STILL WWATERS by Sara Driscoll

STILL WATERS by Sara Driscoll #FBIK9Mystery Hawk, a scent dog, is the star of this book along with his handler, FBI Human Scent tracker, Meg. Meg and Hawk are at a training limited to only a few teams and the training crew in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota when a murder takes place in the camp. At first Meg is the lead suspect, but when weird things keep happening during the training and in camp, Meg and Hawk go into search mode. The FBI investigator sent to solve the crime was unfortunately clueless and full of himself. The training and handling of the dogs was fascinating. The description of the Boundary Waters was right on target. The characters were well drawn and believable. Unfortunately, when I finished the book - liking the story and looking forward to another by the author - I reflected on the plot and realized it was not realistic. Although great stress was put on the limited number of suspects, the ones who were important to the plot (husband, partner, brothers) should not have been in the picture at all given the original terms of the training. That aside, this was an enjoyable read. The story held my interest. The characters were likeable. A good book for a cold, rainy day, sitting by the fire drinking a cup of coffee. 4 of 5 stars for the genre.

Scatterlings Manenzhe

SCATTERLINGS by Resoketwe Manenzhe I SO wanted to like this book. The premise of the story, a racially blended family caught in the prejudice and cruelty of the Immorality Act in South Africa, is fascinating. Abram, a White, is condemned by the beloved children born to him and his Native (Black) wife, Alisa. What to do? What to do? If he stays, he will have his property confiscated, and his children taken away. If he goes, he leaves behind the work of generations on his estate and he himself and his family will become stateless. His wife makes a terrible choice and that is where the tale begins. Unfortunately, the writing style made me constantly feel as though I had missed a paragraph, or page, or even chapter, of the plot. I was constantly trying to put inferences and comments together to make sense of the story. It was very frustrating to try to follow the story line when I felt I was missing vital information. I quite enjoyed the “tales” of the Native people imbedded in the story. The descriptions of the land and people were delightful, making the reader a part of Africa. All in all, worth my time, but very frustrating. I would not recommend this title to my book group. 3 of 5 stars

HELLO, SUMMER by MARY Kay Andrews

HELLO, SUMMER by Mary Kay Andrews This is a bit of a change for Andrews. She usually writes slightly humorous romances with a bit od a mystery. This one is a mystery and family drama with a bit of humor and romance. It is also slightly longer than her usual 300 page length. That said. I really enjoyed this mystery. The characters were “real”, the conversations seemed “normal”, the situations were believable. The political/journalistic themes resonated well. I liked that the characters seemed to grow and change as events unfolded. Altogether a good book with some adult themes – divorce, job loss, old flames and enemies, political intrigue, family businesses and dynasties, corrupt cops, and more. A good discussion starter for book clubs. 5 of 5 stars

KILLERS OF A CERTAIN AGE by DEANNA RAYBOURN

KILLERS OF A CERTAIN AGE by Deanna Raybourn This is a fun romp through assassinations – although these are assassins with scruples – they only kill those who deserve to die to make the world a better place. That is-- until someone puts a hit on them! Four women assassins who have spent their whole lives working for “the good of humanity” have reached retirement age only to discover they themselves have been targeted. Will they become victims or will their “advanced age and unique skills” actually work to their advantage? This mystery is almost a cozy with a bit of humor thrown in. The flashbacks are interesting and give a portrait of each woman. The situations are believable – sort of. Although a bit long (nearly 350 pages) it held my interest. The plot is detailed and intricate. Thoroughly enjoyable. 5 of 5 stars

ALL THE QUEEN'S MEN by SJ Bennett

ALL THE QUEEN’S MEN by SJ Bennett The Queen is a detective! Murder has come to Buckingham Palace and since the Constables don’t seem to be making any headway in finding the murderer, Elizabeth engages the assistance of her Assistant Rosie and investigates herself. Another amusing mystery in this series. The mystery is indeed mysterious. The bad guys don’t appear to be the bad guys and the good guys are all suspects according to the police. Rosie is more fully developed as a character. The author knows their way around Buckingham Palace and the “way things work” in royal traditions. Altogether this is a delightful romp. 4 of 5 stars

