What Waits for You - Joseph Schneider

 What Waits for You - Joseph Schneider

Publication Date: Jan. 5, 2021

This is the second in the Detective Tully Jarsdel series. I read the first and enjoyed it.  I thought the main character, a former academic with an almost completed PhD in history was unique and interesting; the different slant on the protagonist, refreshing.  In this book, not so refreshing….in fact, a bit of a boor.

The grisly background story is the pursuit of a serial killer dubbed the Eastside Creeper who does grotesque things to his victims.  Unfortunately, the novel got bogged down with lots of digressions into other subplots as well as the psyche of Jarsdel.  These threw off the rhythm of the novel and interrupted the suspense.  

***

Serpentine - Johnathan Kellerman

Serpentine - Jonathan Kellerman

She read

Publication Date:Feb. 2, 2021

 

I am a big fan of Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series; I have read all of them.

I always enjoy joining old friends and colleagues Milo Sturgis  and Alex, detective and psychologist, as they drive and eat together, uncovering information, sharing and revising theories. I think Serpentine might be one of my favorites. 

The case this time is a cold one.  Milo is tasked with finding what happened to a woman shot and burned more than thirty years ago.  The case resurfaces because her daughter, wealthy and with influential connections, wants to know more about her mother.  

Kellerman writes true police procedurals, albeit a little different due to Milo being unconventional and Alex along to provide psychological insight.  True, they do tend to be a bit formulaic, as Alex and Milo chase down leads, generate and discuss different theories, interview persons of interest, enjoy a few good meals. Kellerman’s descriptions are particularly picturesque and entertaining and he always seems to put a fresh spin on cases. 

Yes, this can be read as a standalone, but if you are familiar with this series,  it is always enjoyable to meet up with these familiar characters. 

The Wicked Hour - Alice Blanchard

The Wicked Hour - Alice Blanchard

She read

This is the second in the Natalie Lockhart detective series. The town of Burning Lake is known for its Halloween festivities which draw crowds of tourists each year.  As the town starts to clean up after the latest Halloween, the body of a young woman is found in a dumpster.  

I had a hard time rating this book.  It is a solid mystery; a decent police procedural.  And for that, I would give it four stars.  Being the second in the series, though, there are repeated references to characters and actions from the prior novel.  In fact, Natalie has been so damaged by the past case which apparently involved her sisters, it permeates her thoughts and actions.

Those who have read the first book will most likely be familiar with the characters and the references.  However, I did not and not really knowing what she was talking about or reacting to, I just couldn’t connect with Natalie.  

I think the author could have done a better job filling in the background.  I’ve read a number of other book series having missed the earlier stories, but the authors were able to do a good job introducing the recurring characters and their history.  I missed that in this book, and for that I would rate it 3 stars. There also were instances when the author would repeat the same information almost verbatim.  This was a galley copy I read and perhaps the author will edit for the final copy.  There also were some factual errors which bothered me.

All that said, I did not feel a burning desire to go back and read the first novel in the series.   

The Berlin Girl - Mandy Robotham

 The Berlin Girl - Mandy Robotham

She read

It seems there have been a lot of novels lately about Germany in the 30s and 40s.  Coincidence, considering what is going on these days?  Anyway, I wasn’t sure I wanted to read another one but was glad I did.  It is an engaging read, with solid plot and well developed characters. Georgie is a strong, independent female character for her times and I particularly liked that the author took time at the end of the book to followup on her characters’ lives after the war years.  

It is also a cautionary tale for our times.  What happens when an authoritarian takes over…when venom and nationalism is spewed from the top….when treaties and agreements are ignored…when the persecuted are refused a refuge by “humanitarian” countries….how deluded and hypnotically devoted the populace can become when a “leader” is viewed as a messiah.

This was a rewarding read…….

*****

And Now She’s Gone - Rachel Howzell Hall

And Now She’s Gone  - Rachel Howzell Hall

She read

 I almost put this book down, but I found the plot intriguing and stuck with it.

Initially, I didn’t like it at all, a rarity for me.  I thought the writing style was very elementary and it was disjointed, with poor dialog and an overuse of metaphors many of which just didn’t work.

As I read on, though, I either got used to it or the writing improved.

There did seem to be a few holes in the story, but I finished the book with a better attitude about it than I had for the first half of it. The action moved along quickly resulting in a fast read.  I think it deserves more than 3 stars but I can’t quite give it 4.  

***

Breathe Your Last - Lisa Regan

 Breathe Your Last - Lisa Regan

She read

This is the tenth in the Detective Josie Quinn series; it is the third one I have read.  I enjoy Josie; despite all the travails she has met with in her life, she remains a strong, intelligent, though vulnerable, character. 

I also enjoy Lisa Regan’s writing.  Fast paced, engrossing and If the plot is indeed plausible (I didn’t check!), it is very, very scary.

Having read some of the prior novels in this series, I enjoyed revisiting with the repeating characters.  Yet, this would work well as a stand alone.  However, since so many of us have time on our hands these days, why not go back and start the series from the beginning?

If you like police procedurals/thrillers, and are not familiar with Lisa Regan, I would recommend her.  

*****

Night in Tehran - Philip Kaplan

 Night in Tehran - Philip Kaplan

He and she read

It is 1978 and David Weiseman, an American diplomat, is caught up in the intrigue and manipulations of the last days of the Shah of Iran, the struggle among competing forces as to who will next rule the country, and the  race to free the American hostages, as well as safeguard those who have been of assistance to him.  

Although I am not  a particular fan of “spy” novels, I really enjoyed this book but don’t see it as a “thriller”.  It read more like an historical account of the fall of the shah, rise of Khomeni, and the taking of American hostages. I’m not sure how much was fact and how much fiction, but I felt I learned a lot about this situation.

Although there were many names to keep track of, the story was tightly woven and engrossing.  The author is an experienced diplomat, and his knowledge of Iran and the word of espionage is evident.  

It is said that we should learn from history and I felt there were a lot of lessons for our times in this novel….as well as warnings….beware the ascent of religious zealots and authoritarians. In the author’s notes, he mentions the importance of “decent moderates of civil society to survive and safeguard American interests”.  While he applies this to the mideast, it is oh so important for our country as well. 

*****

He read it and like it also

Take it Back - Kia Abdullah

 Take it Back - Kia Abdullah

He and she read

Lara a young Muslim woman, has given up a lucrative, high powered legal career to work at a rape counseling center. When she takes on a case involving the alleged sexual assault of a physically deformed white student by four Muslim classmates, her world explodes, as does the shaky relationship between the Muslim and non Muslim world of London.  As the court case proceeds, there are a lot of disturbing questions.   

This is a well written, fast, yet engrossing read. It raises a lot of social and cultural issues, giving the reader much food for thought and debate; it would be a great read for a book club.

The ending left readers to hypothesize what happens next.  Again, another question open for debate.  

