WHEN GHOSTS COME HOME by Wiley Cash

Cash lives up to his early promise and surpasses A LAND MORE KIND THAN HOME in this family oriented, murder mystery, plane crash, racial tension, political story. That sounds like a lot, but Cash expertly guides the reader through this complicated, but easy to follow, tale right through to its explosive conclusion. Winston Barnes, a small-town Southern sheriff, discovers a too large plane crashed at the local airport along with the murdered body of a local, young Black man. Complications abound with the upcoming sheriff’s election, a grief-stricken daughter suddenly landing on his doorstep, a conniving developer who is also his political opponent, and now, a resurgence of Klan type bedeviling of the Black community. Cash deftly delivers the atmosphere of a Southern town, well developed characters, believable situations and a tightly conceived plot. Book groups will find a number of topics for discussion. Well worth your time even if you were disappointed in Cash’s last two books. 5 of 5 stars

THE PARIS BOOKSELLER by Kerri Maher

I was half way through this book before I realized it is essentially an accurate and lengthy biography of Sylvia Beach and her English language bookshop. Beach and her Paris shop, “Shakespeare and Company”, hosted many of the writers and thinkers of the early half of the 20th century. She came to fame with her publication of James Joyce’s Ulysses when no one else would publish it. In fact, America had declared it pornography and prevented it from being published or sold in the US. The novel also covers her relationship with Adrienne Monnier and Monnier’s French language bookshop. Both women were sponsors of American, French and British writers. The novel is well researched and well written but gets bogged down in the details. Joyce, Ulysses, Hemingway and Pound by themselves along with Beach could have made a fascinating tale that moved more quickly and kept the reader’s interest from flagging. Still, the history alone makes the book worth reading. Personally, I could have done with a hundred fewer pages. 3 of 5 stars

THE MAN WHO DIED TWICE by Richard Osman

This second outing for the Thursday Murder Club is just as much fun as the first. We learn a bit more about each of four members, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim as they meet Elizabeth’s ex-husband, also a former (or current?) member of MI5. The fun begins with 20 million in stolen (or not?) diamonds, continues with an attack on Ibrahim, a murder and several more murders. Will Elizabeth and company be able to outwit the Mafia, international thieves, hired killers, renegade officers and other assorted baddies while the laughs keep coming? Osman keeps the group moving while continuing the gentle humor and advancing the intricate plot. He has a good feel for folks in their seventies who do not feel “over the hill”, but are active and engaged. His plot will keep you wondering until the last pages. Altogether a fun read that will keep you engaged. 5 0f 5 stars

THE JUDGE’S LIST by John Grisham

This one grabs you on the first page and doesn’t let go until the end. A sitting judge may be a serial killer. The daughter of one of his victims is sure of it and informs Lacy Stolz still working for the Board on Judicial Conduct. Although not an investigative body, the BJC decides they will “look into” the allegation. That is when the fun begins. Grisham is at or near his best here. There are a few spots where the action drags a bit, but you may need the breather. Lacy and Allie’s on again, off again romance is also front and center. A fun and scary way to spend a few afternoons or evenings. 5 of 5 stars

THE CHILBURY LADIES CHOIR by Jennifer Ryan

This was much better than I expected! I was expecting a syrupy sweet little tale and got a sprawling story of people: interesting people, who lived and changed and grew larger with each page. It is also a story of war – how fear and loss change people and places. Of course, there are also secrets, spies, skullduggery, lies, love, friendship, betrayal, kindness, faith, redemption, and the joy of music. Music and its ability to heal wounds, cross barriers and sooth hurting souls is the component that binds all the elements of the book into a pleasing and wondrous whole. Book groups will love this book. It offers a myriad of topics for discussion as well as enough plot elements to make every reader happy. 5 of 5 stars

