It seems author Kylie Logan loves old mysteries, and that has inspired a new series: the League of Literary Ladies. (Setting is a small town, on an island). There's a twist here: these women do NOT like each other! They are neighbors with .... issues ... and are often confronting each other in court. When it comes to the attention of the judge that the small local library will have to close without a regular book group (you'll have to read why this is so) he assigns the three to be that book club! Mayhem at the Orient Express is a retelling of the old classic. Some things are the same ... snowstorm, 13 people trapped together, a murder ... and then there are some new elements for a more modern story. Not bad! :-)

Off Kilter is the first in a new series for Hannah Reed. While I liked the mystery (there were some nice twists), I did not warm up to any of the characters. It did keep me reading until the end, though, so I thought I'd include it here. :-)

Malice at the Palace, by Rhys Bowen, is another in the Royal Spyness mysteries. As part of the royal family (she's 35th in line) it wouldn't be proper for Lady Georgiana to work even though at this distance from the throne, no 'family' money comes her way, either. Fortunately she is a favorite of Queen Mary, who often sends her off on 'little projects'. This time it's escorting the future bride of Prince George around London as she prepares for the wedding. The murder of a former mistress requires a quiet investigation (it simply cannot show up in the newspapers!) makes for an enjoyable read.

The year is 1830. Lady Darby has taken refuge in her sister's castle in Northern Scotland. Her husband, a physician, has died and a scandal has been discovered .... he has been dissecting bodies and she has been drawing them. (He was too cheap to pay for an artist, so he married one). At a house party (for the most elite) there is a murder (and worse, the victim was pregnant ... and her husband has been in India for months). Rumors and gossip fly as Lady Darby is drawn into the investigaion. Thanks to Canadian Reader for the recommendation for The Anatomist's Wife, by Anna Lee Huber.. CR tells me the next four books in the series are also excellent!.

Reading Hermit With Dog