See what your Cornwall friends and neighbors think of the books they are reading this summer!

Long Time No See by Susan Isaacs (review by Gregory Van Den Berg

The book is a sequel to Compromising Situations which was published twenty years previously. The story is about a widowed college adjunct professor. She went back to school and earned her doctorate in history. In the previous book, she was a stay-at-home mom. Now, her children have moved out of the house. The previous book she begins to play detective after the murder of an acquaintance. The story reminds you of a Miss Marple Mystery. There are many twists and turns in the story. The story will keep your interest throughout. I recommend this book highly. Unfortunately, the sequel in the series is only an e-book.

The Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire by Manda Collins (review by Catherine Incledon)

This book was a cute period romance/mystery! Unfortunately, I felt like because the author tried to incorporate so much, they didn’t do justice to any of those three aspects individually. As a whole, though, the book was still enjoyable.

Robert Parker's Bad Influence by Alison Gaylin (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

The book is the latest in the series of the Sunny Randall series. She was a former cop who has become private investigator. One aspect of the series who former husband, who she still loves, is the son of a notorious mob leader even though the ex has anything to do with his father’s “business.” The estate of Mr. Parker has hired this author to continue the series. Everything you would expect from a Parker story is there. A word of warning – please begin with the first book of the series because you will be lost due to the relationships which were developed throughout the series. If you want to enjoy a good mystery, read the Sunny Randall books.

Counting to Perfect by Suzanne LaFleur (review by Michael Benedict)

A book about a girl who feels unseen by her family. She puts her happiness aside to help her family. Throughout the book, she learns how to have fun and care for herself while having some sister bonding time.

Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi (review by Michael Benedict)

Third book in the Pandava series. Aru fights hard to go against the destiny that has been laid out before her.

I Hope You Get This Message by Farah Naz Rishi (review by Michael Benedict)

Earth is an experiment. The aliens in charge have decided enough is enough. With a message to Earth that in just 7 days they will be destroyed, students decide to go on their own adventures to find the piece of their lives that are missing. Multiple stories all come together to tell one larger story.

Looking for Alaska by John Green (review by Michael Benedict)

A boy looking for adventure finds it at his new school. Pudge meets Alaska, a girl who can show him that great perhaps. Tragedy strikes, so Pudge and his friends must find the truth of what has happened.

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher (review by Michael Benedict)

What if you caused the death of someone? Maybe by something you did or something you didn’t do. Clay has an agonizing wait to see his role in the story of the death of Hannah Baker.

The Galileans by Frank X. Slaughter (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

Frank Slaughter was an author who fictionalized the lives of people in the Bible. In this case, the author wrote about the life of Mary Magdalen. The story gave us insight to who the person may have been. In the Bible, the reader only gets bits and pieces of a person’s life. What the reader receives is the back story. The author filled in blanks in a person’s life. The character we read about who followed Jesus becomes real to the reader. The story puts flesh on the character. She is no longer an abstract person but one who becomes a concrete person warts and all

Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes (review by Julia Rust)

The re-imagining of myths is one of my favorite kinds of stories. When done well, they lift the idea of ‘gods’ from fantasy into a very human realm. “Stone Blind” does this extremely well. Beautifully written, the book centers on Medusa, and how she got her snakes. But it’s also a story of gods, goddesses and the mortals who love and fear them. Funny and serious in turns, it’s a terrific read, full of different perspectives, and several compelling story lines. I recommend this to anyone looking for a good read, and everyone who enjoys the Greek myths in their many forms.

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood (review by Catherine Incledon)

Love, Theoretically is Ali Hazelwood’s third STEMinist (women in STEM) romance book, and it was just as fantastic as the first two! The book portrayed the issues women in STEM careers deal with without feeling preachy, and it had a really great love story. This author blends humor, science, and romance really well. The book gives you a peek at what it is like to have a career in science academia without feeling like you’re reading your high school chemistry textbook. I would recommend all of the STEMinist books for fans of Lessons in Chemistry (although these are definitely much lighter reads!).

Arthur and George by Julian Barnes (review by Vanessa Walthall)

I’d been seeing this Masterpiece show advertised on PBS for a while and finally checked out the DVD from the library, and when I saw it was based on a book, got the book too. Needless to say, as usual, the book was light years better than the mini series. An enjoyable fiction based on the true life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle! A mysterious detective tale! Serious thoughts about racism which seems quite relevant in today’s world as it was happening at the turn of the 1900s in the story.

