The Bible as History, by Ian Wilson

I read this over the course of several months, so I'm not sure I've retained everything. Still, a decent overview of what archaeological evidence is showing about the historicity of the stories in the Bible.

At least, that's what it is up until the last couple of chapters when suddenly I can see more clearly how he conflates archaeological data with historical accuracy. I felt like he was picking random Bible verses from the gospels and finding specific discoveries to show how they 'fit together.' Having read so much on the Jesus Seminar and other 'historical Jesus' work, this just seemed totally cavalier.

Still, nice pictures, and, as I said, a decent overview.

At Home : a Short History of Private Life, by Bill Bryson

While I wasn't thrilled with the author's reading of the book, the writing itself was the usual in-depth research combined with wry humor. I may have to find this book and read it (with my eyes) as so many of the names he mentions didn't stick because I didn't see them.

In any case, following the floor plan of his home in England, Bryson explains why and how our houses work the way they do today, and what has changed over the course of history, specifically in the last 150 years or so.

A River In The Sky, by Elizabeth Peters

A bit slapdash, and in Israel. Sort of a prequel to the WWI books. Not her best.

The Inner Circle, by Mari Jungstedt

This is a mystery set on the island of Gotland, off the east coast of Sweden. Since I know very little about Sweden it was a good introduction to the area, and the Swedish mindset. As mysteries go, it's not up to the best standard, but the characters are interesting, if a little blah, and the story itself is very Nordic. I think the translator could have done a better job--there were points where the language just seemed a little too literal, too rushed.

The gist of the plot is the decapitation of a couple of horses, followed by the ritual murders of (eventually) three people over the course of a summer. The background revolves around Viking archaeological sites and beliefs. I might grab another title by this author. The ending to this one was not 100% resolved and I'd like to see what happens next.