Dec 27, 2023

Late Eclipses by Seanan McGuire (2011) DAW

In a world where fae politics, mystery, and the supernatural converge in an intricate dance of danger and intrigue, October Daye, knight errant to a fairy duke, must navigate the deadly intent of a very powerful fairy while trying to save those she loves.

Dec 20, 2023

The Quarter Storm by Veronica G Henry (2022) 47 North

Vivienne de Fleur, the protagonist, embarks on a quest to exonerate a fellow Mambo healer while uncovering her family's hidden past.  The readers is taken on a journey through the streets of the New Orleans French Quarter and the rich tapestry of Louisiana's cultural heritage.  While trying to make sense of her on-again, off-again romantic ties to a prejudiced NOPD detective.

Dec 14, 2023

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (2022) Doubleday

One of the best books I've read this year.  A look into the world of scientific discovery and the indomitable spirit of a woman determined to defy societal norms.  A witty and thought-provoking novel.  The reader is introduced to the brilliant but unconventional scientist Elizabeth Zott.  Garmus skillfully weaves themes of ambition, feminism, and the pursuit of knowledge, creating a narrative both entertaining and deeply resonant with the limitations men are trying to put on women today.  A celebration of intellect, tenacity, and the courage to break through barriers in the pursuit of one's dreams.

Dec 10, 2023

The Chimes by Anna Smaill (2016) Quercus

Prepare for a journey through a world shaped by music and memory.  Smaill crafts a unique dystopian landscape where the power of music is both a source of beauty and a force of control.  Simon, the protagonist, seeks to unlock the mysteries of his past in a city where memory is erased each night.  Smaill's lyrical prose creates a vivid tapestry of sound and sensation, inviting readers to experience the magic and danger of a world where every note carries a secret.

Nov 24, 2023

Boundary Waters by William Kent Krueger (2009) Atria Books

Krueger blends the beauty of nature with a gripping mystery/thriller.  Former Sheriff and now private investigator Cork O'Connor navigates the serene yet perilous Boundary Waters to find a missing person.  Along the way he becomes entangled in a web of secrets that spans generations.  Krueger's descriptive prose captures the essence of untamed landscape and the complexity of human relationships.

Nov 17, 2023

Witness in Death by J.D. Robb (2000) Berkley

Be immersed once again in the futuristic world of Lieutenant Eve Dallas.  Robb delivers a gripping murder mystery set against the high-tech backdrop of 2059 New York.  When a famous actor meets a grisly end during a glamorous premiere, Eve Dallas is thrust into the spotlight to unravel a web of secrets and deceit.  As Eve races against time to catch a killer, the intricate relationships and high-stakes drama keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

Nov 10, 2023

Seven Wild Sisters by Charles de Lint (2015) Little Brown

A lyrical and enchanting journey that seamlessly blends the ordinary with the extraordinary, inviting readers to explore a world where magic is as real as the love that binds.  In this fantasy, seven sisters, each with a unique gift, navigate a realm where the mundane and the mystical collide.  De Lint proves again that he is a master of urban fantasy, weaving a narrative that celebrates the power of sisterhood and the wonder of the natural world.  As the sisters confront challenges, readers are drawn into a realm filled with ancient legends, whimsical creatures, and the enduring strength of familial bonds.