SPEAKING IN BONES by Kathy Reichs

Dr. Temperance Brennan is a forensic anthropologist, which means they study bones to determine how people lived, but in her case mostly how they died. When an odd woman shows up in her office with a tale of old bones, missing people, and murder, the doctor is intrigued. The bones in question are already in her lab. What will the bones say? Reichs uses all her professional knowledge to create a terrifying tale of murder, warped faith, family secrets and more. Along with bones, Tempe is also dealing her relationship with Canadian policeman Ryan. If you are new to Dr. Brennan, (this is the 17th novel in the series), you may need to do some catching up to fully understand some of the plot details. If you are a Tempe fan, this outing is deliciously evil. 5 of 5 stars

THE SANTA SUIT by Mary Kay Andrews

The Santa Suit is a very sweet story about a house that hasn’t been lived in for years, the suit of clothes worn by the former resident as he for many years portrayed Santa and the disillusioned young woman who is attempting to bring the house, and herself, back to life. Andrews is a master of creating real characters and believable situations in well plotted books. The Santa Suit is a prime example of her expertise. This is a feel good tale that won’t tax your brain but will renew your belief in the goodness of people and the charms of small town life. Well worth an afternoon, or two, of sitting, sipping sweet tea, and getting into a good story. 5 0f 5 stars

THE MAID by Nita Prose

This is an intriguing book. The main character and narrator is Molly, a maid at an exclusive hotel. Molly is a perfectionist and a bit strange to others. She lives with her Gran and sees everything in black and white until……… a murder takes place at the hotel and Moly is the one who finds the body. Friendship, truth, justice, our perception of those somewhat different, all play a part in the resolution of who killed Mr. Black. Once begun, it is difficult to put this book down. Molly is a character you sympathize with and yet don’t quite understand, just as she doesn’t quite understand the world. She is fascinating just as the book is fascinating. Book groups will love discussing this book. Readers will be fascinated by Molly. This one is really unput-down-able. 5 of 5 stars

BLIND TIGER by Sandra Brown

I don’t usually read Brown, but I got this as an ARC. Moonshine, murder, false accusations, a pretty girl, corrupt politicians, what more could you want! When the stranger to town becomes the default sheriff, and the pretty girl is a target of the bad guys who abound in this 1920’s Texas thriller, the reader is in for an entertaining afternoon or two. Tight plot, well drawn characters and an interesting premise make this a sure fire hit. By the way, a “blind tiger” is an illegal saloon and this is prohibition in Texas! 5 of 5 stars

THE PRESIDENT’S DAUGHTER by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

This second outing of Clinton and Patterson is the same kind of heart pounding thriller as their first book. The President, a former SEAL, leaves behind his security crew and searches for his kidnapped daughter alone. Off to a slow start but soon is full of action and daring-do. 5of 5 stars for the genre

DIAL “A” FOR AUNTIES by Jessie Q Sutanto

An accidental murder, a collection of “helpful” aunties in an Indonesian/Chinese immigrant family, a wedding at a posh estate, and a wedding cake cart that appears and disappears all combine for a comedy of errors. Deftly plotted with a cast of developed characters, this funny novel is a winner for a light hearted afternoon read. 4 of 5 stars

THE BOOK OF LOST FRIENDS by Lisa Wingate

Two intertwined stories combine to tell this tale. One story tells of three women in 1875 heading to Texas from Louisiana searching for lost family members or lost fortunes. The second story concerns a first-year teacher in a tiny Mississippi River town and her uninterested students. In encouraging her students, Benedetta and her students discover a long lost book. Wingate did her research in discovering the background of the “Lost Friends” sections of some southern newspapers. Her research is the basis for this book Wingate always gives us well developed characters and well plotted tales. This book is no exception. 5 of 5 stars

