My Favorite Books of 2023

Here are the five books I enjoyed most this year.

In alphabetical order, by author:

The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen

In this debut of "The Martini Club" series, Gerritsen delivers with a great puzzle and a wide cast of characters to explore in future books.

Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley

A cozy story of friendship, romance, and family.

Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane

Lehane again sets the bar so high in crime fiction, that most other writers pale in comparison.

You Can't Stay Here Forever by Katherine Lin

In her first novel, Lin gives the reader much to ponder about our place in the world and the choices we make.

How Can I Help You by Laura Sims

A cat and mouse story full of foreboding and suspense.

No Country for Girls by Emma Styles

When Charlie accidentally kills her sister's boyfriend Daryl, she has to go on the run to avoid capture. Charlie had taken a gold bar from Daryl's stolen stash, but now finds herself in possession of many more. Joining Charlie on her journey on the Great Northern Highway is a young woman named Nao, whose reason for coming to Charlie's house also involved the gold. Taking place over a week, No Country for Girls is a suspenseful ride through remote Australia as Charlie and Nao fight for their lives.

Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford

Jenny Quinn lives with her husband of sixty years, Bernard, in the English village of Kittlesham. She has been baking all of her life and when Jenny sees a commercial inviting people to audition for the newest season of Britain Bakes, she is intrigued. Jenny has never really done anything for herself, content staying home and being a good wife to Bernard. Jenny is thrilled when she's chosen to be one of the contestants, although she has secret that she's kept from Bernard all these years. Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame recounts Jenny's journey on Britain Bakes (including all of the mouthwatering recipes) and explores Jenny's past before she met Bernard. A great read-alike for Jennifer Ryan and Freya Sampson. It will be published next month.

Broken Bay by Margaret Hickey

Detective Sergeant Mark Ariti is in Broken Bay on a fishing trip when Mya Rennik goes missing while diving in a sinkhole. As authorities are bringing her body to the surface, they discover that the remains are not those of Mya, but of Eloise Sinclair, who went missing twenty years ago. Mark is asked to stay in town and start on the investigation concerning Eloise until the special investigations team arrives. The Sinclairs are well known in the town-- Eloise's mother Juliette committed suicide when Eloise was a baby. Could Eloise's death be connected to Juliette's suicide?  Mark also delves into the personal relationships between Eloise, her best friend Gerri, and the others in their group: Gerri's twin brother James, and Eloise's brothers (Mat, Nic, and Phil) who all still live in Broken Bay. Will Mark be able to bring Eloise's killer to justice? Broken Bay is the third book in the Mark Ariti series.

The Drowning Sea by Sarah Stewart Taylor

After leaving the police force on Long Island, Maggie D'arcy is contemplating a move with her teenage daughter Lily to Dublin to live with her boyfriend Colin and his son Adrien. The four are spending the summer in West Cork in a remote cottage when human remains wash up on the beach. The body is identified as Lukas Adamik, a Polish construction worker who disappeared months ago. Soon, Maggie finds herself immersed in the investigation-- interviewing local residents, and pondering if Lukas' murder is connected to drug smuggling in the area or even mysterious goings-on at Rosscliffe House many decades ago. Will Maggie's questions put herself and those close to her in danger?

Nosy Neighbors by Freya Sampson

The eight residents of Shelley House are private and keep to themselves. There's Dorothy, who's lived in the building for over 30 years. In her seventies, Dorothy spends her days cataloging the movements of all who live there. Her across-the-hall neighbor, Joseph, has been at Shelley House as long as Dorothy, yet he and Dorothy had a falling out years ago and don't speak now. When Kat, a young women who spent time in the town of Chalcot as a child, moves in as Joseph's lodger, cracks begins to form in the iciness between the inhabitants, especially after Joseph is attacked and ends up in the hospital. Could the violence against Joseph involve his protesting against the eviction notices all the residents have received? In Nosy Neighbors, author Sampson treats the reader to a tale of friendship and forgiveness. It will be published in April.

