The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny

Fifth in the Inspector Gamache series, Louise Penny takes us back to Three Pines. This book has a sense of mysticism as well as an ominous nature to the story. The villagers seem to close ranks to protect themselves and each other. No one knows the victim so Gamache must keep delving into the lives of people who have become his friends.

Reading Louise Penny's books I become lost in them. She sets forth her characters with unusual personalities and flaws. Much more interesting for the reader. The stories are woven so well that I am never able to figure out 'whodunit'. Setting her books in the countryside of Quebec adds a new dimension that captures the reader.

Please send us more, Louise.

I'll Be Watching You by Victoria Gotti

Gotti offers us a story filled with subplots and deals with the personalities of the characters within a dysfunctional family. Suspense is rampid throughout the story surrounding Rose Miller and her life. Hatred, love and loss are a few of the emotions Gotti handles so well.

This is not a new book, but worth the read.

Necessary As Blood by Deborah Crombie

Crombie places Scotland Yard detective Gemma James in the forefront of her 13th book in her series featuring Gemma and Duncan Kincaid. Social comment is strong here with a setting that is seen all over the world today. The storyline has clarity, and insight into the characters which shows us the determination of Gemma as well as creating confusion in her personal life.

Deborah Crombie keeps getting better with each of these page-turning British mysteries. She is truly a master with the psychological side of her characters' natures. I literally could not put this book down.

Murder on the ICW by Ellen Elizabeth Hunter

Set in Wilmington,NC, Hunter delivers a mystery filled with entertainment and romance. She unfolds the mystery and romance with great ease. An easy read for a great escape. Readers will thoroughly enjoy the North Carolina setting.