Two beach reads

The Alienist Caleb Carr
A serial-murder mystery set in New York City in 1896 — The Silence of the Lambs with horse-drawn carriages and spats. A first-rate tale.

Home Fires Luanne Rice
Patented Luanne Rice. It’s all here: the strong, complicated women, the tragedy that brings everyone together. This time out, tragedy pushes everyone apart, too. Rice knuckles under to the occasional romantic cliche. But heck, it’s summertime. Enjoy.