Etta and Otto and Russell and James is a marvelous tale of friendship, love, honor, duty and self discovery as lived by three of the most memorable characters you will ever meet. This well told story shifts from current day octogenarian wisdom and soul searching back to depression era farm life in Western Canada and the grim realities of World War II. Etta's decision to venture to the sea on her own marks the beginning of her individual journey but also sets off a chain reaction in the lives of the men she holds dear. Enchanting!

The second of Horowitz's authorized Sherlock Holmes tales. Sherlock Holmes is dead as is his arch enemy Professor Moriarty, both presumably drowned at Reichenbach Falls. Enter DI Athelney Jones and Pinkerton agent Frederick Chase who take on the roles of Holmes and Watson in order to capture an American criminal mastermind who had been thought to be joining forces with Moriarty.  In classic Doyle style, there is what you see and what is hidden just beneath the surface.

Two stories - one modern, one 15th century - told in sequence but intricately intertwined through time, life experience, gender, and art. Ali Smith delivers a reading experience that comes around only rarely. I fell into this book completely. If you liked Possession, Headlong, Cloud Atlas, or Orlando then read this book.