Wicked Autumn by GM Malliet

This new series by GM Malliet features a retired spy who now works as a priest.  When a death occurs in his parish, he puts his old skills to new use to try to solve the crime.  This is the first book in the series and the characters are being introduced.

The Dog that Came in from the Cold by Alexander McCall Smith

Alexander McCall Smith has a way of writing that just makes me happy.  His new series about an apartment building called Corduroy Mansions is delightful.  I really enjoy that the characters are developed to show their strengths and weaknesses.  The novel moves back and forth between several characters whose only connection may be the place they live or where they work.

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

I really enjoy Shannon Hale's books about strong female characters who are able to achieve their goals without help.  The main character of this book is a simple rural farmer, not the princess she is entombed in a tower with.  Dashti is faithful to her princess, making sure she remains well groomed and nourished, while dreaming of life beyond the tower.  When the situation grows desperate, she manages to free them both from the tower and they set off across a devastated countryside.  I enjoyed the 1st person perspective of the book.

Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett

This fun mystery series follows a mystery book shop owner in rural New Hampshire.  I enjoyed the depictions of small town personalities.  It's definitely a cozy read.