The year was 1974. The place is Boston. This novel takes the reader on a “tour” of the South projects of the Irish American enclave. The main character Mary Pat Fennessy‘s daughter doesn‘t come home one night. Mary Pat vows to find the truth behind this. Filled with hatred and racism makes this difficult to read. Mary Pat versus Boston, it‘s not pretty. 4/5⭐️

A historical fiction set in the swamps of Mississippi during the 1920s. Ada and Matilda both have lives filled with different yet difficult experiences. Their lives bring them together for a few seasons. Both these teenagers had personalities which I feel the reader could find interesting. Lots of other characters were of interest and entwined throughout the novel. 4/5⭐️

A thriller that had me wondering for quite a while. I wasn‘t surprised with one of the bad guys but the second took much longer to figure out. Well written and it kept me turning the pages. 4.25-5⭐️

A novel dealing with two families and their connections. There is lots of jumping around in time. The families deal with some deep issues including death. I really liked the doctor and the boy Waldo. The story was good and I recommend reading this book. 4.25/5⭐️

This novel was quite different from the majority of books I read. I love thriller‘s & mysteries. Tracy Ellis goes out for a jog and gets reported missing by her husband. A body is found and is identified as Tracy. Another woman goes is missing. What‘s going on in Chicago? Sondra (Tracy‘s sister) has difficulty accepting Tracy‘s death. There are so many twists here, it will keep you guessing. 4/5⭐️

A private investigator unwisely gives a teenage girl a ride one rainy evening. The novel has lots of characters with a plot who keep the story going. Cal Weaver (PI) and his wife had a son who died tragically. There are deaths and missing persons. You‘ll find good guy and bad guys. There are tense moments and reasons to keep moving forward toward the end. I gave this 4.25/5⭐️

This is a novel which takes place on an island in Iceland. The island has only 10 inhabitants. The residents hire a young woman named Una to teach two young girls. There is a mystery surrounding the island. In an area where darkness is the norm during the winter, living can be depressing. I did enjoy the novel. The town residents were not very friendly and not characters I would want to have contact with. 4/5⭐️

Book 20 in the Cork O‘Connor series. The setting in Minnesota. The characters are interesting. There are missing girls. The difference between white versus Native Americans missing are handled in totally separate ways. It‘s hard to understand why, girls are girls. This novel touches on sex trafficking during the building of an oil pipeline. Indigenous people play huge roles in this story. 4/5⭐️

Crimson Lake is the 1st novel in Australia. Ted Conkaffey was in the wrong place at the wrong time. A little girl is abducted and brutally raped. Ted is accused of the crime but not charged. Ted joins up with investigator Amanda Pharrell to solve current crimes. There is lots of dialogue and interaction with the residents of Crimson Lake, including poisonous snakes and crocodiles. 4/5⭐️

I love the connection Robin Wall Kimmerer holds with the earth. Her writing always makes me want to find a better way during my journey here on this planet. Her voice is soothing and inspiring. I know the berry by the name sugarplum. The berries are a gift as are other berries and fruit. Thank you to the author and for those who recommended this book to me. 5/5🌟

This was a mystery is the first in a series with Detective Sargent Gemma Woodstock. The plot finds teacher Rosalind Ryan dead in the lake. Gemma & Rosalind were former classmates at the school where Rosalind was a drama teacher. I found the different characters interwoven in multiple smaller storylines. 4/5⭐️

Historical fiction about World War II and the Nazis are marching into Denmark. Sydney Brant is a wealthy young woman who lives on Dundee Island off the coast of Maine who marries a Danish pianist. The novel takes place in both countries. Not as good as I hoped it would be. 3.5/5 ⭐️

A novel that is somewhat based on the unlikely events of three plane crashes in New Jersey in the same small town. The characters are all like able. I liked them. The story plot takes the characters from young ages to decades later. 3.75/5⭐️

A cozy mystery in a tea shop owned by the lonely widow. Vera loved to mix her own teas. One morning she discovers a dead man in her shop. She decides she will solve the crime. She identifies her suspects and then tries to get to know them. Some good food and conversations will assist Vera in her quest . 4/5⭐️

Second chances can change one‘s life. This romance grasped Thea in its clutches. The setting in Scotland helps bring more charm into the novel. An inherited lodge with a library full of books worth more than one might expect. The storyline was somewhat predictable but enjoyable. 4/5⭐️

