Good Night, Irene - Luis Alberto Urrea

Good Night, Irene is the latest book from Luis Alberto Urrea. Fans of WWII fiction will want to pick this one on your TBR list.

1943. Urrea introduces the reader to our protagonist, Irene Woodward, a young women who is determined to leave her abusive fiancée. She wants to get far way from her family and join the war effort. Dorothy Dunford is also running - from loneliness. She has no family left and has lost the farm. Joining the war effort seems like a good deal to her. Dot's story is on par with Irene's, but I found Dot to be the character I bonded with the most.

What do the women end up working at? Through the Red Cross, the two are with an elite group - the women who drive the Clubmobiles, bringing a smile, donuts and coffee to servicemen.

In the beginning as they learn the ropes, Irene and Dot are light hearted and enjoying themselves, even if they're tired 24/7. As they start to travel, they find themselves closer and closer to the danger of the front lines. What seemed like it would be a lark is no longer. The war will change both of their lives forever.

Urrea brings in a number of varied supporting characters, all with their own addition to the narrative. Throughout the book, the 'can do' attitude is shown over and over again. When you read this type of story, it makes you truly think about the sacrifices made. Urrea takes his own Mother's Red Cross service as inspiration for Good Night, Irene. 

Friendship, loss, love, grief, anger and the cost of war is seen with women's eyes and woven into this tale. And I'm still on the fence about the ending. Yes, it's satisfactory, but the time line doesn't sit well with me. I imagined something a bit different I know, I've being obtuse but I don't to spoil this lovely read for anyone. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Good Night, Irene.

Drowning -The Rescue of Flight 1421 (A Novel) - T.J. Newman

 T.J. Newman's debut novel was a nail biting read that I (and a lot of other people) couldn't put down. I've been eagerly awaiting her second book - Drowning. You always wonder if an author can bring another great read to the table after a best selling first book? Newman does....in spectacular fashion.

So, you might be wondering about why the book is called Drowning. Well, it's another book about a plane in trouble, this time having to make a crash landing - on, or should I say in, water.

Some make it off the plane, and some don't. Newman gives us a core group of survivors. They're a mixed bunch of personalities, ages, backgrounds and more. One of them is engineer Will Kent - and the second is his young daughter. Can he figure out a way to get out? Or does he have to wait for the government to come up with a solution? Will isn't a patient man - not when lives are at stake. The book is told from two points of view - those up top and those still in the plane. 

The tension in this book is crazy - almost every chapter ends on a cliffhanger. Newman knows how to write suspense! Her personal bio gives her writing that ring of believability. Why? Well she was a flight attendant for 10 years. 

 See for yourself - read an excerpt of Drowning - The Rescue of Flight 1421. I can see this one as a movie. A film for Falling is already in the works.

Drowning - T.J. Newman

T.J. Newman's debut novel was a nail biting read that I (and a lot of other people) couldn't put down. I've been eagerly awaiting her second book - Drowning - The Rescue of Flight 1421. I always wonder if an author can bring another great read to the table after a best selling first book? Newman does....in spectacular fashion.

You might be wondering about why the book is called Drowning. Well, it's another book about a plane in trouble, this time having to make a crash landing - on, or should I say in, water.

Some make it off the plane, and some don't. Newman gives us a core group of survivors. They're a mixed bunch of personalities, ages, backgrounds and more. One of them is engineer Will Kent - and the second is his young daughter. Can he figure out a way to get out? Or does he have to wait for the government to come up with a solution? Will isn't a patient man - not when lives are at stake. The book is told from two points of view - those up top and those still in the plane. 

The tension in this book is crazy - almost every chapter ends on a cliffhanger. Newman knows how to write suspense! Her personal bio gives her writing that ring of believability. Why? Well she was a flight attendant for 10 years. 