The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis (review by Jennifer Alarcon)

For historical fiction fans, Fiona Davis is always a hit and The Masterpiece is no exception! I love how Davis takes the reader back and forth from the 1970s to the late 1930s as the mystery unfolds. About halfway through the book I thought I had figured out the ending but then a huge plot twist changed everything! An added bonus for this book was having a local(ish) landmark take center stage. Learning more about the history of Grand Central Terminal was fascinating and I’m already looking for a history of the station to read!

Discover Your Clifton Strengths by Don Clifton (review by Sr. Mary)

A perfect book for finding out more about yourself and the strengths you have been given. After taking an online assessment you are emailed a description of your five most important strengths and suggestions on how to use them. This is a great book to keep on hand when you are working with a team. This could also be a wonderful way to stir up some interesting conversations with some friends.

A Body to Die For by Kate White (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

This book is the second one in a series. The main character is Bailey Weggens. She is a freelance writer. She writes about articles regarding different characters about crime. She reminds you of Mrs. Fletcher in the fact where Mrs. Fletcher is a murder occurs. Bailey is invited by friends of the victim to help solve the murder. In this story, she is invited to spend a weekend at her friends spa and hotel in the Berkshires. The first night she is there a staff member is murdered. This is where the fun begins for all of us.

A Finer End by Deborah Crombie (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his partner Sergeant Gemma James return in another novel of mysteries. This book is one in the series featuring these two police officers. When Duncan Kincaid’s cousin Jack calls from Glastonbury to ask for his help on a rather unusual matter, Duncan welcomes the chance to spend a relaxing weekend outside of London with Gemma–but relaxation isn’t on the agenda. Read the book and discover the story which is contemporary and ancient. Again, best if you read the books in order. After reading the first book, you can’t wait to read the next one.

Carved in Bone by Jefferson Bass (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

The writer is the son of Dr. Bass who created what is known as The Body Farm in Knoxville, Tn. The father is a forensic anthropologist who started this farm to study various times of compositions of dead bodies. In fact, Patricia Cornwell used the body farm in one of her Kay Scarpetta. The main character in the story is a forensic anthropologist who teaches at the University of Tennessee. He is used by the police and sometimes by a defense attorney to study bones of those who have been murdered. The story is very interesting and entertaining. This is the first in a series of books. Once I started reading the book I could not put the book down until I finished.

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto (review by Catherine Incledon)

I really enjoyed this book! It’s a murder-mystery leaning to the cozier side of the aisle filled with food, found family, and humor. There have been a bunch of mysteries recently published that have older protagonists (Thursday Murder Club, Killers of a Certain Age, Marlow Murder Club, etc.), but this book stands out because it focuses on San Francisco’s Chinatown and characters of different Asian backgrounds. Vera is so truly unique, no one could ever be bored reading about her! I had so much fun reading and learning about the different Chinese foods and teas. I would definitely recommend this book!

Strong Men by Ruth Ben-Ghiat (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

The book was very interesting. The author wrote about the history of autocrats in the 20th century. She began her book tracing the rise of Mussolini in Italy. What was interesting about the book was even though Italy was not world power it still ruled over many colonies in Africa. The most interesting part was how other dictators especially Hitler copied his method. The book was relevant because of the rise of autocrats and threat of a would be autocrat being elected president of the United States.

Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea (review by Vanessa Walthall

A thoroughly enjoyable, historically interesting, and heartwarming story. A friend has gotten me into WWII historical fiction, and this is a wonderful addition to the genre.

Zero Days by Ruth Ware (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

This is the latest book written by the English author, Ruth Ware. This book is a typical suspect against the world. The main character Jackie attempts to discover why she is being framed for a crime she didn’t commit. The book is fast paced and real page turner. You will find this book suspenseful and will have a difficult time putting the book until you completed the story. I have read all the author’s books and I have never have been disappointed.

The Fifties by David Halberstam (review by Gregory Van Den Berg

As you can surmise from the title, the author has written a book about the fifties. Due to the fact that he is an excellent author, the book is very interesting to read. He takes through the most significant events, trends, and famous people of the decade. Even though the book may seem to be overwhelming at first, the book is written in a manner which does not overwhelm. Whether you lived through the fifties or desire to know more about the fifties this is the book to read.

