A Stranger in the Family by Robert Barnard

An intriquing mystery novel that not only follows the main character’s quest to find his family, but also delves into the human psyche and family interactions, this story is set in contemporary Great Britain. I don’t want to give away too much, but it would be helpful if the reader knew the history of the Holocaust. It certainly kept my attention, but left me feeling rather unsettled and sad.

Isle of Woman (1st volume in the Geodyssey series) by Piers Anthony

If this were to be made into a movie (as was Clan of the Cave Bear to which it has been compared), it would be an X-rated docudrama. Anthony traces human evolution from 3.7 million B.P. to A.D. 2021, intermixing mini social studies lectures pertaining to the eras, with the story of two main characters (and their families) who keep getting reborn in each period of time. He does not dwell on details, as did Auel in her Children of the Earth series, but is exploring a theory of his relating the evolution of humankind and its cultures to sexual development in the species. He’s included an “Author’s Note” at the end to explain what he was trying to do. Even though it covers eons, it actually was a rather speedy read.


Submitted by Cathy

Scimitar by John Abbott (Evan Hunter)

An extremely-detailed terrorist thriller published in 1992 and primarily set in NYC, this novel features extremist Muslims, the FBI, the CIA, the NYPD, and a British consulate, as well as a couple of sexy American ladies. Taking place around Independence Day, this is a fast-paced summer read. Take care, though, not to set it down too often, or you may lose the threads (and names) in this intricate tapestry of deceit and murder.

Submitted by Cathy

Sepulchre by Kate Mosse

If you are a Francophile and/or a tarot enthusiast, this is the book for you. However, even though I’m neither, once I got into the book, I was absorbed enough to stay up until 3 a.m. finishing it. This is a tapestry of mysteries interwoven with strands of action and narrative from the late 19th century and those of today. There are romances, murders, and supernatural elements, as well as discussions of Fibonacci numbers, musical scales, and Debussy (to which I listened while reading some of this – it set the mood).

Submitted by Cathy (7/15/10)

Manhunt by Janet Evanovich

This is a good summer romance set in the Alaskan winter. As the title suggests, it’s about a woman in her late 20s who has decided to leave the cold corporate world in NYC to find a warm man with whom to start a family in Alaska. She meets a hunky confirmed bachelor and the hunt is on. I don’t think I need to tell you how it ends.

Submitted by Cathy (7/15/10)