9 books to fall for this October, and one to avoid

“Life & Death, & Giants” by Ron Rindo. A story of love, respect, decency, and loss set in a small community in Wisconsin. Relatable for all and a reminder that we need to display more kindness and less hate and intolerance.

 

“Amity” by Nathan Harris. The tale of an emancipated young man who travels to Mexico to find his sister, who was taken there by their former owner. An enlightening story of post-enslavement America and Mexico as well as a cat-and-mouse chase across the Mexican desert.

 

“The Good Liar” by Denise Mina. Full disclosure, I am a huge fan of Mina’s books and loved this one as well. Set in London, an innocent man is convicted of a double murder. Why does no one want the truth to come out? 

 

“Ruth” by Kate Riley. The life of Ruth in an insular Christian community is repetitive and seemingly dull. I kept waiting for her to leave, but she stays – is she happy or ensnared? Good for book club discussion. The author spent a year in a cloistered community.

 

“Bug Hollow” by Michelle Huneven. The trials and foibles of a family in a small California town. A family who could live next door to any of us. How they navigate the highs and lows is the story of every family.

 

“A Case of Mice and Murder” by Sally Smith. This is the first in Smith’s Gabriel Ward series. Ward was a barrister in 1901 London, living at the Temple Church complex with the elite of the London barristers and judges. But a murder within sets up discovery of secrets and lies. This is a fun read, and Ward is an endearing, if eccentric, main character.

 

“The Understudy” by Morgan Richter. Kit is in New York City to be the lead – finally – in a contemporary opera. Yolanda is there as her understudy and wants to kill Kit off to get the role. There is a definite scent of convicted con artist Anna Delvey in Yolanda, and Kit takes charge to reveal the deception and try to keep her starring role. 

 

“Indian Country” by Shobha Rao. A young couple in India is abruptly thrown into an arranged marriage, followed shortly by a move to Montana for his job. Disoriented and lonely, life is unsatisfying for Janavi, but some unscrupulous bosses and unethical locals give Janavi and her husband, Sagar, common purpose – to gain justice for a drowned colleague.

 

“Season of Death” by Will Thomas. The latest in the Barker and Llewelyn series. These books are new to me, but I found the descriptions of Victorian London well done and the story twisty but not impossible. The men are partners in a private investigation firm. Fun and entertaining.

 

“Hot Air” by Marcy Dermansky. Ridiculous behavior by unlikeable characters. Cannot recommend.