The Forever Witness by Edward Humes

 

 

 The Forever Witness:  How DNA and Genealogy Soled a Cold Case Double Murder by Edward Humes. Dutton, 2022. Nonfiction.

When a young couple disappeared in the Pacific Northwest in 1987, their case became a cold case. Their families thought no one would ever solve the murders. Years later, the case was even featured on tv's UNSOLVED MYSTERIES. This is the tale of how a dedicated detective and a forensic genealogist, among others over the years, worked together to piece together clues and DNA to find their man.

This is such complicated book! If you read true  crime, read it. If you are into genealogy, read it. If you are on a police force, read it. If you have already sent your DNA into one of the leading genealogy companies online, read it. It is hard to read in places: gruesome murders, almost forty years worth of DNA researching, and long courtroom testimonies. But, there is something here for anyone. The author is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and his meticulous research and gripping narrative are worth your time.

One Perfect Couple: A Novel by Ruth Ware

 

 One Perfect Couple: A Novel by Ruth Ware. Scout Press, an imprint of Simon and Schuster, 2024. Thriller, mystery. 

Told in Lyla's first person voice, this is the story of Lyla and her boyfriend Nico who are chosen to be one of the couples on a proposed new tv show that will choose one perfect couple. All the couples will face challenges, but not the ones they expected on the pristine blue waters of the brand new resort in the Thailand area. They have had to turn in all electronics and the one radio on the island doesn't seem to work. The boat that brought them is gone. When a major storm hits, some villas are destroyed, others flooded. With no clear idea where they really are, no medical supplies, and little food and water, the group begins to suspect that one of their own is plotting against their rapidly diminishing little group.

Here I am with another Ruth Ware book after all. This one reads like the pattern in Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. Thankfully, Ware is making the genre her own with fully developed characters, new setting, and up-to-date problems. If only multiple characters didn't all use the F word all the time! Maybe they should have brought a dictionary to the island with them to expand their vocabularies! 

Force of Nature: A Novel of Rachel Carson by Ann E. Burg

 

 

 Force of Nature: A Novel of Rachel Carson by Ann E. Burg.  Art by Sophie Blackall. Scholastic Press, 2024. All ages.

In the 1950's, Rachel Carson became one of the most famous voices in the fight for clean air and water. A scientist and writer, Carson moved many to form groups of like minded people to help save the world from pollution, too many chemicals, and other practices that would shorten the lives of people, animals, and sea creatures.

This charming novel in free verse tells of the life of Rachel Carson. Small black and white illustrations show many of the insects, fish, birds, and plants she explored and researched. Her family and friends supported her work and encouraged Rachel to speak out. She died April 14, 1964. Her work continues.

While this book is perfect for children and young adults, it is also a good introduction for adults to the life and work of Rachel Carson.

The Titanic Survivors Book Club: A Novel by Timothy Schaffert

 

 The Titanic Survivors Book Club: A Novel by Timothy Schaffert.

Doubleday, 2024. Adult fiction.

Who would you call a survivor of the HMS Titanic which sank in April, 1912? Someone who had a ticket but never sailed? Someone who was on the ship and was rescued? Someone who gave their ticket to someone else? Someone whose lover convinced him not to go? Someone who would rather have been on the Olympic and traded tickets? Someone who donated the price of their ticket to charity?

Come along on this ride with author Timothy Schaffert to a fading Paris where Yorick, a second class steward who chose books for the ship's second class library but never boarded for sailing, has opened a bookstore. He was listed as going down on the ship originally. When a group of people receive invitations addressed to Titanic Survivors, Yorick meets people who will influence the rest of his life.

With small connections to the ship, the handful of characters include the beautiful Zinnia whose Japanese-American family makes glorious candies; Haze, the handsome but decadent young man who charms both Yorick and Zinnia; an aging actress, a gambler, and others. who form a book club.

Schaffert writes gorgeous, lyrical descriptions of people and places. Divided into several parts, the narrative continues past 1915 and WWI years. It is a tribute to love, friendship, chance, and books.

The Frozen River: A Novel by Ariel Lawhon

 

 

 The Frozen River: A Novel by Ariel Lawhon. Random House, 2023. Adult Historical fiction.

It is 1789 and Martha Ballard is the midwife and healer for her community of Hallowell, Maine. Martha keeps a journal of her days and bears witness to the births and deaths in the area. When two men are accused of rape, one is found dead in the Kennebec River. The other is a prominent judge. With a new doctor in town, there is a dispute about the death and Martha's whole family becomes involved. Martha and her journal are called to testify on the matter.

I know I may sound like the woman who claims every year is THE best Christmas tree, but this is THE best historical fiction I have read this year. Martha and her husband are loving and practical. Life in the early colonies is hard, made even harder with a long winter. The babies Martha delivers form a bond with their mothers and the midwife. Based on a nonfiction biography's information (Pulitzer Prize winner L.T. Ulrich's A Midwife's Tale) about the real Martha Ballard, the story is gripping. End notes tell what compromises Lawhon has made in this fictional story in order to make this novel read more smoothly. Grab a pen and start your own journal!

The Lantern's Dance by Laurie R. King

 

 The Lantern's Dance: A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes by Laurie R. King. Bantam, 2024. Mystery. 

   When Sherlock Holmes and his wife, Mary Russell, go to France to visit with Holmes grown son, Damian Adler and his wife and young daughter, they land in a spot of trouble involving shady characters who seem to be after Damian. While Holmes spirits the little family into safety, Russell nurses her hurt ankle and translates a journal found in crates sent from the esteemed art institute to Damian's home. Chapters of the translated journal provide clues about the Holmes family, their link to a famous artist, and why Damian may be in danger. Of course, all is resolved in a glorious way, thanks to the capable hands of Laurie R. King. 

  I highly recommend starting with The Language of Bees for some background on Russell and Holmes. Those of us who have followed the Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes novels over the years celebrate any new title. King continues to expand Holmes' family and provide background on his past. 

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A Piece of the World: A Novel by Christina Baker Kline

 

A Piece of the World: A Novel by Christina Baker Kline. William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins, 2017. Adult fiction.

This is the fictional story of Christina Olson of Cushing, Maine and her family. Christina is the inspiration for the woman in Andrew Wyeth's famous painting, Christina's World. Kline has done a masterful job of imagining her life. Disabled for most of her life, Christina and her brother were hosts to Wyeth many summers. Well researched and documented in notes at the end of the book, this tale provides inner imaginings based on what is known about Christina. More information has been published about Wyeth and Christina's relationship since the publication of this title and readers will want to find out what happened to them all. An illustration shows the famous painting at the very end of the book. Overall, a haunting, evocative, lovely story well told.