RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL
by Jamie Freveletti
William Morrow/Harper Collins
10 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022
www.harpercollins.com
ISBN: 9780061684227
Hardback, 320 pages, $24.99
Biochemist, ultramarathon runner Emma Caldridge is returning to Colombia when her plane is hijacked and crash lands outside of Bogota. Emma is thrown from the plane and, hidden, watches in horror as guerrillas take the surviving passengers captives. Emma manages to text a cell phone message to her boss, relaying what has happened, and follows the guerillas, hoping her message got through and a rescue team is on the way. The Department of Defense, made aware of the downed plane, turns to Edward Banner and his specialized forces for help in what looks to be a kidnap-for-ransom scheme by the guerrillas, not knowing that Emma is the real reason behind the hijacking. Emma utilizes her skills as a chemist to survive while being pursued by men intent on capturing her for her knowledge and the secret, deadly weapon in her possession.
Emma Caldridge is the quintessential female action hero. She’s smart, athletic, and tough mentally and physically. Her knowledge of plants and skills as a chemist enhance this debut thriller, which is filled with action and suspense. Freveletti weaves into the story the complex political situation between Washington DC and the Colombian government, and gives the reader a better understanding of the Colombian drug cartels and FARC, Colombia’s infamous paramilitary organization known for its kidnapping attempts. An excellent debut novel.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
BLUEPRINT FOR LOVE by Monya Clayton
BLUEPRINT FOR LOVE
by Monya Clayton
Wild Rose Press
www.thewildrosepress.com
ISBN: 9781601543455
Tradeback, 220 pages, $11.99
Genre: Romance
Embittered since his divorce, entrepreneur/property developer Paul McIvor hides his emotions behind a cold exterior. But when he meets Cathy Brown, the environmentalist leading a protest against his latest project, Paul has to work hard to hide his attraction to her. Cathy, a blunt, modern woman, sees through his ruse and challenges him, something Paul is not used to and does not appreciate. Circumstances keep throwing the two of them together, which ultimately lead to fiery clashes between them. Can an old-fashioned, traditional man and a brash, contemporary woman develop an enduring relationship? A disastrous accident holds the answer for both.
Set in Australia, Blueprint for Love offers the reader everything they could want: heartwarming romance, handwringing suspense, a bit of a mystery, and two very likeable characters who are complete opposites embroiled in conflict. Clayton’s character development is excellent as is her propensity for visual imagery. Her gentle message regarding the environment is certainly appreciated in this charming romance.
by Monya Clayton
Wild Rose Press
www.thewildrosepress.com
ISBN: 9781601543455
Tradeback, 220 pages, $11.99
Genre: Romance
Embittered since his divorce, entrepreneur/property developer Paul McIvor hides his emotions behind a cold exterior. But when he meets Cathy Brown, the environmentalist leading a protest against his latest project, Paul has to work hard to hide his attraction to her. Cathy, a blunt, modern woman, sees through his ruse and challenges him, something Paul is not used to and does not appreciate. Circumstances keep throwing the two of them together, which ultimately lead to fiery clashes between them. Can an old-fashioned, traditional man and a brash, contemporary woman develop an enduring relationship? A disastrous accident holds the answer for both.
Set in Australia, Blueprint for Love offers the reader everything they could want: heartwarming romance, handwringing suspense, a bit of a mystery, and two very likeable characters who are complete opposites embroiled in conflict. Clayton’s character development is excellent as is her propensity for visual imagery. Her gentle message regarding the environment is certainly appreciated in this charming romance.
BUTCHERS HILL by Laura Lippman
BUTCHERS HILL
by Laura Lippman
William Morrow/Harper Collins
10 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022
www.harpercollins.com
ISBN: 9780061255717
Hardback, 274 pages, $19.95
Genre: Mystery
Private investigator Tess Monaghan’s first official client is Luther Beale, known as the Butcher of Butchers Hill. Five years earlier, Luther was imprisoned for shooting a young boy vandalizing his car, and Luther wants Tess to find the children who witnessed the shooting so he can make amends to them. Almost immediately, two of those children are found murdered and the police target Beale as the killer. Tess’s second case, which becomes a parallel investigation, involves a sophisticated fundraiser who wants Tess to find the child her sister gave up for adoption thirteen years earlier. Tess soon finds herself chasing clues on two cases based on deception, one of which will lead Tess back to her own childhood.
