"Where Monsters Dwell" by Jorgen Brekke

I'm not sure what happened in Norway that suddenly started producing all these wonderful, talented mystery and suspense authors, but whatever it was, I hope it keeps happening.

Jorgen Brekke is another one to put on your list of absolute "must-reads." Although it's rather strange to say that a book as vivid, creepy, scary and graphic as "Where Monsters Dwell" was a delight to read, that's absolutely what this reading experience was.

Interspersed with a rich, historical background story, nothing detracts from the fast-moving, suspenseful and engaging narrative of the present-day murder mystery. Odd Singsaker has to be one of the more unique and compelling detectives I've read about in a long time and as you walk with him through the labyrinthine progression of the case, you find yourself liking him more and more.

As Odd's counterpart in the United States, Felicia Stone is every bit as intriguing a character. And when their two cases come together and these fellow investigators finally meet and collaborate, the novel just reaches an even higher level of enjoyment.

If you're thinking that you've reached your limit on Scandinavian authors, think again, and make sure you put Jorgen Brekke's "Where Monsters Dwell," as well as any future installments, on your reading list immediately.

"The Secret of Magic" by Deborah Johnson

Deborah Johnson’s “The Secret of Magic” is that rare book that truly makes you glad civilization has made the advances they have.  The racial strife and tensions of that time period, for blacks and whites, was truly horrifying.  Just as people were appalled at the atrocities of World War II once details started to emerge, so should we continually be appalled at the way people behaved during that time period.

Without books like “The Help” and “The Secret of Magic,” I probably would not have been as cognizant of how bad things really were.  I’ve never had to walk down the street and be expected to move out of the way for someone else (other than common courtesy) or face their wrath.  I’ve never had to wonder whether I could open the door of a restaurant or shop and freely walk in.  I’ve never had to move to the back of a bus to make room for those who were considered superior.  And I’ve never had to use a drinking fountain or other amenity that was designated for my race only.  For a land that offered freedom and opportunity to all men, these things were, and always will be, unacceptable.

“The Secret of Magic” magically took me to that place.  I felt suffocated, trapped and helpless against the way things were.  And it wasn’t only the injustices to the black community that offended me.  I would not have wanted to live in the white world at that time either.  With their secrets, their hidden truths and half-truths and overall hypocrisy, the South at that time was as cloying and stifling as the humid air and the kudzu that wrapped itself around the South and choked the life out of it.

The author couldn’t have done a better job with Regina Robichard, the main heroine. She was empathic and kind, but also determined to get justice.  Acting on her feelings, and caring for the feelings of others, she slowly tries to work out the truth against tremendous odds.  I know the resolution of each individual case that came out of those times and situations was different, but in the end, we all lost out.  The blight of racial inequality is something that no one can win or erase.

Paris, Time Travel, Dancers, Chocolate, Romance... What's Not to Like??

"Dancing with Paris" has it all.... mystery, romance, time travel, an exotic locale, hot men, beautiful glamorous dancers, sparkling jewels and chocolate baguettes. Is it any wonder I read this book like the house was on fire? I just could not put it down. I don't know what kind of magic Juliette uses herself when writing these books, but her wonderful blend of alchemy continually serves up novels that I just can't get enough of.

Time travel is an extremely tough genre to do well, but Juliette has mastered it to perfection. She sets the bar by which all others should strive. The plot was streamlined, well thought out and expertly executed. The pacing was perfect and the characterizations were flawless.

I read this book through one of the worst winter temperature drops in the last several decades and I couldn't have picked a better book to keep me warm and contented throughout. So grab a cup of hot chocolate (even if you're reading this during the summer months) and dive into "Dancing with Paris."