The Dare - Lesley Kara

 The Dare - Lesley Kara

She read

The back story builds via alternating timelines, revealing some surprises.  This is a suspenseful, psychological thriller that is a fast read, because you won’t want to put it down.  I read it in a day.

****

The Last Emperor of Mexico - Edward Shawcross

 The Last Emperor of Mexico: The Dramatic Story of the Habsburg Archduke Who Created a Kingdom in the New World - Edward Shawcross

He read

I've read quite a few books about this period in Mexican history. This was one of the most comprehensive, well written, and highly readable. I felt as though I was reading a novel, with all the historical facts presented in a well researched, accurate manner.

*****

The Husbands - Chandler Baker

 The Husbands - Chandler Baker

She read

I typically do not enjoy any novel where you have to suspend belief.  However, The Husbands was an enjoyable read.  Perhaps because so much of it touched that third rail of reality in marriages. It was more satire than sci-fi, more humor than drama….insightful and, unfortunately, for so many women, highly relatable.  I’m going to encourage my husband to read it!!!!!

****

The Darkness Knows - Arnaldur Indriosason

 The Darkness Knows - Arnaldur Indriòason

She read

Some of the reviews I read put me off a bit; they made the book seem a bit darker than I thought it was and the character not very likable in this Nordic Noir.  I didn’t find the main character, Konrád that negative or disagreeable. Yes, he has had a hard life, but despite an abusive childhood, physical deformity, his anguished bereavement following the death of his wife, and his forced retirement, it seems maybe he is getting himself together.  He enjoys his family and is dogged in finding out the truth about a crime he couldn’t solve years ago.

Some might think it surprising the new information that comes to light or the clear memories thirty years later.  However, just watch some episodes of Dateline and it might not be so surprising.

I enjoyed this book and did not feel it was slow placed.  I also found it interesting learning a bit about Icelandic history and culture.

There were a few plot lines.  Some were resolved; others perhaps left open for the second book in the Detective Konrád series.  

****

The Slow March of Light -Heather B. Moore

 The Slow March of Light - Heather B. Moore

She and he read

In strife, a heart warming story.  Based on a real character, this book was well researched and very readable.  I enjoyed the historical perspective and learning more about life in both East and West Germany during the Cold War  The blending of fictional characters with the life experiences of Bob Inama worked well.

He also liked it.

****

The Dark Remains - William McIllvanney and Ian Rankin

The Dark Remains - William McIllvanney and Ian Rankin

She read

Publication Date: Sept. 7, 2021

Exposing the grittier side of Glasgow in the 1970s, this is not an action packed thriller, but rather an old fashioned who done it.

William McIllvanney’s death in 1995 left his last manuscript featuring Laidlaw unfinished. Ian Rankin has skillfully completed it. 

Hugely atmospheric, it is the unique and colorful characters rather than the mystery itself that make this book. I haven’t read the other Laidlaw novels, but did enjoy this one. It is actually a prequel, introducing the Laidlaw character. It would be interesting now to read the earlier novels that feature the later Laidlaw!

****

 

The Heron's Cry - Ann Cleeves

 The Heron's Cry - Ann Cleeves

She read

Publication Date: Sept. 7, 2021

How have I missed Ann Cleeves these past years?  This is the first book of hers that I have read.  It is the second in a series and I liked it so much I am going back to read the first one.

I read a lot of mysteries and found Cleeves’ writing to be a bit above a lot of the other authors. Well written, with good character development, Cleeves will have you guessing throughout.  Stressing characters and plot rather than action or police procedural, this is an engrossing read that I didn’t want to put down.  Although many of the repeating players had their own individual neuroses, I enjoyed all of them.  

As an aside, I loved the description of North Devon and all the lovely gardens.  Sigh!

If you are looking for a well written, character rather than action driven novel, I recommend The Heron’s Cry.  

**** 1/2

The Night She Disappeared - Lisa Jewell

 The Night She Disappeared -- Lisa Jewell

She read.

Publication Date: Aug. 7, 2021

Lisa Jewell has written another enthralling, can’t put down mystery.  I finished it in two sittings.  Told from multiple timelines and points of view (a device frequently and successfully employed by Jewell),  what happened to the the missing couple is steadily revealed. 

Jewell is an excellent story teller with strong character development. In addition to a solid mystery, there is a lot here about relationships and the danger of a wealthy, spoiled, narcissistic, charismatic, manipulative individual. 

By the way, I really liked the character of Sophia and I could see her becoming a recurring player for the author.  

****

In My Dreams I Hold a Knife - Ashley Winstead

 In My Dreams I Hold a Knife - Ashley Winstead

She read

Publication Date: Aug. 8, 2021

I guess I am in the minority here but I just did not like this book.  I thought it adolescent.

On the positive side, it was well written and the dual timeline was an effective device.  

On the other side, I found the characters so unlikable I could barely finish the book; I really had to push myself to get through it.  They are all shallow, self possessed, narcissistic.  Ten years after college and you would have thought they had matured a bit…but, no.

***

Her Deadly Touch -- Lisa Regan

 Her Deadly Touch - Lisa Regan

She read

Publication Date:  Aug. 12, 2021

I like Lisa Regan’s Josie Quinn detective series; this is the 12th in the series, the fifth I have read. 

Josie is still fragile after losing her beloved grandmother in the last book’s case. Returning to work after a leave, she is perhaps not as strong as she has been in the past and more vulnerable, but every bit as intelligent and competent. The plot and subplots are a bit complex, but do tie together. Everyone, it seems, has a secret, so there are lots of red herrings and twists. There are a number of characters, but each one is distinct enough to not be confusing. 

As Josie deals with her loss (and the author copes with her own loss while writing this book), grief and especially the guilt that can accompany it are threaded throughout.  If only we could deal with the “if only” in our lives. 

Fast paced,  I didn’t want to put this book down.  Although I thought this one was a bit of a stretch, I still enjoyed it.

I always appreciate revisiting the repeating characters in Josie’s life.  Although this would work as a stand alone, I think it will be appreciated more by those who have read others in the series and are familiar with Josie’s personal story. 

If you like police procedurals/thrillers, and are not familiar with Lisa Regan, I would recommend her.  I can’t wait for the next one!

****