MURDER-GO-ROUND: REVIEWS BY HARRIET KLAUSNER
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Harriet Klausner, was chosen the number
one reader in the entire USA by BOOK Magazine. What does that mean
to you? She reads constantly and knows what's out there and wants
to let you know, too. Read on for tips to great books from the wonder
reader Harriet Klausner. |
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August 2008
The Front
Patricia Cornwell
Putnam, May 2008, $22.95
ISBN: 9780399154188
Working as a homicide investigator for the Massachusetts State Police Win Garano is currently assigned to Middlesex County District Attorney Monique Lamont, a power hungry, ball-busting political beast. She is opposed to the Front, a coalition of police departments that come to each other’s aid like fire departments do; this provides a center of excellence built on an economy of scales as they do not need to duplicate labs or police specializations. Monique sees the outcome of this trend as lessoning her power so to hell with the citizens as that will not be allowed to happen.
Monique assigns Win to the cold case of a blond British woman living in the Commonwealth who was killed four decades ago. She orders him to look into a possible link between that homicide and the Boston Strangler. Win works with Watertown Detective Stump, who refuses to deal with either the State cop or Monique. Win catches her telling many lies, which makes him wonder what she hides and if it is connected to the inquiries. Stump is working on a case where a bank robber leaves a letter with no fingerprints on it and he is not wearing gloves. She is also working a case where copper is being sold illegally. In an ironic twist the bank robbery case is solved with Win’s help but Monique might be in trouble and is not as tough as she appears because she fears her mistakes will surface to cost her what she holds dear.
THE FRONT is a powerful dramatic police procedural novella that packs as strong a punch as the Scarpetta saga does. Win feels insecure at times due to the machinations of his boss who is a Massachusetts Lady Macbeth. The audience will adore and admire Win though he is a beta male working for an alpha female. Monique on the other hand will be detested not because of her tough dominating personality, but for putting her ambition over what is good for the State. Fans will enjoy this solid whodunit while hoping Win wins and Monique gets her comeuppance.
Harriet Klausner
Occupational Hazards
Jonathan Segura
Simon & Schuster, Jul 2008, $14.00
ISBN: 9781416562917
Reporter Bernard Cockburn works the crime beat for the Omaha Weekly News-Telegraph; though in his late twenties, Bernard is already burned out with only alcohol and some questionable drugs enabling him to walk the mean streets of Omaha. His lover pregnant Allison demands he grow up by giving up the booze and drugs for the sake of their unborn, but so far that haze is the only thing that keeps him obstinately working; he detests her nagging and prefers she rid them of the fetus especially in light of all the sh*t they have used.
His current interest beyond the latest foolishness of Police Detective Dick, an apropos name if their ever was one, is a strange downtown land deal that smells of city kickbacks. His efforts to learn why LLC is buying decaying property meet roadblocks and official bureaucratic stalling; he struggles to even identify the group members. However everything turns dark when LLC board members die after he interrogates them; soon Bernard links their homicides to a vigilante neighborhood watch cleansing the streets brutally and lethally of drug and sex traffickers.
Bernard is not likeable; in fact he is reprehensible with his irresponsible and uncaring nature. However, in spite of his only desire being the next hazy high, readers will appreciate this antihero whose asides are poignant from a negative outlook. His dissertation on motive is on target as befitting a depraved cynic who feels there is nothing a person will not do. The inquiry is fun to follow as Bernard stays in character with his dirty purple haze outlooks throughout while walking the streets of Omaha and while fighting with Alison over the rug rat growing inside her. Not for everyone, purebred urban noir fans will welcome this unwelcome protagonist.
Harriet Klausner
Swan Peak
James Lee Burke
Simon & Schuster, Jul 2008, $25.95
ISBN 9781416548522
New Orleans PI Clete Purcel is fishing on what he thought was a Montana state park. Two men arrive stating he is on private property, the Wellstone Ranch, owned by Texas gazillionaire oilman Ridley Wellstone. He recognizes one of them as Lyle Hobbs, former driver for the late mob boss Sally Dee, who died in a plane crash years ago. Before leaving, the Wellstone security drive over Clete’s fishing gear and warn him the state pond is five miles away.
Clete, his former police partner New Iberia, Louisiana sheriff's deputy Dave Robicheaux and the latter’s wife Molly are in Big Sky Country at the invitation of novelist Albert Hollister. Dave and Clete hope Montana would help them come to grips with Katrina. However, soon after the fishing incident, someone murders a University of Montana coed and her boyfriend near the cabins Albert gave to his southern visitors to use. That is followed by a violent chase out of the Fugitive TV show/movie when a Texas prison guard chases an escaped convict. Dave and Clete know they should mind their business, but neither ever could.
Changing location from Katrina wracked Louisiana to pristine Montana does not lessen the violence as nasty predators reside in both states. Clete and Dave seek R&R; in this case respite and redemption as each wonders if they could have done more during the Hurricane and its immediate aftermath. However, catching mean SOBs and rescuing innocents do not relieve the soul; friendship and love do. James Lee Burke provides a strong tale in one of the best continuing series on the market.
Harriet Klausner
Killer View
Ridley Pearson
Putnam, Jul 2008, $24.95
ISBN 9780399155055
A skier goes missing on Galena Summit, Idaho. In spite of the snowstorm making conditions treacherous even for experienced individuals, Blaine County Sheriff Walt Fleming bring together his Search and Reduce team to make a concerted effort to find the lost skier. However, during the dangerous trek, a shot is heard and they find crewman Randy Aker dead.
Not long afterward, Randy’s brother and fellow S&R member veterinarian Mark Aker disappears; though his best friend Walt worries about him he assumes his buddy needs some alone grieving time. However, Walt revises his assumptions when an unknown adversary molests a veterinary assistant and there is a major increase of sick employees at a water-bottling plant and numerous animals reported dead. He begins to wonder if someone is slowly and diabolcially cleverly working a terrorist campaign in Sun Valley.
This one sitting police procedural will hook the audience from the onset with a need to know what is going on as the plot twists plausibly with every new incident or clue that Walt encounters. The story line is fast-paced and filled with a strong cast. The setting is electric; the Sun Valley area comes across beyond its geographical beauty as a two caste social system symbiotic tied togetehr economically. Ridley Pearson provides a strong Idaho mystery as readers get a KILLER VIEW of Sun Valley.
Harriet Klausner
One of Those Malibu Nights
Elizabeth Adler
St. Martin's, Jul 2008, $24.95
ISBN 9780312364496
Southern California private investigator Mac Reilly hosts the cold case mystery show “Mac Reilly's Malibu Mysteries”; he enjoys leading his audience on investigations of unsolved cases. Mac is walking his dog on the beach by his home Malibu Colony at night thinking about his lover Sunny Alvarez who left for Rome after they argued. When he hears a scream from a nearby home, Mac immediately races to the location to be of assistance. He arrives only to have a beautiful female point a gun at his face; a gun that goes off just missing him. Mac leaves before he is hurt as he knows this is one of these crazy nights.
