The Known World

Edward P. Jones

This book was a puzzler. It is historical in nature, taking place in the South before the Civil War. And it follows, to some degree, many of the characters and happenings in the region for decades. But it is not a linear storyline and the way he segues into the future or past, from a very here and now story spot can be confusing.

The characters are haunting, however, and reveal themselves slowly.

The book's primary characters are black, some slaves, some free, and some in a kind of limbo in between. And shockingly, the main characters are free but own slaves themselves -- setting up a moral quagmire that is compelling.

What the dead know

Laura Lippman

I can't wait to read more by this author. She tells a stunning story of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Her characters are amazing, complex and often not all that likeable. She is a former reporter, with a crime beat I think, and it shows in how she builds her characters, by 'showing, not telling' to draw a picture for the reader. Her use of simile and metaphor is wonderful as well, very accomplished and unobtrusive.
The plot involves two missing girls, their family, and a woman who turns up years later claiming to be one of the disappeared girls but unwilling to tell anyone anything substantial. The author gives nothing away too early, but doesn't muddle the story by holding too much back either.
Great book.