Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor by Stephanie BarronMy rating: 5 of 5 stars I absolutely loved this book. It was a compact story without any unnecessary descriptions of things that did not matter just to make the story longer. The creative decision to turn Jane Austen into a pseudo “detective” worked very well. The author used a slightly simplified version of the writing style Austen herself used to write in, which takes a few pages to get used to, but added only to the intrigue of the story as Jane narrates the story through diary entries. The editor’s notes at the end of each chapter explaining customs and…

The Body Farm by Patricia CornwellMy rating: 3 of 5 stars I started the Scarpetta series with Cause of Death in which I felt the main character was a bit more likeable than in the earlier novels. I found Dr. Scarpetta still star struck by her title and position in a male dominated profession. However, I enjoyed reading how she handles the little mocks and jokes by her male counterparts.I actually finished the second half of this book in one sitting, because I just had to know if my suspicion of “who-dunnit” was right. For one, who has read a few detective stories thus far finding the killer will not…

The Chaperone by Laura MoriartyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars I absolutely enjoyed this book from the beginning until the last page. I loved the subtle drama and twists life can throw our way that was narrated, but felt part of life and not an author’s desperate attempt to add melodramatic scenes and unnecessary plot twists. The combination of historical facts and fiction was beautifully accomplished. And I appreciated the insight into the protagonist’s thoughts when faced with situations that belonged outside of her comfort zone, although I could not really feel interested in her character per se until the second half of the novel. By then I had to…

The Awakening by Kate ChopinMy rating: 5 of 5 stars This was the second time I read “The Awakening”. As before, it did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed Chopin’s writing style, it’s very descriptive, detailed, but concise. Her narration of the story is superbly done. One feels she is telling the story only for you. Even though I could never fully identify with the characters or feel much sympathy, Chopin was able to keep me interested in the plot and even the characters. I recommend this book to everyone all the time. View all my reviews