Later he learns his accidental shooter is one of the zillion Ronald Perrin girlfriends. Perrin is an investment billionaire married to Hollywood actress Allie Ray, who plans to divorce her philandering spouse. Ironically, Ron hires Mac to find out who is following him and Allie hires Mac to find out who is stalking her. Following her appearance at Cannes, Allie vanishes changing Mac’s surveillance cases to something more sinister.
This fast-paced whodunit moves from California to Europe to Mexico and back to Malibu, as Elizabeth Adler, known for her overseas thrillers, provides an entertaining whodunit. Mac is fabulous as a PI turned reality host having a married couple as seperate clients even though he knows that he could have some ethics issues if he has to testify in court at their divorce suit. Fans will relish his Hollywood polished Noir as ONE OF THESE MALIBU NIGHTS is a fun private investigation tale.
Harriet Klausner
Hungry Ghosts
Susan Dunlap
Counterpoint, July 2008, $25.00
ISBN: 9781582434179
When she was sixteen and living with her family in San Francisco, her older brother Mike walked out of the house never to be seen again. She returns to the City by the Bay years later to work as a stunt double and as an assistant to Zen teacher Leo Garson. Just as she is about to take a dive off a building, Darcy Lott notices on the rooftop of the Victorian opposite where she is a red haired man who from this distance looks like Mike.
A stunned Darcy describes the man to Leo; he informs her the man is her new landlord Eamon Lafferty who gave them rent free apartments for six months and decorated the place for a gala for high end clients. On the night of the reception celebrating the zen center’s opening, Darcy sees her long time friend Tia Dru, who is Eamon’s escort. The two pals find and old concealed tunnel and enter it though for Tia the journey is painful. Darcy goes to see Tia for lunch only to find her buddy vanished. In Leo’s room she finds Tia’s corpse. Obviously Leo is a person of interest to the police, but Darcy believes her employer is innocent. Not long afterward, Tia’s friend is found murdered in the tunnel. Darcy begins to put the puzzle pieces together going after a perpetrator about to escape with a deadly cargo.
The Darcy Lott mystery series is an exciting tale filled with complex characters some of whom wear masks to hide their deadly agendas. The heroine is an interesting lead character who courts danger like Winnie courts honey. Her need to identify the killer is obsessive yet readers will admire her courage and loyalty. Enhanced by the streets of San Francisco, HUNGRY GHOSTS is an enjoyable amateur sleuth high octane action thriller with plenty of Karma.
Harriet Klausner
The Shadows
L.A. Banks
St. Martin’s, Jul 2008, $14.95
ISBN: 9780312368753
In Greece, the Neterus Damali and Carlos injured the Anti-Christ; Lilith is working to stem the bleeding and heal him while her husband Lu is fighting the angels wanting to destroy the Anti-Christ. Damali and Carlos accompanied by their team are in a safe house protected so that the Dark Side cannot find them. They are energy depleted and one their members discovered that A Council Vamp are sending negative essences through communication devices lie television, the internet and music so that when the time comes these humans will explode and chaos will be the norm.
The Unnamed One seeks the Neteru team who almost destroyed is heir. In his search for them he has his demonic army go topside and cause havoc on a catastrophic mass destructive level. Damali is pregnant and Carlos is doing all he can to protect her; three of the guardians are also carrying. Vampiric Councilman Sebastian tries to convince Lilith and the Unnamed One it is true they are pregnant but Lucifer believes this is false because the angels are trying to kill him as they think they can win the war now. The Neteru team is forced into another life changing deadly battle against the Darkness.
L.A. Banks latest entry in her Huntress Legend saga is an exciting and evocative thriller filled with the trademark supernatural battles, romance, and plenty of suspense as not all skirmishes go the way of the good guys. Carlos has matured into a heroic leader who makes difficult decisions that send loyal people to their possible deaths. Damali is his ethical spiritual anchor who is vulnerable yet strong. Readers will relish this tale and look forward to the next installment in this superb apocalyptic series.
Harriet Klausner
Don’t Ever Tell
Brandon Massey
Pinnacle, Jul 2008, $6.99
ISBN: 9780786019939
Dexter Bates is free after spending four years at Centralia Correctional Facility. A prison guard Steele, and Dex’s pals Javier and Javier’s wife Christy liberated him as he was being transferred to another facility. They inform him his woman vanished. He is unconcerned as he will find her for betraying him and payback is hell when he makes the remittance.
Happily married Rachel Moore has changed her identity so that she can move past her relationship with incarcerated abusive Dexter; plus just in case he somehow gets out he will not easily find her; she knows he will look. She has relocated so he cannot find her. However, although she feels free of him, she still at times looks over her shoulder into the shadows. Rachel knows if he is freed, he will search for her; if he searches for her, he will not quit until he finds her; if he finds her, he will killer her beloved husband and torture her until he kills her. She prays every night, but so does he in his way. Only one can have their prayer answered.
Dexter is a chilling villain who seems so calm even when he is killing someone. As he begins his quest, Rachel is very happy in her new life. That contrast between them enhances a strong psychological suspense thriller that never slows down from the moment the correctional guards escorting Bates stop to help a pretty blonde with car trouble and never decelerates as he is coming for her. Fans know high noon is coming as Brandon Massey provides a gripping suspenseful tale.
Harriet Klausner
Illegal Action
Stella Rimington
Knopf, Jul 2008, $23.95
ISBN 9780307268853
MI5 officer Liz Carlyle is unhappy with the management directed reassignment from the counterterrorism department to the backwater counterespionage dept., but vows to excel in her new office. Her first major project involves surveillance of an affluent Russian expatriate residing in London. Apparently a drunken Stakhov mentioned a nebulous plot that worries the M16 leadership as the war on terrorism supersedes the counter espionage so much so that a caught spy is not expelled from the country out of fear of harming the partnership with the Russians. The assignment is to monitor Stakhov and the other oligarchs in order to learn what their plot is.
Liz concludes that someone has targeted the wealthy oligarch for assassination. She follows up on clues and begins to believe the hit was called by someone powerful in Russia; perhaps a person connected to the Putin government. However, unbeknownst to Liz is that some is watching her sleuthing and is considering her as a potential threat worth eliminating.
This modern day espionage thriller is excellent from the onset as a disappointed Liz realizes in spite of the pay being the same she was demoted when the brass transferred her from the top gun department to yesterday’s new department. The story line is fast-paced as Liz begins to unravel the complex truth, which makes her a strong secondary target. Spy thriller fans will fully relish Stella Rimington’s terrific tale as ILLEGAL ACTION may mean nothing in the current counterespionage world.
Harriet Klausner
The Last Oracle
James Rollins
Morrow, Jul 2008, $26.95
ISBN 9780061230943
Sigma Force leader Commander Gray Pierce is walking across the DC Mall when a homeless man stops him before collapsing in his arms. The man dies almost immediately, but not before he gives Gray a strange coin with apparently the Greek letter Sigma etched in its center or perhaps just an odd shaped capital E.
Gray later learns the deceased was Neurology Professor Archibald Polk of MIT. From his command post underneath the Smithsonian Castle, Gray tries to learn more about the coin and what happened to the dead academic. Soon he and his unit begin unraveling a nasty plot of insane Russians planning to radioactively poison the world, genetically alter mammals and savant children with implants behind their ears and American espionage units plotting, plotting, and plotting. Only the third century Oracle at Delphi Greece seems to provide answers, cryptically over time of course.
