Let me be frank: I’m not usually one to pick up a mystery. Although, I’ve read two in as many months. Alex Westmore’s Shattered Echo, though, piqued my interest because the female protagonist is an investigative reporter with supernatural powers. As a former journalist myself, I was interested in the concept of a journalist character.
I was definitely not disappointed. Westmore’s writing is detailed: bringing to life the bayou of Echo’s past and the frenetic city of the Bay Area in present day. I found the overall story arc to be very captivating. While I find most mystery books center around one who-done-it case, Westmore was able to seamlessly weave two cases into the narrative and make it feel natural. And! Neither end as you would expect – the twists and turns are what had me absolutely devouring this book.
Okay, so not necessarily set in an exotic location, but a good portion of this book is set in an airport! Sari’s vacation to Florida is ruined by a storm brewing back home, and she can’t get home fast enough. But when flight after flight gets canceled, she jumps at the chance to fly to Boston with another stranded passenger. (Read my full review.)
New Yorker Rachel Chu, agrees to spend the summer with his family at their home in Singapore. Little does she know he’s Singapore’s most eligible bachelor. Kwan beautifully describes Singapore street markets and the opulence of Nick’s family.
“In November 1963, the president of South Vietnam and his brother were brutally executed in a coup that was sanctioned and supported by the American government. …the fateful decision to get rid of the Ngos was in no small part because of South Vietnam’s first lady, Madame Nhu.” This book will take you to South Vietnam, Paris and around the world in Monique Demery’s search of the Dragon Lady.
Set in 1957 Madrid, readers see the city through the eyes of Daniel, a wealthy 18-year-old American. Daniel takes readers through the glittery, tourist-friendly areas of Madrid, as well as the hidden darkness of the city. Ruta Sepety hooks readers early and pulls them into the bustling city and into this tragic era.
New York City dog walker heads to the Hamptons to help her grandmother, and for an escape for the summer. However, when her ex shows up in the Hamptons, the two start to rekindle the love and romance they once had.
Lende is the obituaries and social column writer for the local newspaper in Haines, Alaska, a small town located 90 miles north of Juneau and accessible mainly by water or air. This collection of short acedotes will transport you to small town Alaska.
A dysfunctional family – mom and her three adult children, all who live in different cities across the country – win an all inclusive Mediterranean cruise. Honestly, what could go wrong? (Read my full review here)
Journalist Conor Knighton recounts his year traveling the National Parks. From Acadia National Park in Maine, to Everglades in Florida, Yosemite out west, and even Isle Royale up in the Great Lakes, Knighton takes readers across the country. (Read my full review)
A split timeline set in the bayous of New Orleans and the Bay Area. A whodunnit that beautifully weaves two cases into the narrative and makes it feel natural. And neither end as you would expect – the twists and turns are what had me absolutely devouring this book.
(Yes, the second book set in Singapore on this list!) A murder mystery set in the lush jungles of early-twentieth century Singapore. Harriet works with the police to solve who killed her first client – Sir Oswald Newbold.
The Paloma family and the Corbeau family are traveling performers, and long-time rivals and enemies. But in one small town, where both families are performing, disaster strikes with the Paloma’s newest performer and it’s a Corbeau boy that saves her. The Weight of Feathers will take you to the lives of the traveling performers, up into trees and under the water.
Leann Reads Books 