Kenobi

By John Jackson Miller

Normally I think these book reviews are supposed to rave about a great read.  I can't quite rave about this one, although it wasn't the worst thing I've ever read.  I suppose it may be worth warning those of you looking for a Star Wars book about Obi-Wan Kenobi that this book is going to be a bit of a disappointment.  I've heard it described as a western novel, and that may be true, I've never read a western.  But if the title is a character's name you would expect the book to be about him.  The first half of the book doesn't mention Kenobi, it is about Annilee, a woman who owns a supply store on Tattooine. That's quite a portion of reading to get through before Kenobi finally enters the storyline.  There's very little character insight into Kenobi except for a few pages of his meditation dialogue.  The author spent all his energy on developing Annilee, and seemed terrified to go very deeply into an established Star Wars character's real feelings.  After slamming the book shut at 2 a.m. in frustration, I vowed to just stick to the fan fiction websites where the amateurs aren't afraid of giving a character a personality.

~ Becky

Knot What It Seams

A Southern Quilting Mystery

By Elizabeth Craig

I have to admit I judged a book by its cover while at work checking in books at the circulation desk. The first thing I noticed was the colorful quilts, then the antique sewing machine and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. All three things are near and dear to my heart. I don’t like to read the story summary on the back of books so, based solely on the cover I thought I would give it a try and I am glad I did.  This book is the second book in the series; I have placed a hold on the first book Quilt or Innocence and am looking forward to the next book that will be available later this year. This book keeps you guessing, like any good mystery, who could have killed this person?  I enjoyed this delightful read and I look forward to the next two books.  Any quilter, as well as non-quilters, can relate to and delight in this novel.

~ Beckie

Mr. Churchill’s Secretary

By Susan Elia MacNeal

This is a fun mystery/suspense set in England during World War II. Maggie Hope is a mathematics scholar from the States who is back in England to settle her grandmother’s estate. When she finds that she has extra time on her hands, a friend suggests that she apply for an opening at the Prime Minister’s office where he works. Maggie soon finds that she’s looking into the mystery of what happened to her predecessor. Along the way, she became aware of the fact that there are family secrets concerning the death of her parents.

The look at life in London during the blitz and the unexpected ending are additional reasons to pick up this first book in a delightful new series.

~ Rochelle

How the Light Gets In

by Louise Penny

I absolutely love Chief Inspector Gamache!  How the Light Gets in is Louise Penny's ninth mystery featuring Chief Inspector Gamache.  With this novel, Penny ties up some of the loose ends that were left from previous novels.

Gamache finds himself isolated from his department and questioning the motives of his superiors.  In addition, Jean Guy Beauvior, his second in command has deserted him and the love of his life, Annie Gamache.  Gamache finds solace in Three Pines among the quirky townsfolk while he solves the murder of Constance Pineault, a friend of Myrna's.  He also finds a way to solve the larger mystery of corruption in the Surete du Quebec.

If you haven't read Louise Penny, you won't be disappointed.  Her books are wonderful character studies within a mystery.  You will want to start with the first in the series and read all the way through.  I can't wait until the next one comes out.

~Holly

The Last Original Wife

By Dorothea Benton Frank   

Audiobook format

When I first started listening to this book I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue.  There is quite a bit of spouse bashing in the first few chapters.  I am glad I decided to wait it out a bit longer to see if it became more pleasant.  The end was well worth the uncomfortable moments in the beginning.  This book chronicles the end of one marriage and the beginning of a new and far better life for the heroine.   I do recommend this book for a good listen or read.

~Beckie

Sleeping in Eden

By Nicole Baart

Dr. Lucas Hudson is filling in for the vacationing coroner in Blackhawk, Iowa. One autumn morning he is called to the scene of a suicide. The case seems simple enough until he discovers the body of a woman buried underneath the hanging corpse. Lucas has to find out who this woman is. . .

Years before, Meg Painter met Dylan Reid. It was the summer before high school and they became inseparable. Meg’s neighbor and long-time friend Jess seemed like the right choice but she could never forget Dylan. The choices Meg makes in the past collide with Lucas’s discovery in the present.

As one reviewer put it: “chillingly suspenseful and achingly tender”

~ Dixie