The Daughters of Erietown by Connie Schultz

In 50's working-class northeast Ohio, Ellie lives with her grandparents and would like to go to college. Her boyfriend, Brick, sees a scholarship to play college basketball as a way to escape his abusive father. Their plans change when Ellie discovers she's pregnant and they get married. The Daughters of Erietown follows the lives of Ellie, Brick, and their children over the next fifty years as love, secrets, and the changing times through the decades help influence the decisions the characters make. For readers who enjoy novels about family relationships.

The Ascent by Adam Plantinga

When Detroit cop Kurt Argento is forced to resign, he decides to leave town for a while. Driving in Missouri, he stops a crime in progress, but is arrested by a crooked county sheriff and thrown in jail. Being the fourth of July weekend, Kurt is taken to Whitehall, a private prison, until he can go before the judge on Tuesday. Kurt's time there coincides with the governor's daughter, Julie Wakefield, visiting Whitehall for one of her graduate school classes. When the security system at the prison goes haywire and random cell doors open automatically, Whitehall is thrown into chaos and the violence begins. Kurt, Julie, and several others find themselves teaming up to try to make it to the roof of the prison so they hopefully can be rescued. The Ascent marks the arrival of a great new author in the thriller genre. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Thomas Perry, and Nick Petrie. It will be published in January.

American Girl by Wendy Walker

Accepted to MIT, Charlie can't wait to get out of Sawyer, Pennsylvania. Autistic and living with her mother, stepfather, and two brothers, Charlie works long hours at the Triple S deli to save money for her education. When the owner of the Triple S, Coop, is found murdered, everything that Charlie has been working for is put in jeopardy. There are several people in Charlie's life that she would protect to the utmost--which is what Charlie is prepared to do. Who in Charlie's circle is a killer? American Girl is a suspenseful character-centered read with a main character who stays with you long after the last page is turned.

So Late in the Day by Claire Keegan

In this latest collection by acclaimed Irish author Claire Keegan, the trio of stories revolves around the relationships between women and men. In "So Late in the Day", a man named Cathal reflects on his time with the woman he almost married, while "The Long and Painful Death" is about a female writer who is spending two weeks at Henrich Boll's house on Achill Island, which is now a writer's retreat. Unfortunately, a professor of German literature interrupts her visit. Lastly, "Antarctica" is about a married woman who goes away for the weekend with disastrous consequences. As with her previous works I have read, Keegan again proves to be a writer that can say so much so concisely.

The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen

Retired from the CIA, Maggie is at peace living on a farm in Maine and tending to her chickens. When someone visits Maggie asking for help in finding an old colleague and then a body is dumped in her front yard, Maggie realizes her past is not buried and she must look back in order to discover who is after her now. Helping Maggie are her old friends from the CIA who live in the same town as she does-Declan, Ben, Lloyd, and Ingrid-"The Martini Club." The Spy Coast, Gerritsen's debut of her new series, is a fast-paced read that leaves one wanting to spend more time with Maggie and her friends. A great read-alike for Killers of a Certain Age and the Thursday Murder Club series.

The Cottage at Rosella Cove by Sandie Docker

Nicole has left Sydney because of a bad relationship and finds herself renting a house in the small town of Rosella Cove. While there, Nicole has agreed to make repairs to the cottage, since it's fallen into a state of disrepair. Nicole also begins to get to know some of the local residents, including Mandy (who becomes and friend), Danny, (for whom she has feelings), and Charlie (an old man who lives in the cottage's boatshed). Will Nicole be able to put her past heartache behind her and start anew?

Single, Carefree, Mellow by Katherine Heiny

In Katherine Heiny's first short story collection, she writes about young women and their relationships with men. Some are married, most are having affairs, and one named Gwen longs for a relationship with her roommate. Three stories feature Maya, who, when the reader first meets her, is thinking of breaking up with her boyfriend Rhodes, and is in the process of saying goodbye to her dog Bailey, who is dying. In later stories, Maya has an affair with her married boss Gildas-Joseph and then is expecting her first child with Rhodes. Having read all of Heiny's books, this one was a miss for me. I just didn't care for the characters.

