My Favorite Books of 2013

My list includes the latest book in three different mysteries series that I adore, and two women's-lives-and-relationships novels.

In alphabetical order by author:

Massacre Pond by Paul Doiron

This fourth book in the Mike Bowditch series combines a great sense of place in rural Maine with an always-interesting main character.

Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths

I immensely enjoy catching up with Ruth and her circle of friends in each book. Being set on the Norfolk coast of England and featuring forensic archaeology doesn't hurt either.

Second Watch by J.A. Jance

Despite the fact that the series is almost thirty years old, Jance continues to keep me intrigued with the character of J.P. Beaumont and whatever case he's involved in.

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

Yes, this book lives up to the hype. A group of well-drawn characters, a puzzle featuring intersecting storylines and an emotional wallop of an ending combine to make a book that's hard to forget.

The Mouse-Proof Kitchen by Saira Shah

This book was such a fabulous surprise. Wonderful descriptions of food, with motherhood and marriage issues thoughtfully explored in a French countryside setting.