Kathy recommends "Pursuit in Provence"

A vacation in Provence turns deadly. Jordan Mayfair is a widow, an architect and the mother of five. Foreseeing an empty nest, she's delighted to accompany her uncle Alex to Provence for a long-delayed vacation and to celebrate her fiftieth birthday. Things go wrong from the start when Alex misplaces his passport and they miss their direct flight to Paris. Rushing off the commuter train in Brussels, Jordan forgets her suitcase.  While enjoying sights and delicious food in Provence, Jordan is aware that she is being followed and finds herself thrown into a web of international intrigue all centered around her missing suitcase.  Vivid descriptions of Provence, interesting characters, and a hint of romance make this an entertaining read for those who enjoy both cozy and traditional mysteries. 

Kathy recommends "Dead Wake : The Last Crossing of the Lusitania" by Erik Larson

Bestselling author Erik Larson’s newest book, Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania, is a compelling account of the May 7, 1915 sinking of the Lusitania off the coast of Ireland --- a casualty of Germany’s submarine campaign during World War I.  The story is told from four perspectives – the Lusitania’s passengers and crew; the British Admiralty; the German U-boat commander, Walther Schwieger; and President Woodrow Wilson.  Larson provides a fascinating description of an epic historical disaster that will intrigue not just history buffs, but anyone interested in a riveting tale of human foibles and hubris.

Recommended for adults and young adults.