THREE WORDS FOR GOODBYE by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

Estranged Sisters Clara and Madelaine are sent by their dying grandmother on a journey to Paris, Venice and Vienna as World War II approaches. In each city they are to deliver a letter to someone Grandmother Violet knew many years earlier. The trip is one of luxury - they take the Queen Mary first class to Paris – but fraught with the growing threat of Hitler. As the sisters complete the journey they discover much about themselves and about their grandmother and the life she lead forty years earlier. Secrets are discovered and sisterly affection may be rediscovered. An interesting story that unfolds in layers as the sisters travel. 4 of 5 stars

THE SECOND LIFE OF MIRIELLE WEST by Amanda Skenandore

This tragic story with a (relatively) happy ending follows the wife of a Hollywood star and mother to small children as she battles leprosy. In the 1920’s no cure is known for the disease and MIrielle is sent to The United States Marine Hospital Louisiana. Carville,as the leprosarium is known, is home to sufferers of Hanson’s Disease until they are cured and can return to normal society. Mirielle quickly discovers that Carville is akin to prison. When she attempts to steal out, she falls, breaks her arm, and then is sent to “Jail” for 30 days. The story follows her as she attempts to settle in to Carville, keep in touch with her two small daughters and husband, and prevent anyone “on the outside” from learning of her disease. Carville is presented is all its promise and despair. Based on true incidents and people SECOND LIFE is an intriguing and enlightening tale well worth your time. 5 of 5 stars

HONOR by Thrity Umrigar

HONOR by Thrity Umrigar India, a land of contradictions, is front and center in this novel of HONOR and how it can be used to hurt and even kill. Two women share the spotlight, Meena, dreadfully maimed by her brothers because she has brought dishonor to their family, and Smita, an American journalist who has her own reasons for avoiding India and all it has meant to her family and who is charged to write Meena’s story. This book was difficult to read and yet necessary to understanding the conflicting and conflicted women and men is this novel. The modern India of large cities and modern conveniences is balanced by the India of small villages where tribal leaders hold sway over men and women who live in primitive conditions. Muslim India is balanced by Hindu India, two “peaceful” faiths that bring about horrors beyond imagining when they come into conflict. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand the conflicts in India and by extension the conflicts in many parts of the world where men and women, Christian and Jew, Hindu and Muslim, orthodox and liberal, come into conflict. Well written and sympathetic, HONOR earns 5 of 5 stars

AT THE CHINESE TABLE -- Carolyn Phillips

This utterly delightful book combines memoir with recipes. The memoir portion consists of a fascinating account of the author’s years in Taiwan sparked by mouthwatering descriptions of the food she eats as she learns Mandarin and falls in love with the country, the cuisines of China and J H Huang. Along the way we are introduced to her imperious future mother-in-law who is won over with a time consuming, challenging recipe for a treat that hadn’t been tasted in 40 years by her now blissful MIL. Because I love to cook as much as I love to read and eat, I tried several of the recipes. Because I live in a city with a thriving Chinatown I was able to find most of the authentic ingredients. The recipes cover everything from beverages to main dishes to side dishes and condiments to even an odd “dessert” of “Coffee Gelee.” Simple strong coffee gelled with Knox unflavored gelatin and then coated with sweetened condensed milk became an odd favorite of my family. Not so simple but equally appreciated were Strange-Flavor Peanuts, Chilled Winter Melon and Bear Paw Doufu. The recipes were easy to follow once the ingredients were obtained. I highly recommend this book both as memoir and as cookbook. 5 of 5 stars

THE GUNCLE by Steven Rowley

THE GUNCLE by Steven Rowley Patrick, or GUP, or gay Uncle Patrick, becomes guardian to Masie, his 9 year old niece, and Grant, his 6 year old nephew, when their mother dies and their father enters rehab. This laugh out loud funny novel has great depth of empathy for grief and loss. In between the laughs you will find serious takes on family, love, neighbors, friends, enemies, hate, love, success, and a host of other life situations. Well written and empathetic but never preachy, this is a good novel for book groups with a wealth of topics for discussion. 5 of 5 stars