I chose to listen to Drowning. Steven Weber and Laura Benanti were the narrators. They did a fabulous of presenting Newman's work. The voices for the two main characters matched the mental images I had created. Weber's voice is rich and full, with a nice gravelly tone that is very pleasant on the ears. Both readers enunciate well and are easy to understand. Benanti brings in the grit and determination for her main character. Both readers have come up with identifiable voices for a wide range range of supporting players. They both easily capture the dangers and the emotions of the plot. A wonderful performance of an excellent book.

 See for yourself - listen an excerpt of Drowning - The Rescue of Flight 1421. I can see this one as a movie. A film for her first book, Falling, is already in the works.

The Ferryman - Justin Cronin

I really enjoyed Justin Cronin's 'Passage' trilogy and have been eagerly awaiting his new tale - The Ferryman, to immerse myself in.

Cronin again takes us to a time and place somewhere in the future. There's an island called Prospera that is home to the wealthy. They're supported (or should I say served) by the staff who live in the Annex. And with those two sentences you can surmise what's going to occur, can't you? I'll let you discover how that unfolds.

Cronin gives us a great lead character in Proctor Bennett. He's one of the Ferrymen who guide and accompany 'retiring' residents on their final journey. But his last journey raises questions that Proctor has never before thought to ask...until now. There are many, many other players, all just as uniquely well drown.  

The setting is easy to imagine given the amount of detail Cronin employs. He's a master of worldbuilding. The plot is inventive, very imaginative and easy to get lost in. There are a number of turns in the narrative, that change what I had had thought. This does keep the reader on their toes. And you do need to read carefully as events, people, points of view and settings change often. I was eager to see what the final pages would bring. Now, as much as I like a good chunkster, I do think The Ferryman could have been tightened up a bit. That last chapter seemed much too long and too twee. 

But overall, a good read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Ferryman. 

The Ferryman - Justin Cronin

I really enjoyed Justin Cronin's 'Passage' trilogy and have been eagerly awaiting his new tale - The Ferryman to immerse myself in.

Cronin again takes us to a time and place somewhere in the future. There's an island called Prospera that is home to the wealthy. They're supported (or should I say served) by the staff who live in the Annex. And with those two sentences you can surmise what's going to occur, can't you? I'll let you discover how that unfolds.

Cronin gives us a great lead character in Proctor Bennett. He's one of the Ferrymen who guide and accompany 'retiring' residents on their final journey. But his last journey raises questions that Proctor has never before thought to ask...until now. There are many, many other players, all just as uniquely well drown.  

The setting is easy to imagine given the amount of detail Cronin employs. He's a master of worldbuilding. The plot is inventive, very imaginative and easy to get lost in. There are a number of turns in the narrative, that change what I had had thought. This does keep the reader on their toes. And you do need to read carefully as events, people, points of view and settings change often. I was eager to see what the final chapters would bring. Now, as much as I like a good chunkster, I do think The Ferryman could have been tightened up a bit. That last chapter seemed much too long and too twee. 

The narrators were Scott Brick and Suzanne Elise Freeman. I have to say - Scott Brick is one of my favorite readers. His voice is so expressive and versatile. Brick conveys the tone and tenor of Cronin's plot easily, drawing the listener deeper into the story. His voice is easy on the ears, clear and the pace of speaking is just right. Freeman was a new to me reader. She alters her voice to fit the characters that are 'speaking'. She too has an easy on the ears voice, and speaking clearly. An excellent presentation of a great read. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of The Ferryman.

Lying in the Deep - Diana Urban

Lying in the Deep is Diana Urban's latest YA book and my latest teen read. The title can be taken two ways - clever. 

This group of older teens are taking a learning semester on a cruise ship. Jade has been looking forward to this forever. But's she's devastated to see that her former bestie and her used to be boyfriend are the trip as well. Now's probably a good time to mention some of the themes? Jealousy and revenge are at the top of the list.

How about murder....yup there's one. Who could be the killer? Jade and her new beau are in the thick of things, trying to suss out the whodunit. But they may be suspects as well. They're supported by a wealth of supporting characters that fill in the various tropes.

