May Picks

Ivar, Katja (2023) Trouble. Bitter Lemon Press.

Helsinki, June 1953. Intrepid Finnish detective Hella Mauzer, in her third outing, is now a reluctant private investigator. When her former murder squad boss asks her to dig into the background of a member of the Finnish Secret Service she is not in a position to refuse. She does however have one condition – she wants access to the archive files relating to the unsolved hit and run that killed her father and family in 1942. But the file is empty. Had her father, concerned over Finnish cooperation with Germany during World War II, been a threat? Hella is a quirky and feisty hero, answerable to no man. She seamlessly works both cases with plenty of interference. Solid historical Nordic crime novel.

Rating: 4/5

Finlay, Alex (2023) What Have We Done. Head of Zeus.

The abused foster children of Savior House never knew the peace of a normal childhood.  Now, after twenty-five years, former inmates and best friends unite when they find their lives threatened by an unknown assailant. The trauma of their youth has left retired despatcher Jenna, has-been rockstar Donnie, and debt-ridden TV producer Nico with nightmares. They must now revisit their past to find out who is trying to kill them, and why? Rather familiar and ho-hum thriller. Could not become invested in the fate of protagonists. Does not measure up to Finlay’s 2021 bestseller Every Last Fear.

Rating: 3/5

Sittenfeld, Curtis (2023) Romantic Comedy. Doubleday.

Late-night comedy writer Sally Milz is a romantic but has long abandoned her search for love. When pop-idol Noah Brewster hosts her late-night show she feels an instant connection and suspects it may be reciprocated. But why would beautiful Noah, with a prodigious dating history, ever consider dating a miss-average like her? Sally’s wit and insecurities initially dash what could have been, that is until Covid hits and she receives an unsolicited email. A delightful and compassionate tale of a yearning heart following its desires. Loved it!

Rating: 5/5

Heiny, Katherine (2021) Early Morning Riser. Knopf.

Jane is new in town when she falls hard for handsome serial seducer Duncan. Whilst Duncan is marriage averse, charming and goodnatured he has also slept with nearly every woman in Boyne City, Michigan. Beyond the sly comments Jane has to share Duncan with his opinionated ex-wife and her eccentric husband, his neurodiverse co-worker and a multitude of other residents who he helps out on a regular basis. Jane struggles to define her boundaries and role in Duncan’s life. After a terrible car crash Jane’s responsibilities increase ten-fold. How will she ever find happiness? A warm-hearted and unconventional domestic tale.

Rating: 3/5

Coben, Harlan (2023) I Will Find You. Century.

David has spent five years in prison for the killing of his three-year-old son Matthew. While he knows he did not murder Matthew overwhelming evidence was presented against him. When his sister-in-law shows up with a photograph of a boy around eight who looks like Matthew, David suspects Matthew is still alive. In order to find the truth and clear his name David must first escape from prison. So begins a rip-roaring fugitive adventure story. Action-packed.

Rating: 4/5