and her friends set out to foil the plot and identify those involved. A quick read, that‘s almost worth the time.

I think I‘m one of the few people on the planet that is not a big Kingsolver fan. I enjoyed “The Bean Trees” and loved “The Laguna” but beyond that, her voice just doesn‘t speak to me. Hope springs eternal, so: Demon Copperhead. After trudging through the first, grim 75 pages or so, I bailed. Maybe after the fraught election season I‘ll try again. The caricatures she draws of Appalachians cut too close to a J.D.-like bone to be readable.

A friend recommended that I give Jacqueline Winspear‘s Maisie Dobbs series a try. I was looking for something that my 92 year old mom and I could share — she listens, I read. We started with this one, first in the series. The author does a great job of combining a good mystery while also introducing us to Maisie‘s back story. Set in the aftermath of WWI, with flashbacks to the character‘s war service. Looking forward to the next book in the series

Set in an alternative New York where monsters live, under a treaty, alongside humans; although there‘s a proud-boy-like group of monsters that want to return to the bad old days. Protagonist Kierse, a beautiful thief, and handsome beast Graves set out to steal a magical artifact but everyone has their own agenda. This book was a hoot from beginning to end. I also thought about calling it a romp, which it is. Definitely not for sheltered readers!

CIA Agent Mac Decker “died” shortly after being accused as a traitor when his long term friend Ilya Ivashka defected to Russia. Actually Decker was framed, and faking his death, has been living under another identity in Switzerland. Then he learns that his son has died while involved in a CIA action. Mac comes out of the shadows and, with his Mossad lover, sets out to right the wrong. Everything tied up in a neat bow at the end. A fun read!

There‘s no question that I. S. Berry has mad writing skills. There‘s a great story embedded in this thriller. I just wish that there was also at least one likeable character. I get it, spy novels are all about treachery and betrayal. Berry describes her protagonist, Shane Collin‘s, as world-weary. He is that, and his colleagues and foes are very ready to betray him, and themselves. I kept reading to find some redemption; there is none.

What a great ghost story! Although full of the expected tropes: a young couple with secrets, a sinister federal agent, a haunted B&B landlady, serial unexplained deaths, and the titular murder road, in St. James‘ talented hands, they work, beautifully. We want April and Eddie to escape their pasts, and succeed in their new relationship. Lots of twists at the end. Highly recommended 🌟

I really wanted to like this book; people I love raved about it. Unfortunately, although I didn‘t bail, I have to characterize it as “meh.” Sam and Sadie have known each other since their tween years, although their initial friendship is based on a transactional fiction, and that‘s basically the arc of the entire story, that has gaming at it‘s core. Although Zebun writes well, I just didn‘t care about any of these characters or their world.

Set in a mythical time, during a war between gods that looks a lot like WWI, complete with trenches and mustard gas. Two newspaper reporters, rivals for a column, fall in love after they enlist as war correspondents. Written for young adults, it would have been a better book if it really was about WWI. The gods were a not well drawn distraction. Not sure if I‘ll read the next.

Another very original mystery from Turton. This one set in a post apocalyptic future on an island: a big locked room populated by simulcrum villagers created by a sinister corporation. There are also three human “elders” and an AI program that manipulates the villagers lives. Someone has murdered the most popular elder, the killer fog has been set loose and only solving the mystery will save them. Weird, but wonderful.

Rogue scientists set out to save the earth (Gaia) by planning to unleash a killer virus that will kill millions of people. Lucas Davenport and his daughter, Letty along with a strong cast of familiar and new characters, are tasked with stopping the viral release. Lots of thrills, lots of killings. The final pages were surprisingly anticlimactic. Not the strongest Sandford entry, but I did stay up entirely too late reading to the end.

Last of the series, and it was challenging. Roanhorse wrapped up the characters lives in ways that were true and meaningful. Some won the lives we wanted for them, others deserved their fates, but I was sad to lose them. As always, loved her use of pronouns, and honorific titles that are not gender specific. Wish our world was the same. VERY glad for the “People of the Meridian” list; I kept confusing the relationships. I‘ll miss this series.

Glory Broussard‘s daughter, Danielle, has come home following a scandal to find that her mother‘s life has spun out of control. Then Glory‘s childhood friend, a Catholic nun, is found dead. Police rule her death a suicide, but Glory doesn‘t believe that and sets out to find the truth. Great characters, good setting, fun story. The good news is that the second book in the series is expected this fall. Looking forward to getting to know Glory better

Oh, I have missed these characters! So glad that Ms Harkness‘ health has improved. Particularly happy that the ending of this wonderful novel hints at another book to come in this great series. Diana has returned to her Procter family home, Ravenswood which awakens her higher magic and now the Congregation wants to test her twins, Pip and Becca. Vampires and Witches unite in her support against her enemies. Haven‘t watched the TV series. Should I?

Atkins always delivers, and his latest is a joyful thrill ride! Set in Memphis and featuring Porter Hayes, a seventy year old bad-ass PI with a heart of gold. While complicated the plot is easy to follow. Addison McKeller‘s husband, Dean has disappeared and she turns to Hayes for help. What they find involves mercenaries, arms dealers, Russian baddies and a treasure that resembles the Dead Sea scrolls. I loved it — you will too!

Two broken women meet in a small library. Both are running from their past lives. Jane fled her nursing career just ahead of being arrested as an “”angel of death.” She has recreated herself as Margo, a library aide. Patricia has run away from a failed writing career, reinventing herself as a reference librarian. Crossing paths, their compulsions are reignited, but Jane/Margo doesn‘t want her secrets told. The dread increases with each page.