He liked it also

*****

Anxious People - Fredrik Backman

 Anxious People - Fredrik Backman

She read

On the day before New Year’s Eve, a failed bankr obber takes hostages at a realtor’s apartment open house.  A father and son team of police officers have the case, as we learn about the complex lives of the hostages.  

If you are a fan of Fredik Backman (A Man Called Ove) , you will probably really like this.  I appreciated his poignant observations of life and some of his humor, although, the Qs and As between the policemen and witnesses were a bit tedious. Still, a light yet meaningful,  insightful read for our times.

****

Shallow Ground - Andy Maslen

 Shallow Ground - Andy Maslen

She read

Detective Ford still blames himself for his wife’s death six years ago in a climbing accident.  He struggles with his guilt as he raises his son, Sam, and tries to balance that relationship with the demands of his job.  Newly promoted to Detective Inspector, his first case is a serial killer whose MO is exsanguination.  

The plot is interesting and there is good character development, especially in his fellow team members.  New CSI Hannah Fellowes, a highly trained and skilled investigator is particularly interesting as an Asperger’s savant. Fast paced and engrossing, I will add Andy Maslen to my must read mystery/police procedural authors.  

This is advertised as the first of the Detective Ford book series.  I hope there will be more.

****

The Wonder Boy of the Whistle Stop Cafe - Fannie Flagg

 The Wonder Boy of the Whistle Stop Cafe - Fannie Flagg

She read

I’ve not read Flagg’s prior novel, Fried Green Tomatoes at The Whistle Stop Cafe. 

Even without that familiarity with the characters, however, this was a fun, feel good read for our dark times.

The Law of Innocence - Michael Connelly

 The Law of Innocence - Michael Connelly

He and she read

I have always enjoyed Connellys Lincoln Lawyer and Bosch series.  To have both characters in a book is a treat.

After a dubious traffic stop, a dead body is found in the trunk of Mickey Haller’scar and he is arrested and jailed for murder. It is up to him and his team to clear him.

It’s not enough to be proven not guilty, to be really free,  one must prove one’s innocence.  And for this, trusted investigators Cisco and Bosch are on the case.  All the other familiar supporting characters are here as well. 

There is always something to be learned about judicial practices in Connelly’s courtroom procedurals.  Fast paced and engrossing, the introduction of the Covid 19 pandemic is interwoven into the storyline.  Another best seller for Connelly.

We Keep the Dead Close -- Becky Cooper

 We Keep the Dead Close - Becky Cooper

In 1969, Harvard archeology graduate student, Jane Britton, was found bludgeoned to death in her apartment.  Although many myths and theories arose about this murder, it was not “solved” until almost 50 years later.

While a student at Harvard, Becky Cooper heard the stories and became obsessed with investigating all aspects of Jane’s life and death.  Her research was extensive. 

This true crime procedural is really three stories; the story of the victim, the author, and the history of Harvard both in what may have been an attempt to cover up the murder and the overt sexism in the old boys club that is this institution, with particular focus on the archeology department. 

There is a lot of flipping back and forth among characters and timelines with in depth coverage of Jane’s life as well as Becky’s.  Although a suspect, deceased by the time he is indentified,  is named in the end, there are some unanswered questions as well as disturbing information about how the case was handled.  This is a long book, and the minute details of Jane’s life and all the interviews conducted can be a bit of a slog, but it held my attention throughout and was an engrossing, if unsatisfying, read. 

****

The Searcher - Tana French

 The Searcher - Tana French

He and she read

Although this story is a bit different from French’s prior novels in that its main protagonist is an American (Chicago) detective who has retired to Ireland, it still features her knack for storytelling.  Her descriptions are so vivid, not only can you visualize Ireland, you can smell it (and taste the bacon!). She conveys a good feel for the rural life, its unspoken social code,  and the various characters that make up a small village.  

This is not a thriller, but rather a very good and literate work of fiction that will leave you with an appreciate for her writing.  

He also read it and liked it.

*****

Don't Look For Me - Wendy Walker

 Don't Look For Me - Wendy Walker

She read

Molly accidentally ran over and killed her nine year old daughter.  The family, understandably,  has never been the same.... Molly’s guilt, her husband’s loss, her oldest daughter’s guilt for the role she might have played in the tragedy.

One stormy night, returning from her son’s football game four hours away, Molly’s car runs out of gas and she disappears.  After finding her car abandoned and later receiving a note from her, it is assumed that she just “walked away”.  But daughter Nicole has never given up on finding her mother. 

I really didn’t like this book for about the first half, but then Walker had me and I couldn’t put it down. Red herrings keep you guessing in this psychological thriller. Although told from different points of view and timelines, it was never confusing. The ending was a bit contrived, though. 

****

A Time for Mercy - John Grisham

 A Time for Mercy  - John Grisham

She and he read

This courtroom procedural sees the return of Jake Brigance, the hero of two prior Grisham novels.  The year is 1990 and Jake, still broke, is appointed to defend a 16 year old being tried as an adult accused of a capital crime.  Yes, he is guilty and, yes, there are extenuating circumstances.

Nobody captures the essence of the deep south or spins a yarn better than Grisham. There is always something to be learned about the law and the culture as the action leads up to the trial.  An engrossing, fast read that I didn’t want to put down.  This just seemed like the perfect book to escape into during these fraught days.  A best seller for sure!

He really liked it also...

******

Shelter in Place - David Leavitt

 Shelter in Place - David Leavitt

She read

The book opens with a group of Eva’s friends, devastated by the results of the 2016 presidential election, coming together at her country house in Connecticut to commiserate. 

They are New Yorkers, living in a world of the arts, decorating, publishing, writing, and for Eva’s husband, Bruce, finance.  It seems Eva is the Gertrude Lawrence to this non glitterati group; they all congregate at her homes, subservient to her control. 

Convinced she must flee the horrors that await the new Administration, Eva is hell bent on purchasing an apartment in Venice as an escape.  She in encouraged in this venture by her old friend, Min, who would love to spend time there. The catch is, she will only purchase it if her long time decorator, Jake, agrees to take on the project.  

I enjoyed this novel with its breezy, witty dialog and, for the most part,  “Rolex” or First World problems.  It is an entertaining, distracting, fast read.  

****

Dead Perfect - Noelle Holten

 Dead Perfect - Noelle Holten

She read

This is the third of the DC Maggie Jamieson series; it is the first one I have read. Maggie’s friend,  forensic psychologist Kate Moloney is being stalked.  When a young woman who has been made up to look like Kate turns up dead, it becomes evident that she is in danger and Maggie sometimes blurs professional lines in trying to protect her friend and solve the case.  

This is a decent police procedural/thriller, although Maggie was a bit too flighty for me and the resolution was somewhat predictable. It is a well paced, fast read that held my attention throughout.  

I’m sure if I had read the prior novel, it would have given me more background on the characters, but they were developed enough in this novel that it can easily be read as a standalone.  It ends with the set up for a sequel and although Maggie is not my favorite female character, I certainly will read it.

