The Dark Bones - Loreth Anne White

The Dark Bones - Loreth Anne White

She read

Publication date:  May 21, 2019

After her father’s apparent suicide, Canadian police detective Rebecca North returns home to the rural western part of her country.   She left years ago, disappointed by the young love of her life, Ash Haugen.  Convinced that her father’s suicide is suspicious, she begins an investigation that reveals twenty year old secrets and reunites her with Ash.

Technically, this could be classified as a romantic thriller.  Not my favorite genre, but it was a riveting story. I didn’t want to put it down. The writing and character development are good, with the author painting a graphic picture of the brutal cold of winter in the northwest as well as the tough life many encounter there.   My only criticism is that it was a bit long in parts and I found myself skimming more than once.  

One thing I really liked about the book is that Rebecca is a savvy protagonist; she did not get herself into any stupidly dangerous situations, something that occurs all too often in thrillers.

This is the second in “A Dark Lure” series. I did not read the first, although, from what I understand, it featured some of the characters in this novel, although not Rebecca.  I hope that if there is a third, Rebecca will be a central character.

The Sect of Angels - Andrea Camilleri

The Sect of Angels - Andrea Camilleri

She read

Publication Date:  April 30, 2019

Loosely based on real events from the early 1900s, this tells the story of a cult of Sicilian priests who prey on young women and the attorney who exposes them.

I had difficulty with this book.  Although based on a serious topic, a good part of it read, to me, like a farce.  And, yes, all those names!!!  The ending sadly reflected what seems so often to be reality in situations like this one.

A Map of the Dark - Karen Ellis

A Map of the Dark - Karen Ellis

She read

FBI agent Elsa Myers specializes in missing children. When a seventeen year old goes missing, she, despite her father critically ill in a hospital awaiting hospice care, teams up with an NYPD detective, Lex Cole, to find the girl.

Like so many protagonists, Elsa is a damaged individual and the narrative behind it as well as its longterm effects tends to eclipse the missing child plot.  As is a popular format today, the story is told from multiple viewpoints and shifts between past and present.

 A bit cliched and perhaps a little bit too good to believe, I still found it an engrossing read.  I look forward to the next in the series where I hope some of the childhood trauma will be less prominent and Elsa will still be working with Lex.

The Mother-in-Law - Sally Hepworth

The Mother-in-Law - Sally Hepworth

She read

Publication Date: April 23, 2019

In what has become a popular format, this story is told from two points of view, alternating between the past and present.  Lucy and her mother-in-law, Diana, have never “clicked”, despite Lucy’s attempts.  When Diana is found dead, family secrets and relationships come to a head as the police investigate whether it was suicide or murder.

Set in Australia, this was an engrossing read that I really liked.  I don’t often give 5 stars unless a book is truly outstanding, but there was something about this one that really appealed to me.

Wunderland - Jennifer Cody Epstein

Wunderland - Jennifer Cody Epstein

He and she read

Publication date:  April 23, 2019

A well written, engrossing novel.  Good insight into human nature, the gestation of hate and evil, and how the unthinkable can become reality,
as well as some lessons for us today.  Although the action shifts among the 1930s, 70s, and late 80s, as long as you pay attention to the sub headings, it does not get confusing and is an effective way for the story to unfold.  I highly recommend it.

Note:  He also really, really liked this book.

D-Day Girls - Sarah Rose

D-Day Girls - Sarah Rose

She read

Publication Date:

April 23, 2019

This is a fascinating and important story that should be told.  I just wish the organization and writing were a little better.  I also have to wonder about the accuracy when the author presents the thoughts and feelings of the characters; I question whether it sometimes strays into historical fiction.
Still, it is a compelling topic and one deserving of attention.