CODE ORANGE by Carolyn B Cooney

CODE ORANGE by Carolyn B Cooney Mitty is a typical slacker high schooler with a crush on the school brainiac. Mitty and Olivia need to research a biology paper. Olivia chooses typhoid fever, Mitty chooses smallpox. In his research Mitty happens on old envelope that says it contains smallpox scabs. Mitty, of course, opens and then smells and crumbles the scabs. Is he infected? Will he infect others? Who else is interested in smallpox, a disease that no longer exists – or does it? Mitty is well developed as is Olivia. The other characters are less well developed and are incidental to the plot. The plot is intricate and after a slow start is heart poundingly detailed. Good information on smallpox is given and is necessary for plot development. Teens will love this novel by a noted writer of YA books. Adults (and teens) will remember their high school days and identify with either Mitty or Olivia. 5 of 5 stars

The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews

THE NEWCOMER by Mary Kay Andrews Andrews is a master of the light Southern romance with a full-on mystery. This outing is one of her best yet. Letty, with a 4 year niece in tow, has been accused of murdering her sister and is on the run. Her sister always said if anything bad happened to her it would be Evan’s fault. Letty grabs Tanya’s go-bag (full of cash), her niece and runs. She ends up in a motel inhabited by retirees in Treasure Island, Florida where she attempts to avoid the owner’s son who just happens to be a police detective while trying to unravel her sister’s kinky past. Lots of fun with fully realized characters, a winner of a plot and warming romance. Lots to love here. 5 of 5 stars

SAVANNAH BREEZE by Mary Kay Andrews

SAVANNAH BREEZE by Mary Kay Andrews A fun light tale of two best friends. BEBE meets a new guy who turns out to be a crook and fleeces her of house, jewels, money, art, her grandparents money, everything – except a rundown motel being “managed” by a fisherman. Weezie, BeBe’s best friend, tries to help BeBe get her money back. A fine caper it is. Fully realized characters, a deft plot, a bit of hilarity, a bit of pathos, a great read for a lazy afternoon. 5 of 5 stars for the genre

A FALL OF MARIGOLDS by Susan Meissner

A dual story that uses the tragedies of Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire and 9-11 to link Clara, a nurse on Ellis Island, and Taryn, a Manhattan widow. A beautiful scarf with a colorful print of marigolds link the two women and their personal stories. Meissner’s careful research and deft storytelling make this a compelling read. Both women are damaged by loss and unable to find their way out of grief. Both bear terrible guilt and carry secrets that need to be told -- or kept hidden – to protect others. This story could have been maudlin or depressing but in Meissner’s hand the tale is one of hope and love. Her impeccable research, lively characters and unfolding plot make this a read well worth your time. Book groups will find a discussion of “what would I do” a valuable exercise in moral dilemma. 5 of 5 stars

MIDNIGHT AT THE BLACKBIRD CAFÉ by Heather Webber

Anna Kate has returned after many years and her grandmother’s death to the café her grandmother and mother owned. The locals believe the blackbirds come out of the forest every night at midnight and sing songs. Those who have eaten the “special pie” from the café dream messages from their dead loved ones. When Anna Kate inherits, the townspeople are worried the messages will stop and many birders come to see and hear the blackbirds and their unusual behavior. Fully formed characters and an interesting premise make this mystical romantic novel a step above the usual. Women’s groups especially will like this charming Southern romance/family novel. 4 of 5 stars

PROJECT HAIL MARY by Andy Weir

The sun is being eaten by an alien infestation. Mankind will cease to exist in 50 years. So… Project Hail Mary. Send a crew of scientists to a star that has beaten back the infestation and see how they did it. This being a seat of your pants thriller, things go wrong – quickly. Most of the crew dies. The one left can’t even remember his name, let alone what he is supposed to be doing. Then he meets another alien survivor. Great story. Believable situations. An intriguing alien society. Good writing. Weir even makes the science understandable. Well worth your time if you like sci-fi, or thrillers, or just a good story with a great ending. 5 of 5 stars