THE RITUAL BATH by Faye Kellerman

THE RITUAL BATH by Faye Kellerman I learned a lot about Orthodox Judaism from this exciting murder mystery. When a rape takes place outside a Mikvah in an isolated Orthodox community, Rina, who takes care of the Mikvah, meets Detective Peter Decker. An unlikely friendship begins and intensifies with a murder. Good characterizations, interesting setting, and an intriguing plot that moves at just the right pace make this a great mystery. It is the first book in a series but can be read as a stand-alone. 4.5 of 5 stars

MURDER AT THE MENA HOUSE by Erica Ruth Neubaurer

Jane’s background slowly unfolds as the bodies multiply in this cozy mystery that takes place in 1926 in Egypt. Jane and her eccentric aunt are on vacation, or so Jane thinks, at a luxury hotel near the Great Pyramids. When her aunt deserts her for the company of two younger women, Jane is left to discover a dead body and an enigmatic gentleman who may, or may not, be entirely innocent as the secrets multiply along with the bodies and red herrings. You will learn a bit about social life in Egypt after WWI and riding a camel in this entertaining, but hardly taxing, mystery, Two more Jane Wanderly mysteries have been published. Each can be read as a stand alone. Worthy of an afternoon read with tea -- or a neat whiskey. 4 of 5 stars

BAND OF SISTERS by Lauren Willig

BAND OF SISTERS by Lauren Willig Powerfully written and exhaustively researched, this lightly fictionalized account of the Smith College Relief Unit that assisted French villages decimated by Germany during WWI is an exciting tale of daring do. The Smith Unit, made up of recent graduates of Smith College, were young women mostly brought up to be wealthy, pampered society darlings. They were inspired by a visionary speech and formed a unit that soon found them living in filthy, bombed out buildings and working in dangerous, frontline areas of France. Willig used the Smith College archives to find the families (and occasionally the women themselves) of the Unit. She had access to letters and diaries written by the women as they toiled in France. The book uses these intimate writings to flesh out the women and tell of their deeds as the women lived them. The women and villagers come alive on the page. A wonderful book well worth your time. 5 of 5 stars

LITTLE BITTY LIES by Mary Kay Andrews

LITTLE BITTY LIES by Mary Kay Andrews Mary Bliss McGowan is happily married until her husband – and all their money – leave her. Keeping up appearances in her Atlanta suburb, she tells everyone he is on a business trip – until he turns up dead – maybe. This madcap adventure into deadly divorce finds Mary Bliss with two romantic pursuers, a teen aged daughter who has discovered sex, and a variety of part time jobs. Things go along smoothly (?) until she finds herself suspected of murder by one of her amorous companions. Deftly written, with well developed characters, lots of laughs and a complex plot, Little Bitty Lies is a good way to spend some time with other people’s problems while you relax in the sunshine. 5 of 5 stars

CINNAMON ROLL MURDER by Joanne Fluke

CINNAMON ROLL MURDER by Joanne Fluke Hannah agrees to provide cinnamon rolls for the Cinnamon Roll 6 Jazz Band but their bus overturns on the way to the festival. Keyboardist Buddy is slightly injured, until suddenly, he is dead! When it is discovered that he actually NOT Buddy at all, the mystery deepens. Who is this person and why is he pretending to be a piano player and hiding out in small town USA. Hannah uses her well developed detective and baking muscles to solve the crimes. This cosy series, complete with delicious recipes is an easy read for a lazy afternoon. Just pour a cup of tea and settle down with a cinnamon roll for a pleasant afternoon. 4 of 5 stars

SUMMER ENDIGS by Sollace Hotze

SUMMER ENDINGS by Sollace Hotze It is 1945. The war is over, but Christine’s POW father still has not been heard from. Christine, 12, is in her sister’s wedding and misses Rosie sharply when she moves away. A bright spot is working as a soda jerk at the local drug store and later dancing at the Aragon Ballroom. This coming of age novel intended for the young adult audience provides enough meat for adults to enjoy as well. Well written with believable characters and situations that give a glimpse of life in post war Chicago. 5 of 5 stars

