Here's what I have finished lately...

I read Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger  (author of The Devil Wears Prada). It's a story of three, thirty-something New Yorkers who struggle with careers and relationships — the staple of chick lit. It's a fun read for a playing hooky day.

I also read Burn by Nevada Barr. I like her writing style and characters. She carries the theme of the title throughout the novel, and she's great with imagery.

I must have missed one or two in the Anna Pigeon series. There wasn't enough back story at first for me to catch up. I eventually figured it out midway through. Her sleuth/park ranger was on leave from her job with the National Park Service. This novel was about tragedy and healing and less about her experiences in the national parks. (That's the part that I treasure about this series. I feel like I've seen these great places through her pages and characters.)

This work is primarily set in New Orleans, and Barr paints a picture of the art, music, and food. She juxtaposes the culture with the seedy side of the city with its elicit sex trade and the abuse of children. Some of the latter scenes were violently disturbing and made me long for mystery in the cozy genre.

Now, I'm reading Steig Larrson's The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest.