I Shall Not Want

 

I Shall Not Want by Julia Spencer-Fleming

Clare Ferguson is an Episcopal priest and former army pilot. Russ Van Alstyne is chief of police of Millers Kill, New York, whose wife was recently killed. In this sixth mystery featuring the duo, a Mexican farmhand stumbles across a body on the dairy farm where he works. Two more bodies are discovered--all victims are young Latino males. Hate crime or part of gang-related drug activity?

Clare and Russ are attracted to each other but both feel guilty because of the death of Russ's wife. The author has won numerous awards including the Anthony, Agatha, and Nero Wolfe awards.

For the Love of a Dog

McConnell, Patricia B.  For the love of a dog:  understanding emotion in you and your best friend.

            Radio talk show host and animal behaviorist McConnell shows how understanding emotions in both people and dogs can improve owners’ relationships with their pets.  She provides examples of how owners can observe dog behavior to help dogs be better behaved and owners to be better owners.  Not just a dog training book; there are touching stories of person-pet interactions.

December's Books

I've been reading and re-reading Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. One of the books I read this month was "Eric," Pratchett's version of the Faust legend. Teenage sorcerer Eric attempts to conjure up a demon, but gets incompetent wizard Rincewind instead. Accompanied by Eric's parrot and the many footed and feared walking suitcase, the two set out on a journey. Pratchett fans may be disappointed that this book is so short (only 200 pages), but DEATH appears briefly in the story, which is always a plus for me. I also re-read "The Hogfather," which for Pratchett fans is akin to the yearly reading of "A Christmas Carol."

The Corpse on the Court by Simon Brett
Eric by Terry Pratchett
Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich
Diners, Drive-ins and Dives by Guy Fieri
Twelve Clues of Christmas by Rhys Bowen
Miss Silver Deals with Death by Patricia Wentworth