All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir (review by Catherine Incledon)

This was a very heavy YA read. It told the story of Pakistani Americans and some of the struggles they faced that are both unique to them (racism and discrimination in schools and the court system) as well as some that many Americans face (addiction, poverty, grief). This is July’s pick for the YA Book Club.

Mrs. Nash's Ashes by Sarah Adler (review by Catherine Incledon)

This was an adorable book. It was like a Hallmark movie but with a little bit more spice (and there’s actual chemistry between the main characters). I laughed, cried, laughed and cried again reading this book. This grumpy/sunshine romance will definitely have you questioning your next road trip.

The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel (review by Vanessa Walthall)

A page turner and such an interesting historical fiction story! And what an ending (no spoilers ;)!

Code of the Hills by Chris Offutt (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

This book is the third one in the series featuring Mike Hardin. Mike has just retired from the Army where he has been an investigator. He retires to his hometown where his sister is the county sheriff. What is interesting about the book and series is the insight on rural Kentucky life. The lifestyle of rural Kentucky is different than we may have experienced living in such a class proximity to New York City. The author engages the reader immediately. In this story, he assists his sister in the investigation of multiple murders. The author attempts to tell his readers everything is not always black and white.

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren (review by Orlane Dubreus)

Reality TV is a true passion of mine and Christina Lauren delivered on all fronts with this one. The chemistry between Connor and Fizzy was so good, I loved reading about them. The thing about Christina Lauren couples is that they always feel like they are supposed to be together, an aspect some romance novels miss. Not just that they are there but that these two specific people are meant for each other and Connor and Fizzy are absolutely meant for one another. I loved seeing their relationship develop and the communication between them was exquisite. 4.5 stars for this, its one of my favorites by them.

The Beach Road by Wendy Wax (review by Maria Covillion)

Ten Beach Road is a story about three women who come together due to unforeseen circumstances. They begin as strangers and form a bond by the end of the book. The genre is realistic fiction, and the story takes place in Florida, at the beach of course! The main characters learn a little bit about facing difficult situations. They also learn a lot about themselves and about the bonds of friendship. This is book one of a series.

Ocean Beach by Wendy Wax (review by Maria Covillion)

Book two of the Ten Beach Road series by Wendy Wax. Again, the main characters find themselves in another beach town in Florida where they are renovating a home. They form a close bond with the elderly home owner and continue to face challenges, which make them stronger as well as their friendship.

The House on Mermaid Point by Wendy Wax (review by Maria Covillion)

The ladies of Ten Beach Toad are together again! This time they are in the Florida Keys renovating the home of a former rock star. Old characters from the first two books return to help with the renovation. Old relationships end and new ones form. An unexpected surprise at the end leaves us wondering how things will work out in the next book.

Dead Man's Wake by Paul Doiron (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

This is the latest novel in the series featuring Mike Bowditch who is a game warden investigator in Maine. The author is a graduate of Yale with a degree in English. When not writing, he is a part-time fly fisherman guide in Maine. The story is centered around a boating accident and a murder. The author gives the reader a fresh perspective of the state of Maine. Like many other investigators, Mike is a lone wolf. Alone among his fellow officers, Mike begins to sense the involvement of a trained professional, smarter and more dangerous than any enemy he has faced. As Mike and Stacey get closer to identifying the killer, their own lives are suddenly put on the line, leading to a confrontation designed to silence them forever. Enjoy. You will need to start with the first novel in order to comprehend all the characters’ backgrounds.

Bel Ria by Sheila Burnford (review by Vanessa Walthall)

My dad got this book for my kids, and I decided to “preview” it before reading it to them – and am so happy I did. I can’t wait to read it again to the kids! It is a heartwarming, heartrending tale. A tale of such special friendship between animals and people, and the incredible memories of dogs. If you’re a dog lover, this is one for you!

And Justice There is None by Deborah Crombie (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

This book is part of the Kincaid/James series. This story has many plot twists running throughout the story. I enjoyed the way she connected past events with present events. These events are woven story which are finally tied together at the end of the story. The author keeps you guessing as to whom the murderer is at the end. Enjoy.

