In Sharon Short’s “Trouble Island,” readers are taken to a dark and foreboding place in Lake Erie in 1931. The island serves as a refuge for two women, Rosita and Aurelia, who are hiding from the world for different reasons. Rosita sequesters herself away in her bedroom after the death of her son, while Aurelia is on the run after committing a crime that made her a target for criminals. The two women, who used to be friends, are now co-conspirators.
As tensions rise on the island due to the arrival of Rosita’s gangster husband and a murder, motives become murky and everyone becomes a suspect. Short expertly weaves a locked-room mystery into the historic atmosphere of Prohibition, with sharply sculpted characters adding depth to the brisk plot. Inspired by the real-life Middle Island in Lake Erie, Short’s storytelling showcases her strength in historical crime fiction.
In Jane Pek’s “The Rivals,” readers are introduced to Claudia Lin, who owns a company that verifies the profiles of people on dating platforms. As Claudia transitions into a private investigator role, she delves into the world of matchmaking and artificial intelligence. When their client dies, Claudia and her team suspect another company of mining their clients’ data, leading to a web of espionage and manipulation.
Pek’s novel, while getting bogged down at times, offers an original take on mysteries with a strong, slightly snarky voice and dry humor. Claudia’s character finds satisfaction in her relationships with other women as she navigates the complexities of her work and personal life. “The Rivals” explores the interplay between real-life investigations and the influence of technology in modern relationships.
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