One More Kill - Carolyn Arnold

 One More Kill - Carolyn Arnold

She read

Publication Date: Oct. 19, 2021

This is the ninth in the Brandon Fisher FBI series; it is the first one I have read.  It features a team from the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) pursing a particularly brutal, depraved serial killer. The point of view of the narration changed from chapter to chapter and, although I have read many other books that use this technique, it took some getting used to in this story. 

There is good character development and, although it works well as a standalone, having read some of the prior novels might have given more information about the team. 

****

Gated Prey - Lee Goldberg

 Gated Prey - Lee Goldberg

She read

Publication Date:  Oct. 26, 2021

This is the third in the Detective Eve Ronin series; it is the second one I have read and really enjoyed.  

Eve is a minor celebrity, as some of her actions in the past were caught on video, went viral, and, much to the consternation of some in the LA County Sheriff Department,  led to her early promotion to detective. While she has some supporters within the department, there are still others out to get her.  Eve is relentless in her pursuit of criminals, while somehow maintaining a sense of humor and resonance with the reader. Her quick thinking and ability to read clues indicate she is well deserved of her promotion. I enjoy the caricature of Duncan, Eve’s partner; I will miss him when he finally retires.    

This book was well written and fast moving with good character development.  I read a lot of mysteries/police procedurals; this series seems to be a cut above so many others.  This reads well as a standalone, but it should encourage readers to seek out the first two books in the series. 

*****

Once Upon a Wardrobe - Patti Callahan

 Once Upon a Wardrobe - Patti Callahan

She read

Publication Date: Oct. 19, 2021

This is not my typical book; I’m not a CS Lewis fan nor do I like fantasy. However, I previously read Callahan’s Becoming Mrs. Lewis which, although it took me a while to engage with, I really liked.

Callahan writes beautifully and this was such an imaginative way to share some of CS Lewis’ life.  There are many superlatives I could use here (and others have)…..

heartwarming, captivating.  Suffice it to say, if you enjoy reading good writing, be sure to put this on your TBR list.  

*****

Last Girl Ghosted - Lisa Unger

 Last Girl Ghosted - Lisa Unger

She read

Publication Date: Oct. 5, 2021

At times, I found this story to be all over the place and, at least in the beginning, had some difficulty distinguishing who was who. There was a lot here, representing so many of societal ills.  

It bothered me that someone who is supposed to be a capable young woman, albeit damaged from early trauma, would be so entranced by someone who obviously is up to no good.  

While this book didn’t quite do it for me, I did feel that it had an important message about the dangers of social media and online dating. It wasn’t quite my “cup of tea”, but I’m sure others will like it. 

  

***

For Malice and Mercy - Gary Toyn

 For Malice and Mercy - Gary Toyn

She and he read

I thought I had just about had it with reading World War II novels; I’ve read so many over the last two years.  But, this one was well worth it.  The story is beautifully told and exposes some history of that era with which many of us are not familiar….how the United States treated many of its German citizens.  Near the end of the book, it is revealed why so many of us are not knowledgeable about it.  Ditto the history of and conduct toward the WASPS. 

There are religious aspects throughout, but they are not overdone and interweave well with the story. It is an engrossing read, with strong characters who will make an impression on many readers. The title is perfectly descriptive….here, we encounter malice as well as mercy.

Lest the reader doubt the authenticity of some of the actions, Toyn, who has done extensive research, used end of chapter notes to identify real life events on which they were based.  I liked this method of citation rather than footnotes or end of chapter notes.  No need for the reader to Google!

He is reading it also and really likes it.

*****

Murder Now and Then - Faith Martin

 Murder Now and Then - Faith Martin

She read

Publication Date: Sept. 23, 2021

This is the nineteenth DI Hillary Martin novel; I have read and enjoyed two others. Hillary lives on a narrowboat and drives a car she has tagged “Puff the Tragic Wagon”; that gives you a little insight into her character.  I like Hillary although her presence didn’t seem as strong in this novel as in the others I read.  

