33

This month there are two for the book group, because the leader wasn't sure we would like either.
I read the first, another detective vs serial killer story.  It is a page turner, but not something worth remembering.  I think the author must have started with a news story (statistics I find questionable) and gone from there.

Next is a goofy sci fi thing, and I'll read it before the year ends.  Probably neither are worth going to look for the names.

Correction:  I couldn't make myself read the science fiction book. After about a page, I just said no.

32. Lady Macbeth, A Novel. by Susan Fraser King

I am enjoying this book.  It is based on the actual historical woman, not Shakespeare's character. I really appreciate the map, family connections chart, author's note, character and pronunciation helps, and glossary.  I wish the glossary had a few more things added.
It is a look at eleventh century Scotland, and a sympathetic look at what it might have been like have been born in her spot. 
Today it seems shocking to plot the murder of a king, but when the leaders put the lives of their subjects in danger, was it better than scores ordinary war deaths?  I have wondered that in recent times, why don't they go after the one who instigates the problems, instead of brave young soldiers.
Anyway, this could make a beautiful movie. I picture the falconry, the clothes, maybe some technology to build the forts and castles of the past, and panoramic views of Scotland.

31. Death at La Fenice, by Donna Leon

I had this book in the shelf of "read it or get rid of it" that needs to go in 2019. Now I may have to pick up others in this series, so maybe I made no progress on that shelf whatsoever.

There are an awful lot of murder mysteries out there, and I prefer this not be too great a fraction of my reading material, but this makes the cut.  The writing is lovely, the detective is likable and funny, and the description of setting is excellent.