In the Woods by Tana French

The way Sierra described this book to me, I wasn't sure I wanted to read it...and then the Amazon reviews confirmed that some people found the ending frustrating. Sierra also said, though, that she LOVED the writing style, so I thought I'd give it a try. I'm so glad I did!

I love mysteries, and I love great characters. This novel had both an intriguing mystery and great characters. And Sierra was correct; the writing is absolutely amazing and beautiful and descriptive and funny. It's absolutely astonishing that this is a first novel! Not only are the characters interesting, but the setting, Dublin, is equally fascinating. It made me want to visit...

The relationship between Detective Rob Ryan and his partner Cassie Maddox is full of ups and downs and great dialogue. It's their relationship that moves the story along. I was intrigued by their intimacy and mutual understanding and hoped that it would work out well...

The Cruellest Month by Louise Penny

My second Louise Penny, Inspector Gamache "cozy" murder mystery. We were in Kailua for the holidays, I was shopping in a used bookstore shortly before our long flight home, and picked this up. This light book, set in Canada with characters I was already familiar with, made the trip home enjoyable. I especially enjoyed learning more about Gamache's history and family. Now I'll need to go back and read the second book in the series...probably this summer.

I think that what appeals to me is the intimacy of the villagers and their idyllic life. The food is great, people are "characters" and they accept each other's oddities. A nice little series to escape into for a rest!