Sticky Fingers by Nancy Martin

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Genre - Mystery

This is a very light-hearted murder which is glossed over by the day-to-day antics of the main character’s life style and surrounds.  The main character is Roxy Abruzzo  (and her somewhat dubious relations) are tied up in finding out who murdered who.  Although Roxy is not a PI, she seems to stick her nose into what is not considered ‘lady like’ and consequently involves a very haphazard way of not only her life style, but her view to people in general. Light reading if you can follow her train of thought which changes like an express train.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

Bangkok Bob by Stephen Leather

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Genre - Mystery

Long-term Bangkok resident Bob Turtledove who is a former New Orleans policeman since retired, but seems to have a knack of finding people.  He is approached by the parents of a young Mormon from Utah who has gone missing. What starts out as a missing person ends up in a deadly mission for Bob Turtledove.

The references to Bangkok makes the reader believe they have lived there (whether you have been to Bangkok or not) with a bit of old world charm, and also gives a good understanding of localities and their customs. Regardless of what you read from the media on Bangkok as it is today, this book seems to relate to an era before today and with plenty of charm. The storyline is good with plenty of action, but also a book that has its humour and well worth keeping in your home library.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

Murder by Mocha by Cleo Coyle

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Genre - Mystery

Delightful book and although a mystery, not in the least gruesome. Main character is Clare Cosi who is head barista of the Village Blend Coffee House. Clare and her staff make the most unusual coffee and at the back of the book are her coffee making tips with the most decadent chocolate recipes to try out.

Clare makes coffee to die for especially for her boyfriend NYPD Detective Mike Quinn and finds ways when the pressure of murder is around to come up with very decadent soothers.

The main story is based along the lines of a new coffee product in the local village which will make millions. Unfortunately murder gets in the way, and Clare herself unwittingly is put in a position that she must work out the murderer against the ire of her boyfriend.

A most enjoyable read, considering it is a mystery.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Bookchat-Rowville

Black Glass by Meg Mundell

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Genre - Science fiction

This was an interesting book. Set in Australia in the not too distant future where climate change has caused major social change, two young sisters are left homeless when their father blows up their house and himself while cooking drugs. They are separated and make their way to the city where they each try to exist on the streets while attempting to find one another.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville

Ancestor Stones by Aminatta Forna

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Genre - Historical fiction

This is a beautiful series of stories told by several generations of women from Sierra Leone. The first stories tell about a time when the Chief was still the leader, the Gods were of the landscape, and the country and its people were thriving. The subsequent stories tell of the coming of a new God and the changes in their society brought on by the influx of foreigners. The final stories provide a gruelling insight into Civil War.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville

Drawing Conclusions by Donna Leon

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Genre - Mystery/Thriller

Mystery/thriller set in Italy and makes one feel as though they are in Italy during the story. The main story is about a young woman returning from holidays to find her elderly neighbor dead. The police seem to think she suffered from a heart attack, but further investigation and intrigue states otherwise. Good reading.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville bookchat

The Headhunter's Daughter by Tamar Myers

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Genre - Mystery

The author was born in the Belgian Congo and the story is quite a good story on a white baby that was raised by a tribe. When in early teenage years, the child is discovered by the white man, and naturally there is conflict all around. Good reading and very interesting reading the author’s anecdotes on the back pages, of her upbringing in the Belgian Congo.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville bookchat

I'll Walk Alone by Mary Higgins Clark

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Genre - Thriller

Suspense thriller that makes you want to finish the book. Zan Moreland, a gifted interior designer discovers that someone is using her credit cards and manipulating her finances. She is already haunted by the disappearance of her own son who was kidnapped in broad daylight.

This is excellent reading for those that like suspense thrillers.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville bookchat