Tess Monaghan is a refreshing character; an athletic woman with flawed characteristics and a dysfunctional family who strives to do the ethical thing. Lippman provides two mysteries based on misconceptions and falsehoods which the reader will enjoy trying to solve along with Tess.
by Laura Lippman
William Morrow/Harper Collins
10 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022
www.harpercollins.com
ISBN: 9780061255717
Hardback, 274 pages, $19.95
Genre: Mystery
Private investigator Tess Monaghan’s first official client is Luther Beale, known as the Butcher of Butchers Hill. Five years earlier, Luther was imprisoned for shooting a young boy vandalizing his car, and Luther wants Tess to find the children who witnessed the shooting so he can make amends to them. Almost immediately, two of those children are found murdered and the police target Beale as the killer. Tess’s second case, which becomes a parallel investigation, involves a sophisticated fundraiser who wants Tess to find the child her sister gave up for adoption thirteen years earlier. Tess soon finds herself chasing clues on two cases based on deception, one of which will lead Tess back to her own childhood.
Tess Monaghan is a refreshing character; an athletic woman with flawed characteristics and a dysfunctional family who strives to do the ethical thing. Lippman provides two mysteries based on misconceptions and falsehoods which the reader will enjoy trying to solve along with Tess.
DEATH BY PANTYHOSE by Laura Levine
DEATH BY PANTYHOSE
By Laura Levine
Kensington Books
www.kensingtonbooks.com
ISBN: 9780758207852
Hardback, 244 pages, $22.00
Genre: Mystery
Freelance writer Jaine Austen’s finances are looking pretty good until a con man, under the guise of a potential employer, takes her for a free lunch and her Toyota. Now Jaine has to come up with enough funds for a new car. Desperate for money, she reluctantly agrees to become a writer for feminist comedian Dorcas MacKenzie whose signature is cutting up a pair of pantyhose and throwing it at her audience. On and off stage, Dorcas is heckled by Vic, a mean-spirited comedian who can’t keep his hands off the ladies. Luck seems to follow Vic around until the night he jeers Dorcas one too many times and Dorcas assaults him in front of a bar filled with people. Later that night, Vic’s found strangled to death by a pair of pantyhose, leading to Dorcas’s arrest. Jaine’s on the case in a heartbeat, conducting her own investigation, trying to figure out who among the many suspects offed Vic.
Jaine Austen is a fun character, a woman who can’t resist fattening foods and her moody cat, Prozac. The emails from her parents (this time over a lucky shirt of her dad’s) bump the humor bar even higher, and the characters Jaine contends with while doing her amateur sleuthing generate plenty of laughs.
By Laura Levine
Kensington Books
www.kensingtonbooks.com
ISBN: 9780758207852
Hardback, 244 pages, $22.00
Genre: Mystery
Freelance writer Jaine Austen’s finances are looking pretty good until a con man, under the guise of a potential employer, takes her for a free lunch and her Toyota. Now Jaine has to come up with enough funds for a new car. Desperate for money, she reluctantly agrees to become a writer for feminist comedian Dorcas MacKenzie whose signature is cutting up a pair of pantyhose and throwing it at her audience. On and off stage, Dorcas is heckled by Vic, a mean-spirited comedian who can’t keep his hands off the ladies. Luck seems to follow Vic around until the night he jeers Dorcas one too many times and Dorcas assaults him in front of a bar filled with people. Later that night, Vic’s found strangled to death by a pair of pantyhose, leading to Dorcas’s arrest. Jaine’s on the case in a heartbeat, conducting her own investigation, trying to figure out who among the many suspects offed Vic.
Jaine Austen is a fun character, a woman who can’t resist fattening foods and her moody cat, Prozac. The emails from her parents (this time over a lucky shirt of her dad’s) bump the humor bar even higher, and the characters Jaine contends with while doing her amateur sleuthing generate plenty of laughs.
