The Lost Daughter - Elena Ferrante
She read
I read this short novella quickly before the release of the Netflix movie upon which it is based. I am familiar with Ferrante’s writing, having read all of her novels. As always, Ferrante taps into some deep feelings and internal conflicts that many people have had a tone time or another. Poignant observations, and a bit unsettling.
****
A Fatal Night - Faith Martin
She read
This is the seventh in the Ryder and Loveday mystery series. Although it is the third I have read, I think it would work well as a standalone.
This one takes place on New Year’s Eve, 1962, back to a time before cell phones and internet; it seems an appropriate setting for an English mystery set in Oxford. Ryder is the aging local coroner, while Loveday is a young constable trying to be accepted as a serious police officer, no easy feat in that era. This likable pair have teamed up successfully before in other cases. A new character introduced is Ryder’s handsome son who seems quite taken by Constable Loveday and joins in the mystery solving.
All of the Martin books I have read have solid stories; more substantial than “cosy” mysteries, yet still pleasant reads (even though murders take place!).
Set during a time of epic snow storms, A Fatal Night is especially atmospheric.
If you enjoy this book, try Martin’s others in the series, as well as her DI Hillary Greene novels.
Desolation Canyon - PJ Tracy
She read
Publication Date: Jan. 18, 2022
This is the second in the Detective Margaret Nolan series. In the first, the Sam Easton, a wounded veteran suffering from PTSD, was introduced and I thought he was the most developed character in the book. In this one, we see more of Nolan, although Easton remains a central force in the book as well.
There are a number of story threads that eventually all conveniently come together . It is a fast read, with chapters that move along at a nice pace. I felt that there were some questions left on answered. Although the second in the series, it works well as a standalone. I look forward to the next one!
Give Unto Others - Donna Leon
She read; he will read
Publication Date: March 15, 2022
Donna Leon’s I latest Brunetti novel was a Christmas gift I gave to myself. Although not to be published until March, I received a copy from NetGalley early. I was saving it until closer to the publication date, but on a particularly bleak day leading up to Christmas. I just had to read it.
I love this series…the writing, the characters, the setting, the Venetian idea of justice.
What a joy to read such a literate writer; and I think this may be her best. Yes, this is her 31st, and I have looked forward to and read all of them.
In this story, an old family acquaintance of Brunetti seeks his assistance. Leon writes in such a vividly descriptive manner that you feel you are actually in the room with characters. Interwoven throughout the story is the pandemic, along with Leon’s typically sharp observations. An illustration: Brunetti’s musing as to whether this “disease” infects all of our thoughts.
It was so nice to visit again with all the familiar players, stroll past familiar Venetian landmarks, stopping for a coffee along the way. For anyone new to Brunetti, this 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 these memorable characters.
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Olga Dies Dreaming - Xóchitl González
She and he read
Publication Date: Jan. 4, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. There are political, cultural, social, familial, personal stories that all come together in a very readable novel.
Although a fictionalized story, it is certainly eyeopening regarding America’s colonization of Puerto Rico, and especially the disgraceful treatment of the island and it’s AMERICAN residents after Hurricane Maria. And, of course, behind it all is the greedy lust for money as well as racism. The reader also sees how greed has helped destroy some of the small tight knit neighborhoods of New York City.
This is not necessarily a fast read and the ending does seem a bit rushed, but it is a book I would put on a “should read” list.
He also really liked it.
*****
Darkness Falls - Robert Bryndza
She read
The third of the Kate Marshall books, this is a new series for me and I am glad I discovered it. Although I wish I had read the prior works because I really enjoyed this one, it worked well as a standalone. Bryndza writes a nicely plotted, fast paced story with good character development. Although the solution to this cold case wasn’t a big surprise, I still found the red herrings plausible and the book a “can’t put down”. Bryndza created a good sense of place; I could picture the beautiful coastal scenery as well as feel the vicissitudes of the weather. I look forward to the next in this series.
Last Seen Alive - Joanna Schaffhausen
She read
Release Date: Jan. 25, 2021
I like Schaffhausen’s works and because I had read a few disappointing novels in a row, I chose this as my next read. This is the fifth in the Ellery Hathaway/Reed Markham series; it is the third that I have read. As a young teenager, Ellery was kidnapped, raped, and tortured by a serial killer; she was rescued by FBI agent Markham. Now an adult, Hathaway has become a police officer in Boston. The relationship between the two has had ups and downs, affected by the traumatic after effects of her ordeal.
Reunited again when the imprisoned monster is willing to give information about another victim if Ellery visits him and the media wants to film it, Hathaway and Markham make a good team. Although the story is a bit of a stretch and quite graphic, it is still a can’t put down engrossing read. It also says a lot about how the media plays with the lives of victims. As usual, there is great character development and it is interesting to see how both Ellery and Markham have grown over the years.
Although this could work as a standalone, I think one would get more out of it if at least a few of the prior novels have been read. Schaffhausen is a good writer and if this genre appeals to you, her books are worth a read.
****
True Crime Story - Joseph Knox
She read
This is a work of fiction that presents as non fiction. It may even make the reader feel inclined to Google the victim to find out more about the “case”!!! The author utilizes an intriguing format of emails between a writer investigating a missing young woman and the true crime author of the book, as well as verbatim interviews with various individuals involved in the case, along with some author notes. Unfortunately, this technique just didn’t work for me. It slugged along and I kept finding myself skimming the pages.
I felt the story focused too much on the other characters and there ended up, for me, being some confusion about Zoe and her life. In addition, for some reason, the solution seemed like a let down to me. I’ve used a lot of personal pronouns in these comments because, while this book didn’t work for me, there are other readers who will enjoy it.
Small Things Like These - Claire Keegan
She read
This novella tackles an important topic, the Magdalene Laundries and how the Catholic Church as well as its parishioners silently conspired to cover them up. Keegan created a good sense of time and place and despite the heavy subject, wove a redemptive Christmas story. A worthwhile (albeit short) read.
*****
Deadly Little Lies - Stephanie DeCarolis
She read
Based on all the high ratings in readers’ reviews, I must have missed something here. I did like the story, but it took a long time to get there. For a good part of the book, there was a lot of ruminating and whining and I found myself doing a LOT of skimming. Yes, I didn’t want to put it down, but that was because I wanted to get over with it quickly…seems there were a lot of the same thoughts and activities over and over
After about half way through, the book moved along a little better and, for me, improved as it approached the ending. I didn’t really like or empathize or sympathize with the female characters.
City of the Dead - Jonathan Kellerman
She read
Publication Date: Feb. 8, 2022
This is the 37th book in the series and I have read all of them. Obviously, I enjoy the investigative duo of Detective Milo Sturgis and psychologist Alex Delaware, as well as all the supporting characters and look forward to each new addition. Whenever I crack open a Kellerman book, I can’t seem to put it down.
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.
The plot is intriguing and one where Alex’s private practice and his role as consultant to the police intersect.
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 Cartographer's Secret - Tea Cooper
She read
Despite it centering on the disappearance of a young woman, this is a very sweet story. Initially, it switches between two timelines, telling the related stories of Evie Ludgrove in the 1880s and her niece, Lettie in 1911. I thought some of the Evie story a tad tedious, and was glad when Lettie’s tale became primary. It was interesting to read historical fiction from Australia and I liked the strong female protagonists, Evie, Lettie, and, especially Oliva, Evie’s aunt. The author’s descriptions of time and place were evocative; I could almost feel the warm, humid weather and smell many of the scents described. Throw in some family intrigue and this was an enjoyable read.
The Archivist - Rex Pickett
She read
I’ve never written a review this short and to the point: an incredibly ponderous read.
