#28, The French Prize, by James L. Nelson

This novel is set in the time of John Adams presidency (1797-1801) but never specifies an exact date.  It is a thoroughly engaging tale set on the merchant ship Abigail, whose new captain, Jack Biddlecomb, is the son of Isaac Biddlecomb, heero of the 'War of Independency' and of an earlier series of novels by the same author.  If you like seafaring tales, I highly recommend this book  4 stars.

#27 River Mourn, by Bill Hopkins

Mildly interesting but somewhat amateurishly written  mystery set in Ste. Genevieve, MO.  The main character, Judge Rosswell Carew, is in Ste. Gen searching for his missing fiance.  He and his buddy Ollie get into scrapes and it is not often clear how they get out.  It seems that the author can't decide if he wants ths book to be serious or comedic, but it was fun to read a book set so close to home.  Read if you are bored.  2.5 stars.

#26, Hardscrabble Road, by Jane Haddam

This book was mildly interesting as a mystery, but I found it slow moving and even annoying.  Each chapter was focused on a different character, which, of itself, is not necessarily bad way to proceed, but there were so many characters introduced that the story really dragged.  Being of good German stock, i finished he book, but it was a chore.  The only redeeming features were the characters of the the retired FBI agent Gregor Demarkian, and his friend and mentor an Orthodox priest.  This is the 21st novel in the Gregor Demarkian series.  Maybe the others are better; I may try one to see.  I give it two stars out of five.  Read it only if you are desperate.