The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There was so much to love about this book. The language is beautiful, there are many memorable passages that especially speak to people who love books. The way that Daniel's life parallels Julian's, the gothic elements, the mystery, and the setting all add to the way it just draws the reader completely into the book.
I alternately read and listened to the book, and both experiences were great. Highly recommend.

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The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd

The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5/5.0 - Loved this book that takes place in the NYPL, and a tiny town in upstate NY. A group of cartographic students meet their freshman year at the UW, form a tiny friendship that lasts throughout their academic career, and spend the summer after their PhDs in a small town in the Catskills, after which their lives are never the same. Highly recommend!

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Board Stiff by Elaine Viets

Board Stiff by Elaine Viets
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.0/5.0 - This got better as it went on. Since it was book 12, but the first book of the series that I had read, it took a bit for me to get my bearings. The premise was that Helen had left her high paying job in the corporate world, divorced her no good husband, and been traveling around working at various dead-end jobs. In the meantime, she met her new husband, Phil, and they formed a PI agency, now in Florida. She and Phil have a falling out halfway through the book, much like Melanie and Jack in The Attic on Queen Street, which I just finished. But in the end, they bring home the case, the bacon, and the love. One thing that I particularly liked about the book is the epilogue, where they summarize what happened to each of the characters. All in all, a pretty good little book, but I'm not sure I'm inspired enough to read the rest of the series.
Book 37 of 2022

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The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.0/5.0 - This is hard to review without giving away the plot, which has so many twists and turns and leaves you questioning what you would do for love, and how much you really know anyone. Let's just say that I enjoyed this book, and especially enjoyed the author's notes that she shares on the GR page. I understand she is working on a sequel, and depending on how soon she finishes it (this book ten years to write), I will probably read that one, too.

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The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street by Karen White

The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street by Karen White
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.0/5.0 - I was very conflicted about this book. On the one hand, I love books about old houses, mysteries, southern living. On the other hand, it didn't feel very resolved. Perhaps it was having read books one and two of the series more than ten years ago, and not having read the remaining books that precede this one, that left me confused about the back story. Some series are good at having individual books stand alone, this one is not. It's like episodic tv, the ending sets you up for the next episode and if you don't watch it, you're left wondering. I'm debating whether it would be worth my time to go back and read the series from the beginning, or whether to just let this one go. If you have an opinion, please comment below.

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The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.0/5.0 - I put off reading this book for a long time, I think it is because I got an ARC of All These Things I've Done ten years ago, and it didn't leave me wanting to read by the author. But my loss, because I really enjoyed this book. But it must be as the author herself states:

“Sometimes books don't find us until the right time.”

I loved the way the book was laid out. Each chapter begins with a short blurb about a book, which we later see is a note to his daughter who wishes to be a writer. The chapters are short (about 20 pages), the story moves forward quickly, there are a few mysteries, it is about books, and the characters are for the most part, likeable. Excellent book!

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The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman

The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.0/5.0 - This book grabbed and held my attention. It had so many components that ticked boxes, a book about librarians and a library, a mystery, literary references, an alternate universe. While I enjoyed this book very much, I couldn't rate it a 5 star because it did not compel me to run out and read the rest of the series.

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Killer Research by Jenn McKinlay

Killer Research by Jenn McKinlay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 rounded to 4 stars - Of the cozy mystery series that I read, this is probably my favorite one. Of course, I appreciate the library setting, the strong woman characters - especially library director, Lindsay Norris-Sullivan, the recipes and book club questions, as well as a themed craft that the author provides in each book. This offering was the best one yet, because in this one, Lindsay's new husband, Sully is her partner in solving crime, and he is much more likeable than the Robbie character was, in that role. Also a plus, is the character development for Ms. Cole, who began the series as a sour-pussed, spinster librarian, and comes into her own as a person with an interesting life's story and a good deal to offer.
Book 311 of 2021

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Rambler by Linda S. Browning

Rambler: A Leslie & Belinda Mystery by Linda S. Browning
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

2.5 rounded to 3 stars - What I liked about it - it was set in middle Tennessee and written by a Tennessee author, the main characters were retired ladies in their late 60s, the story was interesting enough, and short. The cultural references to the Rambler, the Tennessee RR, and the 70s worked well, and the friendship between the main characters was heartwarming.

