The Library at the Edge of the World by Felicity Hayes-McCoy

Hanna, a librarian in the small town of Lissbeg, on the west coast of Ireland, determines that she must renovate the cottage left to her by her Aunt Maggie, because she cannot stand to live with her mother, Mary, anymore. Hanna and her daughter, Jazz, now living in France, had moved back to the area from London three years ago after Hanna discovered her husband, Malcolm, had been cheating on her. With limited funds, since she took no divorce settlement from wealthy Malcolm, Hanna wonders if she has enough money to get the home in shape. Builder Fury O'Shea just might come through for her, despite his unorthodox methods. Hanna also finds herself involved in local government affairs when it appears that some would like to divert money and resources from the Lissbeg area towards touristy areas like Ballyfin and Carrick. Will they succeed in their plan? The Library at the Edge of the World is a cozy story that will appeal to readers of Maeve Binchy, Jenny Colgan, and Gil McNeil.

Force of Nature by Jane Harper

Federal Agent Aaron Falk and his partner, Carmen Cooper, become involved in the case of a missing woman named Alice Russell. Alice was possibly going to expose financial wrongdoing at BaileyTennants (the company where she was employed), and Falk and Carmen were working with her on the case. In fact, Alice was with a group of BaileyTennants employees on a corporate wilderness retreat when she disappeared. Did Alice's whistleblowing have something to do with her disappearance, or could possibly the son of serial killer Martin Kovac be involved? Force of Nature is the second book in Aaron Falk series and will be published in February.

Sunday Silence by Nicci French

Psychotherapist Frieda Klein knows that serial killer Dean Reeve is watching her, but when it appears that he is targeting her family and friends, at times resorting to violence, she wonders how she can protect those she holds dear. She tries to work with both the police and a bit with the media, but the danger to the people close to her is not stopping. How can Frieda put an end to Dean's hold over her life? In this latest book in the Frieda Klein series, the story concentrates on Frieda's relationship with Dean and has a very open ending. I did not find it as satisfying as her novels that add a storyline from another case she's working on in addition to the continuation of the Dean/Frieda dynamic. It will be published in January.

The House of Unexpected Sisters by Alexander McCall Smith

When Mr. Polopetsi, a part-time employee of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, hears about a woman named Charity Mompoloki, whom he believes was wrongly fired from an office furniture store, he asks if both Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi will help him get her job back. So, the agency goes about finding out about the owner of the store, the other employees, and Charity herself to find the truth about what actually happened. On a more personal note, Mma Ramotswe gets news that her ex-husband, Note Mokoti, who treated her very badly, is back in town.  She also discovers that there is a woman named Mingie Ramotswe who lives in Lobatse. Mma Ramotswe thought that she knew everyone with the last name Ramotswe who lives in Botswana--can Mingie possibly be a relative? Regular readers of this long-running series will enjoy another visit with Mma Ramotswe and friends.

Two Kinds of Truth by Michael Connelly

Harry Bosch's past as a LAPD detective comes back to haunt him when the department's Conviction Integrity Unit lets him know a killer named Preston Borders that Bosch put on death row is probably going to be released because DNA evidence has been found exonerating Borders.  Bosch knows he's guilty, but wonders how is he going to prove it. Bosch also worries about how this case will affect his reputation as a investigator.  He might also find himself as the plaintiff in a lawsuit if Borders is let out. To make Bosch's life even busier, he is working for the San Fernando police department on the case of a double murder at a pharmacy, even though he's "retired." Two Kinds of Truth is another unputdownable read from Connelly. The appearance of Bosch's half brother, Mickey Haller, as part of the storyline adds some needed lightness to the story. Really not to be missed...