THIS BODY OF DEATH by Elizabeth George finds Thomas Lynley (still grieving after his wife’s murder) back at Scotland Yard, investigating the murder of a young woman. His old team is having a hard time dealing with the new department chief, a woman, who may or may not get Lynley’s old job. A seemingly unrelated crime runs through the narrative, which adds to the mystery. George always has well-developed characters and complex plotting, and this story is fascinating. Recommended by Rochelle (Hardcover, $28.99)

LITTLE HEATHENS: HARD TIMES AND HIGH SPIRITS ON AN IOWA FARM DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION by Mildred Armstrong Kalish is a wonderful memoir of her childhood in the 1930’s. Times were hard, but she experienced much love and kindness and also learned the importance of frugality and ingenuity. This isn’t a depressing tale of suffering: she recalls her family’s day-to-day activities that helped build her character and instill self-confidence that would carry her throughout her adulthood, and also remembers the many joys of close contact with the natural world. Written with good humor and affection, it’s a lovely world to step into for an all too brief time. It was chosen ‘One of the Ten Best Books of the Year’ by the New York Times Book Review.

The award-winning Rennie Airth has a new British mystery, featuring World War I veteran Inspector John Madden and is set in London in 1944. THE DEAD OF WINTER finds the inspector investigating the death of his housekeeper, and clues lead to a Parisian furrier, stolen diamonds and a Resistance member. Lots of atmosphere and twists and turns–a fascinating mystery. (Harcover, $25.95). Recommended by Rochelle.

Montreal’s wonderful Inspector Gamache returns to the village of Three Pines to investigate a very baffling murder in Louise Penny’s gripping THE BRUTAL TELLING, new in hardback. It’s complex and compelling and I enjoyed it very much. I think it’s her best book in a great series. (Hardcover, $24.99). Recommended by Rochelle.

Many of you may be familiar with Charles Todd’s popular post-World War I series featuring Inspector Ian Rutledge. The author (a mother and son writing team) has a new series, beginning with A DUTY TO THE DEAD. It is 1916 and Bess Crawford, a volunteer with the nursing corps, promises a dying soldier that she will take a message to his family in England. Independent and frank, Bess finds herself drawn into the family’s secrets and discovers intrigue and murder in a small English village. (Hardcover, $24.99). Recommended by Rochelle.

WIFE OF THE GODS by Kwei Quartey is a wonderful new mystery featuring Detective Inspector Darko Dawson, a very likable and insightful policeman who lives in Ghana’s capital.  He encounters rural Africa’s many superstitions and local customs while investigating a med student’s murder.  No. One Ladies Detective Agency, you’ve got competition!  Recommended by Rochelle.  Available in July; hardcover, $24.00

It’s difficult to think of another author of fiction who writes with more wit and intelligence than Elinor Lipman.  THE FAMILY MAN, due in May in hardcover, is a delightful comedy of manners set in Manhattan.  Henry’s well-ordered life is turned upside-down when his stepdaughter from a brief (and disastrous) marriage re-enters his life.  The dialogue is quotably funny and Lipman’s love for her characters shines through.  Recommended by Rochelle and due May 5th, $25.00 in hardcover.

WHEN THE MOON FORGOT by Jimmy Liao is a sweet, dreamlike story about a lonely boy who finds the fallen moon in a field.  People miss the moon and factories crank out moons for them on assembly lines.  The boy has adventures with the moon, then gently helps it remember its home in the sky.  A lovely story of love and courage.  Recommended by Rochelle.  Hardcover, $17.99.

THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE by Alan Bradley has one of the most engaging and original sleuths in recent years, and she’s eleven years old!  It is the summer of 1950 and several strange events have occurred at Buckshaw, the deLuce family’s English country home.  Flavia deLuce (an aspiring young chemist with a fully equipped Victorian laboratory) investigates, and is clearly the most intelligent person in her family, as well as the funniest.  It’s a delightful book, extremely well-written and I loved it!  Highly recommended by Rochelle and due the end of April 2009 (hardcover $23.00).

THE GLASS BOOKS OF THE DREAM EATERS (Volumes 1 & 2) are extremely entertaining.  They’re a blend of Victorian suspense, adventure, science fiction, with a little eroticism and humor thrown in.  Miss Temple, Cardinal Chang and Dr. Svenson are truly unique characters who find themselves in more than a few harrowing situations.  One review said, “Like Wilkie Collins on acid.”  Highly original and fun!  Recommended by Rochelle.