ABSENCE OF MALLETS by Kate Carlisle

ABSENCE OF MALLETS by Kate Carlisle Shannon and her boyfriend are now living together but working on separate projects. Shannon is building tiny homes for veterans; Mac is hosting writing clinics. There is some grumbling in Lighthouse Cove about the tiny homes and Mac’s current writing guests are uncooperative to say the least. Then one of the veterans is found murdered with one of Shannon’s mallets. A well plotted and peopled cosy that will keep you entertained without taxing your brain too much trying to figure out who did the dastardly deed. 4 of 5 stars

THE WINDSOR KNOT by S J Bennett

THE WINDSOR KNOT by S J Bennett How Lovely. A new series of mysteries starring Queen Elizabeth II as sleuth in chief. The Queen is celebrating her 90th birthday when the guest pianist is found shockingly murdered, or was it suicide, or perhaps just a really unfortunate accident. With the assistance of her private secretary, Rosie, the queen starts her own investigation. Written with great charm and plenty of red herrings, this series is off to a rousing start. The tale is actually believable as written, with the Queen going to great lengths to stay behind the scenes. This was a delightful read. I am looking forward to the second book that will be out shortly, ALL THE QUEEN’S MEN. 5 of 5 stars

TWENTY-ONEDAYS by Anne Perry

TWENTY-ONE DAYS by Anne Perry Daniel is a newly minted barrister out to prove himself to his famous parents, Thomas and Charlotte Pitt. His client is the arrogant and unlikeable biographer Russell Graves already found guilty of murdering his wife. Daniel’s task is to prove he is innocent before he is hung -- in twenty-one days. Every day finds Daniel getting closer to the real murderer and closer to bringing the crime to his own family and his father’s most loyal and trusted colleagues. Will he find the truth in time? Is his family guilty? This thrilling novel will keep you guessing and fearing for Daniel’s family as the pages dwindle down. Well-paced and exciting, this one will keep you up at night. 5 of 5 stars

MIDNIGHT CLEAR by Mary Kay Andrews ( Kathy Hogan Trocheck)

MIDNIGHT CLEAR by Kathy Hogan Trocheck (Mary Kay Andrews) Callahan Garrity and her House Mouse Cleaners are busy working and readying for Christmas when Brian, Callahan’s long lost brother makes an appearance. Brian shows up with his 2 year-old daughter, Maura. Turns out Brian has kidnapped Maura from his estranged wife and when the wife is discovered dead, Brian is the first (and only) suspect. Brian disappears, again, and Callahan and the girls get busy cleaning up after Brian along with their usual clients. Along with the murder and merry mayhem, there are plenty of laughs, in this Christmas outing by a master of the cosy mystery. You will enjoy every minute of this fun and chilling mystery. 5 of 5 stars

BLACK WIDOWS by Cate Quinn

BLACK WIDOWS by Cate Quinn Blake Nelson wanted to be left alone with his three wives in wilds of Utah. Unfortunately, someone wanted him dead. One of his wives? Perhaps. They all had reason to hate him. But did they have enough reason to kill? Rachel, first wife, obedient to a fault. Hated by the other wives who are forced to accede to her demands. Tina, the OTHER wife, beautiful and straight from rehab. NOT a dutiful Morman wife. Emily, the third wife, young, TOO young, terrified and Catholic. Which one killed him? The police are determined to find out. But rumors about another wife are flying about. Are there more suspects? Each widow is deftly drawn. The forbidding landscape is a brooding presence. The mother-in-law is malevolent. A tense and exciting tale that will keep you turning pages well into the night. 4 of 5 stars

A LINE TO KILL by Anthony Horowitz

A LINE TO KILL by Anthony Horowitz I’m still not sure how I feel about the conceit of the author writing himself as the main character of the book. I wasn’t pleased with it the first time Horowitz used it and I haven’t changed my mind. That said, the mystery is a good one. Stuck on a tiny island for a literary event the main characters are not really appropriate for, they wonder why they were invited. When feuds break out among the town folk over a power line, the invitees get into squabble mode and start bickering among themselves. With no escape from the island, murder shows up. Clues abound, but the solution is difficult to discern. DANGER is everywhere! 4 of 5 stars