This excellent over the top thriller hooks the reader from the moment the homeless professor accosts Gray who acts so real when he pulls out his wallet to give the man money to get rid of him and when he thinks AIDS upon seeing the blood. The story line starts fast, goes global, and accelerates taking the audience for an entertaining ride with twists and tilts as only James Rollins could do linking Ancient Greece, modern nuclear warfare, and genetics into a suburb action filled tale.
Harriet Klausner
The Last Embrace
Denise Hamilton
Scribner, Jul 2008, $25.00
ISBN 9781416584933
In 1949 Hollywood, former OSS agent Lily Kessler searches for actress Kitty Hayden, the sister of her late fiancé, US Army Major Joseph Croggan. As she travels by train to California Lily thinks of Joseph, whom she met and fell in love in London during the war as they battled spies together until he died eight months ago in a Budapest car accident. Lily is worried about Kitty who vanished while seeking either rich sugar daddies or men with influence who give her parts.
After taking a room in Kitty's dumpy boarding house, Lily learns Kitty has been murdered; conjuring up the notorious Black Dahlia homicide. Unable to resist as she feels she owes her late fiancé for failing his sister, Kitty investigate the homicide. The case and police corruption lead her to Police Detective Stephen Pico, who pleads with her to let it go. In spite of her attraction to the cop, Lily continues her inquiries though her efforts could lead to her to joining Kitty.
This engaging Hollywood historical mystery is fun to follow due to the antics of the fully developed heroine and the cop who adores her and tries to prevent her from getting killed. The support cast is a bit flat, but the audience will not care as Lily is the star of this look at the film industry between WWII and Korea inside of a well written whodunit.
Harriet Klausner
Tribute
Nora Roberts
Putnam, Jul 2008, $26.95
ISBN: 9780399154911
She was a child star, but when her television show was cancelled Cilla McGowan’s Hollywood career was terminated too although as a teen she scored parts in slasher flicks, made CD’s, and performed in public. She realized this was not what she wanted to do with her life although her mother, a failed wannabe actress, kept pushing her in that direction. Finally Cilla persuades her mom to sell her, in exchange for money to put on a show in Las Vegas, her late grandmother’s farm which she always wanted.
Cilla’s renowned grandma Hollywood legend Janet Hardy had her hideaway in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Janet died there under suspicious circumstances. Cilla is determined to restore the place to its former glory. She finds Janet’s letters that she was having an affair and the married man wanted to end it. Someone in town wants Cilla to leave and that person tries to intimidate her into fleeing back to the other coast. Cilla refuses to be driven off, but her adversary keeps raising the stakes until her life is in jeopardy.
As always Nora Roberts writes a fascinating tale that her audience will read in one wonderful sitting. Cilla is an obstinate strong person who gained strength with her determination to withstand her mother’s pressure and her own fight with stage fright; so is prepared for the most part to deal with the stalker’s dangerous intent. This is a strong TRIBUTE to a great storyteller.
Harriet Klausner
Silent Thunder
Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen
St. Martin’s, Jul 2008, $24.95
ISBN: 9780312367992
It is her job as a marine architect to make sure the Russian nuclear sub Silent Thunder is clean so that it can be put on exhibit by the museum that purchased it once there are no booby traps or despicable items on board. Hannah Bryson works with her brother Connor on the scrub; he finds the strange metal plate with weird symbols on it. She leaves the sub to make a call to a CIA agent to inform him of the find, but while she is doing that someone gets insides and blows up Connor.
Livid, Hannah has no time to grieve as she learns that Agent Bradworth and Russian Nicolas Kirov used them as bait to trap crime lord Mr. Pavski, who killed the crew on the sub’s last voyage except for Kirov who wants revenge. The CIA wants to use her to get top secret information Pavski possesses about Putin’s Russia. Pavski is obsessed with finding the precious artifact the Golden Cradle because he believes it will give him more power. Hannah and Kirov team up to get Pavski because he killed people they loved.
Though a bit over the top, the Johansen mother and son team provide an exciting thriller that uses a touch of romance to relieve some of the stratospheric levels of tension. SILENT THUNDER is a superb cat and mouse caper with the bad guy and some of the so called good guys consistently changing the rules of the game to better fit their personal agendas. Hannah is a courageous but typical of the action thriller genre as a person who seeks vengeance for her brother’s murder and though she lacks the skills and it means placing her own life on the line; whereas Kirov is an enigmatic introvert who has plenty of experience surviving the dark side of life.
Harriet Klausner
Say Goodbye
Lisa Gardner
Bantam, Jul 2008, $25.00
ISBN 9780553804331
FBI Special Agent Kimberly Quincy became somewhat famous for her capture of the infamous Eco-Killer (see The Killing Hour). Thus Atlanta hooker Delilah Rose turns to her with a story that seems more like fiction. Delilah insists that a John calling himself Dinchara is abducting prostitutes. She fears Dinchara, who’s allegedly obsessed with spiders as evident by the reverse spelling of his moniker, has kidnapped her best friend Ginny Jones.
Although pregnant and preferring to ignore the prostitute anyway as there is no evidence that a crime was committed , Kimberly cannot; guilt reminds her that her mom and sister were victims of a serial killer. Her inquiries lead to no corpses, more prostitutes missing, and the apparent connection between Delilah and Dinchara that the hooker never mentioned during her interviews; Kimberly even begins to wonder if there is such a killer as no solid proof has surfaced.
SAY GOODBYE is an entertaining FBI thriller in which the switching veiwpoints make for a terrific tale that showcases the dark Atlanta underground (not the site). Kimberly wonders if a crime has been committed as nothing surfaces to affirm that although ironically the audience knows early on whether one occurred. Readers will appreciate this fine tale in which the heroine ponders whether she might be the fly to Dinchara the spider as nothing seems to come together on the “Spideyman” case.
Harriet Klausner
Collision
Jeff Abbott
Dutton, Jul 2008, $24.95
ISBN: 9780525950288
In Hawaii on his honeymoon with his beloved Emily, consultant Ben Forsberg goes to take a shower anticipating more sex before they catch the plane back to the mainland. When he finishes his shower, he finds Emily lying dead in a pool of blood. Two years later; Ben still grieves his loss and has not been on a date with another woman since the tragedy that has become a cold case to everyone but him.
In Austin, sniper Nicky Lynch and cleaner Jackie are to take out the big man and the computer geek Adam Reynolds. Nicky fires at both and watches them fall; he assumes they are dead. Instead not long afterward the big man kills the sniper. Former CIA agent “Pilgrim” wonders why he was set up to die by he assumes his handler or his superior as the objective to frame Forsberg for a murder seems to have included eliminating the consultant’s only witness to his innocence. Instead Pilgrim decides to team up with a beleaguered Forsberg to uncover the truth and take down who wants them dead. Forsberg does not trust the operative, but has no choice as someone has set him up to take a homicide fall and that someone wants him dead so he has no trial. What the corporate suit also does not know is his historical connection to Pilgrim; what he believes is the agent plans to terminate the partnership once he cleans out those who want him dead.
