20. One Good Turn, Kate Atkinson

Second Brodie Jackson. Interlocking tales of Edinburgh denizens that together make an intriguing whole -- of fraud and murder. The most satisfying climax ever.

19. In the Company of Cheerful Ladies, Alexander McCall Smith

Another enjoyable tale of the Ladies Number 1 Detective Agency. Mma Ramotswe is blackmailed, Charlie is saved from shady company, Mma Makutsi finds love.

18. Hogfather, Terry Pratchett

An unusual "Christmas" story and an argument for beliefs, small and large. Entertaining and philosophical as all of the Discworld novels.

17a. NOTE

I know it didn't take me 8 days to read Hogfather, so I must have read something in between. Rats!

17. Fortunate Son, Walter Mosley

Foster brothers, one black, one white, separated in childhood, brought together again as adults. Either a beach read (still, Mosley) or a parable for America.

16. Firestorm, Nevada Barr

Anna Pigeon, Parks Ranger, fights fire and murder in California hills. Another goodie.

15. Case Histories, Kate Atkinson

Part (multiple) family drama, part (multiple) crime story. Excellent mix.

14. Power Play, Joseph Finder (Audio)

Corporate hostages and lots of action. By the numbers, but well done and exciting.

13. Intrusions, Ursula Hegi

A novel within a novel, exploring creativity, reality, relationships. Funny, perceptive, a tour de force that is a great read. Just a fantastic book.

12. Murder Observed, Eleanor Boylan

Clara Gamadge, an updated Miss Marple, sees her childhood friend run over and believes it's murder. A pleasure. (Miss Marple, herself, should never be updated.)

11. Ensemble, C'est Tout, Anna Gavalda (in French)

Good novel by author of I Wish Someone Was Waiting for Me Somewhere. Four lost souls make a "family." No detail left unwritten. 574 pp.