Freyja, by Margret Ann Thors
The Icelandic setting is the big appeal in this author’s inaugural effort. Traumatized protagonist, trying to remember her past before tragedy can ruin her present.
Read MoreThe Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton, by Jennifer N. Brown
A history-mystery! Jennifer N. Brown takes a genuine mystery from the tumultuous period of Tudor England and Henry VIII, and spins a tale of mystery, murder, and suspense. Great to take along on vacation.
Read MoreThe Keeper, by Tana French
Third and final novel of the Cal Hooper trilogy, The Keeper is a gripping mystery, set in beautiful rural Ireland, with a very appealing protagonist. French is so much more than a mystery writer, although she is expert at that.
Read MoreJackson Brodie Novels, by Kate Atkinson
Best read in order for maximum enjoyment, the Jackson Brodie series by Kate Atkinson is great fun, with the protagonist someone you will enjoy spending time with.
Read MoreAfter That, the Dark, the Fifth Cameron Winter Mystery by Andrew Klavan
The fifth in the Cameron Winter Mystery series, Winter finds love, and a past case finds him, threatening his newfound stability and peace. Well written, highly suspenseful with great plotting and propulsive action.
Read MoreThe Impossible Fortune, by Richard Osman
Joyce, Elizabeth, Ibrahim, and Ron return with another exciting, entertaining mystery, the fifth in the series. Be sure to watch The Thursday Murder Club movie on Netflix, too.
Read MoreBroken Country, by Clare Leslie Hall
A coming-of-age novel, with two deep loves, a grievous loss, and a mystery all entwined. Well-crafted novel, a stand-out.
Read MoreThe Really Dead Wives of New Jersey, by Astrid Dahl
When two dead wives kill the reality tv show, the showrunner must find the killer. Sorry to say, a boring, predictable, uninspired waste of time.
Read MoreDeath at the Sign of the Rook, by Kate Atkinson
Kate Atkinson brings us the sixth Jackson Brodie mystery book, yet it can be your first with complete enjoyment. My new favorite mystery writer.
Read MoreBeautiful Ugly, by Alice Feeney
Another twisty Gordian knot of mystery from Alice Feeney. Just ignore the tiresome feminist banalities.
Read MoreButter, by Asako Yuzuki
Fascinating psychological mystery linking food, serial murder, and Japanese culture.
Read MoreThe God of the Woods, by Liz Moore
A crime novel that succeeds on several levels, and perhaps among the best novels this year.
Read MoreThe Blue Hour, by Paula Hawkins
A twisted psychological thriller set in a wildly beautiful island, equal parts creative art, sex, and murder.
Read MoreThe Mistletoe Mystery. by Nita Prose
A cozy mystery novella, to enjoy with hot chocolate after Christmas shopping!
Read MoreA Woman Underground, by Andrew Klavan
The fourth book in the excellent Cameron Winter mystery series by Andrew Klavan.
Read MoreWe Solve Murders, by Richard Osman
Richard Osman returns with a new cast of amateur murder detectives. You will probably grow to love them as much as the Thursday Murder Club gang.
Read MoreMurder Road, by Simone St. James
If you like ghosts with your serial murder, you will enjoy St James’s latest— set on a lonely stretch of road in backwoods Michigan.
Read MoreMariette in Ecstasy, by Ron Hansen
In this Easter season, I share my views on my favorite novel, by the fine author, Ron Hansen.
Read MoreThe Hunter, by Tana French
The second book in a mystery series by French; enjoy the suspenseful story of an American making his home in rural Ireland, and the trouble that finds him here, despite his desire for a peaceful life.
Read MoreMurder By Degrees, by Ritu Mukerji
A female medical doctor in 1875 Philadelphia is drawn into a murder investigation, her patient the victim. An ambitious first novel, with some weaknesses, but a worthwhile read.
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