The Masked City by Genevieve Cogman (review by Rachel Friedman

The sequel to “The Invisible Library”. It is fast pasted and engaging. It continues to follow the adventures of Librarian spy Irene as she goes to Fae Venice to rescue her Dragon Apprentice, and prevent a war that may lead to the destruction of several worlds. I really enjoyed the first book, but found it a bit hard to get into because it’s very minimalist with the exposition. I found the sequel to be far more approachable because I already understood the basics of the world from the first one.

Behind the Hits by Bob Shannon and John Javna (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

This book is for anyone who enjoyed the music of the sixties. The authors give you the backstory to many of the hits of this decade. The stories are all very interesting to read. Once, I started reading the book I was unable to put the book down at all. Not only do they tell the stories behind the hits, they also interviewed many of the participants of the song. Again, if you enjoyed the pop sound of the sixties you will enjoy this book as well.

Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton (review by Pamela Hawks)

Catton won the Booker Prize for her much lauded book, The Luminaries. This novel is a bit of a different animal, but a great read, none-the-less. Part eco-thriller, part love-triangle, part philosophical treatise, it gains a good head of steam from start to finish. Catton’s writing can be dense at times, but once you are used to her style, her characters cannot be pigeon-holed and you are compelled to find out how it all ends.

Joseph in Egypt by Thomas Mann (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

The book is a fictionalized account of Joseph, son of Jacob in the Bible, beginning at the time he was sold into slavery by his brothers to becoming the second highest ruler in Egypt. Even though the book is fictionalized, the author fills in the blanks the Bible leaves us. How Mann manages to pull suspense out of a story that everyone knows is just amazing. The author delves in the ancient history as well as the mythology of the ancient Egyptians.

Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz (review by Mary Camarda)

I enjoyed this book. It is written in true Dean Koontz fashion. A young man has everything going for beautiful girlfriend,, successful business and wealth. Then he finds out he needs a heart transplant and of course this heart transplant comes with complications. The story is suspenseful and an exciting read.

The Only One Left by Riley Sager (reviwe by Gregory Van Den Berg)

This is the second book I have read by this author. I enjoyed this book much more than the first one. I like reading books in which you need to put the parts of the puzzle together. The characters are well developed and there are many twists throughout the story. The story is reminiscent of southern gothic. The story will keep you in suspense from beginning until the end of the story.

The Burning Page by Genevieve Cogman (review by Rachel Friedman)

The third book in the Invisible Library series. It continues to follow the story of Library spy Irene and her dragon Apprentice Kai as they deal with the fallout from the previous story and fight the machinations of the villain from the first book. It is fast fun and engaging for anyone who likes fantasy adventure stories. I am starting to get annoyed with this series resolving the main plot of the book in the book, and then ending. Both this book and the last one did not have a proper resolution of any of the smaller questions, requiring the reader to get the next book in order for a resolution, which is frustrating.

The Prince and The Prodigal by Jill Eileen Smith (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

This story is about the lives of Judah and Joseph both sons of the patriarch Jacob. Again, her books gives us fictional accounts of the lives of the characters in the Bible. Even though they are fictionalized, the stories put flesh on the skeleton which appears in the Bible. They are interesting to read and enjoyable to know that these are real people who we read about in the Bible.

1998 Yankees by Jack Curry (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

Jack Curry is an analyst for Yankees’ games on the Yes network. The book reviews why the 1998 Yankees were the greatest team in baseball. He begins with how the Yankees were World Champions in 1996 but lost in the playoffs in 1997. He writes about the various personalities on teams who were very different but were able to mesh due to the managerial abilities of Joe Torre. If you are a Yankees fan or want to enjoy an excellent baseball book, this book if for you.

Gathering Shadows by Nancy Meihl (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

This was the first book I read written by this author. The book was about an investigation into the abduction of the investigator’s younger brother. She is a broadcast journalist who is on an assignment which has nothing to do with her investigation. However, the assignment is writing about interesting towns in Missouri. The story has many twists and turns throughout the story. However, there are many religious references which are good but can turn you off by reading them. If you can adjust to these references, the story is interesting.

All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir (review by Orlane Dubreus)

Absolutely devastating. But I love books like that, so it was right up my alley. There is something so genuine about the relationship between Salahudin and Noor that made me want to keep turning the pages. There was a real friendship between them and it was interesting to watch them learn more about each other’s lives and grow together. I loved this book so much.

