Hid from Our Eyes/ Julia Spencer-Fleming/ 445 pgs

This is book 9 in the long-standing Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne series. Due to tragic circumstances it's been 7 years since the last book came out but this one does not disappoint. Clare and Russ are the proud parents of a new baby and Clare, especially, is dealing with juggling a baby, her marriage, her job, and childcare.This series has never shied away from the messier emotions in life and doesn't do so now. The mystery actually spans three different time periods. Three unknown young women are found murdered on the same road in town--one in the 1950s, one in the 1970s, and one in present day. The story follows all three timelines, though the focus is mostly on the present. In addition to that, the town of Millers Kill is taking a vote on whether or not to keep funding their police force, which means Russ's job is on the line. All of the major players are present in this story and their lives pick up right where the last book left off. This is an excellent continuation of this series. I read an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this title. It will be released on 4/7/2020.

The Pink Suit / Nicole Mary Kelby / 280 pages

On November 22, 1963 President Kennedy and the First Lady travel to Dallas, Texas.  Mrs. Kennedy is dressed in the now iconic pink Chanel-style suit that was the President's favorite.  This novel tells a story of how that suit was created in the New York boutique Chez Ninon.  Kate is an Irish immigrant that works at the boutique and is charged with making this suit.  Although the two women never meet, Kate knows exactly how to make the suit to fit the First Lady.  The story shows how this famous suit also was a big part of Kate's life.

The Widow of Rose House/ Diana Biller/ 352 pgs

This is a debut book which strongly reminds me of those written by Simone St. James. It's a wonderful combination of historical fiction, romance, and mystery, complete with a ghost. Alva is newly returned to New York, albeit in disgrace. In France, she'd been on the verge of scandalously divorcing her husband (for good reason). In retaliation, he put out rumors that she was all kinds of immoral. But then in a twist of good luck for Alva, someone killed him. In New York, Alva's high society parents snub her. She purchases a dilapidated house outside the city but it turns out it's haunted and the construction workers won't stick around unless the ghost is gone. Much to her chagrin, Alva is forced to turn to the delightful Sam, a scientist/inventor/ghost hunter. Sam and his family are truly the best part of this book. They are amusing, intelligent, fun-loving, and best of all, kind. Sam and Alva fall for each other in the sweetest way, but given her past, it's a long road to a happy ending. This was a wonderful read.

Among the Wicked / Linda Castillo / 306 pages

This novel is part of the author's Kate Burkholder series.  Kate Burkholder is the chief of police in Painters Mill, Ohio.  Kate grew up in the Amish community of Painters Mill, but left her faith and community when she was in her late teens.  She went to school and studied law enforcement only to return years later to become the chief of police.  Her Amish upbringing helps her in her many dealings with the Amish community.  In this book Kate is called on to go undercover in an Amish community in upstate New York.  Kate poses as an Amish widow to help solve the death of a teenage Amish girl.  In her infiltration of this Amish community Kate uncovers more than just a mysterious death of a young girl.  A lot of action and excitement.  I can't wait to read the next book in the series!