The keys to this powerful thriller are Ben and Pilgrim seem real in a deadly cat and mouse game against unknown foes though Pilgrim has a good idea who the opposition are. The story line is fast-paced from the opening sequence two years ago in Hawaii and never decelerates until the final twist of several occurs; ironically even when the reader expects a certain spin because Jeff Abbott is known for that, we marvel at the deftly twist the plot takes. This is an entertaining action thriller that fans will enjoy.
Harriet Klausner
Mindhealer
Lilith Saintcrow
ImaJinn, Jun 2008, $14.00
ISBN: 9781933417363
The Circle Lightfall is stunned by the brutal assaults as they are clueless who is behind these horrific attacks that leave the victims body and soul broken. The Watcher/Tracker patrol the perimeter and more expanding their protective role from individual witches to the city, but have failed to prevent the vicious muggings.
The Circle Lightfall chooses Mindhealer Caro Robbins to investigate though they are concerned as she refuses to have a Watcher at her side; she has suffered survivor guilt ever since a Watcher sacrificed himself to save her life. When the Dark minion attacks her, Merrick the patrol Watcher rescues Caro. He realizes she is his Witch, which means he is to personally protect his beloved, but the Mindhealer rejects his protection. Frustrated as Caro enters dangerous scenarios, Merrick proves as obstinate as she is; going where she goes even though she objects. Love is a dangerous thing when two stubborn people insist on keeping the other safe while facing deadly encounters.
The latest Dark and Light war is a fascinating tale with the added twist of a Watcher who finally finds his redemption only to have his one decline. The story line is action-packed from the onset and never slows down, a trademark of Lilith Saintcrow’s Dante Valentine tales as well as this terrific saga. The lead couple is a wonderful pairing as each needs to keep the other safe for differing motives; her because of watching a Watcher die for her and him because it is part of his “DNA”. Fans will enjoy MINDHEALER, a delightful “Watcher” romantic fantasy.
Harriet Klausner
Vicious Circle
Mike Carey
Grand Central, Jul 28 2008
ISBN: 9780446580311
Following his efforts applauded by the Bonnington Archive ghost who encouraged him, Felix “Fix” Castor reopens his exorcist shingle though he remains impoverish and is concerned for his friend the possessed Rafi. His only income is some consulting sleuthing for the cops, but they are reluctant to give him anything that might lead to more jobs as the constabulary does not want to advertise they employ an exorcist as a part-time contractor.
Fix thinks he has found a fix for his fiscal deficit. He seeks a kidnapped ghost of a little girl, but Asmodeus the evil fire and brimstone malevolent, other nasty demons, Satanists and Ms. Julia the succubus stand in the way of his success. As he battles in and out of churches all sorts of otherworldly species who want to recruit him onto their side, he struggles with the underlying concept of why a young female spirit is critical to the universe. Still he works the case while dreaming of a high paying low risk job instead of everything seemingly under the sun trying to kill him.
Readers will enjoy their latest Fix (see THE DEVIL YOU KNOW) as Mike Carey provides an enjoyable urban Noir fantasy in which London once again steals the show with all the supernatural residents that greet Castor. The story line is similar in some aspects to the Dresden Files, but is more humorous as Mr. Carey somewhat lampoons the “rules” of the sub-genre. Readers will appreciate Fix’s London as he seeks paranormal work to pay off a deficit that he insists would be acceptable in America.
Harriet Klausner
Bitten to Death
Jennifer Rardin
Orbit, Aug 2008, $12.99
ISBN: 9780316022088
They believe the opportunity to destroy malevolent vampire Samos and his minion is near; so assassin Jaz Parks and her vampiric supervisor Vayl plan on the hit. However, when they return to the Trust to finalize their strategy, they walk into a shocker. Vayl is no longer in charge; instead the only vampire he created Disa is now running the show.
Disa has been a nuisance to Vayl since he changed the alien. This time with her as the boss, Disa refuses to allow Vayl to work the field operation to take out Samos. On the other hand, Jaz will not sit idly by allowing Disa to own her Vayl as her relationship with him was just turning to a new more exciting level. Her missions are to kill Samos permanently and keep Vayl at her side not that of Disa, who now gives the orders.
In her fourth CIA chick lit urban fantasy (see BITING THE BULLET, ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST and ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY) Jaz Parks is at her cheeky amusing yet exhilarating best. The story line told from her cynical perspective is fast-paced as she insures the paranormal species seem genuine and her mission essential especially winning the tug of war with Disa over Vayl. Thus the series is refreshed with a weird triangle in which the relationship between top CIA operative Vayl the vampire and his best subordinate has been evolving towards something personal but now with the return of Disa as their superior all bets are off. Jaz is at her mocking best in this engaging entry.
Harriet Klausner
The King’s Gold
Arturo Perez-Reverte
Putnam, Aug 2008, $24.95
ISBN: 9780399155109
In 1626 Seville, everyone who is anyone waits for the annual treasure ships to begin to arrive at the port. Although a festive feel hangs all over the city as the vessels represent how powerful Spain is and how proud the Spaniards are of their nation, some of the royal inner sanction will steal for their personal use; others will challenge their actions trying to insure the booty makes it into the treasury.
In that gala atmosphere, a bone weary Captain Diego Alatriste and his associate Inigo Balboa arrive exhausted from a recent siege (see THE SUN OVER BREDA). Exhausted they need money as living in the city when the treasure ships arrive is exorbitant; the merchants and shop owners charge two arms and two legs for everything. However when King Phillip IV, concerned with looting when the nation needs the treasury to finance its world domination especially in the Americas, orders Alatriste to seize a cache of gold to place in the royal coffers. Hiring street thugs, Alatriste and his dirty dozen or so masquerade as pirates as they invade the gold ship. There they find waiting is Alatriste's long time enemy Gualterio Malatesta and a horde of mercenaries who beat them to the vessel.
This seventeenth century swashbuckler is an excellent action-packed thriller in which the escapades keep on coming yet the Captain, his prime antagonist and several other key players come across as fully developed. The story line is fast-paced yet provides a fascinating look at Spain at the height of its power as this is the country’s Golden Age and for us fans of this superb series a rebirth of the Dumas golden age.
Harriet Klausner
Skeleton Lake
Mike Doogan
Putnam, Aug 2008, $25.95
ISBN: 9780399154928
Nik Kane was an Anchorage police detective until he was convicted of a crime and spent seven years in prison. When he was exonerated he took a job as a security firm investigator. On his latest case, he was shot and almost died; his son, who was pursuing the same murderer, did die. Nik’s wife wants nothing to do with him; so his sister the nun allows him to stay with her while he recuperates.
While healing, Nik flashes back to his youth. In 1967 his father walked out and never came back; his mother never told him why. He thinks of 1985 when he was a rookie and someone assassinated tough police officer Danny Shirtleff with two bullets to his head near Skeleton Lake. Nik and his partner Jackie Dee never learned why Danny was uncover by a make out place; the case went cold without the slightest suspect surfacing. To pass time while recovering, Nik goes over the files he has from the Shirtleff murder.
