Linda says: Bess Crawford, a nurse tending wounded soldiers from the battle fields of World War I, agrees to convey a message from a dying soldier to his brother. She finds herself drawn into a tangled web of family secrets. The book paints a haunting picture of the horror and the consequenses to the English people of this "war to end all wars." The finely drawn characters and vivid sense of time and place make this a book
that is hard to put down.

Linda says: Cece Caruso thinks she has found the perfect job.  She is organizing a mystery event to celebrate the opening of a new phase of Christietown, a senior housing community.  A dedicated fan of Agatha Christie's work, she recruits her friends to assume the various roles. On the big night, "Miss Marple" is found dead in the business office of the subdivision.  Cece's curiousity and her love of a good
mystery set her off on the trail of the killer.  This one is great fun and perfect lite summer or winter reading.

Nevada Barr Mysteries          
Linda says: If you like serious mysteries with a strong female lead character, give Nevada Barr a try.  Her series features park ranger Anna Pigeon on the job in various national parks.  The stories are well thought-out and the solutions never easy.  The books always give you a feel for the beauty of each of the parks.  It's a bonus having the location change in each new title.

Diane says:  I love Maisie Dobbs. She is a plucky heroine who has worked as a housemaid, war nurse, and now as a private detective. Her investigations rely heavily on psychology and sometimes Maisie can get sidetracked. She talks Cockney when it is appropriate and very refined English the rest of the time.

The period details give a great little lesson in history whether you are interested in the clothing, soup kitchens, heroine use or how to start an 1920’s era MG. This is a painless way to discover the horrors of war and the aftermath felt by all in post World War I in England. The author has captured the sense of post World War I England in her situations and characters.  And Maisie is a fine detective to boot!

Diane says:  Imagine Sherlock Holmes married! Mary Russell is every bit his equal and their relationship is quite interesting as they travel to San Francisco so that Mary can settle some legal affairs surrounding the inheritance of her family's old estate. The 1906 earthquake figured largely in her dreams but not in her consciousness until now.

This series is lots of fun and a great read!

Lori says: Michele Scott is a native of San Diego and a local author. Her vivid imagery of the Napa Valley wine country lends a realistic cast to the settings of these mysteries. Niki Sands is an aspiring actress, who after years of waitressing is a wine connoisseur, has just been fired. Lucky for her, Derek, a millionaire winery owner is impressed by her knowledge and offers her a job managing his winery. Unfortunately for her, the first day she arrives to take a look around the winery, she discovers the dead body of the wine maker. A clear case of murder. Suddenly Niki finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation, attracted to Derek and wanting desperately to have a chance at being manager. To do that she must uncover the secrets that led to a brutal murder. Humorous at times, and wonderful written, this series is a sure hit with mystery lover’s who enjoy a little local flavor.

Lori says:  Abby Rose is sarcastic, stubborn and far too inquisitive for her own good. A millionaire heiress with too much time on her hands, Abby ends up investigating the death of her gardener and discovers a link to her own adoption. Heedless of danger and on a mission to right a wrong, Abby uncovers age old secrets and the identity of a murderer that will leave you stunned. A fun, rip-roaring roller coaster ride. If you like your heroines sarcastic, witty and wild, you’ll love Abby Rose.