My top ten books of 2009

Looking over the titles of the books I read in 2009, I can't give myself high marks for literary taste or a quest for knowledge. At least half the books I read were mysteries--that's somewhere between 100 and 200 volumes. But there were some great mysteries, and some wonderful authors I had never read before. I'll have to check my list for the exact numbers of books read last year. Here are some of my favorites.

Winter and night by S.J. Rozan
This was the year I discovered Rozan's Lydia Chin and Bill Smith series. I read 'em all, and can't wait for the next one to appear. Books with finely drawn characters and complicated relationships appeal to me, as does the New York Chinatown setting.

Road dogs by Elmore Leonard
In this follow up to "Out of Sight," Leonard unites bank robber Jack Foley with criminal Cundo Rey and part-time psychic Dawn Navarro, characters from other books. Lots of over-the-top laughs.

What it is by Lynda Barry
A book that almost defies description. Barry has combined a memoir of her unhappy childhood with a guidebook to help stimulate the creative process. A visual treat.

Rule against murder by Louise Penny
Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his wife are on their summer holiday when murder strikes, and of course, Gamache must oversee the investigation. The Quebec countryside is a wonderful setting for a mystery, and Gamache is a thoughtful, compassionate detective.

Driftless by David Rhodes
A reviewer called this novel "pleasantly overstuffed." It gives a glimpse into the lives of folks in the small town of Words, Wisconsin, and how those lives intersect and affect each other. It's Rhodes first book in thirty years, since being paralyzed in a motorcycle accident.
500 things to eat before it's too late by Jane and Michael Stern
The Sterns take on regional specialties in this guide to locally favorite foods that are fast disappearing, probably because they are laden with fats, sugars, and other unhealthy things. Be sure to check out your favorites---mmmm, frozen custard, bratwurst, and cheese curds.

Wreck of the Carl D. by Michael Schumacher
It's difficult to write a compelling story when the outcome is already known, but the author does a masterful job. Not as exciting as his earlier "Mighty Fitz," but a whopping good story of a shipwreck on Lake Michigan that had tragic results.

Dog on it by Spencer Quinn
Police dog washout Chet teams with human partner Bernie to find a missing teenager. Chet narrates, but doesn't talk, so this mystery doesn't suffer from cute animal syndrome. Ever wonder about what a dog is thinking?

Til the cows come home by Judy Clemens
Stella Crown is a young woman who runs a dairy farm with the help of a hired man. Tattooed and riding a Harley, she's not what you'd expect in the heart of Mennonite country. A mysterious illness is affecting local children, and someone is pointing the finger at Stella's cows.

Beat the reaper by Josh Bazell
This first novel is violent and funny, and not for everyone. A Mafia hitman is sent into the witness protection program as a medical intern and a former associate recognizes him and threatens to rat him out. Fans of "Dexter" would like this book.