The story line skips around between the three dates with each representing something critical that happened to Nik; these actually represent three storylines that merge brilliantly though it is somewhat confusing into a strong character driven tale. Readers will learn more about Nik’s past that motivates him in the present as Mike Doogan provides a strong shrewd tale that his fans will appreciate.
Harriet Klausner
Into the Fire
Suzanne Brockmann
Ballantine, Aug 2008, $25.00
ISBN: 9780345501530
Vinh Murphy lived the Marine value of never leaving behind a brother or sister in arms. He took that ethic with him when he left the military and joined Troubleshooters Incorporated as a top gun operative. However, on what was an alleged simple and safe mission, his beloved wife Angelina died in a crossfire. Filled with grief and guilt over her death, he simply vanishes, but holds culpable the neo-Nazi Freedom Network especially its leader Tim Ebersole; everyone who knows him knows he deeply blames Ebersole.
When someone cleverly kills Ebersole, the FBI and even his associates at Troubleshooters assume Murphy is the prime suspect as he has a gut wrenching motive and his skills give him means and opportunities few could achieve to murder the highly protected Ebersole. Fearing a lethal shootout, his Troubleshooter friends search for Murphy to persuade him to come in peacefully. Angelina’s best friend former police officer Hannah Whitfield has always loved Vinh, but hid her deep regard from him and from Angelina when she was alive. He seeks her help as he is unsure whether he pulled the trigger or not as he was in an alcoholic stupor; they seek the truth by going INTO THE FIRE of the Freedom Network.
Hannah and Vinh are an interesting pairing because both grieve the loss of Angelina and the guilt of one night of solace together after the woman died. In some ways Hannah is the more complete character as she was forced to retire due to an on the job injury leading to deafness and has hid her love for Vinh; whereas Murphy remains grief stricken although the murder has awakened him from his drunken stupor. With other subplots also in the fire, fans will appreciate this action-packed romantic suspense thriller starring two walking wounded and the rest of the troubleshooters willingly going INTO THE FIRE to prove the innocence of one of them; for once you join this team you remain part of them even after you leave.
Harriet Klausner
Rough Justice
Jack Higgins
Putnam, Aug 2008, $25.95
ISBN: 9780399155130
On the surface Harry Miller is an ordinary person; an MP who is in realty the counterpart to Blake Johnson, the American President’s top security man. Blake runs the black ops group the Basement, a unit that works outside the law to administer justice and protect the country and its people. Blake and Harry met in Banu, Kosovo; each was there to inspect the country’s leaders and to prevent a Russian Officer Igor Zorin from torching a mosque that would have reignited the fighting.
President Putin and his right hand man Ivan Volkov decide Miller should be taken out and assign the mysterious the Broker, who has never been seen, to contact former IPPI agent Michael Quin. Quinn contacts one of his agents to take out the MP. Miller knows he is under surveillance and being stalked, but takes out the contact killer. He also insures that a plutonium shipment by boat is carefully monitored and tracked all the way. Putin knows that Miller with Major Ferguson’s’s people were responsible (the British version of the Basement) and wants him dead. The plan works only the wrong person dies; Miller with Ferguson’s help will not rest until all those involved in the assassination plot are dead.
Suspense grandmaster Jack Higgins writes another fascinating tense thriller that is loaded with action. Yet with all the non--stop action, the story line also contains the political realties of the world today with insight into Muslim fundamentalists, Russia’s efforts to return to superpower status, the NATO response, and the fragile peace in several places like Northern Ireland. However, as always is the case in a Mr. Higgins’ thriller, his key characters seem real even when they perform seemingly surreal stunts; and yes cold blooded killer Sean Dillon is in the middle of the maelstrom.
Harriet Klausner
The Last Patriot
Brad Thor
Atria, Jul 2008, $26.00
ISBN: 141654383X
Former Navy SEAL thirty-seven year old Scot Horvath has left Homeland Security to get out of the covert operations business and start a fresh new life away from mass murdering terrorists who claim their ideology is blessed by God. He wants a normal life and feels as he closes in on forty undercover operations is a younger persons game. He also remains shook up that his significant other former Naval Explosive Ordinance Technician Tracy Hastings lost an eye and almost her life and almost died at the hands of some rabid avenging assassin.
They talk at a Paris café when Scot notices an Arab setting off an IED that targets University of Virginia Professor Anthony Nichols, who as he vanishes turns out to be a lot more than a highly regarded history teacher. The two retirees soon learn of the discovery of a seventh century version of the Koran in which the Prophet Mohammed informed his disciples of a radically different vision than that found in the Koran of today; if the lost revelation is published the Jihad extremists would lose much of their religious claims. Clues lead to President Jefferson’s war on the Tripoli pirates and the third president’s notes in an original copy of Don Quixote. Although they expect to learn more investigating Monticello, the American in Paris and President Jack Rutledge must end their estrangement caused by the incidents in his last assignment (see THE FIRST COMMANDMENT) while the Muslim extremists want the two Americans stopped.
This is an exhilarating thriller mindful of the Da Vinci Code but different that will hook the audience from the moment that Scot and Tracy learn of the lost revelation and never slows down until the final incredible spin. A critical key to this engaging tale is that the romantic relationship between the lead couple is limited as the inquiry and safety supersede everything. Brad Thor provides a strong insightful tale that links seemingly unconnected historical dots leading to the contemporary sleuthing by Scot and Tracy; accompanied by enthralled fans of the series.
Harriet Klausner
Fisherman's Bend
Linda Greenlaw
Hyperion, Jul 2008, $24.95
ISBN: 9781401322359
In Green Haven, Maine Marine Safety Consultants hire Florida transplant Jane Bunker to investigate accidents and vandalism reported on the research vessel Quest authorized to explore the floor bed of Cobscook Bay. The Knox County Assistant Sheriff and her sexagenarian friend Cal visit the vessel to evaluate the damaged equipment.
After finishing her assessment, the pair head back to shore only to see a floating unmanned lobster boat, the Eva B. They search for survivors as they assume anyone alive needs assistance; instead they find a corpse in the nets, who is a Guatemalan crewmember and wonder where Captain Parker is. Jane keeps searching not realizing the danger she is in until the mishaps begin or the other illegal work Parker performed.
The second Jane Bunker Maine mystery (see SLIPKNOT – not read by me) is a fabulous police procedural especially when the heroine is at sea; as readers will feel they are with her to guide the audience with little nautical things like climbing in and out of a moving lobster boat. The story line is fast-paced and the battle between environmentalists and competing economic interests over the use of the sea make for a wonderful whodunit as many people have strong green motives. Maritime mystery fans will appreciate this well written regional cozy especially when Jane takes us on the water.
Harriet Klausner
Death Angel
Linda Howard
Ballantine, Jul 2008, $26.00
ISBN: 9780345486547
Drea Rousseau liked the finer things in life; jewelry, designer clothing, unlimited expense accounts. To obtain these things, she became the mistress of Rafael Salinas, a major supplier of illegal drugs. He believes she is a classic bimbo, but Drea is smart enough to conceal from him how much she truly knows about his operation.