****

Invisible Girl - Lisa Jewell

 Invisible Girl - Lisa Jewell

She read

This is the fourth book I have read by prolific writer, Lisa Jewell; I liked it the best of the four and much more than her last book, The Family Upstairs.

Told from different points of view, this is a gripping psychological mystery. Jewell is an excellent story teller, weaving an intricate plot among the main actors.  With strong character development, some sympathetic and others not so sympathetic, I could not put this book down, reading it in two sittings.   

****

A Song for the Dark Times - Ian Rankin

 A Song for the Dark Times - Ian Rankin

She read

I can’t believe this is the first book I have read by prolific writer, Ian Rankin.  It won’t be the last!

The twenty third novel featuring now retired Edinburgh police Inspector John Rebus finds him trying to help out his somewhat estranged daughter, Samantha, when her partner disappears.  Meanwhile, former colleague DI Siobhan Clarke is caught up in the investigation of the murder of a wealthy Saudi student.  At some point, some of the people in both cases intersect…could the cases be related?  Or not?  

In two complex plots, with quite a few red herrings, Rankin moves easily between the storylines.  It is an engaging, fast read.  

Rankin does such a good job in his character development that I did not have any difficulty reading this as a standalone novel, not having read the prior twenty two in the series! Of late, it seems I have read quite a few police procedurals set in Scotland and do enjoy them.  I certainly will be adding Rankin to my list of goto authors.  

****

Leave the World Behind - Rumaan Alam

 Leave the World Behind - Rumaan Alam

She read

He tried it but gave up

There has been a lot of buzz about this book, especially since it is being made into a motion picture. Although it is not typical of the genre I enjoy, I thought I would try it.  Understand that this is not a light, beach read.  I think you will either love it or hate it.  No meh about it.

I surprised myself in that I really liked it.  You know the premise…I won’t go into it here.  Be advised, though, that you never really do find out what is going on in the world.  

What did I like about it?  The author’s use of language.  The descriptions…the almost stream of consciousness descriptions and astute observations of life.  This is a book that you want to take your time with, savor and reflect on those observations.  And, let the book be a warning…….

Still Life - Val McDermid

 Still Life - Val McDermid

She read; he will probably read also has he likes this series as well

I like Val McDermid’s Karen Pirie Historic Cases Unit police procedurals.  This is the third consecutive of six that I have read.  I really like the main character, a strong, intelligent, vulnerable, but not overly flawed, DCI.

Karen is balancing two cases.  A skeleton has been found in a van parked in the garage of a recently deceased woman.  She is drawn into the second case, albeit a current one, because one of the suspects in the years old killing of his brother has been found dead.  The familiar supporting characters are here, as well as a new female colleague, Sergeant Daisy Mortimer.   Still mourning the death of her love, Phil, Karen has established a new relationship with Hamish, who was introduced in the prior novel.

Although I think many of the twists were known to the reader before discovered by Karen, this did not detract from the readability or enjoyment of the story. I always like the the inclusion of topical issues in McDermid’s novels.  In this one, there is a hint of the pandemic to come and the book ends just as Scotland is about to go on lockdown for Covid.   

McDermid’s vivid descriptions of various locales place you right there in the middle of a scene.  And, all the food consumed….you can just about taste those bacon rolls, curry, and croissants! 

This reads well as a stand alone, but I think reading the prior novels will give provide more context.  Plus, they are a joy to read. 

*****

The Last Agent - Robert Dugoni

 I have enjoyed Robert Dugoni’s novels, especially his homicide detective, Tracy Crosswhite series.  Last year, I decided to try his The Eighth Sister, a very different genre, and enjoyed it.The Last Agent is a sequel that book.

Charles Jenkins, retired CIA agent, is called back to duty again to return to Russia to try to rescue Paulina Ponomayova, an agent who who saved his life in the prior novel.  Paulina may or may not be imprisoned at a notorious Moscow prison and Charles’ only hope of finding out is by enlisting the help of a former Russian agent who once relentlessly pursued him.  Can he trust him? 

Spy stories are not my favorite, but once again Dugoni lured me in with an easy to follow, suspenseful, engrossing, fast read.  As with many stories in this genre, I found some of the action a bit of a stretch and a little too convenient, but enjoyed this read and look forward to the next in the series as the ending foretells a sequel.    

Although this can be read as a standalone, reading The Eighth Sister first will provide much more context. 

Homeland Elegies - Akhtar, Ayad

 Homeland Elegies - Akhtar, Ayad

He and she read

Literate, well written fictional memoir based on experiences from the author’s life.  Although it centers on living as an American Muslim in a post 9/11 world, it is far reaching in its astute observations of many aspects of society including politics and economics.  Profound, insightful, honest, poignant, relevant, thought provoking. 

He loved it also

*****

Disloyal - Michael Cohen

 Disloyal - Michael Cohen

She read

This reads like a novel….a well written mobster novel.  It seems the more and more that comes out, the more and more Cohen is very believable.  In fact, there is information in the book that just recently is proving to be true.  As sleazy as he has been in the past, I do believe him.  And, who would know better than Trump’s personal “fixer”?  Despite the sleaze, this is a worthwhile read.  Unfortunately, the people who SHOULD be reading this, won’t. Did State TV even let their viewers know that Cohen wrote a book? 

He wasn't going to read it but I told him he would like it...he is reading it now and does like it!

Rage - Bob Woodward

 Rage - Bob Woodward

She read

Woodward’s latest is thorough and as up to date as it could be.  Of course, we have had about 60,000 more American deaths from Covid since he went to press. Other than that, nothing else has changed……

 I liked that he used so many direct quotes. I don’t think that anyone, no matter how gifted or experienced, writing about what Trump says could convey the true flavor of his rantings, ravings, and arrogance. 

There is some new information here; it is well worth a read.  Woodward was very fair and balanced in his reporting.  Despite the fact that he, for the first time ever, reached a conclusion that was his own experienced opinion, he was very unbiased and actually tried to lead his subject to try to redeem himself; but it was futile

Remember Me - Mario Escobar

 Remember Me - Mario Escobar

She read; he will read

I read and really liked Escobar’s prior novel, Children of the Stars, and looked forward to Remember Me.  I was not disappointed.  Both books are cautionary tales for our times. 

Focused on Spain during and after the Civil War, this book, based on true stores, features three fictitious siblings who were part of The Children of Morelia, 450 or so Spanish youngsters  evacuated to Mexico to escape the wartime conditions.

Well written (translated), engrossing, thought provoking, sad, scary.  The atrocities that man visits upon man in the name of ideologies, although unimaginable, have occurred all too often in history. Yet, through it all, Escobar, as he does in his earlier novel, makes an entreaty for love and humanity. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

 

*****

The Book of Two Ways - Jodi Picoult

 The Book of Two Ways - Jodi Picoult

She read

Publication Date:Sept. 22, 2020

As with most of Picoult’s works, this is well researched and well written.  