MRS. MARCH by Virginia Fietto

MRS. MARCH by Virginia Feitto The feeling of portending disaster looms from the very first page, The disturbing adjectives and descriptions add to the malevolence. I hated this book and loved it at the same time. The writing is wonderful. The character of Mrs. March spirals out of control splendidly. I don’t want to say much more because this book needs to be read without knowing even the basic plot. It is not quite a thriller, not quite a book of psychological horror. It is definitely a book that grabs you and then doesn’t let go until the shocking end. (Yes, I saw it coming, but didn’t want it to happen.) Did I “enjoy” reading this book. No, unequivocally. But it was a great book. Would I recommend it to my book group, No! Would I recommend it to a very select group of friends that I know well. Yes! 5 of 5 stars

KLARA AND THE SUN by Kazuo ishiguro

KLARA AND THE SUN by Kazuo Ishiguro Oh MY! I still am not quite sure what exactly was going on in this interesting Sci-fi (I think) novel that is ultimately unsatisfying. Yes, we know what happens to Klara, but we are still unsure exactly what happens with or to anyone else. Is josie happy? Is Rick happy? Is Mother happy? What happened to Melania Housekeeper? What happened to Rosa? What is “lifting? Why was Josie sick? Why was the Father “substituted” and what does that mean? So many questions. So few answers. This was just a very weird book. It kept my interest but now that I have finished the book I just don’t care about any of the characters (because they weren’t real!). 3 0f 5 stars for a frustrating read

ETERNAL by Lisa Scottolini

ETERNAL by Lisa Scottoline Marco, ELisabetta and Sandro are friends in the Eternal city – Rome -- as war comes ever closer. This novel follows them as World War II nears and then envelopes them and their families. Scottoline’s research is impeccable and it shows in her first historical novel. The story line is engaging and realistic. However, the writing is pedestrian. Narrative sections often read like an essay for a writing assignment. She details the scene by including the noise, smell, sound, sight and touch in consecutive sentences that simply do not flow well. Her characters tell each other exactly how they feel, then their facial expression, stance and gestures are described to give the reader the same information and, finally, the narrator of the story tells us in detail how the character thinks and feels. As the reader I am a bit insulted that Scottoline thinks so little of my powers of observation that I need to be told in three different ways what the characters feel or think. Book groups will like this take of WWII in Italy, the rise of Mussolini and Fascism, a love story with lots of angst, and characters whose ideals are challenged in many ways that conflict with love, family, faith and culture. Many comparisons can be drawn to today’s politics, BLM, cancel culture and other news worthy topics. 3 of 5 stars

WHISTLING PAST THE GRAVEYARD by Susan Crandall

WHISTLING PAST THE GRAVEYARD by Susan Crandall I was a white, Northern, college girl who had always attended integrated schools in 1963when this book takes place. I was shocked at the historically correct, blatant, racism portrayed in this book of southern Mississippi. If you are offended or triggered by historically correct terms, don’t read this book. That said, I loved this book. I loved Starla, the 10-year-old runaway: Eula, the young “colored” woman who befriends Starla; and Starla’s father. The characters are wonderful, clearly drawn and “real.” The time period and locale (1963 Mississippi) are shown with all the warts in place. The story is part coming of age, part social history and part murder mystery. The parts work together in a seamless tale that enthralls from the first page to the last. If Crandall’s other books are as good as this one, I have reading material for a month or two (I’m a fast reader). Book groups will have a wealth of discussion material with Starla and Eula. The book would lead to a great parent/child discussion. 5 of 5 stars

