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