There is a lot of technical language and ideas here both in on the topics of Egyptology as well as physics.  And then there is idea of a book of two ways, parallel lives,  lost and found love, reclaimed choices in life, and, finally, death.  I did find myself skimming over some of the more erudite yet savoring the storyline.

 I almost wish that this very ambitious book had been two (or even three) different ones so that I could better digest all that there was to ponder.  Yet, Piccoult was able to pull it all together in the end.  

While I enjoyed The Book of Two Ways, I was sorry that Dawn’s role as a death doula did not inspire its own separate novel.  While it was integrated with the story as a whole, I thought the preparation for and musings about death would have in of of themselves been an excellent focus for a novel.  A lot was said regarding the end of life, but I felt that it sometimes got lost with everything else going on in the story. 

Melania and Me - Stephanie Winston Wolkoff

 Melania and Me - Stephanie Winston Wolkoff

She read

This book is well written and holds one attention. 

Although the author does talk about the relationship they had prior to the Presidency, there is not really all that much about Melania. a good part of it deals with the chaos involved in planning the inauguration celebrations.  No surprises here, though, as incompetence, greed, unethical spending on egocentric extravagances and gross misuse of funds seems typical for this administration.  

If anyone ever had the inclination to feel sorry for Melania because of her outrageous husband, this book will cure that as she is as cold and calculating as her husband and the rest of his family….but I think we all have learned that about her over the years. 

The author got a raw deal from her, but don’t feel the least bit sorry for her; she knew who the Trumps were. And, are we really expected to believe that the author, who claims all kinds of accolades and achievements, was that naive?

Thy Lying Life of Adults - Elena Ferrante

 The Lying Life of Adults - Elena Ferrante

I read and really liked Ferrante’s quartet of Neapolitan Novels, have recommended them to many friends, and looked forward to The Lying Life of Adults. 

In this well written (or should I say translated?) novel, Ferrante captures once again the many feelings of adolescence…the insecurities, the sometimes brutishness, the conflicted emotions trying to understand the world, especially the world of one’s parents when it is discovered they have feet of clay. 

Unfortunately, though, I just wasn’t fond of this work and found myself reading to get through it rather than because I enjoyed it.    

***

Squeeze Me - Carl Hiaasen

Squeeze Me - Carl Hiaasen

She read; he is reading next

I’ve read quite a few of Hiaasen’s novels, and I think this is his best.  Perhaps it is a reflection of our times, but the characters and actions seem a lot less absurd than some of his previous works.  That which at one time could have seemed over the top no longer is.  With a little stretch of the imagination, much of this, especially the political, could be real. In fact, I’m sure I’ve seen some of it take place already!

I truly laughed out loud over and over reading Squeeze Me.  As a south Floridian, I applaud Hiaasen’s concern for our environment and appreciate his giving light to the eccentricities of “Florida Man and “Florida Woman”.

Monogamy - Sue Miller

Annie has been married to Graham for 30 years.  The second marriage for both, she also has a very friendly relationship with Frieda, Graham’s first wife and both Annie’s daughter and Frieda’s son are also good friends.  While mourning Graham’s sudden death, Annie learns that he has been unfaithful to her.

As with much of Sue Miller’s writing, this is well written, literate, with strong character development.  She sensitively explores the  grief of unexpectedly losing a spouse and then the further grief and anger of losing the idea of what you thought your marriage was. The interplay of family relationships is a driving force in this novel.

Although there are sections that seem to go on and on about the mundane, it was an engrossing read.  And, after all, isn’t a lot of daily life mundane?

Payback - Lorenzo Carcaterra

Payback  - Lorenzo Carcaterra

She read
He didn't finish it


This is a story about a retired New York City police officer who, under often the direction of the Chief of Detectives, works with a disparate group of people on unsolved crimes. I read the first in the series and enjoyed it. Tank, the main protagonist, is a rough and tough individual who prefers fine wine, good Italian food, and museums to beer and bars.

This time, Tank is working two cases that are close to him.  The first involves the death of his brother and sister in law which occurred in the prior novel.  Chris, the surviving son, comes to live with his uncle; he is convinced that his parents car crash was more than accidental…it was murder.  The second case involves a highly decorated dirty cop whose phenomenal clear record is due to coercive tactics.

This is an exciting, well plotted story.  The involvement of the police chief and US Attorney’s office as well as the questionable not to mention violent tactics utilized to solve the cases strained credibility.  But, if you can get beyond that, it is an enjoyable read.

****

Three Perfect Liars - Heidi Perks

Three Perfect Liars - Heidi Perks

She read

Laura returns to her position with an advertising agency after giving birth to Bobby.  As if she isn’t conflicted enough leaving Bobby, she finds that Mia, her temporary replacement, has no intention of leaving and has, in fact, taken over her major account.  Is she paranoid about Mia or does the woman have some hidden secrets? And what secret is Janie, wife of the owner of the agency keeping to herself?  A fatal fire that destroys the agency brings these three together……

The book’s timeline shifts back and forth between the action in the weeks prior to the fire and the police interviews following it as what really happened is finally revealed. As has become a popular literary device, the story is told from different points of view.

Despite it  getting bogged down a bit, it was an engrossing read with good character development, although I didn’t find any of the characters particularly likable.

****

Blunt Force - Lynda LaPlante

Blunt Force - Lynda LaPlante

She read

Publication Date:  Aug. 25, 2020

I enjoy both the old Prime Suspect and the more recent Prime Suspect:Tennison series on PBS, so a while I thought I tried one of the Jane Tennison series books and enjoyed it.

Blunt Force is the sixth in this series about the early career of Tennison.

Jane has been kicked off the Flying Squad, which investigates armed robberies, and is now working in the usually quiet district of Knightsbridge, seeing to such crimes as shoplifting from Harrod’s.  But a grisly murder of a famous theatrical agent changes that.
A sub plot refers back to the time Jane was on the Squad.

Although I was engaged throughout, this is not a page turner; but this is not a criticism.  It is a true police procedural with emphasis on the procedural.  Well written, with a solid plot, there is good character development and interactions as we begin to see the evolution of Jane into one of the first female Detective Chief Inspectors in London whom we know so wel from Prime Suspect.

The Quiet Girl - S F Kosa

The Quiet Girl

S F Kosa

she read

Publication Date: Aug. 11, 2020

Alex and Mina, married after a short courtship, have had a disagreement and Mina flees to her house on Provincetown.  His apologetic phone calls ignored, Alex heads off to the Cape where he finds that Mina has disappeared.

Meanwhile, a mysterious young woman, Layla, is trying to scrape by working at a local restaurant.  When a boisterous customer insists her name is Maggie, she takes off on her bicycle, apparently has an accident, and is having memory issues.

And that is all of a summary I am going to give to avoid any spoilers.