Tinder Box: The Iroquois Theater Disaster, 1903 by Anthony Hatch

Tinder Box: The Iroquois Theater Disaster, 1903 by Anthony P Hatch Six hundred and two people, mostly women and children, lost their lives in the fire even worse than the Great Chicago Fire that destroyed most of the city in 1873. The Iroquois Theater was advertised as “absolutely fireproof.” It was not. Hatch has written a very readable, but scholarly, look at the causes, failings, politics, and machinations of the owners, builders, managers, politicians, firemen and inspectors charged with safeguarding the lives entrusted to them. Illustrated by 30 pages of photographs and drawings and supported by personal interviews with survivors and voluminous research, he details the fire itself and the changes that resulted from the fire. Any group interested in history, fires or politics will find this an interesting and revealing look at the fire, what lead up to it and the changes it forced. 5 of 5 stars

THE NATURE OF FRAGILE THINGS by Susan Meissner

THE NATURE OF FRAGILE THINGS by Susan Meissner The devastating San Francisco Earthquake is the backdrop for this tale of marriage, lies, love, desperation, hope, secrets, murder, and justice. Sophie, an Irish immigrant with secrets, answers an advertisement for a mail order bride and becomes mother to a silent 5-year-old as well as wife to a man who becomes more secretive each day. The aftermath of the earthquake upends Sophie’s materially satisfying, though lonely and confusing, life. As her home is destroyed, she finds out one of her husband’s secrets. Sophie and Kat try to make a new life amid loss, fear, and more secrets. Meissner’s ability to combine great research with actual events and wonderful characters into a thrilling tale reveals a devious and intriguing plot that is satisfying resolved. Lots here for a lively book group discussion. 5 of 5 stars

FLIGHT OF DREAMS by Ariel Lawhon

Field of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon Using the real people who lived and died on the dirigible Hindenburg, Lawhon tells a fascinating story of what might have occurred during the Hindenburg’s last flight. Impeccable research into the passengers and crew lend credibility to the characters who include an acrobat, a family from Mexico returning home, businessmen conducting business, a spy, a murderer, a stewardess who wants out of Germany, a navigator who loves her, and a 14-year-old cabin boy among others. Her characters sparkle with life. Although we will never truly know why the Hindenburg exploded, Lawhon presents a credible answer as she relates how a dirigible stays aloft and what it is like to float 600 feet above the ocean in a luxury hotel. In the author’s notes she gives the website (www.facesofthehindenburg.blogspot.com) that details all that is known about each of the passengers and crew. This is a worthwhile site for those interested in the before and after of each of them. 5 of 5 stars.

WHERE THE DESERT MEETS THE SEA by Walter Sonne

WHERE THE DESERT MEETS THE SEA by Werner Sonne In the aftermath of WWII the Jews who remain attempt to establish a homeland for themselves. Judith, a Jewish survivor of the death camps, and Hana, a Muslim nurse at Hadassah Hospital, are bonded in friendship when a rare blood type infusion from Hanna gives life to a dying Judith. The novel follows Hana and Judith as Eratz Israel becomes the Nation of Israel. Hadassah Hospital, founded by Jews but serving both Jews and Arabs, becomes a focal point. Peace is lost when the UN drops the British Mandate. Jews and Arabs battle over the land of Palestine resulting in bloodshed on both sides. The novel reveals the complexity of finding a solution. Sonne avoids siding with either faction as his well-drawn and complex characters struggle to find honor and security in this moving tale of love, fear, sacrifice, betrayal, redemption, death, honor and brutality lurches to its conclusion. 5 of 5 stars

MISSING AND ENDANGERED by J A Jance

MISSING AND ENDANGERED by J A Jance Jance is one of my favorite authors and in this novel with Sheriff Joanna Brady as lead protagonist she does not disappoint. Brady is sheriff of a county near the Mexican border in Arizona. Murder is complicated by the retirement of her lead detective, endangered children and Joanna’s own daughter. Jance’s characters are as integral to her stories as the requisite murders and mayhem. Her characters change and adapt as their world changes just as in the real world. I read Jance as much for Brady (and Beaumont and Reynolds, et al, her other main stays) as for the intriguing plots and heart pounding conclusions. You won’t be disappointed. 5 of 5 stars