Blue Heaven by C.J. Box

When sister and brother Annie and William happen upon a man being murdered while they are out fishing after school, it sends them on the run, because they know their lives are in danger. As children, they don't have any resources or a place to hide out, but taking shelter in rancher Jess Rawlins' barn just might save their lives. The killers--men who have retired from jobs at the LAPD--know just how to manipulate the town's sheriff and have no qualms about using violence to capture the kids. In Blue Heaven, which won the Edgar for best novel in 2008, Box writes a cat and mouse scenario that's hard to put down.

The Two-Family House by Lynda Cohen Loigman

In the years after World War II, brothers Abe and Mort live with their families in a two-family brownstone in Brooklyn. Abe and his wife Helen have four sons, while Mort and his wife Rose have three daughters. Helen and Rose then find themselves pregnant again and due around the same time. As a blizzard rages outside, with their husbands away on a business trip, the wives give birth at home the same evening and make a decision that has repercussions for decades. In The Two-Family House, author Loigman excels at making all the characters come to life, portraying them so vividly that the pages fly by. A must-read author for lovers of historical fiction.

Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley

Anna is headed from Denver to Toronto to spend the holidays with her boyfriend Nick and his family. On the same flight is Maryam Aziz, who is travelling with her grandfather, parents, and her younger sister Saima for Saima's wedding--but a severe snowstorm strands everyone in the picturesque small town of Snow Falls. Anna is sad to be spending Christmas and Hanukkah alone, even though she has doubts that Nick is the one for her. Maryam, meanwhile, blurted out her feelings for old family friend, Saif, to her seatmate on the plane, Anna. Saif, unfortunately, was sitting right behind them and heard everything. Anna's and Maryam's friendship starts off rocky, but soon they are supporting and encouraging each other to follow their heart--Anna with an actor who's filming a movie in Snow Falls, and Maryam with Saif. Three Holidays and a Wedding is a feel-good romantic story filled with loveable characters (like Maryam's grandfather--a famous retired Bollywood director) and vivid descriptions of food--especially when Maryam's family breaks their fast at sunset, since the book takes place during Ramadan.

Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima

Police deputy Mattie Lu Cobb has just completed K-9 training with her partner, Robo. Their first case together is when a body is found in the national forest near Timber Creek, Colorado. It turns out to be the remains of teenager Grace Hartman, who was best friends with Angela Walker (the daughter of local veterinarian, Cole). Grace's dog, Belle, is found alive near her body and later becomes ill from bags of cocaine that were fed to her. Mattie and the rest of the police department focus on suspects who are involved in the local drug trade, hoping that there will be a connection to Grace's killer. In this first book of the Timber Creek K-9 mystery series, author Mizushima gives the reader a main character with an interesting backstory and surrounds Mattie with co-workers and friends you hope to see more of. Although not as hard-edged as C.J. Box's Cassie Dewell series, this would be a good read-alike.

Dark Ride by Lou Berney

Twenty-one year-old Hardy Reed's life changes the day he sees two children he believes are being abused. Hardy first reports his suspicions to the authorities, but he realizes they are overworked and probably won't do anything in a timely manner. Growing up in foster care and losing his own mother at a young age have made this event particularly hard for Hardy to forget. After Hardy determines that the children's mother, Tracy, and the kids (Pearl and Jack) are all in danger, he decides he must be the one to save them. But is Hardy, a stoner and underachiever, any match for someone who is truly evil? Dark Ride is a tense, unsettling story. For readers of Lee Child, Thomas Perry, and Dennis Lehane.

The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman

When Kuldesh Sharma, an old friend of Elizabeth's husband, Stephen, is killed, the Thursday Murder Club finds themselves investigating another murder. Joyce, Ron, Ibrahim, and Elizabeth want to uncover Kuldesh's killer-- but why was Kuldesh in possession of heroin that has now gone missing? As the bodies and suspects pile up, the quartet have more questions than answers. Will they again prove that they are better than the police in solving crimes? This fourth book in the series has lots of delightful scenes with a serious undertone throughout the book. The puzzle itself, however, was a bit drawn out.