DECEPTIVE CLARITY by Betty Gordon
DECEPTIVE CLARITY
by Betty Gordon
L&L Dreamspell
www.lldreamspell.com
ISBN: 9781603180887
Softback, 260 pages, $16.95
Genre: Mystery
Private Investigator Lisa Martin, weary of tracking philandering spouses in acrimonious divorce cases, is intrigued when businessman Don Sekoli hires her to find his missing drinking buddy, importer/exporter Ryan Lucas. The only information Sekoli can give her is a cell phone number and the name of Lucas’s girlfriend. Aided by her partner Guy Roberts and her quasi boyfriend, news journalist Tony Miller, Lisa’s investigation leads the team to Cairo and on to London, straight into a case being conducted by Scotland Yard. While Tony’s busy trying to garner information from Scotland Yard, Lisa finds herself falling for her client. As the investigation unfolds, Lisa is threatened and her offices ransacked while Tony’s being tailed in London. Then Sekoli disappears.
Lisa Martin is a refreshing character; a young woman with a strong personality who has confidence in her abilities to defend herself and others. Her pairing with her partner is ideal and her uncertainty regarding her feelings for her boyfriend realistic and identifiable. This international thriller delivers plenty of suspense wrapped around a mystery readers will be hard-put to solve on their own but will enjoy trying to figure out. Gordon’s skill at flavoring the read with international history and geographical detail is a bonus, as is the spicy chemistry between Lisa and Sekoli, which combine to deliver an exciting, thrilling read.
by Betty Gordon
L&L Dreamspell
www.lldreamspell.com
ISBN: 9781603180887
Softback, 260 pages, $16.95
Genre: Mystery
Private Investigator Lisa Martin, weary of tracking philandering spouses in acrimonious divorce cases, is intrigued when businessman Don Sekoli hires her to find his missing drinking buddy, importer/exporter Ryan Lucas. The only information Sekoli can give her is a cell phone number and the name of Lucas’s girlfriend. Aided by her partner Guy Roberts and her quasi boyfriend, news journalist Tony Miller, Lisa’s investigation leads the team to Cairo and on to London, straight into a case being conducted by Scotland Yard. While Tony’s busy trying to garner information from Scotland Yard, Lisa finds herself falling for her client. As the investigation unfolds, Lisa is threatened and her offices ransacked while Tony’s being tailed in London. Then Sekoli disappears.
Lisa Martin is a refreshing character; a young woman with a strong personality who has confidence in her abilities to defend herself and others. Her pairing with her partner is ideal and her uncertainty regarding her feelings for her boyfriend realistic and identifiable. This international thriller delivers plenty of suspense wrapped around a mystery readers will be hard-put to solve on their own but will enjoy trying to figure out. Gordon’s skill at flavoring the read with international history and geographical detail is a bonus, as is the spicy chemistry between Lisa and Sekoli, which combine to deliver an exciting, thrilling read.
DECEPTIVE CLARITY by Betty Gordon
DECEPTIVE CLARITY
by Betty Gordon
L&L Dreamspell
www.lldreamspell.com
ISBN: 9781603180887
Softback, 260 pages, $16.95
Genre: Mystery
Private Investigator Lisa Martin, weary of tracking philandering spouses in acrimonious divorce cases, is intrigued when businessman Don Sekoli hires her to find his missing drinking buddy, importer/exporter Ryan Lucas. The only information Sekoli can give her is a cell phone number and the name of Lucas’s girlfriend. Aided by her partner Guy Roberts and her quasi boyfriend, news journalist Tony Miller, Lisa’s investigation leads the team to Cairo and on to London, straight into a case being conducted by Scotland Yard. While Tony’s busy trying to garner information from Scotland Yard, Lisa finds herself falling for her client. As the investigation unfolds, Lisa is threatened and her offices ransacked while Tony’s being tailed in London. Then Sekoli disappears.
