The Silkworm – Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling)

he Silkworm - Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling)This is the second book about Cormoran Strike, a hard-boiled private investigator in the Mickey Spillane mode. This book is set in the vicious world of publishing. Excellent plot with ongoing development of the relationship between Cormoran and his trusty secretary, Robin. The story takes place in London, and you can feel the cold of an English winter.

  A Tap On The Window by Linwood Barclay

A very good mystery by a Canadian author (chosen from the CBC List of 100 Authors who make us proud to be a Canadian).  This is a plot-driven mystery, so not much description of place. An intrepid private eye solves several murders, with the usual corrupt police force. There is a good surprise at the ending!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16072980-a-tap-on-the-window16072980

Museum Of Extraordinary Things – Alice Hoffman

museum-of-extraordinary-things-alice-hoffmanOne of the best features of this book is the setting: New York and more specifically Coney Island in Brooklyn in 1911. The “museum” is really an exhibit of freaks of nature, both living and dead, most faked/manipulated. The Professor character is wonderfully wicked, but love wins out. Part of the story is a mystery, to add to the flavour.