White Linen Nurse

by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott

**** [4/5]

The character devlopment in this story is a bit odd, but in the end it works. The story follows a nurse with an identity crisis as she finds her true calling in life. The story takes many twists and incorporates humor in a subtle way.

The Red House Mystery

by A.A. Milne

** [2/5]

I found this book almost completely unreadable. The mystery plot is well developed but so obvious that it could be guessed by only the fourth chapter. After that the dance of the protagonist is simply window dressing and building suspense.

Skip it and go read Lady Audley's Secret if you want a mystery.

Dark North

by Gillian Bradshaw

**** [4/5]

This is another historical fiction piece from Bradshaw. Era is Roman Empire invasion of Britian and the story chronicles the adventures of a black man serving in the military. He serves as a scout and rescues several well placed slaves from the imperial household. Through this connection Bradshaw shadows the story of the death of the emperor and the rise of Caracalla.

This is a fun read, I love the historical context of works like this. The story can stand independently as well with a likable hero and several clever plot twists.

Northanger Abbey

by Jane Austen

*** [3/5]

Well I don't care much for the heroine Katherine. I had read this book about 10 years ago but recently picked it up again.

Because it is Austen is actually a good read, but be prepared for some idiotic behavior from Katherine and subplots that annoy you.