The Heart of It All by Christian Kiefer

The best days of this small town in north-central Ohio are in the past, but the residents persevere. There's Tom and his wife, Sarah, who are overwhelmed by the death of their infant son. They are the parents to two teenagers, Janey and Charlie. Janey falls for Anthony, who has just moved to town and lives with his aunt, Paula, the only African-American resident. Mary Lou is Tom's co-worker at the local factory, where they make transformers. She spends her evenings with her mother, who is showing signs of dementia. The owner of the factory, Khalid, was born in Pakistan, and lives with his wife, Rafia and two teenagers. The quartet must deal with prejudice and the experience of being outsiders in the community. The Heart of It All tells these stories firsthand, intimately conveying to the reader their fears, hopes, and dreams. A great read-alike for Stewart O'Nan, Say Nice Things About Detroit by Scott Lasser, and The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring.

Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon

Successful L.A. businesswoman Lana is forced to move in with her daughter Beth and teenage granddaughter Jack near Monterey when she has to have chemotherapy. For always-on-the-go Lana, slowing down and spending time with Beth isn't easy. Beth finds it uncomfortable, too, since they're not that close. When the body of Ricardo Cruz, a naturalist who was working for the local land trust, is found by Jack during one of her kayak tours, she becomes the prime suspect. The trio of women find themselves immersed in the search for Ricardo's killer, as well as mending the differences between them. A fine start to what looks like a new cozy mystery series, although I hope the next entry has even more character development.

Good Bad Girl by Alice Feeney

On Mother's Day twenty years ago, a baby is taken from a supermarket, never to be seen again. In the present, Edith is put into a care home by her daughter, Clio. Unhappy there, Edith refuses to leave her room, talking only to Patience, a young woman employed at the facility. In another storyline, Frankie works as a librarian in a prison, missing her daughter, who disappeared a year ago. In Good Bad Girl, the reader follows the characters Edith, Clio, Patience, and Frankie as their lives slowly intersect. A psychological puzzle for people who enjoy Lisa Jewell and Erin Kelly.

The Hike by Lucy Clarke

Liz, Maggie, Helena, and Joni have been friends since childhood. Now in their early thirties, they have been taking an annual vacation together for the past ten years in different locales. This year it's a four day hike in Norway organized by Liz. Each character has emotional baggage that they are carrying with them. For Liz, it's a separation from her husband. Maggie feels the ache of having to leave her daughter with her ex-husband. For Helena, it's finding out she's pregnant. Joni, a famous singer feels that her life is going in the wrong direction. We, the reader, know that a woman is going to be found dead, but who is it? And is there someone else on the trail that wants to harm them? The Hike is a fast-paced story of survival.

A Distant Grave by Sarah Stewart Taylor

Suffolk County homicide detective Maggie D'Arcy and her partner, Dave Milich, are in charge of finding the murderer of Irish aid worker Gabriel Treacy, who was killed in the middle of the night on a Long Island beach. The investigation takes Maggie to Ireland and back, delving into Gabriel's childhood and job in order to find a motive and the person who wanted him dead. A Distant Grave is the second book in Maggie D'Arcy mystery series and is a great read-alike for those who enjoy Elly Griffiths and Deborah Crombie.

Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly

When lawyer Mickey Haller gets client Jorge Ochoa out of prison because he was innocent, it brings a contentment to Mickey that he wants to repeat. With his half-brother, Harry Bosch working as his investigator, the duo are searching for another client that they believe was wrongly imprisoned. Bosch feels that the case of Lucinda Sanz is one worth pursuing. Lucinda was convicted of killing her ex-husband Roberto--a Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy. As Bosch delves into the case and Haller prepares for trial, the brothers face an uphill battle to free Lucinda, as there are many who want the truth to stay buried. It will be published in November.