Urban has melded teen obsession with a murder mystery and a nice twist in the last few chapters.

But, I do feel like some of the 384 pages could have been pared down a bit. Some scenes and events feel repetitive. The other thing I want to mention is that the teens in this are at college. Their behaviors and thinking seems to belong to younger teenagers. On the other hand, they drink and a few of them are casual drug users. Their choice of drug just kinda sat wrong with me. Seriously? M***?

See for yourself - read an excerpt of Lying in the Deep

 

The Poisoner's Ring - Kelley Armstrong

The Poisoner's Ring is the second book in Kelley Armstrong's 'A Rip Through Time' series. Now, you don't have to have read the first book to enjoy this tale as Armstrong provides enough backstory in the opening chapters to catch up. 

In 2019, Mallory, a American Homicide Detective who went on a trip to Edinburgh, was attacked and left for dead in an alley. But, Mallory isn't dead. And here's where the series title comes in - she wakes up in a hospital to find herself in the body of a housemaid, who was also attacked in the same alley. But.....in 1869. What a great set up! 

From the outside looking in, she appears to be a maid, but once a detective, always a detective. This latest case is too close for comfort for Mallory's benefactors. I really enjoy how the cases are solved - which is the 'old fashioned' way - using deductions, legwork, suspicions, observations and more. Forensic science is in it's infancy and Mallory can help with that.  Armstrong always comes up with a well written, not easy to solve, crime. This latest is no exception - I changed my guess multiple times on the way to the final pages. 

I quite like Mallory as a lead character. We're privy to her inner thoughts as she tries to adapt to the time frame, keep up a façade and help her benefactors solve local crime. She has to think of everything - what her behaviour should look like, the language she uses and how to navigate in a past she doesn't really know much about. The supporting cast is excellent - the master of the house and his sister have skills and interests that intersect with Mallory's talents. 

I also appreciate the detailed description of the settings and the social strata as well. 

A unique premise, great characters, a keep 'em guessing mystery and more. I feel a romantic thread may develop in the next entry? The ending is satisfying, but there are still questions to be answered. The biggest being if Mallory can ever get back through the rip. And on the other hand...where is Catriona?

I chose to listen to The Poisoner's Ring. The narrator was Kate Handford and she did a wonderful job of presenting Armstrong's work. Her voice is clear, easy to understand and easy on the years. She's created many identifiable voices that let the listener who is speaking. A Scottish accent is needed for many of the characters and an inner American one for Mallory. The accent often changes within conversations and Handford keeps up with that. There's lots of scenes and situations that are dangerous, emotional etc. and Hanford captures the tone of the plot with her voice. An excellent reading of a really great book. 

The Poisoner's Ring - Kelley Armstrong

The Poisoner's Ring is the second book in Kelley Armstrong's 'A Rip Through Time' series. Now, you don't have to have read the first book to enjoy this tale as Armstrong provides enough backstory in the opening chapters to catch up. 

In 2019, Mallory, a American Homicide Detective who went on a trip to Edinburgh, was attacked and left for dead in an alley. But, Mallory isn't dead. And here's where the series title comes in - she wakes up in a hospital to find herself in the body of a housemaid, who was also attacked in the same alley. But.....in 1869. What a great set up! 

From the outside looking in, she appears to be a maid, but once a detective, always a detective. This latest case is too close for comfort for Mallory's benefactors. I really enjoy how the cases are solved - which is the 'old fashioned' way - using deductions, legwork, suspicions, observations and more. Forensic science is in it's infancy and Mallory can help with that.  Armstrong always comes up with a well written, not easy to solve, crime. This latest is no exception - I changed my guess multiple times on the way to the final pages. 

I quite like Mallory as a lead character. We're privy to her inner thoughts as she tries to adapt to the time frame, keep up a façade and help her benefactors solve local crime. She has to think of everything - what her behaviour should look like, the language she uses and how to navigate in a past she doesn't really know much about. The supporting cast is excellent - the master of the house and his sister have skills and interests that intersect with Mallory's talents. 