One day he assigns a job to the Assassin who in payment says he wants sex with Drea. Salinas accepts the terms. When Drea learns he “pimped” her she is outraged that he treated her as a street hooker. She takes the jewels he gave her and removes two million dollars from her account before leaving. Irate by what he determines is a betrayal; Salinas hires the Assassin to kill Drea. He doesn’t get to kill her because she was in a car accident, but after being dead for an hour she returns to life. Drea has a new chance, but must change how she lives. She also believes she must get Salinas off the streets. She knows the Assassin who enabled her to live is the ticket; he has a connection to her just like she feels towards him. If they are to explore that attraction, she believes Salinas must go first.
Neither protagonist is a decent person as he is a vicious professional hitman and she is a hedonistic selfish SOB until they meet. Readers will admire them as they do what they must to survive and even somewhat empathize with the duo; an obvious display of Linda Howard’s characterization skills. She has a chance to redeem herself, but he believes for him it is too late but hopes to help her. Ms. Howard has written a terrific tale that is filled with action and two different than usual “heroes” who come from the underbelly of society.
Harriet Klausner
Legally Dead
Edna Buchanan
Simon & Schuster, Aug 2008, $25.00
ISBN 9780743294775
U.S. Marshal Michael Venturi oversees aspects of the Federal Witness Protection Program. He knows some of his patrons are monsters, but evidence surfaces that one of his clients, mobster Gino Salvi is sexually attacking young girls before he kills them in Flemington, New Hampshire.
When Salvi participates in an armored car robbery, Venturi is fired for not watching the gangster closer. Venturi, accompanied by an old dog, head to Florida to open up an agency that stages phony deaths and new identities. Business is booming as many people seek a LEGALLY DEAD solution to their woes.
While Britt Montero takes a well deserved breather, Edna Buchanan provides a delightful opening act of what looks like will be a wonderful unique series. The clients are a variety of folks with differing motives to employ Michael’s services; they make the tale and his profession seem genuine as not all of them have dire straits to escape from. Venturi proves capable of holding the exciting refreshing story line together. Readers will relish how the clever lead protagonist turns the trick of changing his customers from the living to the LEGALLY DEAD in a fun suspense filled thriller.
Harriet Klausner
Foreign Body
Robin Cook
Putnam, Aug 2008, $25.95
ISBN: 9780399155024
At the Queen Victoria Hospital in New Delhi, India, nurse Veena Chandra enters the room of sixty-four year old American medical tourist Maria Hernandez, who came here for a hip replacement as the costs are much less than in New York including travel expense. Veena injects a poison killing the woman as part of a deal she made to keep her mom and sisters safe from her abusive father. Afterward, Veena visits Nurses International Chief Cal Morgan to tell him she did the deed, but the patient thanked her before dying. Veena shocks Cal by having sex with him; afterward saying she just wanted to prove her father wrong about someone knowing about her father’s molestation secret and wanting her before she commits suicide.
UCLA medical student Jennifer Hernandez is at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center when CNN reports the death of a Marisa Hernandez of Queens. She calls her malingering dad who says Maria is in India having a hip replacement. Later that day she confirms her beloved grandma died in India. Knowing her dad would use his bad back as an excuse; Jennifer travels to India to bring her beloved grandma home. However, there she begins to learn of other odd deaths of medical tourists; she calls her mentor New York City medical examiner Dr. Laurie Montgomery who along with her spouse Dr. Jack Stapleton come to New Delhi only to learn there is something evil going on at modern Queen Victoria Hospital and if they are not careful they will be the next to die.
This fast-paced medical thriller comes from the headlines as Americans going to India for medical procedures has become a major “tourist” industry. The story line is fast-paced and filled with action while also slapping at the system of high cost of non health care in America. Although why the Astoria sexagenarian had to be murdered is explained late leaving a gap for too long, Robin Cook provides a powerful look at the newest health trend; going overseas for operations and cures.
Harriet Klausner
The Likeness
Tana French
Viking, Aug 2008, $25.95
ISBN: 9780670018864
When the cops see the murdered corpse of Ph.D. candidate Lexie Madison, found near Glenskehy, Ireland, they agree how remarkably identical the victim is to one of them, Detective Cassie Maddox (see IN THE WOODS). Since they could have been identical twins, in spite of the danger Cassie agrees to pretend to be Lexie in order to trick her killer into exposing him or herself.
Cassie as Lexie movies into Whitethorn House, the mansion the victim shared with four other post graduate students (Daniel, Justin, Rafe and Abby); she informs them that she was fortunate to have survived the assault. As Cassie investigates each of her flatmates, she finds she likes each of them because they are so different in personality. However, inside the mansion the quintet begin to argue, but Cassie wonders if the threat to her as Lexie might be from the village.
This brilliant psychological suspense police procedural is a strong tale because the four surviving roommates and the cop masquerading as the fifth seem genuine especially inside of Whitethorn House. The relationships between the quintet enhances the tension as Cassie and the readers wonder who of these nice flatmates is the killer, if any; and when will the next attempt occur.
Harriet Klausner
Devil Bones
Kathy Reichs
Scribner, Aug 2008, $25.95
ISBN: 9780743294386
Forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan is in Charlotte, North Carolina working as an instructor at UNC-Charlotte and also at the office of the Chief Medical Examiner. She is called out of a boring college meeting by ME Dr. Larabee, who asks her to go to a house where a plumber broke through a wall only to see a previously concealed cellar with a cauldron with a skull on it behind the wall.
Temperance arrives at the scene and she sees two cauldrons with the human skull on one of them but it is missing the jaw. She takes it to lab to examine the find. She determines the skull is that of a black teenage female, but cannot decide on when she died. The two cauldrons contain objects used in Afro-Carib religious ceremonies. While Temp tries to identify the victim, a torso of a young male is found with satanic symbols on it. An evangelical councilman plans to use the satanic angle to further his political aspirations by pointing at a person who is obviously innocent. When two more murders occur, Temp interprets the notes of the murdered cop who worked the case, but that only leads her to danger from a vile killer who has no qualms of committing another homicide.
Kathy Reichs brilliantly simplifies the forensics sciences without dumbing down the theories or supporting facts, which turns DEAD BONES into a terrific read. There are plenty of viable suspects but no prime person of interest. Thus the protagonist and the police have their work to end the killings. Temp is strong willed who retains her femininity and sense of humor as she works with human remains and living humans while seeking clues to her current case. Readers will enjoy this in depth complex thriller.
Harriet Klausner
First Daughter
Eric Van Lustbader
Forge, Aug 2008, $25.95
ISBN 9780765321701
One month before moderate Republican Edward Carson is to be sworn in as the president of the US, his nineteent years old daughter Alli Carson is kidnapped in spite of Secret Service agents. ATF agent Jack McClure leads the hunt to rescue Alli; whom he knows as his late daughter Emma’s boarding-school roommate.
Those who abducted Alli are brainwashing her to do a terrorist deed at the inauguration ceremony. Meanwhile as Jack struggles with making progress in his investigation, the current POTUS invoking God like he always does declares a holy war against the First American Secular Revivalists and the E-Two terrorists, who he blames.