This is a psychological thriller, with emphasis on the psychological.  This is a fast read and you will find yourself quickly turning the pages to try to figure out just what is going on.
Without going into it because of spoilers, I do think some of Mina's story strained credibility.  Yet, as we find ourselves with time on our hands, it is worth a read.

We Are All the Same in the Dark - Julia Heaberlin

We Are All the Same in the Dark - Julia Heaberlin

She read

Publication Date:  Aug. 11, 2020

I had a tough time getting into this book.  It is a bit slow paced and obsessive in the beginning.  It would have been easy to give up on it, but I persevered, reading it in small bits at a time rather than devouring it. I ended up engaging with it, but it certainly wasn’t one of my more favored reads.


***

I Give it to You - Valerie Martin

I Give it to You - Valerie Martin

She read

Publication Date:  Aug. 11

With one caveat, I loved this novel.

Jan is an American professor/writer; Beatrice an Italian, educated and working in America, who spends her summers at the family villa in Tuscany.  Introduced by a mutual friend, Jan, is invited to visit the villa where Beatrice reveals the background history of her aristocratic family, spanning the war years until the present. Over the years,  Beatrice shares these stories and says of each “do you like it?….I give it to you”.

This book is a combination travelogue, family saga, and conundrum…who owns the stories of one’s friends and are they fair game for an author? Or is writing about them a betrayal?

The family’s history and surrounding Italian politics is fascinating in and of itself and many of the pleasures of a trip to Tuscany are here…the enticing landscape, the golden sun,  vin santo and biscotti, fresh cornettos, a glass of wine, the rich espresso that only a caffettiera can make.  While it is a fast read, I tried to slow it down, luxuriating in living that life.

All that said, I was disappointed in the ending….While it raises an interesting question, I felt it was rushed and left things unresolved. I think I could have enjoyed this book just as a travelogue and family saga without the unsettling and unsettled endings  

*****

The Eighth Detective -- Alex Pavesi

The Eight Detective - Alex Pavesi

She read

Publication Date: Aug. 4, 2020

Julia visits Grant on the Mediterranean Island where he lives to edit and publish a book of mystery stories written by him twenty five years ago.  Grant, a mathematician, has a theory that there is a mathematical structure to murder mysteries. The story alternates between Julia reading the stories aloud and a discussion with Grant. The stories are
old fashioned mystery tales such as ones writtenin the early twentieth century. Julia feels there is something amiss with Grant and seeks to find out what it is.

This is a different approach to a mystery and I salute the unique approach.   The first 3/4 of the book engaged me, but, alas, my attention waned in the  last 1/4 of book. Still, it is an intriguing read.

****

Still Here - Amy Stuart

Still Here - Amy Stuart

She read

Publication Date:  Aug. 11, 2020

This is the third in the “Still”  series; I did not read the first two.  Although reading the first two  might have given me more of a background story, I had no difficulty picking up and following along with the characters and plot.

Clare, on the run from an abusive husband, has become a private investigator of sorts.  In the past, she has worked with Malcolm, who has now disappeared.  Asked by a police detective to travel to Malcolm’s home town to do some investigation, Clare exposes the ugly secrets of this small town.

This is a fast, easy, engaging read although there are no real surprises.   I do hate it when supposedly smart women make stupid mistakes, but I will just chalk that up to Clare’s youth and inexperience as a PI.

Too Much and Never Enough - Mary Trump

Too Much and Never Enough - Mary Trump

He and she read

Well written by a literate writer.  Interesting insight into this very dysfunctional and scary family.  Verified what so many of us know, the consequences of which we have to live with everyday. Heaven help us all!

Well worth reading

Incidentally, Amazon won’t let you review this book unless you purchased it from them.  Have they never heard of public libraries???  Must be nice to be a monopoly

*****

The First to Lie - Hank Phillippi Ryan

The First to Lie - Hank Phillippi Ryan

She read

Publication Date: Aug. 4, 2020

A pharmaceutical company is pushing a fertility medication that can cause heart breaking side effects for some users.  There is a cast of characters out to expose them and bring them down.

Told from different points of view, there are twists throughout the story.  Although an engrossing read, much of the story lines strained credibility.  I’d rate it 3 stars for the plot, but 4 for the writing.  

The Night Swim - Megan Goldin

The Night Swim - Megan Goldin

She read

Publication Date: Aug. 4, 2020

While Rachel is covering the trial of a local athlete accused of rape for her true crime podcast, she receives a series of letters from Hannah, a young woman urging her to investigate her sister’s death in this same town twenty five years ago.

The dual stories unfold from two points of view, Rachel’s and Hannah’s, and we are treated to both a courtroom procedural, mystery,  and psychological thriller. There was sympathetic insight into the heartbreak rape victims and their families suffer both in our society and as a result of the judicial system.

This was an engrossing, didn’t want to put down read. Rachel is a strong, savvy character;  I hope this will be the beginning of a series.

I liked this so much better than Goldin’s prior novel, The Escape Room.

*****

Paris Never Leaves You - Ellen Feldman

Paris Never Leaves You - Ellen Feldman

She read

Publication Date:  Aug. 4 2020

Charlotte and her young daughter, Vivi, struggle to survive in occupied Paris during World War II.  Charlotte did what she had to to take care of herself and her daughter.

The story telling alternates between 1940s Paris and 1950s New York as Charlotte finally comes to terms with what war turns some people into and the subsequent survivors guilt so many feel.

This is an engrossing, fast read although I felt that part of the New York story (the romance) just didn’t  “work” and spoiled it a bit for me.

Convince Me - Nina Sadowsky

Convince Me - Nina Sadowsky

She read

Publication Date:  Aug. 4, 2020

Annie and Justin appear to have a fairy tale life.  He, popular and successful, she, madly in love with him.  Their life is ripped apart when he dies in a car crash.

The story opens at his funeral and is told from the POV of Annie, Justin’s best friend, Will, and Justin’s mother.  As each reflect back on their history with Justin, there are a few unheeded warnings that all might not be as perfect as it seems.

Right after the funeral, Annie and Will begin to discover some devastating truths.

This is a fast paced, can’t put it down read.  Great for summer reading or a rainy afternoon on the couch.

**** 1/2

The Geometry of Holding Hands - Alexander McCall Smith

The Geometry of Holding Hands - Alexander McCall Smith

She Read

Publication Date: July 28, 2020

Although I am a fan of and have read all of McCall Smith’s The No. 1 Ladies’Detective Agency series, this is my first Isabel Dalhousie novel. A rather privileged woman as the result of a family trust with a loving husband and two small children as well as full time help, Isabel is a philosopher who edits the quarterly “Review of Applied Ethics” and helps out in her niece’s delicatessen when needed. In this installment we are invited to observe a slice of her life as she deals with this niece as well as a stranger who asks her to be executor of his will.