This novel is set in northern Vermont in the cold of winter. It‘s a thriller. A woman awakens after being struck in the head soaking wet on the edge of the lake. She has no memory of who or where she is. A man takes her into an isolated house by a seemingly nice man. The only clue is a silver bracelet with an engraved letter A on it. 4/5⭐️

This is another novel in the Kate Shugak series which takes place in Alaska. The story has Kate assisting Troop Jim Chopin in solving a mysterious death. The park residents are involved along with the four “aunties.” 4/5⭐️

A very quick read. The story has connections to Roswell and its history. It is quirky and rather unique.
4/5⭐️

A strange horror novel with lots of deep, dark and strange elements in it. I‘ve never read anything quite like it before. A serial killer, a stolen child, revenge, death and deep dark woods. 4/5⭐️

This is another novel in Stabenow‘s Kate Shugak series. The story takes place in Alaska. Kate is a native Aleut who is a private investigator. Kate has a half dog/half wolf companion named Mutt. They are a team who are out to find answers to the current situation. There have been murders. Kate and Alaska State Trooper Jim Chopin are there to solve the crime. There are lots of different characters to love or hate. 4/5⭐️

A satirical story of racism. I enjoyed the parts about his family and himself. Parts were not really of any interest. 4/5⭐️

Tess seems to have a problem remembering. Every morning she wakes up not knowing what is happening in her life. This reminds me of Groundhog Day in all ways. Not the best Freida McFadden book. 3.5/5⭐️

An interesting historical fictional novel set in the 18th century in China. The characters were quite interesting. The explanations of many different aspects of life, such as religion. I liked the main character Li Du, was a librarian and very intelligent. He has wisdom to share. 4/5⭐️

A very slow paced novel without much action. I listened to the audiobook and wanted to fast forward to some real action. 3/5⭐️

In a peaceful and respectful retirement community a group of four friends meet weekly to discuss and try to solve murders. The characters are nearing 80, but that doesn‘t seem to slow them down. They look in each case with the knowledge that they‘re going to catch their “criminal.” They use connections they made earlier in life and diligently take the facts and hopefully catch the murderer before anyone else dies. 4/5⭐️

Another good mystery novel involving attorney Bennie Rosato. This time the case involves a 12 year old boy named Jason. The story centers around the corruption in the Mountaintop area of Pennsylvania. Fast forward 13 years Ang again Bennie is called in to help Jason again. This time he‘s been arrested for murder. The difficult facts seem to make the case airtight. Lisa Scottoline gives the reader plenty to keep on going! 4/5⭐️

This is a difficult book to review. An upstanding priest, Father Sandoz, is a linguist with suburb goes on a mission to a far away planet. Eight people go on this mission. The novel has many levels which will have the reader swelling with love and deep sadness, with joy in places and crying in other locations. If you haven‘t read it, I recommend this book it. 4.75⭐️

A thriller with lots of action centered around a young man who was a bicycle messenger delivery person in LA. A lowlife attorney is murdered and the delivery guy was probably the last one to see him alive. The police are trying to find the culprit, no luck at first. Lots of dangerous stuff happened and the life of all surrounding folks are effectively disrupted. Is the young man guilty or does this go much deeper? 4/5⭐️

A novel about three generations of women each being about 15 years apart. Mother, daughter and granddaughter. They are trying to figure out their own lives and trying to keep the granddaughter from repeating the pregnancy at 15 cycle. The daughter has suffered from a stroke. Of course there is much drama all the time. Challenges abound, but also you can feel the love. 4/5⭐️

I enjoy reading Tony Hillerman‘s novels because I have a deep appreciation for the Indigenous Peoples and their culture. Hunting Badger takes place mostly in the southern canyons of Utah. The robbery of a casino has retired Lieutenant Leaphorn involved with Navajo Police Officer Jim Chee along with the FBI searching for the thieves. The search turns deadly before the manhunt comes to an end. 4/5⭐️

This novel dealt with a hundred year old murder. The genre was YA historical fiction plus some modern day. Set in Tulsa Oklahoma, this novel took the reader back to the race war of 1921. It had visions of live, hatred, compassion and courage. The characters were widespread in their personalities and bravery. Others were vile and extremely unlikable. 4/5⭐️

