Judith Rock. The Rhetoric of Death. A Jesuit priest investigates murder in 17th-century Paris. Everything you want in a historical mystery: a compelling, three-dimensional hero, fascinating setting, and fabulous writing. http://www.judithrock.com
Greg Baxter. The Apartment. The leisurely pace speaks of an appreciation of the little things that make up life. I loved the European setting and the way the narrator's past gradually unfolds in the telling. Greg Baxter's page on Goodreads
Amber Foxx. The Calling. Mae Martin’s psychic gifts refuse to stay hidden as she feels repeatedly called to exercise them in the service of saving lives, both human and feline. As events unfold, Mae finds her life spinning out of control. Lost in new territory, suddenly danger looms on every side. http://amberfoxxmysteries.com
Cassandra Clare. Clockwork Princess. The conclusion to her steampunk trilogy set in Victorian London. Wonderful Gothic atmosphere and fascinating glimpse into the earlier world of her Shadowhunter universe. http://www.cassandraclare.com
Laini Taylor. Days of Blood and Starlight. The sequel to "Daughter of Smoke & Bone" continues the adventures of Karou as she fights for her people while still in love with their enemy. A magical series! http://www.lainitaylor.com
Phil Rickman. The Smile of a Ghost. I'm only midway through this incredible Gothic series where single mother and parish priest Merrily Watkins battles human prejudice and supernatural evil on the border between England and Wales. http://www.philrickman.co.uk
Jeri Westerson. Serpent in the Thorns. A medieval mystery that combines the swashbuckling thrills of Errol Flynn with depth and pathos. The ending wraps it all up with a satisfying twist that moved me to tears. One of the best books I have ever read. http://jeriwesterson.com
Zoe Ferraris. City of Veils. A fascinating glimpse into the culture and daily life of present-day Saudi Arabia, with full-bodied, complex characters and a fast-moving plot. http://www.zoeferraris.com
Sophie Littlefield.
A Bad Day for Sorry. A Bad Day for Pretty.
Survivor of an abusive marriage, Stella Hardesty faces her future with humor, pluck, and grit. Her new mission: to ensure that other women won't have to suffer as she did. Stella is the kind of friend anyone would want, and I often find myself asking, "What would Stella do?" These books have become my new comfort reads. http://www.sophielittlefield.com
Louise Penny. The Cruelest Month. Bury your Dead. Mysteries of depth, humanity, and deep, deep love. The whole series is wonderful (and should be read in order), but these are my favorites. Bury your Dead is an amazing tour de force on multiple levels, but most of all, it has a great heart. http://www.louisepenny.com
Favorite Blogs
Ekostories "Exploring narratives of nature, culture, and self"
Novel Adventurers “Four writers blog about their passion for culture, travel, and storytelling.”
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