I always love Ms. McPherson’s books. In the Child Garden published by Midnight Ink, she has produced another fun plot with twists and turns that kept me reading. Her characters are fully realized in the Scottish landscape too. If I was to say anything about improving this book, I would say give us more! This is another winner even if it doesn’t capture the prize.
As usual, we have a great slate of nominees for best Contemporary Novel. They are….
Annette Dahofy, Bridges Burned (Henery Press
Margaret Maron, Long Upon the Land (Grand Central Publishing)
Catriona McPherson, The Child Garden (Midnight Ink)
Louise Penny, Nature of the Beast (Minotaur Books)
Hank Phillipi Ryan, What You See (Forge Books)
The list is impressive. I’m starting with the book I read first, Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny. I admit that I thought I might be unduly prejudiced in her favor. I do love her characters in their slice of Canada. Her writing is fun and carries me along. However, I wasn’t intrigued by her plot in this one. I’m not sure why. Of course that doesn’t mean that I won’t be back for more of her books. I’m just not sure that she’ll be able to compete with the other nominees this year. We’ll see.
Mysteries Inc 