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Dark in Death by J.D. Robb

Dark in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.0/5.0 - This book has been my favorite of the In Death series, as the plot centers around books. The killer imagines themselves a better writer than an author they once greatly admired, and decides to recreate her books in real life, but making the villain victorious. After the second murder, the author sees the disturbing similarities and alerts the police. Eve and her team must stop the killer before people die, and eventually the author herself becomes the target. The author, her mother and two teenage daughters are strong female characters who offer great clues, and know how to take care of themselves.
This is my favorite mystery series at this point in time. As a rule, I pick cozy mysteries over other sub-genres because I don't like gratuitous violence. But I also don't care for bumbling, helpless female detectives. This series has the best of both. The murders usually happen off-scene, and in the books I've read so far, no torture has been involved (granted, I've only read 4 books). Eve is smart, savvy, brave and flawed. Her relationship with her colleagues shows respect, leadership and empathy. Her relationship with her husband, Roarke, is hot, full of passion, but also of mutual admiration, adoration, love and desire. They complete each other, and together they are more than the sum of their parts.
As much as I enjoy them, I don't think I could take a steady diet of them, and at the rate of 2 or 3 a year, I may never finish the whole series. So I'll pick and choose, and stop reading if Eve and Roarke ever split up. I have to give a shout-out to Debbie, the Drake Library housekeeper, who introduced me to this series. I think she probably re-read the entire series each year, as I never saw her on break without one in her hands.

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People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.0/5.0 - This book has two storylines. The first is Hannah Heath's story, and how she became the conservator in 1996 of the famous Sarajevo Haddagah, her family and their history. The second, more interesting storyline was of the book itself, the people who created it, cared for it, passed it along, and rescued it throughout history. That part was fascinating and well researched. It bears rereading in the future. Hannah's story was almost a distraction to me.
I started reading the print edition, when it became due, I switched to the ebook and finally finished up with the audio version, read by Edwina Wren. I highly recommend it, she does a beautiful job.

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Who is Vera Kelly? by Rosalie Knecht

Who Is Vera Kelly? by Rosalie Knecht
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5/5.0 - Like too many books I read, this is book 1 and I have already read the second book. It was interesting to learn more about her back story, how she became CIA. The book takes place in the 1960s, and alternates between her late teen years in NYC (40%) and her CIA assignment in Argentina (60%). It was well written and the pace of the novel kept my interest. I would read further adventures of Vera Kelly in the future.

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The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis

The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.0/5.0 - This historical fiction alternates between the 1920s - Clara's story, and Virginia's story in the 1970's, finally tying them together by the end. The Grand Central Terminal in NYC plays a major role in both timelines, being the location of the Grand Central School of Art from 1923-1944, and as a subject of the campaign to save the terminal from destruction.
For fans of books about NYC, Grand Central Terminal, or the art world, and readers of historical fiction.
Book 224 of 2021

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Dreams of Falling by Karen White

Dreams of Falling by Karen White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.0/5.0 - In a small southern town, three girls, Margaret, CeeCee and Bitty are best friends. As a graduation present to themselves, they go to Margaret's aunt's home in Myrtle Beach, where two of the girls fall in love with brothers. One night together brings lasting consequences for the group. But its 1951, the younger brother feels a duty to enter the military, like the older brother did.
Fast forward two generations, twins Mabry and Bennett are best friends with Larkin, the granddaughter. Larkin's mother, Ivy (child of Margaret and a brother), was raised by CeeCee and Boyd, after Margaret dies in a devastating fire.
It's a wonderful example of southern lit, with just a little bit of magical realism thrown in, as well as love, friendship, a plantation house in ruins, and secrets. Always secrets.
Book 209 of 2021

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Indemnity Only by Sara Paretsky