Still, it was a decent, absorbing police procedural, albeit Martin’s team, charged with investigating cold cases, is a little unconventional.  

****

Her Secret War - Pam Lecky

 Her Secret War - Pam Lecky

She read

Publication Date: Oct. 14, 2021

It seems the past few years I have read quite a few World War II era books, especially those that focus on women’s heroism.  This one has a bit of a different perspective in that it starts out with the bombing of North Strand, Dublin, Ireland (who knew Dublin had been bombed?)  and moves to England.

The story was interesting, although somewhat predictable.Yet, it was suspenseful waiting for the predictable to happen.  I liked Sarah; she is bright, charming, and strong.  I don’t know the author’s intent, but I’d love to see her featured in a sequel.  

 ****

Wish You Were Here - Jodi Picoult

 Wish You Were Here - Jodi Picoult

She read

Publication Date:

 Nov. 30, 2021

If someone is going to chronicle the Covid years, let it be prolific, best selling author, Jodi Picoult. She has successfully tackled many tough topics in the past and Wish You Were Here adds to that body of work.

This novel touches on the gamut of experiences and emotions surrounding Covid. It’s tough reading about the experiences of patients and health care professionals….but its important because, as she points out, Covid is NOT the flu. As with the main character, Diana, living in the time of Covid has caused many of us to reexamine our lives and what is important, who we are, and what  we need.

As usual, Picoult’s research is thorough and readers learn some interesting and diverse info.  She portrays Isabela Island so vividly that you can see it in your mind’s eye.

I don’t want to reveal a spoiler…so I will just say this…if you find the beginning of the novel less than satisfying (as I did)….keep reading. And, please, do read the author’s note at the end.

*****

1979 - Val McDermid

 1979 - Val McDermid

He and she read

Publication Date: Oct. 5, 2021

I enjoy Val McDermid’s novels, especially her Inspector Karen Pirie series.  Known for her crime fiction, this time she approaches it from  the world of Scottish journalism in 1979. McDermid creates a good sense of time and place with colorful, interesting characters.  The plot is solid and the tension builds throughout the story.

This is tagged as Allie Burns #1, so I look forward to the next one in this new series and seeing Allie grow as an investigative journalist

He read it and also really liked it.

*****

April in Spain - John Banville

 April in Spain - John Banville

She read

Publication date: Oct. 5, 2021

This was  slow in the beginning, but once it got going, it was a well written, enjoyable read.  Character development is strong, although may of them are flawed… atmospheric with Insight into some Irish history and culture 

Set primarily in San Sebastián during the era of Franco,  a good sense of time and place is created.

More literary fiction than thriller, this  is the eighth in a series, but the first one I have read.  It works well as a stand alone. 

****

Out of Love - Hazel Hayes

 Out of Love - Hazel Hayes

She read

A relationship ends; its story is told in reverse.  This was a creative approach to a romance unraveling that I felt was successful in trying to understand what went wrong.

It was well written and poignant, with a realistic examination of family, damaged psyches, and people trying to make their way in the world.  At times, near the end (which was the beginning of the relationship!), it did drag a bit, but overall a decent read. 

****

Bring Her Home - S.A. Dunphy

 Bring Her Home - S.A. Dunphy

She read

Publication Date: Sept. 3, 2021

This is the first in what is to be the Boyle and Keneally series.  It is somewhat unique in that it teams together a detective, a profiler, and an historian.

The beginning reminded me of a “Criminal Minds” episode with its emphasis on serial killers and their psychopathic minds.  Then it evolved into a decent police procedural but, to me, it then descended into a bit of absurdity.

I liked the technique of interspersing the action with short chapters providing the backgrounds of the various characters.  I also enjoyed learning a bit of Irish mythology/culture.

The ending sets up the next in the series.  I really liked the characters and their interactions.  I just hope the next plot is a bit less incredulous. 

****