The new Louise Penny book, A Better Man, is dark and grim, Canadian Reader called it ‘Nordic Noir’ and that seems to fit. It is also a powerful read dealing with threats on several levels: physical, virtual, and emotional. There’s a young woman who is missing, a distraught father, and a husband that is less than concerned. Gamache has been reassigned (demoted) and has been assigned to the case. There’s lots going on here, some of it hard to read, because of the subject matter, not the writing! As always, Louise Penny’s writing is captivating.

Kiwi recently shared an old favorite (for both of us) when here for a visit: Five O’clock Charlie, by Marguerite Henry and illustrated by Wesley Dennis. Charlie once had a full life … there was plowing, logging, hauling, raking … and trips into town for a wonderful treat. Now he is retired, and life is boring. He finally takes matters into his own hands, er, hooves, and finds something new to occupy his time. The title holds a clue, but you’ll have to read the book to find out what it is. It’s a kid’s book (just a shade up from a picture book) so it won’t take you long. :-)

Reading Hermit With Dog