For Readers: Laura

An atmospheric and engaging read about a slightly-scandalous young American who is trying to fly under the radar in England. When her employer sends her to Cornwall for a rare book delivery, she becomes entangled in the lives of the local gentry and the handsome folk healer as an ancient curse puts them in danger.

The latest in the Two Rivers series featuring Detective Matthew Venn, an introspective detectve reminiscent of Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache. This installation takes place in another moody coastal community in North Devon, where all of the locals seem to have secrets. Anyone who likes thoughtful but suspenseful mysteries or who needs a Louise Penny readalike should check out this series. Also great on audio!

Really enjoyed this new historical mystery set in 1920s Philly! I found the main characters to be a lot more substantial than those in other similar historicals, which made this a compelling read. Edie felt more realistic than other heroines, and I would love to read more about Gil. The Philadelphia setting was a nice change of pace, too, even if we don't get too much detail about it. While I guessed the culprit early on, it still felt like a page-turner. Will definitely read the next installment!

In 1840s Mexico, a pair with a complicated past must protect their land and loved ones from invading Americans and other deadly creatures. This read is the best of both worlds: a page-turner with beautifully-written characters.

Another excellent work from Lindsey Fitzharris. I loved The Butchering Art, and though the overall subject matter initially seemed less interesting to me (I'm not one for military history), I eagerly picked this one up and was not disappointed. Fitzharris provides a great overview of the conflict for anyone whose World War I knowledge is limited to a chapter in a school textbook, and does a wonderful job weaving the greater history of the war with Gillies and his accomplishments. The audiobook version was great, and is enthusiastically narrated by a relative of the subject of the book.

A little hard to describe but an absolute page-turner, this was a five-star read for me! Set primarily in the 1950s, this story follows the fates of a family of young wealthy women who seem doomed to die at a young age. It's a little gothic, it's feminist, it's unusual, it's heartbreaking, it's beautifully written. Definitely worth a read.