Wild Things by Laura Kay

El has a job she dislikes, a roommate she doesn't get along with, and is in love with her best friend, Ray. Knowing that she needs to make some changes in her life, when the opportunity arises to move out of London and into the countryside with Ray and her two other friends (Will and Jamie), El decides to take the plunge. The house they buy needs lots of work, yet the group finds a sense of community in the small village. Now if El can just get up the courage to tell Ray how she really feels... Wild Things is a charming rom-com full of heart, humor, and chickens!

The Moth Came Back by Tara Ratzlaff

In northwestern Minnesota, Carmen Karlaff owns a native grass and wildflower seed farm. One day a worker finds a body in one of the fields. Carmen doesn't recognize the victim, but as a lover of mystery books, she attempts to do some investigating of her own to uncover the murderer. With Carmen's best friend Jessica being considered the prime suspect by the police chief, Carmen kicks her investigative skills into high gear. Will Carmen be able to provide the authorities information about the killer to clear Jessica's name? The Moth Came Back is the first book in the Native Prairie Mystery series.

The Paris Mystery by Kirsty Manning

In 1938, Australian reporter Charlie James has moved to Paris to start a new job, while leaving a failing marriage behind. Her first assignment is a story on Lady Ashworth, who lives in Versailles. As Charlie gets to know Lady Ashworth and those in her circle, she is invited to many social events. But when someone is murdered at the Circus Ball, Charlie finds herself playing detective in order to deliver good stories for her job. Combining an interesting main character with a great sense of place of late 1930's Paris, The Paris Mystery is an enjoyable start to this new mystery series.

The Mountains Wild by Sarah Stewart Taylor

Maggie D'arcy has a successful career as a cop on Long Island. But when she receives a call from her Uncle Danny to tell her that the police in Dublin have found a scarf that they believe was her cousin Erin's, Maggie is transported back to twenty-three years ago when Erin disappeared. Maggie and Erin were very close growing up, and when Erin went missing, twenty-two year old Maggie travelled to Ireland to try and help find Erin, to no avail. With this latest development in Erin's case, Maggie again goes to Ireland, now with professional expertise, hoping to finally bring closure to her family. The Mountains Wild tells the story of Maggie's journey with the two storylines in 1993 and 2016. An engaging yet leisurely paced start to the Maggie D'Arcy mystery series.

The Lady From Burma by Allison Montclair

In this fifth book of the Sparks and Bainbridge mystery series, a woman comes to Iris and Gwen, looking for them to help her find a new wife for her husband. Adela Remagen is dying and wants to make sure her husband will find love again and not be alone. Mrs. Remagen feels that the Right Sort Marriage Bureau will be up to the task. Soon after their meeting, however, Mrs. Remagen is found dead. The investigating officer believes the death looks suspicious--and then someone else is found murdered. Iris and Gwen find themselves involved in both investigations. All this is in addition to running their business, managing their love lives, and (hopefully) finally gaining back legal and parental independence for Gwen (after losing it following the death of her husband, Ronnie, in World War II). Another enjoyable entry in the series.

Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent

In her early forties, Sally has led a sheltered life, not really interacting with anyone except her father. When he passes away, she's forced to learn how to get along in the world--but there are secrets that Sally's father has kept from her, and confronting her past and the trauma that goes along with it is difficult. Luckily, Sally has an aunt and a family friend to help her along the journey. However, it seems that the people from Sally's childhood cannot be put behind her for good. Strange Sally Diamond is a great read-alike for Lisa Jewell and Ruth Rendell's standalone novels.

The Bitter Past by Bruce Borgos

Porter Beck is the sheriff in Lincoln County, Nevada. He's called to the scene of a murder where the victim is an ex-FBI agent who has been brutally tortured. The bureau has sent Agent Sana Locke to investigate. Lincoln County is not far from Area 51 and it soon becomes clear that the death is connected to events that happened there more than sixty years ago during the cold war. The Bitter Past is a great debut mystery filled with interesting characters, a memorable setting, and puzzle that keeps the reader turning the pages. I am eagerly awaiting the next Porter Beck novel. For readers who enjoy Craig Johnson, C.J. Box, Paul Doiron, and Linda Castillo.