Lisa Martin is a refreshing character; a young woman with a strong personality who has confidence in her abilities to defend herself and others. Her pairing with her partner is ideal and her uncertainty regarding her feelings for her boyfriend realistic and identifiable. This international thriller delivers plenty of suspense wrapped around a mystery readers will be hard-put to solve on their own but will enjoy trying to figure out. Gordon’s skill at flavoring the read with international history and geographical detail is a bonus, as is the spicy chemistry between Lisa and Sekoli, which combine to deliver an exciting, thrilling read.
by Betty Gordon
L&L Dreamspell
www.lldreamspell.com
ISBN: 9781603180887
Softback, 260 pages, $16.95
Genre: Mystery
Private Investigator Lisa Martin, weary of tracking philandering spouses in acrimonious divorce cases, is intrigued when businessman Don Sekoli hires her to find his missing drinking buddy, importer/exporter Ryan Lucas. The only information Sekoli can give her is a cell phone number and the name of Lucas’s girlfriend. Aided by her partner Guy Roberts and her quasi boyfriend, news journalist Tony Miller, Lisa’s investigation leads the team to Cairo and on to London, straight into a case being conducted by Scotland Yard. While Tony’s busy trying to garner information from Scotland Yard, Lisa finds herself falling for her client. As the investigation unfolds, Lisa is threatened and her offices ransacked while Tony’s being tailed in London. Then Sekoli disappears.
Lisa Martin is a refreshing character; a young woman with a strong personality who has confidence in her abilities to defend herself and others. Her pairing with her partner is ideal and her uncertainty regarding her feelings for her boyfriend realistic and identifiable. This international thriller delivers plenty of suspense wrapped around a mystery readers will be hard-put to solve on their own but will enjoy trying to figure out. Gordon’s skill at flavoring the read with international history and geographical detail is a bonus, as is the spicy chemistry between Lisa and Sekoli, which combine to deliver an exciting, thrilling read.
ECHO BURNING by Lee Child
ECHO BURNING
by Lee Child
G.P. Putnam’s Sons
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
ISBN: 0399147268
Hardback, 354 pages, $24.95
Genre: Thriller
Jack Reacher travels the country with the clothes on his back and a folding toothbrush in his pocket. Hitchhiking through Texas, he’s picked up by Carmen Greer, a beautiful Hispanic woman. Although Carmen’s husband Sloop Greer is from a rich family, she only has $1.00 in her purse. Her husband’s in prison and Carmen hopes he stays there but Sloop’s worked out a deal with the federal authorities and is expected home. Carmen’s been cruising the streets, looking for someone she can talk into murdering her husband because he physically abused her before he went to prison and she’s afraid he’ll kill her once free. Reacher agrees to go with Carmen to Sloop’s ranch to protect her but tells her he will not commit murder. Just hours after Sloop’s home, he’s found in his bedroom, shot to death by Carmen’s gun. Carmen’s arrested and Reacher teams up with a lawyer from the legal mission to find out who really shot Sloop Greer.
Reacher is one of the best characters written today; a strong man who is comfortable with himself and his own personal scruples. He’s a cultured man with intelligence who lives a nomadic, asocial lifestyle and can be brutal without remorse if he feels it’s deserved. In Echo Burning, there are plots and subplots which Child ties together nicely, providing a boatload of suspense along the way.
by Lee Child
G.P. Putnam’s Sons
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
ISBN: 0399147268
Hardback, 354 pages, $24.95
Genre: Thriller
Jack Reacher travels the country with the clothes on his back and a folding toothbrush in his pocket. Hitchhiking through Texas, he’s picked up by Carmen Greer, a beautiful Hispanic woman. Although Carmen’s husband Sloop Greer is from a rich family, she only has $1.00 in her purse. Her husband’s in prison and Carmen hopes he stays there but Sloop’s worked out a deal with the federal authorities and is expected home. Carmen’s been cruising the streets, looking for someone she can talk into murdering her husband because he physically abused her before he went to prison and she’s afraid he’ll kill her once free. Reacher agrees to go with Carmen to Sloop’s ranch to protect her but tells her he will not commit murder. Just hours after Sloop’s home, he’s found in his bedroom, shot to death by Carmen’s gun. Carmen’s arrested and Reacher teams up with a lawyer from the legal mission to find out who really shot Sloop Greer.