 

I also appreciate the detailed description of the settings and the social strata as well. 

A unique premise, great characters, a keep 'em guessing mystery and more. I feel a romantic thread may develop in the next entry? The ending is satisfying, but there are still questions to be answered. The biggest being if Mallory can ever get back through the rip. And on the other hand...where is Catriona?

 See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Poisoner's Ring.

The Whistling - Rebecca Netley

I adore Gothic fiction and I'm always on the lookout for new tales. I found a fantastic read in Rebecca Netley's debut novel - The Whistling. 

Isn't that cover delicious?! Ominously promising...

All the right bits for Gothic fiction are present...a young woman running from her own heartbreak in the big city takes a position as a nanny in a crumbling manor house on a remote island in 1860's Scotland. What else is needed? Unfriendly staff, a secretive owner of the home, a previous nanny who left with no notice, rumors, odd villagers who warn of.....

I'm going to leave it there and let you discover what has happened and is happening through the eyes of Elspeth, our protagonist. Is that truly someone at the attic window? And ears as well.....what is that singing late at night and what is the whistle for?

Netley has created a wonderfully atmospheric setting. She masterfully builds the tension of her story with every page turned. Seemingly innocent items, such as a doll and how a pair of shoes are set by the fire take on an insidious tone. This is much more frightening than an overt event.

The Whistling is a mystery on many levels and a tale that perhaps is home to one or two ghosts. Or is it?

A brilliant book and an easy five stars. See for your self - read an excerpt of The Whistling. 

Thanks to HarperCollins Canada for the digital review copy. All opinions are mine alone.

The Lie Maker - Linwood Barclay

Linwood Barclay's new book, The Lie Maker, has just released and it's another page turner from one of my favorite authors. 

Jack was nine when his father left - and went into hiding. (I'll let you discover why) Fast forward to adult Jack. He's been offered a job that seems a bit too coincidental, given his past, but he needs the money. And Jack also has other reasons for taking the job. He's a great lead character that I liked. His girlfriend Lana is a strong supporting player. 

We get glimpses into the past through two characters' memories and come to understand what's going on in the present. Which is...a lot of subterfuge, murder, revenge and my favorite - twists and red herrings strewn along the way to the final pages.

Barclay is a master of suspense novels. Once I start one of his titles, I can't stop turning pages. And this latest was no exemption. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Lie Maker.

Killing Me - Michelle Gagnon

Okay - if you're looking for a completely unexpected plot, a lead character that will have you laughing - even as she's trying to escape a serial killer. And a lovable cadre of supporting characters that you'll adore. (mostly) Yes?  

Then you need to pick up a copy of Michelle Gagnon's new book - Killing Me. 

There's more to Amber Jamison, our protagonist, than meets the eye. She has her own 'shadowy' background. I loved her snappy inner dialogue. The supporting players' tongues are just as quick. They're a mixed bag of personalities. I had a soft spot for Dot, the motel owner. The support amongst this group was heart warming. 

The plotting is unexpected and fresh. I read a lot of crime fiction and really appreciated being surprised by the direction Gagnon's book takes. 

Now there's lots of humor, but there is a serial killer on the loose (or maybe two), so there is some darker bits. People do die and I wasn't always happy with who did. 

Gagnon's author notes hints at a follow-up book to Killing Me. Yes please - fingers crossed! See for yourself - read an excerpt of Killing Me.  An easy five stars.

The Secret Book of Flora Lea - Patti Callahan Henry

Oh my gosh - Patti Callahan Henry has outdone herself with her latest book - The Secret Book of Flora Lea. It's an absolutely wonderful listen.

The book unfolds in a now and then timeline, which I really like. 

In 1940, Hazel and her younger sister Flora are shipped out of London to live with guest families under the governments 'Pied Piper' program. To keep Flora settled, Hazel invents a tale of a magical place called Whisperwood. But the unthinkable happens and Flora goes missing. Hazel has searched and search for Flora with no luck. But when a book called Whisperwood crosses the counter at her job in 1960 she is stunned. The book is full of her stories. And....

