Favorite series and catching up - The Night Hawks by Elly Griffiths and The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny

I have always read mystery series and tried to stay current with favorite ones.  I will admit that my 'favorites' have changed over time.  Many of them just fell by the wayside when I added more and more to my list and I've meant to return to old favorites.  Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn't.  I do stay current with Louise Penny's books and also Elly Griffiths' series featuring Ruth Galloway.  And I have a few things to say about their newest.

I'll start with The Night Hawks by Elly Griffiths.  This is the 13th book in the series and I hope that series goes on and on.  I love Ruth and all her friends and family.  Over the course of time, this author has added character after character and this reader always longs to find out what been going on with Nelson and Cathbad and Judy and Cluff and Kate and, and...

The Night Hawks was one that I enjoyed quite a bit.  Ruth has returned to Norfolk and her cottage.  She has a new position at work and Kate is growing up.  A body is found by a group of metal detectorists - The Night Hawks - along with some ancient artifacts.  A curious legend about a 'black dog', more crimes, more secrets, more new characters.  Changes are happening all around and Nelson is being encouraged by his boss to retire.  Will he or won't he?  I'll be happy to see the next entry into this series, hopefully next year.  

I also am caught up on Louise Penny's series set in Three Pines, Quebec, Canada.  If asked who is my favorite author of mysteries, I often say 'Louise Penny'.  And I do love her way of telling a story and of bringing deep concepts to the reader while also relating a crime tale.  Have I loved every book she's written?  No.  I do have my favorites and I find it interesting that other readers often prefer the books to stay in Three Pines or not to stay in Three Pines.  They often love certain characters or don't love certain characters.  I will say that this is a series I do feel is best read in order because lots and lots of things happen over time and while you probably can figure out the backstory, it's more fun to read all the details.

The Madness of Crowds is the 17th book in the series and I'm being honest here in saying that it is my least favorite of all the books.  I didn't hate it, but....I also didn't love it or even like many aspects.  It is quite dark and that's not necessarily unknown in her series.  However, for me, the hope that is usually evident in various ways was not as clear to me.  I'm going to refer you to some thoughts that Lesa from Lesa's Book Critiques published the other day here if you'd like read more.  Lesa does not relate spoilers, but she does tell more about the story than I shall.  

It's going to be interesting to see how authors deal with the pandemic and all the myriad of issues that the last couple of years have brought to the world.  I know that some have said they will avoid it if they can and some will figure out how to include it.  Part of the problem is that we are still in the midst of things, unfortunately.  Louise does include many of the things that have been faced by the world and also speaks of other problems through her story.  And this book is getting very high praise from most.  For me, it was just a little too 'something'.  Will I reread at a later time?  Not sure.  Will it provide lots of food for discussion?  Absolutely.  I know I haven't said really anything about the storyline itself.  Suffice it to say that the issues here will challenge Armand Gamache and his team and his family like no others.  And yes, Rosa the duck, and Ruth are included in the book.  I think Rosa might be my favorite character in The Madness of Crowds.  Ha!  

If you're planning on reading this book, please know that this is my opinion only (of course).  If you've not ever read a book by Louise Penny, I don't think this is where to begin.  If you've read this, I'd love to know your thoughts.  And now, on to the next book!