Shadow Play - Cynthia Harrod Eagles

I don't know that I've read one of CHE's mystery novels before, at least not one from the Bill Slider series, the police detective hero in this 20th book of the series.  I enjoy her writing style and know from my long experience with her Morland Dynasty series that she is thorough in her research of time and place.  That said, I'm not a fan of mysteries, so I don't think I'll be seeking the earlier ones in this series. 

This is the mystery of a body found in a junkyard and the police investigation to discover the murderers.  I realized as I read that I was getting a very English version of police work and of different groups in English law enforcement; minorities, women, working class and elites.  Those learnings made the read worthwhile. 

Published: 2018  Read: December 2019  Genre: Mystery

Nutshell - Ian McEwan

I liked this one for its quirky twist on the point of view - I won't give it away, let's just say I've never read anything from this kind of character.  It's a story about a murder plot and the speaker is trying to prevent it, mostly out of self-interest.  A quick read that's worth your time.

Published:  2016  Read: March 2017  Genre: fiction, mystery

Memory Man - David Baldacci

I read this to review it for one of my book clubs.  I don't like mysteries and I really don't like pulp fiction.  It's formulaic writing; plug in lots of violence, a disturbed hero and a few fawning females to pursue the bad guys in an implausible crime.

The plot is about an ex-football player who was hit so hard in a play he now has perfect memory of everything, especially the murder of his wife and child.  He had been a police detective so when a high school massacre happens, he gets involved only to find out it is linked to his family's murders.

Only convinced me to continue to skip this genre.

Published:  2015   Read: February 2017  Genre: Pulp fiction