The Fifth Column - Andrew Gross

The Fifth Column - Andrew Gross

She read

Release date: September 10, 2019

The United States is on the threshold of entering World War II.  Charlie Mossman, a Jewish college instructor, husband, and father who drinks a bit too much accidentally kills a young man while engaging in fisticuffs with Nazi sympathizers. 

Two years later, he is released from prison.  His wife has moved on, but does allow him visits with their daughter, Emma.  Charlie soon suspects that the Swiss couple living across the hall from his wife and Emma may not be who they claim and decides to investigate.

Although the story does take a while to play out and there are no real surprises here,  this was a fast, easy, engrossing read. While there are some minor anachronisms, much of the background of the story is historically factual and fasciniating. 

A Door in the Earth - Amy Waldman

A Door in the Earth - Amy Waldman

He and she read

Inspired by a book she has read, Mother Afghanistan, an Afghan-American Berkeley student travels to a small village in that country ostensibly to further her anthropological studies.  Reality crashes in on the romanticized view she has formed from the book.  

A fascinating story, with a good depiction of the life and culture of an isolated Afghan village as well as the American military role there.  I highly recommend this book.

He also really liked this book

Tin Badges - Lorenzo Carcaterra

Tin Badges - Lorenzo Carcaterra

She read

Publication Date:  Aug. 27, 2019

This is a story about a retired New York City police officer who, under the direction of the Chief of Detectives, works with a disparate group of people on an unsolved crime.  The case is more than he bargained for as he adjusts to a change in his personal life as well.  His brother, with whom he was estranged, and his wife recently died in an automobile accident and their son, whom he never met before, is now living with him.

The plot moves along quickly, although it strains credulity a bit.  There is good, distinct character development.  Tank, the main protagonist, is a rough and tough individual who prefers fine wine, good food, and museums to beer and bars.  The ending is a set up for a sequel, and I look forward to it.

A Fatal Secret - Faith Martin

A Fatal Secret - Faith Martin

She read

Publication Date:  Sept. 6, 2019

I have read and enjoyed some of this author’s DI Hillary Green novels. This is the fourth in the Ryder/Loveday series, although it works well as a standalone. I like the books that have been published under the author’s pen name, Faith Martin.  They have solid stories; more substantial than “cosy” mysteries yet still pleasant reads.

This one takes place in 1960, back to a time before cell phones and internet; it seems an appropriate setting for an English country mystery and a young woman trying to be accepted as a serious police officer.

The Turn of the Key - Ruth Ware

The Turn of the Key - Ruth Ware

She read

What a clever idea!  A classic gothic novel that pays homage to Turn of the Screw but with a modern twist…technology seemingly gone awry.  Well written and engrossing, it did take a while to build up to the swift climax and denouement.  I do think that readers who like everything neatly tied up may be a bit dissatisfied with the ending.  As has been discussed in other reviews, this is written as a long letter to someone.  Don’t let that tactic scare you off….it reads well as a narrative.

The Escape Room - Megan Goldin

The Escape Room - Megan Goldin

She read

Ah!  The greed and treachery of the banking industry!

This is an intriguing, but farfetched plot.  Although compelling, there were parts that seemed to drag on and on and I found myself skimming.
I waiver between rating this three or four stars.  As over the top as it was, it was kind of a fun read……

Her Silent Cry - Lisa Regan

Her Silent Cry-Lisa Regan

She read

Publication date: Aug. 14, 2019

Although this is the sixth in a series, this is my first Detective Josie Quinn book and I have to wonder, how have I missed the prior ones?  I couldn’t put it down! Now I need to go back and read the earlier ones in this series.

Josie is an intelligent, strong female protagonist.  The fast paced plot had twists and turns and, in today’s world, was believable.  

If you enjoy smart mysteries/ police procedurals, this is a must read.

Bad Axe County - John Galligan

Bad Axe County - John Galligan

She read

This book has been described by others as “dark, gritty”, a genre with which I typically do not have any problem.  This, though, I thought, was just an unpleasant story in an unpleasant place full of unpleasant characters (although I did like Heidi and Denise).  I REALLY wanted to just put it down and walk away, but I stuck it out, sometimes skimming a bit.

That said, it was well written and I do think that Heidi Kick has the makings of a strong character for a series.