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The setting is Madrid, post-Spanish Civil War, 1939. The best friend of Carlos Tejada Alonso y León, a Guardia Civil sergeant, is found shot to death on a side street. When Tejada investigates, he surprises and executes the person he believes responsible. However, further events cause him to doubt the case’s resolution as he looks into a notebook left beside the body and the possibility of his friend’s involvement in the black market trade. Tejada’s character is a complex mixture of honor and pragmatism. His persistence in the search for justice and redemption in a war-torn city of bombed buildings and a populace beset with fear and starvation make this a uniquely compelling historical mystery. It won the 2004 Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best First Novel.

Reviewed by Vera B., North County Regional

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In her debut novel, Loving Frank, author Nancy Horan presents a fictionalized account of the life of Mamah Borthwick Cheney and her relationship with the celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Utilizing a variety of resources in her extensive research, Horan has successfully integrated fact with fiction. Written from Mamah’s perspective, the reader is immersed in the thoughts and emotions of a woman in the time period 1907 to 1914. Set in the United States and Europe, Horan effectively weaves themes of early twentieth century feminism, romantic passion, artistic expression, and devotion to family together in this captivating read.

Reviewed by Linda O., University City Regional,

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In 1897, three orphaned sisters decide to emigrate from Sweden to America in hopes of a new beginning. As the oldest, Elin feels responsible for her younger sisters so she writes to her uncle in America for help. Believing their uncle and his family will take them in, the girls make the trip to Chicago. After learning the money for their tickets did not come from their uncle as they expected, but from three men expecting the girls to become their wives, the sisters decide to strike out on their own. Faced with difficult circumstances, Elin, Kirsten, and Sofia wonder if they made the right decision. With courage and determination the sisters work to make their dreams come true.

Reviewed by Erin J., Cornelius Branch

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A Vote of Confidence is set in a small town in Idaho in 1915. After being raised by her mother back East, Gwen Arlington has returned to Bethlehem Springs to be closer to her father and sister. Frustrated by local politicians, Gwen decides to run for mayor so she can bring necessary changes to the town. As a single woman in the early 1900's, her decision causes many problems among the residents of the town. Her biggest opponent for mayor is Morgan McKinley, a newcomer building a health spa in town. Sparks fly between Gwen and Morgan as each seeks to prove to the town that they will make the better mayor.

Reviewed by Erin J., Cornelius Branch

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Elizabeth Westbrook is determined to become a successful newspaper photographer. She travels to Timber Ridge, Colorado, to photograph the mountains in the area in hopes it will help her career. She also hopes the air and the town’s hot springs will cure the mysterious illness she has suffered for years. Elizabeth’s life is threatened when she inadvertently captures an image that may help solve a murder. Daniel Ranslett, a former Confederate sharpshooter who prefers solitude, becomes Elizabeth’s unwilling guide as she photographs the area and its inhabitants and must also protect her from danger. At first Elizabeth and Daniel are at odds, but over the course of their journey their feelings begin to change.

Reviewed by Erin J., Cornelius Branch

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