A cozy murder taking place in Australia. The characters were mostly charming. The Fisher women were adventurous. They certainly had a flair about them. They seem to have talents many don‘t have. Ms Peregrine Fisher is the youngest in the current line. She finds herself entangled in a mystery that needs investigating and solving. If the shared genetic material with her Aunt has anything to do with it, no one should worry. 4/5⭐️

One of the best descriptions of how nature works together in our world today. I listened to the audiobook. The book was so good, I forgot about the crafting project I wanted to complete because I was so invested in listening to the words. If you have a love for nature, this is a must read! 5🌟

A cozy mystery taking place in the state of Maine. I liked the scenery and the characters. The coast of Maine always has been a place of great memories. The beaches, taking photographs, the birds, the smells of the salt air. 3.75/5⭐️

This slow-paced novel is set mostly in the Ohio Appalachian Mountains. Growing up literally dirt poor and basically abandoned by her parents, Jodi grows up with her grandmother on Bethlehem Mountain. Jodi gets involved with a woman & makes some tragic decisions. Life gives her another chance, but will Jodi fall back into old habits? 4/5⭐️

A heart-wrenching story of a young girl coming of age. Betty was born in 1954, the 6th of eight children. Her dad was Cherokee and her mom was a poor young woman born in Ohio. The tales of her childhood always remain in her heart and mind. Tears were shed, laughter and smiles were shared. There was deep sorrow as well as pain yet, lots of love. Multiple topics rounded out this novel. Certainly one of the best books I have read this year. 5🌟

This “cozy” mystery was very light. I found it a so-so book. The plot wasn‘t great and it was quite far-fetched. A 3/5 is generous

This novel about a black musician who loved music more than anything other than his sweet grandmother Nora. As a black boy without any means to buy a good instrument. The story took Ray around the world as he played for audiences. The violin was stolen, then a huge investigation took place. The end was a bit predictable but I enjoyed it. 4.25/5

Wow! This novel was written in a voice that brought me totally into the story. Death is not easy to accept and I believe most people suffer from the ‘what if‘s‘ mindset afterwards. Lexie is facing some difficulties as are the other members of her family. This book is listed as a YA genre, but I admit this 70 year old did really relate to it. It was an easy 4.5/5⭐️

This was a medium-paced medical thriller taking place in Boston. It had lots of medical terminology used to describe patients and their conditions. There were patient right to die issues. The issues of “for profit” healthcare have frustrated me and while reading this, those feelings were present. 4/5⭐️

This was my first book by this author. It was a thriller set in Washington DC in the White House and on the grounds. The pace was close to “fast.” The characters had some interesting traits. Of course there was mysterious circumstances and political drama. I will read more works by the author. 4/5

The third in a series featuring Detective Megan Carpenter. It‘s a fairly fast read. The characters have some unusual habits and are a bit quirky. It‘s best to read these novels in order as the characters grow in each one. 3.75/5

This historical novel was a beautiful story of love amid the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic. The characters were all very much alive in my mind. This story will remain in my memories. It was well written and certainly worth the time I spent with it. 4.5/5⭐️

This was an emotional story of a music loving family who were involved in a horrific accident. In the literal spur of the moment life changes drastically for Mia. Mia is 17 years old with exciting possibilities for life. Heart wrenching and tragic and still full of love. 4/5⭐️

Kate Quinn brings a tale of living in Rome in the first century. The age of gladiators fighting to the death in the arena. This was a time brutal punishment and a very different way of life. There are lots of slavery and mistresses and whores. Lepida Pollia is a terrible and conniving woman with no integrity or morals. This has been my least favorite of Kate Quinn‘s novels. However, I still have it 4/5⭐️

The newly promoted Anna Pigeon is headed from the high desert to the humid Deep South of Mississippi to be the District Ranger of the Natchez Trace. Soon she discovers the body of a teenage prom queen. The novel is filled with mysteries as the killer is tracked down. Is there anyone who willingly answer questions? I like this series. 4/5⭐️

Olivia was 3 when her mother was killed. Her dad was missing. She spends time with her grandmother until the grandmother dies in her 50s. Olivia decides to try to discover the facts after hearing that her father‘s jaw bone was found. She goes to the funeral and decides to stay to solve the crimes. Set in Oregon. 4/5⭐️

This novel is heartbreaking. I liked the characters, even Luke, the father of Edward and Cara. The story is told from each character‘s perspective. The love shared between them is strong. 4.5/5