This is a quick, charming read. Isabel is wise and kind, but a somewhat insecure woman. I did enjoy her observations of life and how her mind wandered from one thought to another when encountering other people.

The Fallen - Carlos Manuel Alvarez

The Fallen

Carlos Manuel Alvarez

She read

Told from the points of view of four Cuban family members, this book gives some insight into the lives of everyday people under this crumbling social structure.  Yet, much of it is metaphoric, not my favorite literary device.   It is a fast read that paints a picture of a bleak, but enduring future.


***

Everyone Knows How Much I Love You - Kyle McCarthy

Everyone Knows How Much I Love You - Kyle McCarthy

She read

Sorry, this didn’t resonate with me. A number of times, I just wanted to put it down and quit, but stayed with it incase it redeemed itself.   There have been other books I have read and been tempted near the beginning, to give up; but often I have ended up liking them.  This one, no.

Who Did You Tell? Leslie Kara

Who Did You Tell? - Leslie Kara

She read

 Astrid  is an alcoholic who has lost it all.  As a last effort toward sobriety, she has returned to a small town to live with her mother and join AA.  Actions from her past haunt her….have they also put her in danger?

This was a fast, engrossing read with strong character development, well developed plot, and some unexpected twists.

*****

The Cubans - Anthony De Palma

The Cubans - Anthony De Palma

She read

This non fiction account of various families living in a Havana neighborhood from the years of the revolution to present time reads like a good novel.  It is a fascinating, engrossing, in depth narrative.  Having spent some time in Cuba, I felt that DePalma
captured the vibrancy, frustration, dashed feeling of possibilities, and character of some of the people I met there.  My hope for this book is that it may help some people realize that our most recent treatment of Cuba has not affected the government there, but has had a significant impact on the lives of everyday people.  I understand the hatred of Castro and the revolution among those who live here, but cannot understand how they can put embargos in place that hurt people…many of whom have no first hand memory of the revolution. The cruelty is unimaginable.  

  *****

28 Summers - Elin Hilderbrand

28 Summers - Elin Hilderbrand

She read

I am not a big “chick lit” fan, but I LOVED this book.  I didn’t want to put it down, yet I didn’t want it to end.

Inspired by the concept of the film, Same Time Next Year,  the story focused not only on the couple’s yearly rendezvous, but also how their separate lives evolved through the years.  I really liked how each of the 28 years is prefaced with what we were talking about in that particular year.  It was like going back in a time machine to reexperience  those times.

  *****

The Safe Place - Anna Downes

The Safe Place - Anna Downes

She read

Publication Date:  July 14, 2020

Although I remained engaged while reading this book, I felt there was an overly fantasized story line, excerpts that seemed more typical of a romance novel than thriller, and a sometimes garbled narrative.   It was an easy, summer read, but not quite for me.


***

Half Moon Bay - Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman

Half Moon Bay - Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman

She read

Publication Date:  July 21, 2020

This is the third in the Kellerman’s father/son series about coroner Clay Edison.  I am beginning to enjoy this series almost as much as Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series. New father Clay, while trying to balance child care with his wife and lack of sleep, simultaneously works on two mysteries while still fulfilling other obligations as a deputy in the county coroner’s office.  While excavating the one time hippie enclave People’s Park, bones of an infant are uncovered. Clay is contacted by someone who thinks it might be a disappeared sister who has been a family secret for years and soon these two stories diverge.

A well written, steady investigative procedural, it is a quick, engrossing read with a likable protagonist.   The Kellerman’s neatly tie up all loose ends and leave you anticipating the next in this series.

*****

The Last Trial - Scott Turow

The Last Trial - Scott Turow

He and she read

Featuring familiar Turow character, Sandy Stern, in the last trial of his career, this is sure to be another best seller. A solid courtroom procedural, it is Stern’s contemplations of the life he has led and his observations of the ravages of aging and the approaching end of life that resonates with the reader.

*****

The End of October - Lawrence Wright

The End of October - Lawrence Wright

She read

I don’t usually read books where suspension of belief is necessary.  However, when I read the prepublication notes, I thought that I would try this one as the topic was most timely.  I really liked the first half of the novel.  Well researched, I learned a lot about viruses, pandemics, vaccines.  And, given what is going on in the world now, it was not at all unlikely.  The second half, however, became a bit extreme for me.  Still, I recommend this riveting thriller…a great escape, or not so much an escape from our current world situation.

  **** 1/2

Camino Winds - John Grisham

Camino Winds - John Grisham

She read

The second in the Camino Island series, many of the characters from the first reappear including the main protagonist, book seller Bruce Cable.  While the island is hit with a devastating hurricane, a local author is murdered.  Does it have something to do with the new book he is writing, a fictional exposé?  The local police do not seem up to the investigative job, so it falls on Bruce and friends  

I don’t feel that the Camino series is as strong as Grisham’s legal thrillers, but this makes a quick, enjoyable read.

****

The Sunday Girl - Pip Drysdale

The Sunday Girl - Pip Drysdale

She read

Taylor is dumped by her abusive lover, Angus.  To make matters worse, he posts a sex tape of her on the internet.  Inspired by the book, The Art of War, Taylor exacts revenge.  But then, Angus comes back to her, contrite and willing to change.  Or is he?

This cat and mouse psychological thriller is a quick read, perfect for the beach or a rainy day on the couch.  Taylor’s naïveté was at times annoying, but she came into her own and the ending was satisfying.

Code Name Madeleine - Arthur J. Magida

Code Name Madeleine - Arthur J. Magida

She read

Publication Date:  June 9, 2020

Although I thought the writing got bogged down at times with names and details (it was well researched), this is a fascinating story about someone whom I had never heard about.  Although her story has been told in other books and on film, it bears retelling.

I did find frustrating that despite her intent and bravery Noor was careless in so many facets of her operations.  Perhaps that was just indicative of wartime operations; her handlers also seemed careless at times, especially when there were indications that her radio had been captured, yet they continued believing it was her transmitting, sending many other operators into traps set up by the enemies.

I am not a big fan of nonfiction, but am glad I read this and encourage others to do so as well. I learned a lot about the SEO and its wartime activities and met an incredible woman.

****

The Jane Austen Society - Natalie Jenner

The Jane Austen Society - Natalie Jenner

She read

Publication Date: May 26, 2020

What a charming story. It is a nice, comfortable read for times like this. Curl up with a nice cuppa and enjoy! While knowledge of Austen’s writings may be helpful, you don’t have to be an Austen scholar to find pleasure in this book

****

Daughter of the Reich - Louise Fein

Daughter of the Reich - Louise Fein

She read

Publication Date: May 12, 2020

This was a difficult read for me.  I really forced myself to persevere through the beginning of of the story. As Hitler rises and people embrace him, the rhetoric, the inhumanity, and the scary parallels to today were disturbing. Yet, I am glad I remained with the book.  After the tough beginning, I couldn’t put it down and, by the end, loved it.