Reacher is one of the best characters written today; a strong man who is comfortable with himself and his own personal scruples. He’s a cultured man with intelligence who lives a nomadic, asocial lifestyle and can be brutal without remorse if he feels it’s deserved. In Echo Burning, there are plots and subplots which Child ties together nicely, providing a boatload of suspense along the way.
HOUNDING THE PAVEMENT by Judi McCoy
HOUNDING THE PAVEMENT
by Judi McCoy
New American Library/Penguin
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
ISBN: 9780451226310
Paperback, 336 pages, $6.99
Genre: Mystery
Ellie Engleman is committed to making her own way in life sans pantyhose and power suits. The first thing Ellie does after her divorce is rescue a dog from the shelter to replace the one she had to give up when she married. Ellie’s delighted to learn she can communicate with her dog and that he is the reincarnate of her former dog, who was hit by a car. She begins her own dog-walking business, where she finds herself harassed by two other dog walkers unhappy with the competition. Ellie discovers the dead body of one of her clients and quickly becomes the number-one suspect of sexy Sam Ryder, a wise-cracking detective who can’t seem to convince Ellie to stay out of his investigation. But Ellie is anxious to find her murdered client’s kidnapped dog, a Westminster champion, while clearing her name, and nothing’s going to stop her. Not even the sizzling chemistry between her and Sam Ryder.
Hounding the Pavement, the first book in the Dog Walker Mystery series, is simply delightful. Ellie is a refreshing character, a size-16 woman finished with compromising her wants and needs and determined to live life on her own terms. Dog lovers will identify with Ellie’s love for these furry creatures and will appreciate that this author is donating all royalties to Best Friends Animal Society. Readers will be entertained by the conversations Ellie has with not only her dog but other dogs who choose to converse with her. The plot is interesting and moves at a fast pace, with plenty of red herrings thrown into the mix to provide a good mystery. Excellent debut to this series.
by Judi McCoy
New American Library/Penguin
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
ISBN: 9780451226310
Paperback, 336 pages, $6.99
Genre: Mystery
Ellie Engleman is committed to making her own way in life sans pantyhose and power suits. The first thing Ellie does after her divorce is rescue a dog from the shelter to replace the one she had to give up when she married. Ellie’s delighted to learn she can communicate with her dog and that he is the reincarnate of her former dog, who was hit by a car. She begins her own dog-walking business, where she finds herself harassed by two other dog walkers unhappy with the competition. Ellie discovers the dead body of one of her clients and quickly becomes the number-one suspect of sexy Sam Ryder, a wise-cracking detective who can’t seem to convince Ellie to stay out of his investigation. But Ellie is anxious to find her murdered client’s kidnapped dog, a Westminster champion, while clearing her name, and nothing’s going to stop her. Not even the sizzling chemistry between her and Sam Ryder.
Hounding the Pavement, the first book in the Dog Walker Mystery series, is simply delightful. Ellie is a refreshing character, a size-16 woman finished with compromising her wants and needs and determined to live life on her own terms. Dog lovers will identify with Ellie’s love for these furry creatures and will appreciate that this author is donating all royalties to Best Friends Animal Society. Readers will be entertained by the conversations Ellie has with not only her dog but other dogs who choose to converse with her. The plot is interesting and moves at a fast pace, with plenty of red herrings thrown into the mix to provide a good mystery. Excellent debut to this series.
THE BRASS VERDICT by Michael Connelly
THE BRASS VERDICT
by Michael Connelly
Little, Brown and Co.
Hachette Book Group
www.hachettebookgroup.com
ISBN: 9780316166294
Hardback, 422 pages, $26.99
Genre: Mystery
After two years recuperating from a gunshot wound and subsequent addiction to pain pills, defense attorney Mickey Haller thinks he’s ready for work, although he intends to take things slow and easy. When his colleague Jerry Vincent is murdered, Haller, as Vincent’s surrogate, inherits his active cases, one of which is garnering much media attention. Hollywood producer Walter Elliott has been accused of murdering his wife and her lover, and his trial’s coming up within days. Elliott refuses to allow a continuance and Haller’s scrambling to prepare for trial while butting heads with Harry Bosch, the detective investigating Vincent’s murder. As the case moves forward, Haller delves deeper into the case file, revealing secrets that will place his own life in danger and forever change his views of the judicial system.
