Endless Night By: Agatha Christie

 Somewhat reminiscent of Roger Ackroyd-this was a twisted story so exquisitely told!

Third Gilr By: Agatha Christie

 

I love how Christie's characters aren't frozen in time.  Set in the mid 60s, Third Girl has Poirot and Ms. Oliver dealing with the "new" independent girls and pretty boys, and the drug culture.  It makes for a wonderful culture clash.  It also lends itself beautifully to the twisted plot of this mystery.

Demon Copperhead By: Barbara Kingsolver

This is Kingsolver's version of David Copperfield.  It's been updated and set in the Appalachian South.  Unfortunately, I found it entirely too long; some parts not credible; the voice of the protagonist kept changing from childlike to adult within chapters which took me out of the story; and it was relentlessly depressing.  Dickens was never this bleak!

 

The Song of Achilles By: Madeline Miller

 

A gorgeously written love story, wrapped in a myth, wrapped in history. Madeline Miller has a gift for writing, that can't be believed until one has experienced one of her novels!

The Lost World By: Michael Crichton

A great deal of science and theories front load this tale, and most of the action takes place in the later parts of the story, but damned if it all isn't interesting as hell and exciting!

Finding Me By: Viola Davis

Having greatly appreciated her talent already, I was excited to read her memoir, and now I just admire the hell out of Viola Davis even more than I did previously. A no nonsense, warts and all look at her life and career, this is a brilliant look at a life, a woman and a career. Just Brilliant!

Killers of the Flower Moon By: David Grann

Another glaring omission in the US educational system and yet another example of the greed and violence of White men against a population of people that can't defend itself.  Meticulously researched, Killers of the Flower Moon shines a light on the Osage Tribe in Osage County Oklahoma and the years (read that...YEARS!) of systemic murder of their population for money. Rampant racism, abuse of laws, bribery, theft and murder-most of which was never investigated, and all of it unacknowledged, even to this today, make for an anger inducing read.  But through it all, the reader also gets a beautifully painted portrait of the Osage-their dignity, pride and strength.  The topic and this book should be taught in schools! 

The Kind Worth Killing By: Peter Swanson

 

Having read the second book in this series, first, I was dying to read this one...and it didn't disappoint. It's impossible to speak about the plot of this book without giving something/everything away. Suffice it to say, it's a humdinger of a read, and I really love the character of Lily, which should worry me, but doesn't really.

Rising Tiger By: Brad Thor

Another pulse pounding, action packed thriller from Brad Thor.   I love the various locales for Thor's books and the fantastic characters that populate those locales and cross paths with Scot Harvath, for good or bad.  Rising Tiger, set in India, doesn't skimp on the intrigue and also provides a great deal of geographical/political and sociological insight into that area of the world.  For a history geek, like me, Thor's book not only provide great entertainment, they provide fascinating information as well!

Obie is Man Enough By: Schuyler Bailar

 

Picked up on a whim by my husband, because it had a swimmer on the cover...so glad he picked it up!  A warm, sometimes painful, yet always hopeful story, Obie is Man Enough is book enough for anyone who likes a good story told well.  Obie, among other things, is a transgender boy, trying to find his way in the world, when at that awkward age we're all trying to navigate the world-Obie, just has extra circumstances making his journey a little tougher, unique and lovely.  I highly recommend this book!

Rhythm of War By: Brandon Sanderson

I normally go ga-ga over Sanderson's work any tme Im reading it, but this is so far my favorite. Absolutely loved the inclusion of the science/music story line as well as the mental health story lines. Wonderfully vivid characters, who the reader gets to know and care for. I always find myself weeping at his books. Get this series!