How Can I Help You by Laura Sims

For two years, Margo has had a quiet life in the small town of Carlyle, Illinois, working at the public library. No one knows that she is really Jane, wanted by the authorities for killing many patients when she worked as a nurse. When Patricia, an aspiring writer, starts a job as the new librarian, both she and Margo are intrigued by each other. For Patricia, it's because being around Margo has gotten her out of her writing slump, even though Patricia at first knows nothing about Margo's past. Margo, on the other hand, finds Patricia an interesting person with similarities to her friend Donna from her nursing days. Told from the points of view of both Margo and Patricia, How Can I Help You, puts the women on a collision course that you know can't end well. A page turner for readers of Peter Swanson, Laura Lippman, and Hallie Ephron.

The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn

In a small German town, Carl Kollhoff personally delivers books to people at their homes. It's a job he's had for many years, much to the dismay of his boss, City Gate bookstore owner Sabine Gruber. It was Sabine's father Gustav who originally hired Carl, who is a genius finding the right book for every reader he meets and really enjoys the everyday routine. However, Carl's carefully calibrated life is thrown off-kilter when a young girl named Schascha starts to tag along as Carl makes his deliveries.  The Door-to-Door Bookstore is the story of Carl and Schascha in all it's quirky glory. Perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman.

The Air Raid Book Club by Annie Lyons

Gertie Bingham wonders if it's time to sell the bookshop that she owned with her husband, Harry. Harry passed away two years ago and Gertie misses him very much. 1938 in London is also a tumultuous time, with everyone wondering if war with Germany will be coming soon. When Gertie takes in a Jewish teenager--Hedy from Munich--as a favor to her friend Charles, she does it reluctantly. But Gertie and Hedy develop a special bond and Gertie realizes that her bookshop is needed now more than ever. The Air Raid Book Club is a story that transports the reader to wartime London and the neighborhood community that Gertie calls home. A great read-alike for the novels of Jennifer Ryan.

Black River by Matthew Spencer

When a teenage girl is found dead at a private school in Sydney, the authorities wonder if the death is the work of the BMK killer. The killer has already murdered two women. There are similarities—and some differences—in this latest case. Detective Sergeant Rose Riley is working with DCI Steve O'Neil. They also bring in forensic psychiatrist Farquhar to lend his expertise. In addition, Riley includes local reporter Adam Bowman because he has inside knowledge of the school. Bowman agrees to help the authorities with information and, in turn, Bowman will get exclusive access to the police's findings. In Black River, it's a race to uncover the killer before he claims another victim.

Dead Man's Wake by Paul Doiron

Mike and his fiancee, Stacey, are having an engagement party at Mike's stepfather's vacation home when they witness a boating accident. As they go and see if anyone needs help, the group finds a severed arm. The arm belongs to Kit Whitcomb, whose wife Dianne owns Mouse Island. It also appears that someone else has lost their life. Mike, as a Maine game warden, is in charge of investigating the boat crash. As Mike interviews suspects, he's left with more and more questions and his life is put in danger. Another extremely enjoyable entry in the Mike Bowditch mystery series.

The Drop by Dennis Lehane

Bob tends bar at his cousin Marv's establishment in the Flats. The bar is no longer owned by Marv, but by the Chechen mafia. A robbery at the bar one evening gets a cop named Torres involved in the doings at the bar and the unsolved case of Richie Whalen, who went missing after leaving the bar ten years earlier. Bob also draws attention when he takes in a pit bull that's been abused. Bob decides to keep the dog even though the owner, Eric Deeds, a local criminal, makes it clear that he wants the dog back. The Drop tells the story of Bob, Marv, Torres, and Eric as their lives intersect.

Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny

Graham's life with his second wife, Audra, is never dull. They live with their ten-year-old son, Matthew--who has autism--in New York City. In Standard Deviation, the reader follows Graham in his daily life as he reflects on the roller coaster ride of parenting a special needs child, his relationship with his ex-wife, Elspeth, and the ups and downs in his marriage to Audra because of her impulsiveness. A novel full of memorable characters and situations.