Jack is an interesting hero as he struggles to overcome dyslexia and his search for the abducted Alli turns FIRST DAUGHTER into a strong thriller. However, the current President’s invoking God’s wrath as a motive to declare a new war on terrorism seems over the top even if this is a hyperbole of the claims of Mr. Bush and some of his more fundamental supporters. Thus when the story line focuses on Jack and Alli it is a strong exhilarating thriller; when POTUS is featured it turns inanely satirical. Still readers will enjoy this exciting tale.
Harriet Klausner
Underground
Kat Richardson
Roc, Aug 2008, $21.95
ISBN: 9780451462121
Private Detective Harper Blaine died for two minutes, but was resuscitated becoming a Greywalker; a person who can enter the paranormal realm and can see vampires, ghosts and revenants wandering the mundane world. Her client list consists of a who’s who of otherworldly beings along side her mortal customers.
One day her homeless friend Quinton asks her to go with him to a place in the Seattle underground. There they see the body of a dead homeless person minus a leg that looks like it was chewed off. Within a small area several homeless men have recently been murdered with gnawing marks on their bodies; others have vanished. There is an obvious serial killer masticating on its victims mindful of similar homicides in 1949. Harper plans to learn what it is and how to stop it.
This powerful urban fantasy whodunit will appeal to fans of Charlaine Harris as the heroine is dedicated to her vocation, but laments the impact of being a Greywalker on her personal life; introducing your boyfriend to a ghost seems to have a dampening effect; worse is killing a zombie to free the spirit while your lover goes hysterical. There is a lot of action as the chewing killer leaves his bite in Seattle, but the tale is character driven by the protagonist as she goes from one escapade to another trying to end the UNDERGROUND murders.
Harriet Klausner
The Garden of Evil
David Hewson
Delacorte, Aug 2008, $24.00
ISBN: 0385339577
At a Roman art studio, Italian police detective Nic Costa and his unit are beginning to work the homicide crime scene; two dead people lie near a painting of a female nude. However, stunningly they find a live hooded gunman, who exchanges fire with the cops. The apparent killer escapes, but not before he adds a third homicideto the total of the dead; former FBI agent Emily Deacon, Costa's wife of three months, is shot dead.
The obvious conflict of interest removes the grieving Costa officially from the case. However, Costa’s boss assigns him to help art expert Sister Agata Graziano, who is authenticating the nude to see whether it is a priceless Caravaggio original or a fabulous fake. If genuine, the masterpiece may be a valuable clue to the killer’s identity so Sister Agata must die.
Filled with incredible but plausible twists, this is a strong Italian police procedural that will have the audience reading it in one suspense laden sitting. The story line is fast-paced as Costa works the streets of Rome seeking a killer who affirms death imitates art. David Hewson is at his best with this superb Roman thriller (see THE SEVENTH SACRAMENT).
Harriet Klausner
Jericho Point
Meg Gardiner
Obsidian, Aug 2008, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451224859
Free lance attorney Evan Delaney runs to where her lover’s brother PJ Armstrong is partying after receiving his distress call. When she arrives, he locks himself in the bathroom before she persuades him to tell her what is wrong. As he talks she realizes he is stoned, but insists he saw a woman fall off the balcony. When she goes to call the police, he stops her saying he is not sure whether his imagination ran wild.
At the law firm where she works part time, her boss shows her checks made out to Evan Delaney from Datura, Inc. The client is willing to look the other way if Evan returns the money. The only problem is that she never received the checks to cash them. When she looks up her finances and credit statements, she finds checks and credit card bills she never used to buy merchandise. Evan knows someone stole her idtntity and then the body of Brittany surfaces with credit cards in Evan’s name. Creditors are after the real Evan and the law is looking into her allegedly passing bad checks. Finally a drug kingpin demands she pay back with interest the money he lent her. As much as she loves Jesse, evidence mounts that his brother was involved.
An Evan Delaney novel is always a treat to read as the heroine knows when to be tough but also shows her fears especially if she or someone she cares about is going to be hurt. Her inner strength enables her to face ugly truths and nasty people while doing something to rectify the mess. The story line is fast-paced but driven by the heroine as she goes about cleaning up a mess while Meg Gardiner strongly warns readers that identity theft does not always denote stranger as it also can be an inside job.
Harriet Klausner
The Age of the Conglomerates
Thomas Nevins
Ballantine, Aug 2008, $14.00
ISBN: 9780375503917
In 2048, the Conglomerates political party led by the mythical "Chairman" runs the country based on one commandment: strict enforcement of economic law using force. The country has been divided into zones of sorts; the octogenarian "Coots" live in Cootsland enforced retirement camps in the southwest out of sight and not draining society while out of control young runaway "Dyscards" live in the New York City subways.
New York Medical Center, director of genetic contouring Dr. Christine Salter feels strongly that she and her team provide an important public service when they assist people in trouble by recreating them or their children using genetic manipulation. However, her perfectly balanced world collapses starting with her top aide Gabriel Cruz vanishing after being accused of seditious crimes against the state. Her grandparents turning eighty are deported from the mainland to "Cootsland," and her sister runs away becoming a Dyscard. All this makes Christine reexamine what she does at the same time she begins to uncover a nefarious disturbing conspiracy to tighten the Conglomerates control of society starting with “youthenizing” the Chairman.
Combining the premises of 1984, Logan’s Run and Soylent Green, Thomas Nevins provides a grim future of a genetic contoured world. The story line is fast-paced, but owned by Christine who had always thought her work as valuable to people until recent societal events shake her to her core. Although the Conglomerates comes across sort of like an extremely evil Maoist Communist Party, readers will enjoy this fine thriller starring a reformed David-ette battling Goliath.
Harriet Klausner
The Jigsaw Man
Gord Rollo
Leisure, Aug 2008, $7.99
ISBN 9780843960129
On the verge of committing suicide, Michael Fox is stopped by a stranger who does not care less if he kills himself. However, he does offer Michael two million dollars for his right arm. Stunned, Michael agrees to give up his arm for cold cash on the line.
The surgeon takes Michael to a secretive operating room. Meanwhile Michael begins to have doubts whether the money is worth his limb. As he reconsiders his agreement, Michael quickly realizes two disturbing facts. He is not the only “donor” and his host has plans to remove other body parts as needed from any of these fools. Michael demands release from the contract but the surgeon locks him away as the only way out is as a corpse.
This is an exciting thriller sort of like Dr. Frankenstein in the Twilight Zone. The story line is fast-paved with a steady level of tension that never soars very high although some graphic surgical scenes will take readers out of their comfort zone. Michael is the key as the audience will wonder whether he has the will to live as the surgeon selected him because he was about to kill himself; the prerequisite for a position with the surgeon. Gord Rollo writes an engaging cautionary tale that questions the sources of the harvesting of body parts.
Harriet Klausner
Good People
Marcus Sakey
Dutton, Aug 2008, $24.95
ISBN: 9780525950844
Struggling middle class Tom and Anna Reed are good solid citizens who love one another. Their dream is to have a child, but infertility makes it impossible without expensive help. They do not have the money for some of the alternatives and those they have tried like in-vitro have proven futile.