Isn't that a great premise? I loved the magical tone of the the stories. But there's so much more to love. Hazel is easy to like and I was immediately behind her. There's a number of supporting that are just as wonderful, such Harry and his mother. And those you want to nudge out of the story. But they too, have purpose.

Henry's settings are so well described that I could imagine living in the small village of Binsey (it is indeed a real place.) And working with Hazel in the rare books store. And of course....Whisperwood.

There's the mystery of what happened to Flora driving the narrative, but relationships are right along side - siblings, parental, friendships and love. And of course, the stories...

"Not very long ago and not very far away, there once was and still is an invisible place right here with us. And if you are born knowing, you will find your way through the woodlands to the shimmering doors that lead to the land made just and exactly for you."

Cynthia Erivo was the reader for the audio version. Wow, she interpreted and performed this book wonderfully. Her voice has a lower tone to it that draws the listener into the story. Her voice is velvety smooth and is so pleasant to listen to. She speaks clearly and enunciates well. She captures the emotions and action of the book well. And when she reads a Whisperwood story - her voice is magical. The speed of the reading is just right. And this is an odd thing - but I don't believe I've ever had a narrator put so much emotion and feeling into one single word. Erivo does this a number of time with the word 'yes'. Shivers!

A fantastic performance of a fantastic book. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of The Secret Book of Flora Lea.

The Secret Book of Flora Lea - Patti Callahan Henry

Oh my gosh - Patti Callahan Henry has outdone herself with her latest book - The Secret Book of Flora Lea. It's an absolutely wonderful read.

The book is told in a now and then timeline, which I really like. 

In 1940, Hazel and her younger sister Flora are shipped out of London to live with guest families under the British government's 'Pied Piper' program. To keep Flora settled, Hazel invents a tale of a magical place called Whisperwood. But the unthinkable happens and Flora goes missing. Hazel has searched and searched for Flora for years, with no luck. But when a book called Whisperwood crosses the counter at her job in 1960 she is stunned. The book is full of her stories. And....

Isn't that a great premise? I loved the magical tone of the the stories. But there's so much more to love. Hazel is easy to like and I was immediately behind her. There's a number of supporting players that are just as wonderful, such Harry and his mother. And those you want to nudge out of the story. But they too, have purpose.

Henry's settings are so well described that I could imagine living in the small village of Binsey (it is indeed a real place.) And working with Hazel in the bookstore. And of course....Whisperwood.

There's the mystery of what happened to Flora driving the narrative, but relationships are right along side - siblings, parental, friendships and love. And of course the stories...

"Not very long ago and not very far away, there once was and still is an invisible place right here with us. And if you are born knowing, you will find your way through the woodlands to the shimmering doors that lead to the land made just and exactly for you."

Magical! See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Secret Book of Flora Lea. 

Small Mercies - Dennis Lehane

Dennis Lehane takes us back to Boston in his latest book Small Mercies.

It's 1974 and the schools are being desegregated - and the neighborhood of Southie is determined that's not to happen. The Irish American neighborhood crime gang is the one who make the rules in Southie - not the cops. Alongside this, a dead black teenager is found at the train station - and a white teen is missing. 

Small Mercies is told through Mary Pat Fennessy's eyes. She's lived her whole life in the Southie housing projects. She's tough and has suffered much over the years - losing her husband, son and now her daughter is missing. This conflux of events sparks something in Mary Pat. She's had enough, lost enough and isn't going to back down this time. I loved Mary Pat - she does bad things for the right reason. She made me cry for her and her losses, for a hard life, for the limits life handed out to her. But she's trying to see things from another perspective. The other character I really was Bobby - a cop in the neighborhood. He thinks before he does, he's calm and sees the big picture.

Racism is a large part of  Small Mercies - and it's darn hard to read. This is 49 years ago, and truly, what has changed? (More tears from this reader.)

