Why Didn’t They Ask Evans by Agatha Christie

My third reading of this book in about 10-12 years and fascinating as always. I particularly like the irony of the final revelation of the important clues in the last chapter. I particularly liked the easy relationship of the young sleuths.

-Gwen

The Prince of Darkness by P.C. Doherty

Prince Edward (the heir to the English throne) is under suspicion for the strange death of his former paramour, who’s been locked away in a convent. Hugh Corbet is sent to clear the prioress’s name and runs into a field of possible murderers, from the nuns themselves, to the parish priest, to the sinister Mssr. DeCraon–a French envoy and spy.

Overture to Death by Ngaio Marsh

New York Times says, “she’s better than Christie” — who is my favorite. I agree. The details of characters are more detailed; the clues are a little more subtle; the allusions to literature a little more. The detective , Chief Inspector Alleyn is very professional, sympathetic and analytical.

-Gwen

Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich

Plum delicious! Reading a Stephanie Plum novel is the perfect mini vacation getaway.

-Diane

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

Set in India, mostly in the 1960s, this first fictional novel by Arundhati Roy invites the reader into a dramatic and well-crafted plot about a family’s tragedy and all the events and characters surrounding it. The style of writing jumps from the viewpoint of a child, a twin, to the recollections and insights of an adult, and it can take a while for the reader to get accustomed to the erratic narrating. But the details of plot reveal themselves along the way and I was enraptured by the detailed descriptions of characters and setting and especially enjoyed experiencing the story unfold through the eyes, ears and sometimes nose of a child. Reading the book was a welcome departure from everyday adult life, although the themes explored throughout the book were decidedly grown-up: politics, death, religion, sexism, class, passion. While unique, memorable language and the wonderment of children illustrate – the book is essentially about how adult circumstances contribute to the loss of innocence of children. Winner of the 1997 Booker Prize. As soon as I finished it, I wanted to read it again.

-Virginia

Villette by Charlotte Bronte

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I listened to this on audio and it was done so wonderfully I flew through the 19 discs.  If you have not read this now is the time.  It was fabulous.

-Barb

Odd Hours by Dean Koontz

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The fourth in the series (Odd Thomas Novels) and still a great character. Reads fast and keeps you wanting more…like a fifth book.

-Barb

Brainiac by Ken Jennings

JEOPARDY! followers know Ken as the 75-time winner. Ken’s experience changed his life from that of a bored, nerdy computer programmer to that of a happily fulfilled nerdy trivia/game writer. I read the book for JEOPARDY! info, but equally one can learn tons about trivia.

-Janice

Prisoner of Trebekistan: A Decade in Jeopardy! by Bob Harris

A super book for fans of JEOPARDY!. Bob Harris is a big winner of the past, and a comedian and writer as well. He answers many of the questions that the TV viewer wonders about, such as “do they study?” (duhh) and “how many shows are taped on one day?” (five). I skimmed the parts about Harris’s life, as interesting as it was, and focussed on his tips, techniques, and high emotions about the game.

-Janice

A Long Way Gone by Kshmael Beah and Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza

In A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier (2007), Ishmael Beah tells his story of growing up in Sierra Leone during the civil war there, in the 1990’s, and his rescue by Unicef. (966.404 Beah)

Similarly, in Left to Tell (2006), Immaculee Ilibagiza tells her story of survival during the Rwandan holocaust in 1994 and the spiritual journey that fed her soul during the three months she spent hiding. (B Illibagiza)

-Deb