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.  

 ****