Will They or Won't They by Ava Wilder (review by Orlane Dubreus)

Hollywood romances remain superior, as long as they are written by Ava Wilder. The consistent tension between Shane and Lilah was so good, I wasn’t even mad that they weren’t simply getting together. I loved them together and I loved them apart, which doesn’t often happen for me in romance novels, but that’s how I know Ava Wilder has created such great characters. A quick read, too!

The Hummingbird’s Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea (review by Vanessa Walthall)

An epic tale! Reading this, I wished I knew more about Mexican history, this book has made it my goal to learn more.

Poirot Investigates by Agatha Christie (review by Catherine Incledon)

This is technically 3rd in order of all the Hercule Poirot books, but it was a collection of short stories rather than a single full-length novel. I can only handle Poirot’s ego in very small doses, so this was perfect! The bite-sized mysteries always surprised me with the reveal.

The Heart of a King by Jill Eileen Smith (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

The book is about King Solomon. The story begins with Solomon waiting to be named co-regent by his father, King David. The author then traces Solomon’s life through his marriages to specific woman. Ms. Smith usually writes about the wives of the famous people in the Old Testament. She delves into the very mysterious life of Solomon. There is not much written about him in the Bible and she attempts to fill in the holes of his life. Again, the story is mostly fictionalize but very interesting none the less.

Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

This is the play written by Anton Chekov. If you enjoy reading plays, you will enjoy reading translation of his play about three sisters who desire to move back to their idealized vision of Moscow.

Sparring Partners by John Grisham (review by Lorraine Uhlmann)

If you are a fan of Grisham, then read these three short stories. Each one has it’s own twist and turn. The book will not disappoint you!

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman (review by Catherine Incledon)

What a fantastic book! The story follows a woman who pushes back against the pressures on and expectations of women by using her status and the ignorance of men to help other women. This was a lot heavier than I expected of a book with a cartoony-illustrated cover, so I would definitely check for trigger warnings before reading.

Flags on the Bayou by James Lee Burke (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

The book examines the corrosive effects of violence in people’s lives. The author wants us to take an honest look at the Civil War. Too many times there is an attempt to romanticize war. However, there is nothing to romanticize. Ordinary lives are destroyed not only in death but psychologically as well. There is a honest view of the affects of slavery not only on the lives of the slaves but the owners. The reader is permitted an insight to war which is hardly ever written about in the way personal lives will never recover once the war ceases.

Soldier of Fortune: A Gideon Quinn Adventure: The Fortune Chronicles, Book 1 by Kathleen McClure (review by Rachel Friedman)

A riveting sci-fi adventure about a former soldier who was forced to plead guilty to treason. He is released from prison early, and tries to move on with his life while the one who framed him tries to kill him. Also he has a dragon pet and helps a lot of people.

Death Notice by Todd Ritter (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

Todd Ritter is well know under his pen name, Riley Sager. This book begins a series in which Kat Campbell who is the chief of police is the main character. The setting is a small town in Pennsylvania named Perry Hollow. A serial killer is on the loose who embalms his victims. A very interesting story, it will hold interest from beginning to end. Enjoy!

The Road by Cormac McCarthy (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

Cormac McCarthy wrote in the tradition of William Faulkner. You may be familiar with his book No Country for Old Men which was made into a movie. The book is certainly Southern Gothic. The off-beat characters fill the pages. If you enjoy Southern Gothic, you will definitely enjoy this book.

As Seen on TV by Meredith Schorr (review by Orlane Dubreus)

This book was not good. Very forgettable, annoying main characters, and a romance plot line that lacked terribly. I wanted to like it because the main character is a Hallmark movie fan, like me, but it was done really poorly.

In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune (review by Orlane Dubreus)

I finished this after watching Oppenheimer, so the talk of humanity and destruction definitely made me think about it more and hit me a little harder. Victor is interesting because he is the sort of character who would typically be the side character that I would obsess over only because i didn’t get too much of him, but as the main character, he still managed to charm me. I loved how deeply he felt for these robots he had made into friends and his relationship with his dad was so nice to see. Plus, Hap, Rambo and Nurse Ratched were a lovely addition that never got annoying to me, as I initially thought they would. But what really made this a four-star read was the message of humanity and the love and appreciation Gio had for Victor in conjunction with the atonement he felt. I always find it interesting in sci-fi/fantasy novels how fascinated with humankind the non-humans are, and it was cool to see both sides of the coin in one character.