*****

The Herd - Andrea Bartz

The Herd - Andrea Bartz

She read

Told from different points of view, like layers of an onion, the story unfolds revealing secrets and twists.  An engrossing quick read, I really enjoyed the author’s colorful descriptive metaphors that were original and perfect!!!

****

Little Secrets - Jennifer Hillier

Little Secrets - Jennifer Hillier

She read

Marin and Derek came from nothing, but they have worked hard to become wealthy, successful business owners.  Their comfortable world is shattered when their young son is abducted.  Somehow Marin survives the year, but is devastated again when she learns her husband is having an affair.  Secrets, lies, misplaced trust, betrayal hurtle this thriller forward to resolution.

I never try to figure out “who done it” when reading a story, but it became evident to me about halfway through this book.  Yet, that didn’t interfere with my interest or enjoyment of it.  This was a quick read, well written and engrossing.

****

Find Her Alive - Lisa Regan

Find Her Alive - Lisa Regan

She read

I have only recently discovered Lisa Regan and really enjoy her writing. This is the seventh in the Detective Josie Quinn series, the second I have read.  Although this plot was a bit of a stretch, it moved along quickly and kept me totally engrossed.  Josie is an intelligent, strong female protagonist. If you enjoy mysteries/ police procedurals, this is a must read.

*****

Coyotes of Carthage - Steven Wright

Coyotes of Charthage - Steven Wright

She read

I really liked this book, although found the ending very dissatisfying.  It is well written with strong character development and good insight into the world of dark money used to influence elections. The author captures the culture of the rural south quite picturesquely. I  get very uncomfortable reading books with self destructive characters, and, unfortunately, Andre is one

The New Husband - D.J. Palmer

The New Husband

D.J. Palmer

She read

Publication Date:  April 14, 2020

This is somewhat familiar theme in recent psychological thrillers with a bit of a spin. Told in different points of view, alternating between narrator and the perspective of Maggie, the daughter,  really liked the first half of the book, but then it took a twist and kind of lost me.  So, I suspended my belief and just went with the story and found I couldn’t put it down,
   ***1/2

The Engineer's Wife - Tracey Enerson Wood

The Engineer's Wife - Tracey Enerson Wood

She read

This is a fascinating life story that needed to be told and is a good depiction of the feat of building the Brooklyn Bridge and the plight of women of that era.

I am always wary of historical fiction and concerned that people will take fiction as truth.  Understandably, an author must embellish the thoughts, feelings, and personal interactions of a historical character, but, the author explains, she also altered varoius timelines and some of the events/relationships are fictitious.  I have a hard time with this…..especially fabricating romantic relationships with real people or tragic events in the protagonist’s life. Do make sure you read the author’s notes to separate fact from fiction.

***

Don't Turn Back - D.S. Butler

Don't Turn Back - D.S. Butler

She read

The investigation of a man found beaten to death leads DS Karen Hart back to suspects who have unpleasant memories for her.  She investigated them for human trafficking right before her world was upended by the death of her husband and daughter in a car accident.  Now paired with DI Scott Morgan, who has his own

The third in the series, this is the first Karen Hart novel I have read.  I enjoyed it.  Fast paced, with tight writing and likable protagonists, fans of British police procedurals will enjoy this story.

****

The Red Lotus - Chris Bohjalian

The Red Lotus - Chris Bohjalian

He and she read

While on a bicycle trip to Vietnam,  ER doctor Alexis’  boyfriend goes missing and is found   days later the victim of an apparent accident.  But, some things don’t make sense and soon  she hires a private investigator back home in New York to look into it.

Well written, with strong character development, this thriller moves along at a good pace and had me holding my breath at times.  Without giving away more of the plot, I will just say….how appropriate for our times!

Spoiler alert/Warning: If rats make you queasy, be prepared!

  ****

The Bramble and the Rose - Tom Bouman

The Bramble and the Rose - Tom Brouman

She read

This is the first I have read in the Henry Farrell series.  I found it to be disjointed and had to force myself to finish it and it did not make me want to go back and read the prior novels in the series.

**

The Honey Don't List - Christina Lauren

The Honey Don't List - Christina Lauren

Publication Date: March 24, 2020

She read

Despite being taken advantage of and the target of verbal abuse from its female star, Carey has worked for years for a husband and wife team who have built up their home improvement business from one store to many as well as a successful TV show.  She is, in fact, indispensable to them.  James is hired as an engineer but really is just an assistant to the husband as the couples marriage begins unraveling.  Carey and James are tasked with trying to keep the couple together, at least publicly.  Predictably, sparks begin to fly between the two.

The story is light and breezy, but not really humorous as stated in the blurb. It was a  fast read and entertaining.  I thought it became bogged down when detailing the romantic encounters between Carey and James and I found myself skipping pages of the narrative. I did like the ending.


***½

Hid From Our Eyes - Julia Spencer-Fleming

Hid From Our Eyes - Julia Spencer-Fleming

Publication Date: April 7, 2020

She read

Three young women dressed in party attire are discovered decades apart.  What is going on?

This is the ninth in a series, although the prior one was published some seven years ago.

If you want a tight police procedural, this isn’t it.  The crimes are almost secondary to the  lives of Police Chief Russ van Alstyne, his wife, Reverend Clara Fergusson and ancillary characters who are members of the police department, friends, or acquaintances.  The story bounces among the three time frames of the deaths; 1952, 1972, and “present day”.

I had some difficulty in the beginning getting into this story; did we really need an entire chapter on Clara giving birth?  And, while I did think the motive behind the killings was a bit of a stretch, I eventually found the book engrossing and well written.  The author does a good job of recreating the flavor of small town upstate New York resort areas (or any resort area) that have to balance the reality of the life of  everyday locals with the needs of well to do summer people.

I did not read the prior books in this series.  Although I liked this one, I have no desire to go back and read the prior eight.

***1/2

The Boy From the Woods - Harlan Coben

The Boy from the Woods - Harlan Coben

Publication Date: March 17, 2020

He and she read

High school student, Naomi Pines, the target of unrelenting bullying is missing and a classmate asks his Aunt Hester who is a famous attorney with her own TV program to help find her.  She enlists the assistance of Wilde, aptly named because he was once a child living on his own in the wilds of the Ramapo forests in New Jersey.  Wilde has a history with Hestor because he was once the playmate of Hester’s now dead son and is the godfather of her grandson.  There is a sleazy politician who sounds all too familiar , a wealthy television producer whose so also goes missing, and others who add to this plot.

I enjoy Harlan Coben’s writing and this book was no exception, although the story is a bit all over the place.  Despite this limitation, I found it an engrossing read.

****

You are Not Alone - Hendricks, Greer and Pekkanen, Sarah

You are Not Alone - Hendricks, Greer and Pekkanen, Sarah

Publication Date: March 3, 2020

She read

I didn’t want to put this book down!!!