Lehane is a fantastic writer. Small Mercies is hard to read, but impossible to put down. You'll be thinking about it long after the last page is turned. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Small Mercies.

Gentle readers - there are triggers in Small Mercies with violence leading the pack.

Fit to Die - Daniel Kalla

Fit to Die is Danel Kalla's new novel.

There is such a focus on body weight in our society - rather than on being healthy. Kalla takes this skewed thinking as the basis of his plot in Fit to Die. Emergency rooms in Vancouver and LA are dealing with overdoses of an unnamed drug. Once the common thread is named, I thought, no way. But no, it's real. (and that is pretty scary)

Here's the neat bit - Kalla is himself an emergency physician in Vancouver, Canada. I can't even imagine what's he's seen or dealt with over the years. His medical expertise adds much to his book's overall feel in terms of setting, action and dialogue.

His protagonists are medical and law enforcement players whose lives intersect. Some of the characters have appeared in previous books and it's nice to see them again. The investigation is believable from both points of view.

Kalla keeps things moving at a good pace. There's a few twists that keeps the reader on their toes. Overall, an entertaining read for those who like medical thrillers. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Fit to Die.

Gentle readers there are some triggers. 

Someone Else's Shoes - Jojo Moyes

I have been (not so patiently) waiting to get my hands on an audio copy of Jojo Moyes' latest bestseller, Someone Else's Shoes.

A pair of designer shoes is the catalyst for two storylines - and two protagonists. Nisha's wealthy husband has decided that he is getting divorced and cuts Nisha off with just the clothes on her back. Sam is struggling at work and on the home front as well. And their paths cross... I'll leave it there (along with the red shoes) for you to discover the rest.

All of the elements that make Moyes' book so wonderful to read and listen to are present. A protagonist that you can't help be behind - Sam is easy to like. Nisha, on the other hand, is more than a little prickly.

All of the elements that make Moyes' books so wonderful to read and listen to are present. A protagonist that you can't help be behind - Sam is easy to like. Nisha, on the other hand, is more than a little prickly. A wonderful supporting cast, catchy dialogue, humor, pathos, relationships, friendship, parenting, finding yourself, second chances and so much more.

I listened to Someone Else's Shoes. I've said it more than once - I become immersed in a story when I listen. That's especially true when it's an excellent narrator like Daisy Ridley. Her voice is rich and easy on the ears.She has created a voice for each character that truly suits them. It's also very easy to know who's speaking. She easily captures the emotions and actions of Moyes' plot. 

I've enjoyed each and every book Moyes has written and this latest just might be my new favourite. A wonderful presentation of a wonderful book. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt.

The Nigerwife - Vanessa Walters

The Nigerwife is Vanessa Walters' debut adult book. 

The title is a name that foreign wives of wealthy Nigerian men have given themselves. The author herself has been part of the Nigerwife community. 

Walters' inside point of view immerses the reader in terms of setting, mores, culture, community, everyday life and the upper echelon of Nigerian society. 

Nicole Oruwari is one of those wives who seems to have it all....until she goes missing. With no answers and no one seemingly looking for Nicole, her auntie Claudia makes the trip from England to Lagos get answers. She is stonewalled at every turn. 

The book is told in a then and now timeline, with Nicole's disappearance being ground zero. As readers we're privy to it all. We get to know Nicole in those before chapters. And I'm not quite sure how I feel about her. I questioned some of her thinking. I adored Claudio though. She often acts before she thinks, speaks her mind and is fiercely loyal to her family. But there are dark chapters to her life as well.

Did I see the who, why and what coming before the final pages? A wee bit, but I was surprised. And that last page? Perfect.

The Nigerwife was fresh, different and enjoyable. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Nigerwife.

The Last Word - Taylor Adams

Wow - I don't even know how to start talking about Taylor Adams' latest book - The Last Word!

I've read all of Adams' previous books. He's perfected the 'everyday person in a really bad situation' type of tale that keeps me on the edge of my chair every time. However, this latest has knocked it out of the park.

