Everyone in This Bank is a Thief

A LibraryReads Hall of Fame selection for March, EVERYONE IN THIS BANK IS A THIEF by Benjamin Stevenson is the latest in his very entertaining Ernest Cunningham series. In this case, old Ern may have really pushed the envelope as he is trapped in a bank by a rather ineffective robber. Someone mysteriously dies and it looks like Ern could be next. He’s intent on solving the mystery, though, and playing fair with his readers by providing as much background as he can. Noting, for example, that “We've got a dead body in Byron, two hours’ drive from here, a police raid a year ago that resulted in another dead body, a missing banker, a vault that can't be opened, a bank robber who doesn't seem to care about money, and a guard who doesn't care about protecting it, plus a priest who can't talk and a bird that won't shut up.” Stevenson is very clever in crafting this series and I doubt that too many readers will jump to the right conclusion here… plenty of twists and interrelationships despite Ern’s admonition that “You don't need to solve every little thing. Just solve the things that matter.”  The audiobook is narrated by Barton Welch who does a commendable job (and has so many great lines to deliver, like: “Winston rolled his eyes and turned to Juliette, ‘Is he always this argumentative?’ ‘Yes,’ [she responded] ‘I disagree,’ I said.)”. EVERYONE IN THIS BANK IS A THIEF received starred reviews from Kirkus (“Resign yourself to being stumped, and enjoy.”) and Publishers Weekly (“Stevenson’s hot streak continues”).

Nobody's Baby by Olivia Waite

NOBODY’S BABY by Olivia Waite is a short (144 pages) novella set in space. The baby is a total surprise as people traveling on the spaceship for hundreds of years are not supposed to be able to have children. The main character, a detective named Dorothy Gentleman, has a nephew who finds the baby and wants to raise it with his partner. Their reaction to the whole situation is heartwarming in itself, as are Dorothy’s efforts to untangle the legal status of a being who is not supposed to exist. NOBODY’S BABY is a LibraryReads selection for March; that’s where I first heard about this second book in the series (after Murder By Memory) where “Becky Chambers meets Miss Marple.” Kirkus described NOBODY’S BABY as “a gentle charmer of a SF mystery that surprises as it satisfies” and Booklist gave it a starred review. Enjoy!

The Crossroads by C.J. Box

THE CROSSROADS by C.J. Box is the latest (#26) in the long-running series featuring game warden Joe Pickett. Set amid harsh conditions in Wyoming, this story centers on finding out why (and by whom) Pickett was ambushed near a fork in the trail that splits off towards three different ranches.  There are questions related to cartels and drug smuggling, to possible kidnapping, and to just plain greed and social standing. It takes a while to determine the possible motives, particularly as it is Pickett’s three grown daughters (Sheridan, April, and Lucy) leading the chase while their Dad is hospitalized in the hopes of recovering from a brain injury. The perpetrators are ruthless, and multiple deaths occur as the action accelerates towards a fitting ending. A larger role for the daughters was a bonus in this puzzling, often violent, whodunit. 

The Curious Case of the Poisoned Professor

THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE POISONED PROFESSOR by Lucy Connelly is the first in a new cozy mystery series. It is set in Dillynaidd, Wales at the local university where alumnae Gwen Griffith has arrived to head the journalism department for the Dean (and her best friend), Carolyn Sparks. After a faculty party welcome, one of the other professors, Alice Rice, collapses at Gwen’s door. Foul play - and Gwen - are suspected by the local police detective, Gareth Jones. Of course, Gwen (aided by her teaching assistant Ellis) jumps in to do some investigative reporting and makes some rather dubious choices along the way. Soon, both are in danger, and it takes a village of newly found friends to save them. Gwen is a very likeable heroine and I look forward to more of her Welsh adventures. 

The Devil's Bible by Steve Berry

THE DEVIL'S BIBLE by Steve Berry is the latest novel featuring Cotton Malone, a retired Justice Department agent. I had not read any previously, but I look forward to reading more in this series due to the twisty, relevant plot and exciting action. This story takes place in Sweden (which I now want to visit) where the sister of the King has been kidnapped and is being held for ransom. The demand is for The Codex Gigas, a massive (165 pound) medieval manuscript originally created in Bohemia and belonging to Czechoslovakia but plundered by Sweden in 1648. The intent was to return the codex so as to facilitate a positive vote on Sweden’s entry into NATO, but that is now in jeopardy. Russia is suspected being behind the kidnapping and of using an agent close to the royal family. Berry includes some intriguing historical background and spycraft information, but really excels when Cotton; his former boss, Stephanie Nelle; and his girlfriend and former colleague, Cassiopeia Vitt encounter harrowing circumstances (attempted assassination at a circus, intense aerial combat, and gunfighting) and turncoat agents in their efforts to find the princess and deliver the bible. THE DEVIL'S BIBLE received a starred review from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly says, “Cotton’s narrow escapes and larger-than-life heroics are as outlandish and thrilling as ever.” If you are looking for mystery and adventure, try this.

The Astral Library by Kate Quinn

THE ASTRAL LIBRARY by Kate Quinn was a LibraryReads Hall of Fame selection for February.  I have enjoyed Kate Quinn’s historical fiction (The Briar Club, The Diamond Eye, The Rose Code, for example), but this new novel went in an exciting different direction. Quinn experiments with fantasy as she introduces Alexandria “Alix” Watson, a young, almost destitute young woman who is welcomed into the magical Astral Library. There, other desperate readers (e.g., a woman escaping her controlling husband) are offered sanctuary and helped into books by The Librarian. Several rules apply in this alternative world and Quinn provides an element of danger and quite a bit of exciting adventure for Alix as the Astral Library itself comes under threat. Alix is joined by Beau, a fashion designer who constructs amazing dresses, based in part on the real world creations of Sylvie Facon. With THE ASTRAL LIBRARY, Quinn has crafted an ode to Libraries “full of ideas – perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons.” She dedicates this book to her mother and “all Librarians everywhere—[saying,] this is for you, Book Dragons keep on breathing flame.” Fantastical and improbable, but inspiring and fun!

The Secret of Snow by Tina Harnesk

THE SECRET OF SNOW is written by Tina Harnesk and translated by Alice Menzies. This novel takes place in northern Sweden and involves characters across many generations. Most notably, there is an elderly husband and wife who face serious health challenges. These two get a new phone and the woman (Mariddja) believes that Siri is a real person – their conversations are funny and poignant, especially as Siri is the only real friend this woman has. She and her husband do not trust the authorities since as a child he and his family were forcibly relocated. Harnesk explores this important sub-theme and the ideas associated with cultural preservation while also looking at the impact of the trauma on individuals and future generations. Overall, the book was sad and a bit confusing, especially at the beginning where the author flips back and forth between various characters; ultimately, Harnesk does interweave the stories for a satisfying ending. THE SECRET OF SNOW received a starred review from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly says: “Fans of Fredrik Backman will take to this touching family drama.”  I concur.