Smalltime by Russell SHorto

SMALLTIME by Russell Shorto Lots of individual vignettes are interesting in this memoir. Many individuals and their stories make for a challenging read trying to keep them all straight. Shorto has written a detailed narrative genealogy of his father’s family in an attempt to discover who murdered Pippy and to discover the “real” person who was his grandfather. I found it difficult to maintain interest in the book as Shorto leapt from person to person and time frame to time frame. A listing of the numerous characters with their relationship to Shorto would have been helpful. I did learn a great deal about small time criminals and how the numbers racket and other “mob” games worked. I do not think my book groups would be interested in discussing this book, but some folks would find it fascinating as an individual read. 3 of 5 stars

THE LAST TIARA by M J Rose

THE LAST TIARA by M J Rose The Russian Revolution plays a large part in this tale of love, betrayal, family, jewels, secrets, privilege and glass ceilings. Like Russian novels, this one has twists, turns, blind corners and secrets galore. Sofia, a young art restorer in Tsarist Russia, is friends with the Tsar’s daughters, Olga and Tatiana. All three volunteer as nurses as WWI encroaches on St. Petersburg and their life of wealth and privilege. In hospital Sofia meets a young soldier who suffers from amnesia. That is where the joys and struggles and secrets begin only to later crop up in 1948 in New York City. The main characters are, with one exception, clearly drawn and true to themselves throughout. Rose has done her homework and it shows in her descriptions of Tsarist Russia and later the New York architectural, fine jewelry and social scene. Her descriptions of Faberge and the gem studded works they created are spot on. Her depiction of women in the field of architecture shows the glass ceiling in stunning detail. A lovely novel that book groups will enjoy discussing. 4 of 5 stars

THE MYSTERY OF MRS. CHRISTIE by Marie Benedict

THE MYSTERY OF MRS. CHRISTIE by Marie Benedict Agatha Christie, renowned writer of mysteries, disappeared for 11 days in 1926. Although a country wide search was made, no one was able to find her until she turned up on day eleven claiming amnesia. What REALLY happened – no one knows. Marie Benedict makes an interesting and entirely fictional novel of the mystery. The result is a good yarn that Agatha herself would approve. My complaint - and it is a huge one – is the two different, and interwoven, timelines. I would just get involved in one timeline and the other would pop up with a different narrator and jump back or forward in time. When I finished the book, I knew why the author chose this conceit. However, there have been entirely too many novels recently with the same “jump around” timeline. It is annoying. Please stop. The characters are well developed. The plot is clever. The inclusion of true events lends credence to the tale. But still…. Those annoying time leaps. Book groups will have a field day trying to suss out the real story in their discussion. 3 of 5 stars

LIFE'S TOO SHORT by Abby Jimenez

LIFE’S TOO SHORT by Abby Jimenez Life should be fun with a dire medical prognosis. That is Vanessa’s mantra and the way she lives her life with the specter of ALS in her future. SO… she has rule. She doesn’t date. She travels where ever and when ever she pleases. She video blogs about her adventures. She takes care of her family. This book could be real downer. It is most definitely NOT! There is a laugh on nearly every page. There is romance and a baby and a dog with more problems than Vanessa and her neighbor! Her neighbor is gorgeous, and kind, and helpful, and steady, and on her vblog he is known as “Jesus” abs.” This could have en just a fluff book, but there is plenty of food for serious thought. The main characters are well developed and the plot is attention grabbing. Book clubs will love this book. (For those who wish to avoid it, be warned there is a fair amount of sex without benefit of marriage and a fair amount of “bad” language.) 4 of 5 stars