Helping them survive financially as they pinch pennies for their next fertility try is a reclusive tenant who pays monthly rent to them. When their hermit dies, the Reeds worry about how they will survive without his income coming in monthly. They enter their late lodger’s room to clean it out only to find four-hundred thousand dollars. Unable to resist what both feel is an easy windfall that no one will know about except themselves, this will allow them to attempt again to fulfill their dream of a child. However, neither understands that their deceased boarder left behind some irate Windy City associates who believe the ill-gotten loot belongs to them; these dangerous thugs do not mind the use of force including breaking limbs or even murder and their sights are set on the Reeds.
This exciting thriller uses a typical American suburban family trying to fulfill their dream that places them in extreme danger from deadly mobsters who believe their ill-gotten loot belongs to them as the late tenant double-crossed them. Where else would a mobster hide than in the burbs; making for quite a contrast between middle class American and the mob will sort of remind readers of the haunting contrasting final scene of the Cagney film Public Enemy. Readers will appreciate this strong thriller as the American dream turns nightmarish when the Reeds become avaricious in achieving their personal quest as Marcus Sakey asks his audience would you ethically turn in $400,000 that you believe no one knows you found.
Harriet Klausner
Scone Cold Dead
Kaitlyn Dunnett
Kensington, Aug 2008, $22.00
ISBN: 9780758216458
Liss MacCrimmon had to retire at the age of twenty-seven from Strathspey, a company of Scottish dancers that she was part of for years. She returned to her hometown of Moosetookalook, Maine where she co-owns with her aunt the Moosetookalook Scottish Emporium. She is very excited as her formers Dance Company is coming to town to perform at the student center of the University of Maine at Fallstown.
At a reception after a show, she is glad to see her old and trusted friends, but also sad as she misses performing especially on the road. Troupe manager Victor Owens is eating a special cocktail scone when he keels over and dies. Apparently the scone contained mushrooms, which he was allergic to. It seems obvious that someone murdered him. Liss questions each dancer individually and realizes that the victim was considered surly, sarcastic and abusive; those were his positive traits. He had plenty of people angry with his overall meanness and his ability to publicly humiliate his performers. When the lead detective realizes the troupe is hiding things, he asks Liss to assist him, but he only intended for her to help with the questioning not the dangerous sleuthing.
Kaitlyn Dunnett has written a character driven regional cozy that provides the audience with an interesting look at a traveling dance troupe. Sub-genre fans will appreciate SCONE COLD DEAD as the story line contains enough suspense to keep the reader alert (and avoiding mushrooms) yet a strong local and visiting cast makes for a delightful read. Although why a professional would ask an amateur to help on a homicide investigation even if he does not understand the vernacular or the reticence of the dancers seems a stretch; this technique enables the audience to see behind the scenes of the troupe. Filled with plenty of local characters also, perhaps Ms. Dunnett might consider a side series starring the townsfolk in their own tales.
Harriet Klausner
Fractured
Karin Slaughter
Delacorte, Aug 2008, $25.00
ISBN: 0385341954
Affluent attorney Abigail Campano returns to her mansion in Atlanta's upscale Ansley Park section only to see a dead girl lying on the upstairs hallway. Without getting a close look, a stunned Abigail assumes the victim is her teenage daughter Emma. The apparent killer had not yet left the premise and the outraged Abby kills him. Georgia Bureau of Investigation Agent Will Trent investigates along with Atlanta police Detective Faith Mitchell. The father Paul arrives filled with belligerence and bluster. Paul looks at the body and notices the lack of a birthmark; he insists the corpse of the teen is not his daughter; he and Abigail feel guilt and relief as Emma's friend Kayla Alexander lies dead on the floor.
Will concludes that besides the obvious murder, someone kidnapped Emma. His fear is that they are too late to save the life of the seventeen year old girl but he and Faith remain determined to try; while the case is already confusing with the homicide and the death of the alleged killer by the lioness in her home, neither expected the twists that the investigation takes. Still both cops fear they are too late.
Police procedural fans need to set aside time for this one sitting 400-page thriller as the audience will keep on adding one more exciting chapter after another to read. The two cops Will and Faith are a wonderful pairing as both are dedicated, but flawed; those personal defects augment a strong thriller. Filled with twists, FRACTURED will leave Karin Slaughter fans clamoring for the next GBI installment (see TRIPTYCH for the previous one).
Harriet Klausner
Smoke Screen
Sandra Brown
Simon & Schuster, Aug 2008, $26.95
ISBN: 9781416563068
TV reporter Britt Shelby wakes up one morning with her mind a total blank. Lying next to her is her friend Charlotte Police Detective Jay Burgess. She does not remember anything about the previous evening after they left the restaurant together, which makes no sense to her as she did not drink much. He told her he was dying and wanted to give her a confession that would make her a star in the big leagues if she chooses that route. When she realizes he is not moving because he died during the night, a stunned Britt calls the cops; who name her as a prime suspect in Jay’s murder.
Former firefighter Raley Gannon was involved in a scandal that cost him his vocation, his fiancée and the respect of the people close to him. Like Britt, he was caught up in a situation in which he didn’t recall what happened the night before. Hearing bits of her tale, Raley abducts Britt to hear her full story so they can compare notes. They conclude that someone slipped date rape drugs in their respective drinks five years apart. Both think that in her case it is to discredit her if Jay said anything about what the conspirators did. Raley was investigating an arson homicide case that involved cops. Together they may be able to clear their names and restore their reputations; that is if they can live long enough to do so with powerful people out to get hem.
Few authors can consistently keep the high quality level in their novels as Sandra Brown seems to always achieve. The lead pair is obstinate and to a degree obsessed with repairing their damaged reputations; although attracted to one another, both understand the inquiry comes first However, what makes this investigative thriller soar is the fully developed support cast whether they are the enemy or so called friends who turned in disgust against one of the stars. Ms. Brown is at the top of her game with this excellent thriller.
Harriet Klausner
Bordeaux Betrayal
Ellen Crosby
Scribner, Aug 2008, $25.00
ISBN: 9781416551669
One year ago at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, Lucie Montgomery became the vintner at her family’s vineyard. Although a lot has happened in that time (see THE CHARDONNAY CHARADE and THE MERLOT MURDERS), Lucie enjoys her work.
Lucie hosts a charity event in which dinner is served at Mount Vernon. Supper guest speaker wine writer Valerie Beauvais implies that the prize item at the upcoming charity auction, a bottle of Bordeaux allegedly purchased by Thomas Jefferson in 1790 as a gift to George Washington, is suspect. Valerie and Lucie plan to inspect the wine first hand to insure thee is no duplicity, but the doubter dies in a car accident before she can travel to the Montgomery Estate Vineyard where the Bordeaux is stored. Suspecting foul play to perhaps hide a fraud, Lucie investigates a crowd that she calls friends while her personal life turns even more complicated.
Although there are too many sidebars complicating a complex amateur sleuth, fans will appreciate sipping wine while Lucie performs the field work. The story line combines a strong mystery with several personal incidents (too many perhaps) and a terrific insightful look at wine myths and history especially amongst the Founding Fathers. Fans will toast Ellen Crosby for a fine Virginia wine country whodunit.
Harriet Klausner
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