Buried in Secret - Viveca Sten

 Buried in Secret - Viveca Sten

She read

Publication Date: Jan. 11, 2022

This is the tenth in the Sandhamm Murders series; it is the first I have read.  Although it was OK as a standalone, there was constant reference to something that occurred in the past (I assume in a prior book).  It was not fully explained, and I would have liked to know more about it, especially since it had such an impact on one of the main characters.

The remains of a skeleton are found when excavating on a small island.  As the police look into missing persons cases, there are two possibilities. I liked how the story focused on the personal lives of not only the two possible victims, but also the professional personnel involved in the case.  I also liked how the details leading to the disappearance of both missing persons  was interwoven through the book, slowly unfolding. I did not like the character, Nora, at all…self destructive people always annoy me.

This was an engrossing read.  Once it got going, after about 60%, I couldn’t put it down. Although this takes place in Sweden, I didn’t see it as classic “Nordic noir”. It didn’t have that cold, dark, bleak, foreboding quality.  It was much lighter, set in the summer by the sea. There was some social criticism as relates to police cutbacks, but that is certainly not unique to the Nordic countries and I have read that a lot recently both in American and British books.  

I do look forward to reading the next in the series; I hope that Nora will have recovered from her recent troubles and will be presented as a stronger, healthier individual.  If I ever find the time, I may go back and read some of the prior books in the series. 

*****

The Lost Daughter - Elena Ferrante

 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

 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

 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

 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.

88888

Olga Dies Dreaming - Xóchitl González

 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

 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.  

****