THE VANISHING HALF by Brit Bennett

THE VANISHING HALF by Brit Bennett Unsettling is the only word I can use to describe this book. Can a person vanish? To themselves? To their family? Can men vanish from society? the world? Can a person vanish and still be physically present? Can a town vanish? Can a person make themselves vanish – even to their own self? What are the repercussions to vanishing? Can a vanished person reappear? And the last question – not are Blacks racist, but what form does it take? At first, I thought this book was vaguely boring, then a third of the way in, I found it compelling. When I read the last page, I was disappointed. Few of my questions had been answered. And those answers simply produced other questions. Books groups will either love or hate this book, but a lively discussion will certainly result. My one complaint is the book doesn’t have a conclusion; it just ends. 4 of 5 stars

THE GIRL WITH THE LOUDING VOICE by Abi Dare

THE GIRL WITH THE LOUDING VOICE by Abe Dare` This was a wonderful book – after I got past the dialect the main character and narrator speaks. Adunni, the young Nigerian girl with the “louding” voice, is fourteen as the novel begins. From an extremely poor family, she is sold into marriage with an older man who stops her schooling although she is a good student with the promise of a scholarship to continue her education. The rest of the books deals with the vastitudes of her life. The dialect improves as the novel proceeds and by the end I no longer noticed the dialect. In fact, the use of dialect enhanced the impact of Adunni’s story. Adunni’s story, unfortunately, is not unusual in Nigeria or many parts of the world. AN excellent read that would be a great choice for a mother/daughter book group or a group made up of mostly educators. 5 of stars

THE ONLY PLANE IN THE SKY -- Garrett m Graff

The Only Plane in the Sky – Garrett M Graff Subtitled AN Oral History Of 9/11, this is a collection of memories and statements that portray in timeline fashion what happened in the US on September 11, 2001. This was difficult to read. I could only read a bit before I had to put it down. Perhaps those who did not live through that day will have a different reaction. It brought back all the confusion and horror of that day for me. Photographs of the destruction and incidents of the day are included. There is a lengthy section of notes, acknowledgements and indexes. 5 of 5 stars

WE ARE NOT FROM HERE -- Jenny Torres Sanchez

WE ARE NOT FROM HERE – Jenny Torres Sanchez Three young teenagers are forced to flee their Guatemala home when they are targeted by the local drug dealer. They travel through Mexico to the United States where they hope to find safety with relatives. This novel is a searing look at the hardships and dangers of all those who travel illegally from Central America to reach the “Promised Land” and relative safety of the US. Honest and heart wrenching. If you refused – for whatever reason – to read AMERICAN DIRT, this book gives the same point of view from the pen of a Latinx writer. 5 of 5 stars

MOONFLOWER MURDERS -- Anthony Horowitz

MOONFLOWER MURDERS -- Anthony Horowitz A story within a story makes for a challenging memory device. Once I got used to the two stories (one completely inside the other) and got the competing characters and story lines straight, this was a compelling although challenging read. Horowitz is a master of the plot and he has come with two for this book. The main question is: can the second book prove the innocence of the convicted murderer in the first book? An enjoyable and challenging read. Keep a notebook handy to keep all the characters and plot devices straight! 5 of 5 stars

A TIME FOR MERCY --John Grisham

A TIME FOR MERCY -- John Grisham Grisham returns to Clanton, Mississippi and Jake Brigance for a riveting mystery. This is not just a legal thriller, but a full featured character study of a town embroiled in racism and hate. Grisham tells a tale for our time although the setting is 1990. A 16 year old is charged with murder of a deputy and the town is eager to hang him – and his lawyer along with him! Jake is charged with defending the boy and encounters small town wrath with Southern vengeance. 5 of 5 stars

The Thursday Murder Club

THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB – Richard Osman A foursome of retired folk in a senior home get together to take a look at unsolved crimes. Much to their surprise they find themselves embroiled in a real present day murder. A delightful cozy with fully realized characters -- and they are characters! Deftly plotted with sensitivity to older citizens and great humor, this may be the start of a series starring the Murder Club members. A cleverly plotted romp. 5 of 5 stars