The Five Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

When Hollis Shaw's husband dies in a car accident, she puts her popular food blog "Hungry with Hollis" on hiatus. Mourning Matthew and having to face the fact that she and Matthew were growing apart before his death is difficult. To boost her spirits, Hollis decides to host "a five star weekend" at her home on Nantucket for the four friends who have meant the most to her in the different decades of her life. The four women--Tatum, Dru-Ann, Brooke, and Gigi--come with baggage of their own, in addition to the fact that they really don't know each other (other than through Hollis). Will the weekend be fabulous or a flop? Hilderbrand, as usual, transports the reader to summer life on Nantucket, letting you bask in perfect weather, great food, and the lives of its inhabitants.

The Quiet Tenant by Clemence Michallon

"Rachel" has been a prisoner in a shed on Aiden's property for five years. After Aiden's wife dies, Rachel convinces Aiden to take her with him when he and his teenage daughter, Cecilia, move to a new home. Cecilia knows nothing about Rachel's situation or that her father has murdered many women--Rachel being the only one Aiden has let live. Rachel lives in the house with Aiden and Cecilia with Aiden explaining that Rachel is someone who needs a place to stay until she gets back on her feet. Aiden also begins a relationship with Emily,  the owner of a local restaurant. With this change in circumstances, will Rachel finally escape? And how will Cecilia's and Emily's lives change when they discover the truth? Told through the eyes of Rachel, Cecilia, and Emily, The Quiet Tenant is a suspenseful ride.

You Can't Stay Here Forever by Katherine Lin

When Ellie's husband, Ian, dies in a car accident, she becomes unmoored. Even though they had been a couple since they met at Stanford's law school, they had only been married for several months. Ellie's life is further complicated when she discovers that Ian was having an affair. Ellie impulsively decamps for the French Riviera with her best friend, Mable, using Ian's life insurance money for the trip. While there, Ellie and Mable meet an American couple, Fauna and Robbie, which causes fractures in their relationship with each other and has each woman reflecting on the choices she has made in her life. You Can't Stay Here Forever is a thought-provoking read about race, friendship, success and self-worth.

My Murder by Katie Williams

Lou is a clone living with her husband Silas and nine-month-old daughter Nova. The original Lou was murdered by a serial killer, along with four other female victims who were also cloned. All five are also now celebrities of a sort because of their circumstances. The duplicates have all the memories of the murdered women, except the short term memory right before their deaths. Because of this, Lou is curious about the details of her death and about the killer, Edward Early, who was put in jail for his crimes. My Murder is the story of the new Lou and the ways she tries to deal with her celebrity, move forward in her personal life and in society after her own murder. Give to readers who enjoyed the best-seller The School for Good Mothers.

Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan

Wyatt broke Sam's heart when they were teenagers. With vacation homes next to each other on Long Island, summers were the time to hang out together and fall in love. Now in their 30's, Sam and Wyatt haven't spoken in many years and Sam is engaged to Jack, who's organized and has his and Sam's future all planned out--the total opposite of Wyatt. When Sam and Jack travel to the island to look at a venue for their upcoming wedding, Sam is stunned to see Wyatt again. Sam had thought she had put her feelings for Wyatt behind her, but has she really? Same Time Next Summer is a great addition to your summer beach bag.

Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum

It's summer in the town of Salcombe on Fire Island and someone is found dead by the boardwalk. Who could it be? Bad Summer People introduces the reader to a lot of the inhabitants during the season and any one of them could be the victim. There's Lauren Parker and her husband, Jason. Jason is having an affair with his best friend's wife, Jen. Lauren, meanwhile, starts up a relationship with tennis pro, Robert. Jen's husband, Sam, and Jason grew up on the island and have been friends with Rachel for years. Rachel has pined for Sam every since they slept together once when they were young. Rachel, perpetually single, longs to be married and have kids. There's also college-aged Micah Holt, who observes much of what's going on, and Susan Steinhagen who runs the tennis club with an iron hand. An entertaining summer read, similar to Elin Hilderbrand's The Perfect Couple.

