Vane Pursuit and Slow Dollar

Vane Pursuit by Charlotte MacCleod
A Peter Shandy mystery

If you have ever had the least little, teeny tiniest, itty bittiest smidgen of interest in what academic types do during their off hours - Read This Book! This book will answer all of your questions and even those you didn't know you had. This lighthearted look at academia covers the politics and behind-the-scenes machinations that keep the wheels greased and the motors of these huge organizations running. This slim little volume includes modern day pirates (Arrgg!), blackmail, arson, community economics, murder (of course),female relationships, and marriages as it follows the vane (haha) attempt of Professor Shandy at nailing the nabbers of the precious antique weather vanes. A great fun, fast read - I plan on ordering more of this series. The style is light and doesn't take itself too seriously, keeping the story/plot flowing smoothly yet hooking your interest in how it all resolves itself. A satisfying read.

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Slow Dollar by Margaret Maron
A Deborah Knott mystery

Managing to combine family and all the chaos and warmth that entails with a professional Judge and tie it all up in a satisfying conclusion is Margaret Maron's gift. This is her nineth book in this series (she has another). The heroine (Knott) is shocked to learn that the carnival worker she discovers kicked to death behind a stall is really her nephew. The two worlds meet up and the familiarity of the carnival culture and slang give this story its unique voice. There's even a glossary of terms at the end of the book. The plot keeps you guessing and the personal side just adds to but never overwhelms the mystery. Great read.