Huntington Public Library Adult Reading Challenge

 An exciting sequel filled with many twists and turns for the amateur sleuth to follow along. I found the second installment in the Thursday Murder Club series to be even better than the first. The pace of the book was not only quicker, the plot was more engaging.

 A quick read about a "special" young woman who looses her grandma and now is alone trying to find her way. With parents dead as well, she continues on in her chosen profession as a maid in a big hotel. Getting mixed up in drugs, false friendships, and eventually as a murder suspect!!

  I loved that this was an inclusive, queer story with a gay couple at its center. For Meadows beautifully explores trauma and unpacking the damaging experience of homophobia (both internalized and societal) all in the context of a lovely fantasy romance. I did find the narrative overly didactic at times and I think it relied a little too heavily on exposition, but those are small quibbles to me because, ultimately, the pacing, plot, and characters were very well drawn here. I enjoyed the read quite a bit!

The fantasy world here is so interesting and I found the characters well written. I liked the magical system, though I wasn't quite as taken with the execution of the monster inside Elspeth's head. I understood what the author was doing, but I found him more creepy in a predator way than scary in a monster way, if that makes sense. Still, I thought the story was very entertaining and I really enjoyed the overarching reading experience!  

  I always love anything Holly Black. Her fae world is perfectly twisted and compelling and she creates such immediacy with her character work. I've been listening to the audiobook through Libby and it has been such a fun listen. If you love your fantasy with a little darkness woven in, this book is for you!

  A great book for a long rainy day because I didn’t want to put it down to do anything else…even when the rain stopped. Great character development and interesting twists.

 This is the third book in the Marlow Murder Club series and I loved it! I was captivated by the clever plot and characters. The storyline followed the murder of Marlow's mayor, Geoffrey Lushington, unraveling a web of secrets and lies that keep readers guessing. I am a big fan of this series!

  This was a who done it ...fun and the bad guy gets it in the end

  This series reminds me of books I used to love reading as a kid but for adults! It’s the ultimate cozy adventure story with endearing characters and creatures.

  Hercule Poirot fans start here! First book of the dynamic duo Poirot and Hastings solve their first murder together. Listen to the audiobook as the Hastings actor from tv show, is narrator for added fun!

  Fast paced thriller, jumps between past and present. A girl goes missing and is never found, 30 years later 2 bodies show up where she initially went missing, reopening interest in her case. There are a lot of twists and turns, and complex familial relationships. I couldn't put this one down, and just wanted to get to the end to figure it all out.

  This is Bohjalian's newest novel; it's much like a mystery: who killed the hotel owners? who killed the "princess's" new boyfriend? who are all these crypto currency bigwigs? This book is told in three voices: Crissy, her sister Betsy, and Marisa, Betsy's newly adopted 13 year old. I found the "voices" quite authentic, even in the artificial atmosphere of Las Vegas. I do miss the Vermont settings of many of Bohjalian's books.

  Another excellent mystery novel. Enjoyed the location except for the crabs. A great cast of characters that mesh together well. Once again, I am kept on my toes with all the developments that  occur. Looking forward to reading about some of the characters in another book!

 After reading the author's book The Girl on the Train , I decided to read her other books. This one does not disappoint!! Twisting story plots leading the reader through ups and downs. Also shows how sometimes law officers get it wrong!!!

This author is Japanese. Books have been translated into English except for the names of characters. Nice intricate plot lines. Going back and forth between detective and murderer. Interesting and totally different. Well worth a read!!

 What a struggle reading this book!! The author was a Pulitzer Prize winner for this book, which is what prompted me to slog through this book. While beautifully written, almost poetically descriptive, the story line dragged; what a waste of my time!!

  Sequel to the Magpie Mysteries, Moonflower Murders is very much in the same vein as the original story. There are many of the same characters, in fact the primary characters are all the same, and it fits a murder mystery novel into a different murder mystery novel. Another 2 for the price of one story! But, despite no novelty of the story setup, Moonflower Murders does not disappoint! Again, written in a fun and compelling way, Moonflower Murders keeps you guessing in both stories all the way through. Susan, the relatable book editor turned Greek hotel proprietor bumbles through the mystery in a way that readers can relate to because she is just another enthusiast and not a seasoned detective. The Pund novel within, is a fun smaller period story and also keeps you guessing about whodunit and also how it relates to the bigger mystery. It might even be more cleverly written than Magpie Mysteries.

 Great book! Page turner! Lots of suspense here with a child turning up dead and our protagonist in prison. will make you think twice about setting up a "smart home."

 First time I have read this author! Enjoyed her writing very much. Woman detective in Scotland handling cold cases. Did not know this was a series, but stands well on its own! Give Val a try and see if you agree! She reminds me of Vera Stanhope in the Ann Cleeves series starring Brenda Blethyn.

 This is my second Val McDermid book and I received some background on the lead character, Karen Pirie. Now that I know it's a series I will follow her from beginning to end!! I love the Scottish Highland and places we're taken. Not only are her characters likeable, but her storylines are enthralling!