The Brass Verdict, the second in the Mickey Haller series, pits Haller against Connelly’s popular series character, Harry Bosch. The two, although antagonistic toward one another, are more alike than not and make for an interesting combination. Connelly gives the reader a good mystery to solve, surrounded by characters supportive of Haller who look out for him. The plot moves at a fast pace and readers will enjoy “seeing” Bosch through another character’s eyes.
by Michael Connelly
Little, Brown and Co.
Hachette Book Group
www.hachettebookgroup.com
ISBN: 9780316166294
Hardback, 422 pages, $26.99
Genre: Mystery
After two years recuperating from a gunshot wound and subsequent addiction to pain pills, defense attorney Mickey Haller thinks he’s ready for work, although he intends to take things slow and easy. When his colleague Jerry Vincent is murdered, Haller, as Vincent’s surrogate, inherits his active cases, one of which is garnering much media attention. Hollywood producer Walter Elliott has been accused of murdering his wife and her lover, and his trial’s coming up within days. Elliott refuses to allow a continuance and Haller’s scrambling to prepare for trial while butting heads with Harry Bosch, the detective investigating Vincent’s murder. As the case moves forward, Haller delves deeper into the case file, revealing secrets that will place his own life in danger and forever change his views of the judicial system.
The Brass Verdict, the second in the Mickey Haller series, pits Haller against Connelly’s popular series character, Harry Bosch. The two, although antagonistic toward one another, are more alike than not and make for an interesting combination. Connelly gives the reader a good mystery to solve, surrounded by characters supportive of Haller who look out for him. The plot moves at a fast pace and readers will enjoy “seeing” Bosch through another character’s eyes.
THE BROKEN WINDOW by Jeffery Deaver
THE BROKEN WINDOW
by Jeffery Deaver
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com
ISBN: 9781416549970
Hardback, 420 pages, $26.95
Genre: Thriller
Criminologist, quadriplegic Lincoln Rhymes has been estranged from his cousin Arthur for years. When Arthur is arrested for the murder of a young woman, Arthur’s wife implores Lincoln to help. The forensic evidence against Arthur strongly links him to the murder, but Lincoln’s paramour Amelia Sachs is suspicious that everything is so clear-cut and suspects Arthur has been set up. She and Lincoln, with the aid of NYPD, learn Arthur isn’t the first person who has been framed for a murder he didn’t commit. Their investigation takes them into the world of data mining and identity theft and pits the duo against a psychopathic serial killer who manages to stay one step ahead.
This thriller hits on a subject some may find a bit disturbing, the ability of computers to follow us on our daily journeys and pinpoint our location at any point in time. Deaver offers the reader a look into Lincoln’s past family life, as well as his present relationship with Amelia. Forensics are exceptional and the plot filled with suspense and terror. Another great addition to this excellent series.
by Jeffery Deaver
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com
ISBN: 9781416549970
Hardback, 420 pages, $26.95
Genre: Thriller
Criminologist, quadriplegic Lincoln Rhymes has been estranged from his cousin Arthur for years. When Arthur is arrested for the murder of a young woman, Arthur’s wife implores Lincoln to help. The forensic evidence against Arthur strongly links him to the murder, but Lincoln’s paramour Amelia Sachs is suspicious that everything is so clear-cut and suspects Arthur has been set up. She and Lincoln, with the aid of NYPD, learn Arthur isn’t the first person who has been framed for a murder he didn’t commit. Their investigation takes them into the world of data mining and identity theft and pits the duo against a psychopathic serial killer who manages to stay one step ahead.
This thriller hits on a subject some may find a bit disturbing, the ability of computers to follow us on our daily journeys and pinpoint our location at any point in time. Deaver offers the reader a look into Lincoln’s past family life, as well as his present relationship with Amelia. Forensics are exceptional and the plot filled with suspense and terror. Another great addition to this excellent series.
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