Magnolia Summer by Victoria Benton Frank (review by Pam Stockton)

I am a big fan of the late Dorothea Benton Frank and her novels set in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, and I was thrilled to hear her daughter Victoria has picked up the thread. She spins a marvelous tale of mother-daughter relationships, food, and finding yourself. A great beach (or poolside) read!

The Road to Bithynia by Frank G. Slaughter (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

The book is a fictional account of the adult life of Luke the physician who wrote the book of Luke and Acts. Even though the book is a work of fiction, it fills in the gaps the Bible leaves in the lives of people such as Luke. The Bible leaves us with a skeleton of the actors but these fictional accounts put flesh on these people. The author has done a fine job of research in the life of Luke in order to give the reader a backstory to his life and writing. Many gaps are filled by reading this book. If you enjoy a good story and desire to know more about the people mentioned in the New Testament, this book is for you.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman (review by Rachel Friedman)

Not my favorite Gaiman book. The entire story is told retrospectively as an adult remembers a traumatic but magic filled time from his childhood so the POV and narration is a bit telling the past, and not showing the now. Also despite the magic supposed to be the source of the horrors it was the real world type abuse that was the worse, even if it was caused by the bad magic. Also I really didn’t like the scene where he removed the worm from his foot. And the ending was disappointing. It wasn’t an “It was all a dream” ending, but it was a similar type of disappointing. It’s a short book and a quick read.

All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Crosby (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

This is the first book I have read by this author. The story is set in a small town in southern Virginia. As with many Southern towns, there are racial tensions which are heating up as the story progresses. I discovered the story to be very interesting and one is given a rather astute view of the South. The story is about a serial killer. The sheriff is a local man who is black but was elected sheriff when the former sheriff died. He is also a former FBI who at one time was in Behavioral Science Unit. He has decided to return to his hometown not only to become sheriff but take care of his elderly father who has had hip surgery. I would recommend to you this book to read. This is an easy read but complex at the same time. Enjoy!

Sold by Patricia McCormick (review by Vanessa Walthall)

This was my “banned book” choice to stamp the square on my bingo card. Well written and enlightening book that I believe every kid or adult should have the chance to read if only to have a glimpse into the atrocities happening to humans (especially women) elsewhere in the world. We can only be more empathetic, caring, and responsible humans if we have an understanding of other cultures and the problems that are happening around our earth, and reading books is a simple way to help gain this understanding. Well worth reading this one.

Now May You Weep by Deborah Crombie (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

This is another book in the series featuring Duncan Kinkade and Gemma James. The book is number nine in the series. Inspector James attends with her friend Hazel Cavendish a weekend getaway in Hazel’s hometown. There is a murder and Ms. James becomes involved in the case because of her close connection to Hazel her friend. There are many twists and turns throughout the story to keep your interest. Enjoy.

Lincoln's God by Joshua Zeitz (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

This is a book of non-fiction. The author attempts to explain the religious beliefs of Abraham Lincoln. The book seems to focus the abolition movement beginning in 1832. He surveys the religious movements beginning with Lincoln’s family. He evidences how America after the Revolutionary War for a time became very irreligious. Then between the early 1800’s to the Civil War the various revivals in America. The author explains how Lincoln rebelled his religious upbringing not in denouncing his Creator but organized religion of the day. What I discovered very interesting was the parallels of the conservative religious right of the day with the religious right of today. There is the emphasis of both groups how America was founded on Christian values and how government must be Bible based which one hears from the evangelical right on a daily basis. If you enjoy history and background to the forming of different ideas regarding our nation, you should read this book.

One of Us is Back by Karen M. McManus (review by Orlane Dubreus)

This was one of my favorite finales of a book series I’ve ever read. The way Karen McManus brings together so many characters and follows the thread of a storyline from the first book is genius. This mystery had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through and I did not want to put it down. I came out of it with more of an appreciation for some characters and just consistent reminders for why I loved others. The Bayview Crew will always have a special place in my heart. :’)

The Huntress by Kate Quinn (review by Vanessa Walthall)

Another historical fiction gem by Kate Quinn. I’m a big fan of her books, and this one was a page turner. I loved the way she weaved together the characters’ stories to bring the whole story together. Reading the historical notes at the end is always very interesting too!