The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring

At the end of 1989, a car accident affects the lives of many in the small town of Dalton, Maine. There's librarian Trudy, who lives with her husband Richard (a doctor who runs the town's family clinic, which his father owned before him). Trudy's best friend, Bev, lives with her husband Bill, and is the head of the local retirement community. Trudy and Bev have a secret relationship that their husbands are probably aware of, but decide not to mention. Bev's and Bill's son, Nate, is a cop in Dalton and lives with his wife Bridget and baby daughter, Sophie. Other residents who figure in the novel include teenager Greg (who struggles with overeating and adolescence in general) and Rose, (who works at the police station and longs to be free of her abusive husband  Tommy). Taking place over a year, The Road to Dalton features a great sense of place for northern Maine and the everyday lives of its inhabitants. A great read-alike for Tin Camp Road and The Net Beneath Us.

Wild Place by Christian White

In 1989, when Tracie Reed goes missing, the people in the neighborhood of Camp Hill wonder what happened to her. One of her high school teachers, Tom Witter, who has a few weeks off over the holidays, takes a particular interest. Tom suspects his teenage next-door neighbor, Sean, who listens to heavy metal music and wears all black clothes, is involved in Tracie's disappearance. Taking place over a week, the book details, mostly through Tom's eyes, the search for Tracie and the aftermath. Another solid story by Christian White. It's too bad his books are no longer being published in the U.S.

The Night Flowers by Sara Herchenroether

Thirty years after bones of a woman and two children were discovered in New Mexico's Gila National Forest, police detective Jean Martinez begins to look into the case again. In Connecticut, genealogy librarian and recent breast cancer survivor Laura MacDonald sees an article about the new investigation and decides to use her own skills to help identify the trio, driven by the fact that the day the bones were found in 1983 was also the day she was born. The Night Flowers details Jean's and Laura's inquiries as they come together to uncover the truth--and possibly catch a murderer. The novel also explores the backgrounds of the woman killed, as she and the two girls become ghostly presences around Jean and Laura.

Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan

Lata has divorced Suresh, her husband of over thirty years and moved out of the family home into a condo. She now works as a library assistant at the university. Suresh, lonely, has taken up internet dating and is willing to travel hundreds of miles to avoid going out with anyone who knew his ex-wife. Their daughter--college professor Priya--would like to be a mother, but is in love with a married man. Son Nikesh lives in New York and is a successful lawyer, but his relationship with Denise (the mother of his soon to be year old son, Alok) has hit a rough patch. In Late Bloomers, the reader meets all four members of the Raman family as they struggle with the changes in their lives and how to find a new happiness. Although the characters at times were not that likable, this book was an okay read.

Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane

It's the summer of 1974 and the city of Boston is on edge because, come September, the public schools in the city will be desegregated. Mary Pat's daughter, Jules, is a senior and will be bused to Roxbury High School. Then, one evening Jules doesn't come home and Mary Pat begins a search for her, fearing the worst. Jules' disappearance coincides with the death of a young black man in their working class Irish neighborhood. The man, Auggie Williamson, was in the area because his car had broken down, and his death seems to be racially motivated. Could the two cases be connected? As Mary Pat digs deeper--questioning the people Jules was with that night and asking for help from members of the local mob (whom she knows very well), she finds herself on a bloody, violent path with nothing to lose. Small Mercies is a vivid, searing depiction of 1970's Boston with an extremely memorable main character in Mary Pat.

The Last Remains by Elly Griffiths

Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway's life is at a crossroads when she learns that the board of the University of North Norfolk is proposing the closing of the Archaeology department, of which she is the head. Ruth wonders what she will do if the plans come to fruition. Ruth is also consulting on a case of some human bones that have been found in the wall of a building in King's Lynn. DCI Harry Nelson, the father of Ruth's daughter Kate, is leading the investigation. It turns out that Cathbad, a friend of both Ruth's and Nelson's, had known the person whose bones were found. Suspicion and worry soon follow when Cathbad disappears. Could he have information about the murder? In this latest book in the Ruth Galloway series, author Griffiths advances the story of Ruth, Nelson, and their circle satisfyingly as the series is being put to rest for now.