Shay Miller is lonely and has lost her job.  The one thing seemingly holding her together is her obsession with recording data. Each short chapter is introduced with an excerpt from her journal where she cites relevant (to the plot) statistics.   When she witnesses a woman her age throwing herself in front of a subway car, she identifies a bit with this lost sole and becomes obsessed with finding out more about her.

As the story progresses, important background is slowly revealed as the narrative switches among characters and moves back and forth in time. I don’t want to reveal too much more about this book, but if you like mind games, treachery, deception, twists, then you will love You are Not Alone.

By the way, I also loved Hendricks and Pekkanen’s prior psychological novel, The Wife Between Us.

*****

The Unexpected Spy - Tracy Walder

The Unexpected Spy - Tracy Walder

Publication Date: Feb. 25, 2020

He and she read

CIA spy, FBI agent, history teacher/influencer.  This is the story of Tracy Walder,  born with floppy baby syndrome and the target of childhood bullying that stays with her all her life, despite her professional success.  It is also the story of the mysogyny rampant in government agencies and one woman’s desire to educate girls to change that environment.  It is a fascinating, engrossing read.

Quite a bit is redacted (the reader is warned about this in the beginning).  In most places, it doesn’t interfere. In fact, I found myself playing a form of Mad Libs, making up my own terms for the missing words.  However, in some instances, there were full paragraphs redacted and that made me very curious about what I was missing!


He also really liked this book
*****

One Day You'll Burn - Joseph Schneider

One Day You'll Burn - Joseph Schneider

She read

This police procedural, a debut novel,  is well written and highly recommended for those who enjoy this genre.

A badly burned corpse is at the center of this story, with the pursuit of a dog poisoner a secondary case.  The LA homicide squad who investigates these cases is composed of some unique characters, including rookie Detective Tully Jarsdel, a former academic with an almost completed PhD in history.  He is teamed with veteran detective Oscar Morales. This different slant on a police protagonist is refreshing.

An engrossing read, with strong and interesting character development, the somewhat macabre resolution of the case did not take away from my enjoyment of the book.  It is anticipated that this is the beginning of a series, and I look forward to the next one.

Children of the Stars - Mario Escobar

Children of the Stars - Mario Escobar

He and she read

Publication Date:  Feb. 25, 2020

This engrossing book is a testament to the spirit of hope and manifestation of love for mankind.

Jacob and Moses’ parents, having emigrated from Germany with the onslaught of WWII, leave them with their aunt while they seek work first in southern France and then Argentina.  The children are rounded up and taken to the Velodrome d’Hiver, as were 13,000 other Jewish citizens.  Through a sequence of luck and help of others, they escape not only the Velodrome but also series of other close calls.  Eventually, they make their way to the town in France to where their parents have emigrated, only to find that they were on their way to Argentina. Again, with assistance and luck, they make their way to  Le Chambon -sur-lignon.
It is here where we are introduced to historically real characters who did in fact welcome and assist many refugees. Eventually, the brothers realize they must head out on their own to make their way to Argentina.  Again, with the help of others as well as luck, they are on their way to being reunited.

There are many stories of good people helping during the atrocity that was the Holocaust.
Jacob and Moses story seems to be a compendium of many of those actions which made the overall action seem a bit implausible.  Yet, that did not deter from this compelling narrative.

To paraphrase a quote from the book, you can choose fear or love; when you choose fear, you make all the wrong decisions.  This book is truly a cautionary tale for our times


He also really liked this book
*****

Follow Me - Kathleen Barber

Follow Me - Kathleen Barber

She Read

Publication Date:  Feb. 25, 2020

Audrey Miller, an “influencer” with over a million followers has relocated from New York to Washington DC for her dream job where she is reunited with an old friend as well her ex boyfriend from college.  Foolishly renting an apartment over the internet, she finds the basement location to be lacking in security.  And, security is exactly what she needs as she is pursued by someone who has become obsessed with her via her online presence.

This is an engrossing, can’t put down quick read that is reflective of our social media crazed culture. Told from three different points of view, there are red herrings and surprising personalities. At times, the characters reminded me more of middle schoolers than mature functioning women holding down professional jobs……is that really endemic of that generation?  Or, is that what social media has done to us?

Not to be a spoiler, but……..see if  you can read this novel without putting it down and getting up to cover the webcam on your computer!!!!

All the Best Lies - Joanna Schaffhausen

All the Best Lies - Joanna Schaffhausen

She read

Publication Date:  Feb. 11, 2020

This is the third in the series featuring FBI agent Reed Markham and police officer Ellery Hathaway. As a young teenager, Ellery was kidnapped, raped, and tortured; she was rescued by Markham. Now an adult, Hathaway has formed a close relationship with Markham.
They team up to solve the brutal murder of Hathaway’s mother, some forty years ago.

I couldn’t put this book down.  Its intriguing plot and strong character development compelled me to keep reading on and on. It earns a rare five stars from me.

Although I don’t feel that I missed anything by not having read the prior two novels in this series, I definitely want to go back and read them.

The Janes - Louisa Luna

The Janes - Louisa Luna

She read

This is the second in the Alice Vega/Max Caplan series.  I read and liked the first one.  This time, they team up to investigate the deaths of two “Jane Does” suspected to be victims of human trafficking.

Yes, some of the action is a bit implausible, it took me a while to get through the story, and there was a lot of violence; yet, I liked the book.  The characters and dynamic between them is what makes the story work.

  ****

The Tenant - Katrine Engberg

The Tenant - Katrine Engberg

She and he read

This is a Nordic noir novel, so it is characteristically a bit dark.  That said, I really liked it.  Clever plot, good character development, well written, fast reading; I couldn’t put it down.  I look forward to more from this author.  

He liked it as well

Trace Elements - Donna Leon

Trace Elements - Donna Leon

She read

Publication Date:  March 13, 2020

I am a huge fan of Donna Leon’s Guido Brunetti series and have read and loved all 29 of them.  As is often the case in this series, Leon’s writing is at its best when it is concerned with the domestic affairs and exchanges of the Brunetti family or Guido’s interaction with the colorful supporting characters in his Questura.   And, one always learns something from these books; in this case, it is the testing of the water system serving the Veneto.

It almost doesn’t matter what the case involves, for Brunetti’s charming approach to solving it and his unique, albeit cynical view of the concept of justice as it applies to the Italian legal system is foremost.  

For anyone new to Donna Leon, this certainly can be read as a stand alone, but why deprive yourself?  Go back to the beginning of the series and enjoy getting to know all of her memorable characters. It is a joy to read such a literate writer.

*****

The Sacrament - Olaf Olafsson

The Sacrament  -  Olaf Olafsson

She read


This is a  novel of longing and memory, beautifully written.  Sister Joanna’s story is told from various time frames, as a young student in France, a nun asked to investigate possible abuse at a church school in Iceland, a return trip at the request of a former student, and as an aging sister living a comfortable, simple life back in France.  

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