LIGHTNING STRIKE by William Kent Krueger

LIGHTNING STRIKE by William Kent Krueger Krueger goes back to the beginning in this novel that establishes the back story of the award winning Cork O’Connor series when Cork is a 12 year-old discovering the hung body of a man he knew and liked. Liam O’Connor is the current sheriff of Aurora who determines that the well-liked Big John, a man with a past, had committed suicide. The young Cork thinks otherwise and determines to find the truth for himself. Minnesota, and especially small town near Indian Reservation Minnesota, is the setting for this intriguing mystery. Long time Krueger/Cork fans will appreciate knowing the backstory of the long running series and new fans will discover a thoughtful, literate author who deftly manages discrimination, simmering tensions and family relationships. 5 of 5 stars

THE RAT BEGAN TO GNAW THE ROPE by C W Grafton

Originally published in 1943, this crime novel is considered a classic of the genre and written by the father of the late novelist Sue Grafton of the A,B,C mysteries. Gil, a newish lawyer, is embroiled in murder and mayhem when all he thought he was investigating was a simple stock value. Ruth, his client, inherited the stock from her father. Ruth’s brother becomes involved as the questions and danger quickly escalate along with a few laughs. A fast moving and award winning crime novel that will keep you guessing at motive and perpetrator. A fast and fun read written by a master of the genre. 5 of 5 stars

THE KITCHEN FRONT by Jennifer Ryan

THE KITCHEN FRONT by Jennifer Ryan This is a different take on WWII! Because food rationing is making it hard to prepare meals, the BBC holds a contest for a co-host for its cooking program. The prize will be a way for the winner to change her family’s life for the better. Unfortunately, the current host is not in favor of sharing his position. The rationing makes developing palatable recipes a unique challenge as well. The recipes are included in the novel along with the machinations the contestants (and host!) engage in. A thoroughly enjoyable book -- although the same can’t be said for some of the recipes! Engaging, well -developed characters, believable situations and an interesting concept make this novel a winner. 5 of 5 stars

COVER YOUR TRACKS by Daco Auffenorde

COVER YOUR TRACKS by Daco Auffenorde #BookTrib Once you get beyond the absolute improbability of the plot, this is a heart pounding thriller. Margo, eight months pregnant, and Nick, a former Army Ranger, are the only survivors of an avalanche that destroyed the train they were on. The remainder of the novel follows the two of them as they try to survive in the snow-covered wilderness. But is Nick really a friend, or is there a malevolence about him? The two main (and only) characters are clearly drawn. The mountainous region and snowy weather is accurately described. Margo’s pregnancy is a well-defined part of the plot. Margo’s actions are often ill considered and weaken the realism of the plot. I enjoyed this thriller even with its short comings. This is a book for a lazy weekend and a cup of tea. 4 of 5 stars

BLUE -EYED SLAVE by Marshall Highet and Bird Jones

BLUE-EYED SLAVE by Marshall Highet and Bird Jones I didn’t know there were Africans with blue eyes, but there are, and this tale sets forth the story of Bintu, the blue-eyed 13 year old slave in Charleston (Charles Town), South Carolina in the years before the American Revolution. Historically accurate (except for a few instances of “modern” language) Bintu and Hannah, a Jewish girl who becomes Bintu’s friend, are caught up in moral conundrums when Hannah helps in the “slave school” and realizes that Bintu is being systematically beaten, both physically and mentally, by her owners. Moral courage and the Jewish tradition of Tzedek or justice are central to this coming of age novel. Time and place are clearly laid out by the authors. The plot is engaging and builds to a satisfyingly rousing conclusion. Appropriate for both young adult and adult audiences BLUE-EYED SLAVE is well worth your time. 4 of 5 stars #BookTrib

BOLT FROM THE BLUE by Kerry Charles

BOLT FROM THE BLUE by Kerry Charles #BookTrib This was the first Dulcie Chambers mystery I read so I was a bit put off by meeting ten!, yes 10, characters in the first few pages. I started listing them on the fly so I could keep them straight and that was very helpful. Had I read others in the series, I would not have been wondering who these folks were and which ones were returning characters. The mystery was intriguing with opera and costuming and fashion design and museums all playing a role. I really liked the character of Bella. The slight romantic plot device between Nick and Dulcie was a nice contrast to the seriousness of the major plot line. I liked learning a bit about each of careers of the main characters. The quotes that began each chapter added to the story. Altogether a well plotted mystery with fully developed characters. I’ll read more from this author and this series. 5 of 5 stars