Emma is housesitting a remote home. Odd things start happening - sounds, smells, things moved - or is it all just in her head?

Next question - have you ever left a one star review for a product? What if the author or vendor asked you to take down the review? And you said no. And... yeah, I'm going to leave it there for you to discover what's next. Great premise.

The delivery of this story is cunningly and deviously crafted. Who is the un-named narrator and his point of view? Emma also has a voice. And the two narratives definitely don't match. It feels like two different stories are being told. (which made me so curious!) A critical event happens more than once (almost every chapter, in fact) completely changing the direction of the story every time. I'd be sad or angry about what has transpired, only to be proven wrong in the next chapter. Kudos to Adams for this twisty, turny tale and how it was presented. 

Yes, some of it is a bit over the top. Just go with it - you won't be able to put The Last Word down! I've often thought that Adams' books would make good thriller movies. 

See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Last Word. 

Happy Place - Emily Henry

I had been hearing and seeing so many positive reviews and comments about Emily Henry's new book, Happy Place. I just knew it was a book I wanted to listen to! (And all of those reviews? They were right!)

Six forever friends are at the beach for one last get together at the cottage before it's sold. Now, over the years, some of those friendships have grown into couples. That's the case with Harriet and Wyn. But what their friends don't know is that they've also broken up. They don't want to have this last hurrah tainted by their splitting up. So, they they make a pact. They’ll fake it for a week. After all, it’s only a week right?

Right off the bat I really liked Henry’s characters. The six are all just a little bit different but together they make just the tightest group of friends. Each has a distinct personality and each one is important to the story. I really thought the interactions between the six, as well as the sharp dialogue was spot on. Henry is such a clever writer. 

You’ve got an inkling where this is going don’t you? Yeah, there’s a whole lotta will they, won’t they, for Harriet and Wyn. And again, Henry does a really great job with her exploration of relationships. Interactions are absolutely believable. There are some intimate bits in the book - they’re tastefully written.

I just enjoyed every bit of this book, and that enjoyment was enhanced by Julia Whelan, one of my favourite narrators. She has a wonderfully versatile voice. She’s created a believable, different voice for each of the six players. Each voice suited the mental images I had created. It makes it really easy to know who’s speaking. Her voice is clear, easy to listen to and she enunciates well. Her voice has so much movement, capturing the emotions and plot of the book. 

A great plot and performance and an easy five stars. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of Happy Place.

The Last Remains - Elly Griffiths

Elly Griffiths is hands down one of my favorite authors. She has written more than one series, but the Ruth Galloway books are dear to me. The Last Remains is the fifteenth book - and from what I've read - the last in the series. At least for now. Fingers crossed.

When a skeleton is found behind a bricked up wall, Dr. Ruth Galloway is called in to again help the local police. As always, the plot is wonderfully constructed and enjoyably solved. There's more than one candidate for the whodunit and I was kept guessing until the final pages. 

The setting of this series is the Norfolk area of England. It's rich in history, both tangible and verbal. I've enjoyed learning more about this setting over the years. It sounds so very beautiful. I've often thought that I would be quite happy living on the moors by the sea in Ruth's little cottage. 

Sitting down with the latest book is like sitting down with old friends. Their lives move forward with every entry and I'm always curious to see what's going on with them all. And those of you who have followed this series from book one will know what I'm talking about...Nelson and Ruth. The back and forth 'Will they or won't they' has been the question with every book. And one that is never fully answered - until now. No worries! I'm not telling! I must admit that my favorite supporting character has always been Cathbad, the self proclaimed Druid. His outlook on life is unique and well, mystical. And has been right in many ways in many situations over the years. He is again involved in this latest case.

Ruth herself has been a great protagonist - true to herself, intelligent and talented. Her inner dialogue reveals her insecurities and doubts which only make her more realistic. You will be missed Ruth. 

Read an excerpt of The Last Remains. 

If you haven't discovered this series yet, I encourage you to start with the first book, The Crossing Places.