New Mystery Series

 

All That is Secret by Patricia Raybon

Annalee Spain is the “colored professor” at a Chicago Bible college.  She has been summoned to Colorado to help solve the murder of her father.  She answers the summons despite having no job or money and knowing only the people from her childhood church.  Her trip launches her on a new life and new career with the promise of more adventures to come.

There were several things that I enjoyed about this book.  I enjoyed the characters, especially Annalee and Eddie.  I enjoyed reading about a time in history that I knew little about.  I enjoyed reading a book about a woman of a different background than me.  I also enjoyed Annalee’s inner dialogue, which was easy to relate to.  The references to Sherlock Holmes were a fun bonus.

Patricia Raybon’s writing was entertaining.  The mystery was not predictable or easily solved.  The plot was exciting and unpredictable.  She laid the groundwork for an interesting series.  I look forward to reading more of Annalee’s adventures.   I am grateful to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Timely Topics and an Encouraging Story

 

The Fine Art of Insincerity by Angela Hunt

Ginger and her two sisters, Penny and Rose, meet at their grandmother’s cottage to ready it for its upcoming sale.  While they are there, Ginger’s carefully ordered world crumbles when she discovers her husband’s infidelity.  Penny is ready to step out of her marriage and Rose is planning her suicide.  The three sisters have no idea of each other’s struggles.

Angela Hunt typically writes about a myriad of topics and has a way of gripping a reader until she ends the story.   This book was no different.  Not only did she hold my attention, but she also addressed a variety of heavy topics for Christian fiction.  Infidelity, abortion and suicide all played a part in this story.  Through relevant topics, she a demonstrated how easily the past can influence a family’s present.

I found this book to be encouraging.  Even though each of the characters had flaws, they repented and grew through their experiences and through the example of their grandmother.  There was hope for each of them as they addressed the challenges in their lives.  I enjoyed this book and think that other readers who enjoy women’s fiction will, too.