“Northern Lights” by Nora Roberts is a fairly good example of ”romance author writing a mystery”. Yes, you’ll probably guess who the bad guy is within the first 50 pages. Yes, the hero is typical. And yes, it’s a pretty engaging read.The book is set in Lunacy, Alaska, which should give most readers at least a chuckle or two. The characters are all what you’d expect for small town Alaska. Roberts probably liked the TV show “Northern Exposure”. Still you’ve got a recovering cop hero running away to Alaska to escape his troubles. The heroine is likeable and strong. There is a mystery in town that gets more involved as the book moves on. And since it was written by a romance novelist, you’ve got some steamy scenes for those who enjoy that.

It won’t win any awards but “Northern Lights” is a good, solid read. Any fan of Nora Roberts will want this book. If you like a harder-edged mystery, try Michael Connelly or Patricia Cornwell.