Reviews + Articles
Bound for Murder by Victoria Gilbert
Like Jenn McKinlay's latest Library Lover's Mystery, Word to the Wise, Victoria Gilbert's Bound for Murder features a small-town library director in a darker situation than usually expected in a cozy mystery series. Illicit drugs, and a commune aren't usually...
Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey
I'm not a fan of unreliable narrator novels. I am a big fan of coming-of-age stories. Those stories often are heart-breakers, as is Jess Lourey's Unspeakable Things. But, I like the voices. Young people see the world, and their situations, with different eyes...
Trouble in Mind by Michael Wiley
It's been a few years since Michael Wiley set a mystery in Chicago. Now, he introduces an unusual character, an ex-cop turned PI, and puts him in Chicago in Trouble in Mind. Sam Kelson's latest case is violent and gets him in all kinds of trouble with the...
Mysteries in the Media Giveaway
As promised, it's time for the first giveaway of 2020. The books from both series have appeared in the media. The first title is in honor of M.C. Beaton, who died December 30. Beating About the Bush is the most recent Agatha Raisin mystery, in hardcover....
What Are You Reading? and Jeff Meyerson’s Favorites of 2019
I thought it was appropriate to kick off this week's What Are You Reading with a look back from Jeff Meyerson. Jeff is a faithful reader of Lesa's Book Critiques, and I appreciate his contributions, his comments, and the conversations he shares with other readers....
Treasures in My Closet – February 2020
I looked back at my favorite books of 2019 yesterday. Now, it's time to look forward. Here it is, January 1, 2020, and I'm already talking about February book releases. Just because it's New Year's Day doesn't mean I can skip Treasures in My Closet. If you're...