What Have You Done?- Shari Lapena

I always pick up Shari Lapena's new book without reading the flyleaf - I just know it will be another great read And that was true with What Have You Done?

Fairhill Vermont is the small town the book takes place in. It's small enough that people don't lock their doors. Right up to the day the most popular girl in school was found dead in a farmer's field.

And trusting Fairhill inhabitants start looking at their neighbours with different eyes.

I really liked how Lapena unfolded the path to the final answers. Certain characters are given their own voices/chapters. Some of them will surprise you. And you'll be surprised with some of the connection. Is there enough information there for the reader to make a decision on the who and the why? Well, I made decisions - but got it wrong. Which I enjoyed! I read a lot of murder mysteries and this was a fantastic entry that kept me reading until late in the night. 

See for yourself - read an excerpt of What Have You Done.

Resurrection Walk - Michael Connelly

I eagerly await each new book from Michael Connelly. He's hands down one of my favorite authors. And then...I finish it far too quickly. I couldn't put down Resurrection Walk. It's one heck of a page turner.

While the cover is labelled as a Lincoln Lawyer book, it also features Harry Bosch. Harry is now working for his half brother, Mickey Haller, as a part time investigator. Haller is coming off of a big win and has Harry vetting requests for another 'Resurrection Walk' case. 

This is not a jury case, instead Mickey is presenting his case to only one person - a Federal judge. The stakes are high, as is the tension. And the other is are just as determined. Connelly's courtroom legalese is detailed and is presented and written so readers understand what's going on. The courtroom machinations, the ups and downs of rulings and Mickey's plans are fascinating to read. 

Connelly's characters' personal lives are always moving forward. Familiar supporting players, Cisco, Lorna, Maggie Fierce, Maddy and more, make cameo appearances. It's been hard to see Harry age and take a lesser role. I think of him as an old war horse. It was different to see him on the defense side of the table instead of the prosecution. Mickey may be making some changes as well. Only the next book will tell. 

An absolute addicting, can't put it down book! More please. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Resurrection Walk. 

What the Dead Know - Barbara Butcher

Barbara Butcher's memoir, What the Dead Know - Learning About Life as a New York City Death Investigator, was an absolutely amazing read. 

I read a number of fictional forensic series and enjoy the details and clues of determining the causes of death. But, Butcher is the real deal - she was the second woman ever hired for the role of Death Investigator in Manhattan - and the first to last more than three months.

I was fascinated by this inside look behind the curtain. Butcher recounts a number of deaths that have stuck with her over the years, for different reasons, including the 9/11 attacks. The factual bits are there - and I learned quite a bit. It's the personal part of death that stayed with me as I read, especially those who died alone. Butcher has a dark sense of humor that suits her narrative.

What makes this book a standout is Ms. Butcher herself. She shies away from nothing, exposing her own life for all to see. Addiction and mental health issues are part of her story. She's highly intelligent, driven and successful, working additionally as a speaker, professor, consultant and providing detail for mystery writers.

I literally I could not put the book down. Honestly, one of the best memoirs I've ever read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of What the Dead Know.