Dovalpage has crafted a slow mystery that builds to a reveal in the form of a letter to the protagonist, Mercedes. Although she doesn‘t trust herself, we know what‘s happening through heavy foreshadowing. I was also bothered by the notion that her life choices lessened her victimization. I get that Mercedes may believe that, but the author seems to believe it too, which is frankly disturbing. I should have bailed. Kept looking for redemption.

I‘m a big, big fan of Jame Lee Burke‘s novels and have read almost all of them. He‘s an excellent writer who has given us great stories peopled by characters we‘ve come to love. I looked forward this, particularly because it focused on Clete Purcell, one half of the”Bobbsey Twins from homicide” and Dave‘s best friend. Unfortunately, this book falls flat. Although there are flashes of brilliance, the plot duplicates earlier novels. So disappointed.

Even more wondrously complicated than the first in his Library trilogy, Lawrence‘s latest is a great read. Evar Eventari and Livira Page belong to two different species, but the love they found in the first book, brings them together again. The murderous rage and bigotry that has doomed so many through the ages continues. Is purity of thought better than compromise and questioning? I hope the answers will arrive in the next book, but perhaps not.

The first book by this author that I‘ve read and I enjoyed it thoroughly; I‘ve got to go back and read his earlier series! A great mystery set in an imperial wold that is exquisitely drawn. Gentry, officers, and 10 engineers have been killed by a terrible contagion, and just when they are needed most to defeat an encroaching Leviathan. Ana and her assistant, Dinios are tasked with finding who is responsible. A great fantasy and exciting read.

This beautifully written novel explores how childhood trauma affects us, and how the ghosts of that trauma accompany us as we become adults. Told in two timelines, we slowly come to know the Djiin as he/she wears multiple faces in the grand home called Akbar Manzil. The young woman, Sana, haunted by the ghost of her twin, is our guide. Misclassed by my Library as fantasy, this is wondrous story literary fiction at its finest. Highly recommended.

An interesting debut mystery. Two Māori children have disappeared and the community rightfully don‘t trust the Masterton police to really care. Our protagonist, Lorraine Henry, works in their records office. When her nephew also disappears, she and a visiting detective set out to find them, and who‘s taken them. There are some flaws in the narrative, but the sense of place is fascinating. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

There much better novels about Vietnam. Hannah‘s latest is hampered by a surprising lack of insight, and too much focus on romantic entanglements. The primary strength of the novel is its focus on women who served during that soul-sucking war. It is completely believable that their heroic service is dismissed by everyone, including the VA with the words “there were no women in Vietnam.” Hannah was written some good novels; this isn‘t one of them.

This was a readable, but uncomplicated mystery. The most interesting aspect of the novel is how the mother, daughter and granddaughter find their way back to each other. Lana, a shark-like real estate mogul is diagnosed with a life threatening illness. She moves in with her estranged daughter and granddaughter and bored, tackles solving a murder or two. The granddaughter, Jack, is the best developed character although I grew to like Lana.

This is such a great series! All the usual characters are back as Vivian faces her most challenging challenge. Delivering dresses she meets, and is charmed by Mr. Buchanan. When she later discovers his body, she is charged with murder and has seven days to clear her name. The truth reveals facts about people she care about. Fast paced; great historical details. We get to know Vivian, and her boss Honor much better. Don‘t miss these books.

Margaret has fallen in love with a Victorian house that a great deal. Of course, the house is haunted, and boy-howdy are there ghosts! There‘s even a dead serial killer in the basement. What makes this such a clever story, is that Margaret is able to cope by applying the skills she has learned surviving years of domestic violence. Her husband earns his just deserts in the basement. There‘s a great, powerful women-united-against-violence ending!

Hana Westerman was a fascinating character in Better The Blood. We get to know her better in this 2nd in the series, but more importantly, we get to know her family and friends better. I loved experiencing life and the crime through the eyes of daughter, Addison and her partner, PLUS 1. Hana‘s father, Eru and her former police colleagues add depth. Getting to know one of the victims, as an after-death voice is brilliant. A great read!

The protagonist of this great mystery, Sergeant Joe Swallow, is a complex interesting character and I look forward to reading the later titles in the series. In the midst of the worst heatwave on record, Dublin prepares for Victoria‘s Golden Jubilee; two women have been murdered and dissidents threaten the festivities. Swallow believes the two murders are linked and that the unrest is related but some superiors want his investigation stopped.

This was a somewhat predictable, but very enjoyable read, full of interesting historical details. A young Irish woman flees Ireland for New York. Answering an ad, she travels west as a mail order bride, seeking a family to love. Her husband is a psychopath who marries and kills wealthy women for their money. Set during and after the Great San Francisco earthquake. Speaks to the power of blended families and love. Interesting twist at the end.

“Everything that is hidden will become clear.” Ms King has given us a story that reveals the truth behind two of the lingering puzzles related to Sherlock Holmes‘s past: his mother‘s death and his relationship with Irene Adler and with Russell‘s help the truth is revealed. Fascinating, well written, and deeply satisfying, if you‘re a Baker St. Irregular, don‘t miss this read!

Well, this book was just charming, and exactly what I needed during this stressful week! So glad that it starts a new series.

Inspector Chopra has been forced into retirement after a heart attack. Surprisingly, a favorite uncle bequeaths him with, of all things, a baby elephant. As Chopra struggles to confront his retirement, he cannot ignore the drowning death of a young man. As he follows clues, his elephant becomes an invaluable assistant.