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3. One Corpse Too Many by Ellis Peters
4. Monk’s Hood by Ellis Peters

These are from Ellis Peters’ (a/k/a Edit Pargeter) about Brother Cadfael, a fictional monk from Shrewsbury Abbey in the 12th century. Cadfael plays the role of detective in these historical mysteries, an herbalist and monk in later life, who fought in the Crusades and was a ship captain in the Med before becoming a monk. They’re somewhat standard mysteries, couched deeply in their milieu, and a rather enjoyable read just the same. I’ve finally found all of the books in the series, and I’m embarking on reading all of them this year.

5. Helix by Eric Brown

A first contact novel, focusing on a last-ditch human effort to fling a hibernation ship to the stars to try to keep humanity alive after we’ve jacked up the Earth too bad, and the rather human-esque aliens they find at their destination.

6. King Maker by Maurice Broaddus

A retelling of the Arthurian legend (sometimes maybe a little too faithfully) transported to an inner city neighborhood of Indianapolis. This is another entry in my personal joy of seeing flyover settings used in modern America. I don’t really see it enough. But that seems to be changing a bit with more writers emerging from the middle of the country and more choosing to live there.

7. The Lions of Lucerne by Brad Thor

I haven’t read much in the technothriller/spy genre outside of Clancy, Ludlum, and a couple Vince Flynn novels, but apparently Thor is another big name in that genre. Pretty serviceable conspiracy/spy novel in the Robert Ludlum vein, showing off a lot of the author’s knowledge of exotic global locations.

8. The Vor Game by Lois McMaster Bujold

One of my all-time favorite books, and just a plain old awesome space opera adventure. One of the best cavalry-to-the-rescue stories, and some excellent “comfort food” reading.

Mirrored from Bum Scoop.