Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

A departure from her previous novels wher she dealt with vampires, vampire hunters, etc. This one looks at two warring "cultures". Both are animal shape-changers. One changes into birds and the other snakes. Very interesting look at stereotypes and understading different cultures. I really enjoyed it. Can't wait for her to churn out the next one.

Muletrain to Maggody by Joan Hess

The latest in the Maggody mystery series. In this one, Civil War reenactors come to the town of Maggody, Arkansas, which is peopled by the inbred Buchanons (including the Mayor) and many other colorful characters, bringing with them tales of hidden Confederate gold. Needless to say havoc and murder ensues and Chief of Police Arly Hanks must get to the bottom of it.
really like this series and the books don't come out to often for me to get sick of. Plus they're a pretty quick, entertaining read. Also recommended is Hess' Claire Malloy series.