Author: Elly Griffiths
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review By: Shana

This initial entry into a mystery series (currently ten books strong) feels like a quieter, British version of the mystery series by Kathy Reichs (famously turned into the American TV series Bones). Instead of a forensic anthropologist and FBI agent we have an archaeologist and detective chief inspector. There are fewer explosions and chases, no gun battles and more limited witty repartee, but you have the contrast of styles between a street smart, tough cop and a slightly out-of-touch academic.  

Author: Nina Stibbe
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review By: Shana

I loved this, but can readily admit that it is likely an acquired taste. The humor is cutting and sardonic, innocent and wise, slapstick and heartbreaking. Our narrator is Lizzie, who begins at age 9 and progresses, relays the story of her parents' marriage coming to an ignoble end, followed by the forced move of their newly man-less family (Lizzie, older sister, younger brother, and mother) to the country. That move does not prove to be a fresh start as they receive no general welcome given that the family lacks the eponymous "man at the helm." Through Lizzie, we witness how a steadily declining financial situation strains their new life and tests their eccentric and depressed mother. 

Author: Christopher Fowler
Rating: 4 Stars
Review By: Shana

This book was not exactly as advertised, though I enjoyed it anyway. Some of the blurbs about the book, not to mention the name of the unit in question (Peculiar Crimes Unit), suggested a paranormal, supernatural, and/or occult twist. Though there is plenty of theorizing, outside the box thinking, a medium, and the suggestion of the inexplicable, this ends up being more classic British mystery accented by theatrical overtones and an odd couple detective partnering. 

Author: Jessi Klein
Rating: 4 Stars
Review By: Shana

Jessi Klein is a stand-up comic and a comedy writer. Part memoir, part musings on life, with the feel of a set of essays, Klein is (unsurprisingly) quite funny. She has the good comedienne's knack for finding the raw spot of vulnerability, ridiculousness, insecurity, or pain and making it humorous and, occasionally, uncomfortable.

Author: John Sandford
Rating: 3 Stars
Review By: Shana

I'm always looking for series of books to get into, especially older series that hold the promise of plenty of material to keep me engaged. In my quest for established mystery series, I finally picked up the first book in the nearly 30-year-old Lucas Davenport series (now clocking in at 20 books). While I'm interested enough to explore further books in the series, a reader of more contemporary mysteries will notice that some of the delivery and ideas in the book feel dated.