In April and May, we’ll be getting back to in person meetings plus a zoom meetings for those too far away to make it to the in person group. In April, we’ll meet in person at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, and on zoom on Wednesday, April 26 at 7 p.m. In May, we’ll meet in person on Sunday, May 28 at 2 p.m., and on zoom on Wednesday, May 31 at 7 p.m. Please message us on facebook or email us at stores (at) auntagathas.com for details on how to meet or join the zoom group.
One reason I love historical mystery fiction so much is that the characters are operating without technology – they are using old fashioned deductive reasoning to solve their cases. This year there was an incredible variety of wonderful work to choose from, embracing periods from just pre-WWII America in both the Southwest and in LA; to the East Coast in the 50’s; to Ohio in the 20’s; to Emily Dickinson and her maid investigating a crime close to home. And of course there are some new installments of some always excellent series fiction, as well as two break outs with first in series books.
When we had an open store, I often got recommendations from customers or even authors that guided my reading – Libby Hellman, for example, recommended Elly Griffiths to me very early on. I spent my first winter catching up on Elizabeth George, thanks to a good tip from a reader. Now that I have three wonderful reviewers writing for the website and a book club full of intelligent and discerning readers, I can still, happily, pick up some recommendations. This is a varied list, but there are a few commonalities – Elly Griffiths, Louise Penny, S.A. Cosby, Naomi Hirahara, and Mia P. Manasala. Some are on my own lists – Tasha Alexander, SJ Bennett, Harini Negendra, Elly Griffiths, Mia P. Manasala, Gigi Pandian, Sarah Stewart Taylor and Louise Penny. Vicki’s, Margaret’s and Carla’s reviews of many of these titles can be found on the website.