My Favorite Books of 2009

Two first novels, a perfect example of the genre of women's lives and relationships and two books by veteran thriller writers make up the list of the books I enjoyed most this past year.

In alphabetical order by author:

Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child

Even though we're far into the Jack Reacher series by this point, Child proves he still has the goods in this unputdownable thriller.

The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall

The best mystery I read in 2009. I loved the book for its uniqueness--the descriptive Indian setting, the storyline and characters that were, at times, quirky.

The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club by Gil McNeil

Gosh, I wish there were more books like this one. I love novels set in small English villages with a great sense of place and cozy characters.

Runner by Thomas Perry

Perry has been writing thrillers even longer than Lee Child, but for some odd reason is not as well known. This latest book in the Jane Whitefield series is non-stop action.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

A book that deserves its bestseller status for immersing the reader into the complex relationships of three women (two African-American and one white) in the 1960's American South.