Index to Murder (2008)

Jo Dereske knows libraries. And she knows how to poke fun at librarians because she was one. Perhaps that makes her stories more fun if you've ever worked in a library but for a 'cozy' read with gentle humor, you can't beat the Miss Zukas mysteries.

Set in the charming Northwest community of Bellehaven, librarian Helma Zukas and her unlikely best friend Ruth, who is an artist, find themselves involved in solving local mysteries. This time someone has stolen two paintings from her friend's upcoming exhibit "Ruth Revealed". Those paintings were inspired by two former male friends who have recently died in 'accidents'.

The plot is not deep but the language is colorful and spending time with these characters is a pleasant diversion.

The Best Five Books on Everything

 

Want to become an instant expert? Visit FIVE BOOKS, which promises to make you one on lots of interesting topics. 

You'll find the following statement on the website: "Every day an eminent writer, thinker, commentator, politician, academic chooses five books on their specialist subject. From Einstein to Keynes, Iraq to the Andes, Communism to Empire. Share in the knowledge and buy the books."

Poking around a bit, I discovered lists that I didn't quite understand because the choices didn't exactly fit but that may be because the 'experts' chose with different criteria. And it isn't all dry academia stuff. I actually found a list by Sophie Kinsella called "Chic Lit". At any rate, it is all very fascinating and certainly worth a look.

An Unusual Parking Gargage

The Kansas City Library garage with its facade of 22 giant book spines, including Catch-22, Invisible Man, and The Lord of the Rings. (from Mental Floss via Boing Boing)

The Chameleon's Shadow (2007)

Even though I usually have a book on reserve to pick up when I go to the library, certain authors can cause me to impulsively grab something I've missed. This time it was British mystery writer Minette Walters The Chameleon's Shadow. As in the Sculptress, protagonist lieutenant Charles Acland is a damaged soul. Having returned from service in Iraq, badly hurt and disfigured, Charles comes under suspicion repeatedly because of his explosive temper. The book jacket refers to the story's "psychological complexity" and "unstoppable suspense". A very satisfying read. (4 out 5)

Bury Your Dead (2010)

Any book where I feel the need to write down the author's words is special. This was my first Louise Penny mystery although there are five other titles listed in the front of the book. What amazes me is that it took me so long to discover her as a writer. Apparently, although she has garnered other awards, this year marks a highpoint. Both Amazon and Publishers Weekly have placed Bury Your Dead on top ten lists for 2010. It's certainly on mine!

Here is what I copied. "The four sentences that lead to wisdom: I'm sorry. I was wrong. I need help. I don't know." These are the guidelines that Chief Inspector Gamache learned from his mentor and attempts to share with those he leads.

A terrible event has taken place and Gamache has come to Quebec to recover from an investigation where mistakes were made that continue to haunt him.

In Bury Your Dead the city of Quebec is the major backdrop to the intertwining of several tales from the past and from the present. Penny handles them all beautifully. Her writing is wonderful as are her characters and descriptions of place. Even with the cold and snow, you want to be in this place with these people. (Her website has a selection of beautiful photographs of Quebec.)

Crooked Letter Crooked Letter (2010)

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter: A Novel by Tom Franklin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Author Laura Lippman was using the cover of Crooked Letter Crooked Letter as her facebook picture and that was enough for me. I ordered it from the library and when I got my hands on it, time disappeared.

I like mysteries but I especially love literate mysteries with beautiful writing, interesting characterizations, about places I've never lived, and intriguing stories. Tom Franklin's book has all the right ingredients.

Two boys spend a summer together although one is white and one is back in the rural Mississippi of the 70s. Years later the facts of what happened to them converge until the only solution is to finally tell the truth.



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