Indemnity Only by Sara Paretsky
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5.0/5.0 - I'm not sure why I've never read this author before, this book was excellent. I see her as the model for other female detectives to come - Stephanie Plum, Kinsey Millhone, strong, independent, sure of herself. Unlike a different book I recently read, which was also the first book in a series, this book builds a background for V.I. that makes her seem like a real person, with a full life story. Thoroughly enjoyed this almost 40 year old offering, and will probably read more. A couple of notes to finish up - she references Sir Peter Wimsey several times, a character I have just become familiar with, and one of the characters uses the alias Joe Hill (also an alias for Stephen King's son, and a new character alias on Blue Bloods).
Book 202 of 2021

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Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain

Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.0/5.0 - This is the second book that I've read in which a mural created during the WPA project played a major role in the story (see Prayers the Devil Answers), and the topic has fascinated me enough to create a list for it: (https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...). Feel free to add additional books to it.
The author tells the story of the mural in a dual timeline, during its initial creation by Anna Dale, and during its restoration by Morgan Christopher. Anna is a young woman from New Jersey, who wins a national contest to create post office murals in 48 states. She is chosen to create a mural in Edenton, NC. She arrives, young and naïve, and unprepared for the racism that she finds there. She befriends a young black artist named Jesse Williams, and it is he who ties the whole story together. The story of the creation of the mural, its long hidden history, and the restoration makes for an interesting tale of mystery, intrigue and saving grace.
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Book 192 of 2021

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St. Peter's Fair by Ellis Peters

St. Peter's Fair by Ellis Peters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.0/5.0 - My first foray into the Brother Cadfael mystery series, I first read about it in a cozy mystery series (The Spice Shop mysteries?) and then found it for free in the Audible Plus catalog. It was actually very enjoyable, both the character development and the attention to detail given to the setting - medieval England, during the reign of King Stephen, this being part of the plot that is revealed at the end.
Book 187 of 2021

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Boundary Waters by William Kent Krueger

Boundary Waters by William Kent Krueger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.0/5.0 - It has been several years since I read book one, although I've danced my way around eight other random books in the series, so I'm a little hazy about why Cork and Jo are on the outs in the beginning. No matter, though, I enjoyed the book nonetheless.
Cork is approached by multiple parties to help find a missing young woman, a musician named Shiloh, whose mother Cork had a huge schoolboy crush on. All around Shiloh, people are dying, but why? Who are the bad guys, and who the good? We finally find out in the end. The subplot of the young Ojibwe boy named Louis TwoFeathers was especially good, and I hope we hear more about him in future books.
Book 185 of 2021

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Better Late Than Never by Jenn McKinlay

Better Late Than Never by Jenn McKinlay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.0/5.0 - Ah, summertime reading. A time to indulge in light, cozy mysteries filled with characters who filled with friendship, romance, libraries with a side of intrigue thrown in for good measure. This is the seventh book I've read in this series, the others being #1, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10 and 11. I am very guilty of randomly reading my way through series, what about you?
The event that triggers this story is an overdue library book returned during the library's first Amnesty Day. Its return shocked the community when it is discovered to have been checked out by a beloved high school teacher on the day she was murdered 20 years ago. Lindsey, with the help of new sidekick Robbie Vine, work their way through the clues to ultimately discover the murderer, clear up some old suspicions and get into some trouble along the way. There's some new love interests afoot, and some off-again, on-again relationships solidifying, as well.
Book 155 of 2021

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New Mercies by Sandra Dallas

New Mercies by Sandra Dallas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5/5.0 - Unlike most of Sandra Dallas' books, which are set in Colorado, this book's primary setting was Natchez, MS, where Nora Bondurant travels after receiving a telegram telling her she is the only heir to the Amalia Bondurant estate. Nora, who lives in Colorado is a divorcee/widow and still grieving the loss of her marriage. Her father died when she was a child, so she has no idea about his family, and it is with great curiosity that she travels to Mississippi to uncover the secrets from her family's past. But is she prepared for what she finds?
Book 146 of 2021

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