The Spider by Lars Kepler (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

The book is written by a husband and wife team located in Sweden. This book is the ninth installment in Linna/Bauer series. The main character Joona Linna is the most prolific crime solver in the history of Sweden. He seems to be a consultant for the National Crime Unit. His partner Saga Bauer has been on medical leave for the last two years. In the mean time, she has been working for a private detective agency as more or less a gofer. This case is centered around a revenge motive. A serial killer is on the loose who is killing people close to Saga Bauer. This is a well-written story which as in my case who will not be able to put down until you are finished.

Flesh and Bone by Jefferson Bass (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

This is the second book in the series called A Body Farm. The story is a further continuation of Dr. Bill Brockton. The author’s father created what is know as the body farm at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Brockton is a forensic anthropologist. In this story, there are two murder cases which run parallel to each other. There are many twists and turns in the story. The story is not your usual CSI one. The doctor uses bodies at the farm to aid the police in solving murders. Enjoy your read.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel (review by Vanessa Walthall)

This book wasn’t my favorite of this author’s. I felt it lacked depth, and didn’t like that the premise was somewhat outlandish. Just an ok read.

The Room on Rue Amelie by Vanessa Walthall

This one was a page turner that was enjoyable despite the inevitable sadness. A WWII historical fiction, courage and bravery and love despite the odds.

I Took a Chance by Gary Gray (review by Vanessa Walthall)

5 stars! A short and sweet book about a man and his horse. Vignettes from their experiences together, funny and heartwarming. If you like horses, it’s worth a read!

One Good Thing by Wendy Wax (review by Maria Covillion)

The ladies of Ten Beach Road are back in Book 5 of the series. This time they are working and living at the Sunset Beach Club, the resort they remodeled in the previous book. Follow the lives of the main characters to see what unfolds next as the ladies try to think of one goofy thing to share during their sunset toasts on the beach.

Best Beach Ever by Wendy Wax (review by Maria Covillion)

The drama continues with Maddie, Kyra, Nicole and Avery, as well as their significant others and friends. Each woman encounters a new adventure in this book (motherhood, life on the road with a rock band, a new business venture, and even a plot of revenge for one character.)

The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

This is the latest book in the Ruth Galloway series. In her earlier books, the author had an emphasis on archeological digs within England. Due to the fact the book was written the coronavirus epidemic, there was less of an emphasis. In my opinion, the story was a bit weaker than usual. However, there were many mysteries to solve which will keep your interest throughout the story,

Chemistry by Death by Simon Beckett (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

This is the first book of a series featuring Simon Beckett. He is a forensic archeologist as well as a medical doctor. Due to the death of his wife and daughter, he accepts a position as a GP in a small village. A young woman is murdered and Dr. Hunter’s unrevealed qualifications as forensic archeologist are discovered by police inspector. He is now involved in the case. The story does have many twists and turns to the very end. The story will hold your interest throughout to the end. Happy reading!

The Earth’s the Right Place for Love by Elizabeth Berg (review by Stefanie Vidal)

I loved this book! It was a beautiful unfolding of relationships and love from a man’s perspective, yet offering a depth of emotion, sensitivity, and rawness. I could feel their pain and the exploration of grief and love really touched the depths of my heart.

Women who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes (review by Stefanie Vidal)

I’ve been reading this book on and off for 3 years and every time I come back to it, I receive the medicine that my soul needs in that moment. There are some tough / dry parts to get through in the earlier chapters, but it’s worth it. Clarissa’s ability to tell stories and break down the human psyche particularly through the lens of the wise and wild woman is phenomenal. Certain paragraphs and sentences contain the depth of wisdom of years and years of love, grief, and learning.

Till Death Do Us Part by Kate White (review by Gregory Van Den Berg)

This is the third book in the series regarding Bailey Wiggins. She is a true crime writer for GLOW magazine. Because she is a true crime writer, she is solicited to help solve murders in which the police view as accidents or suicides. In this case, Bailey was a bridesmaid years before and it seems the bridesmaids in this wedding are being killed. However, the murders appear to be suicides or accidents. One of the bridesmaids ask Bailey to intervene in the investigation and then the fun begins for the reader. Enjoy.