The Black Loch, by Peter May

Peter May's The Lewis Trilogy included three novels set on the Isle of Lewis, the northernmost island in the Outer Hebrides, islands off the west coast of Scotland. The trilogy was completed in 2013 but has now been followed by this fourth book, The Black Loch. In this book, a young woman, Caitlin, is found dead and it turns out that she has been having an affair with Fin's son Fionnlagh, who is now married with a 12-year-old daughter at home. Caitlin's body is found near where she and Fionnlagh used to meet in secret, and he's arrested for her murder. Fin and his wife Marsaili return to the island to do what they can to find out who really murdered Caitlin. As in the earlier books, Fin discovers many secrets and intrigues taking place on the island. The narrative alternates between present day, written in the 3rd person, and Fin's memories of the past, written in the 1st person, which shed light on the modern day characters and motivations. The story spotlights the Scottish salmon farming industry (not in a good way), and (spoiler alert) there is a story line that features a large pod of beached whales that all eventually die. I think this plot line was used to introduce a new character who plays an important role in the climax, but I could have done without the whales dying. Nevertheless, the writing is very good in this book; nothing has been lost from his earlier efforts. The pace is compelling, with the tension staying high throughout the book. Loved it! And I wonder if there will now be more to come?
 

Three act tragedy, by Agatha Christie

This is a Hercule Poirot mystery that is framed in three acts: Suspicion, Certainty, and Discovery. Poirot doesn't start out as the lead character. The death in the first act is not deemed a murder, and Poirot agrees with that opinion. It's not until another nearly identical death occurs that Poirot's suspicions are raised and he begins to assist three other characters who are unofficially investigating the murders. They are a retired actor, Charles Cartwright, a young woman, Miss Lytton Gore (nicknamed Egg), and their friend, Mr. Satterthwaite. Egg was present at both deaths along with a group of acquaintances and neighbors, and all of them become potential suspects. They divvy up the investigation, interviewing the others present at both murders, and consult with Poirot, who eventually identifies the killer. I liked the way this mystery was framed in three acts, with Charles Cartwright's performing a variety of characters providing a funny touch. 
 

Persona non grata, by Ruth Downie

The stakes are high for Roman army doctor Gaius Petreius Ruso as he heeds a request to go home to Gaul, taking his companion, Tilla, along with him. Brought home under a ruse, Ruso attempts to resolve some of his family's money problems, but becomes the main suspect in a murder inquiry when his family's adversary dies in his presence from an apparent poisoning. Ruso must navigate many competing claims on his attention, including his younger sisters who want money for a dowry, his spendthrift stepmother, and his brother's large and messy family. He slowly investigates the trails of clues he discovers with the help of Tilla, leading to his eventual discovery of the guilty parties. I really enjoyed this fast-paced and intriguing mystery. Ruth Downie does a great job describing a town, buildings, and estates in the classical period, but with characters that have many of the same motivations and desires as modern-day people. 
 

The Chessmen, by Peter May

I really enjoyed this third entry in a trilogy following The Blackhouse and The Lewis Man. Fin Macleod has taken a job providing security on an estate further south on the Isle of Lewis, and he's tasked with stopping his old friend Whistler from poaching. When Fin follows Whistler into the mountains, a storm approaches quickly and they have to take shelter overnight. When they emerge the next morning, they find that a lake has drained from the effects of a bog burst revealing the wreckage of a small plane long thought lost at sea and which contains the body of one of their oldest friends, and it appears that he was murdered. Fin is determined to find out what happened so many years ago and why Whistler appears to be hiding something. Once again, long lost history catches up with Fin and others and the plot goes back and forth between events of 17 years ago and the present day. Peter May continues to write compelling prose with this last book in the trilogy. Published in 2012, it was followed up in 2024 with a continuation of Fin's story. Can't wait to read that one!
 

Anxious people, by Fredrik Backman

I enjoyed this novel about a bank robber who was foiled during the attempt and takes refuge in a nearby apartment building where an apartment is being shown during an open house. The bank robber takes everyone in the apartment hostage for an afternoon, but eventually releases them; however, when the police storm the building, there's no one there. The book details how the two policemen investigate the robbery and hostage situation while they await more experienced detectives from Stockholm. They interview everyone involved but cannot get straight answers from any of the witnesses. This is a comic novel that is also charming and heartwarming. The characters are silly and fun, but also sincere and likeable. This is the second Backman novel that I've read (after Britt-Marie was Here), and he has a penchant for eccentric characters and quirky plots. A lot of fun to read!
 

Orbital, by Samantha Harvey

 

Recipient of the 2024 Booker Prize, Orbital is a short novel about life on the International Space Station in one 24 hour period. Six astronauts from the U.S., Russia, Italy, Britain, and Japan go about their day exercising, eating re-hydrated food, chatting, maintaining the ISS, conducting experiments, and more in this meditation on what it means to be so far removed from earth and loved ones. I liked the book more than I didn't, but for me, the best parts of the book were the middle sections where there was some dialogue and action. I found that both the early and concluding pages were a little slow for my taste. However, the writing was very good, clear and concise. And I love the cover art!