Death of a Bore-audio

by M.C. Beaton

I avoid series and formula novels as a rule but mysteries, at least some of them, are the exception. 

This book is set in Scotland (always a plus for me), and about a village police chief who has a murder and has to solve it, blah, blah, blah. 

The characters were interesting, at least the main ones, and the plot decently good. Being set in modern Scotland was a plus for me, since most of what I've read for that part of the world has been more historical. 

Overall worth the time but not enough to recommend to friends or read again. 

Wolves Eat Dogs

by Martin Cruz Smith

published 2004

This is my 8th Smith book. I started with "Gypsy in Amber" and moved into the rest. As suspense-thriller type authors go he is one the best. 

"Wolves Eat Dogs" is his third or fourth Arkady book, featuring a Russian detective. "Polar Star" was my favorite so far but this one is right up there. This book is set in the new capitalistic Russia, suffering from fallout from the change in economy and Chernobyl. 

Characters of Smith's creation aren't my favorite thing about his writing. He sets a create 'sense of place' and plots and twists that are riveting but not so complex you get frustrated. The peek into modern Russia and Ukraine was fascinating (and hopefully accurate). 

lph