Last Seen Alive - Joanna Schaffhausen

 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

 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

 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

 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

 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

 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

 The Archivist - Rex Pickett

She read

I’ve never written a review this short and to the point: an incredibly ponderous read.

***