2026 Bookish Books Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)
2026 Cover Lovers Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)
2026 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge
2026 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
Booklist Queen's 2026 Reading Challenge
2026 52 Club Reading Challenge
2026 Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge
2026 Medical Examiner Mystery Reading Challenge
2026 Mount TBR Reading Challenge
2026 Around the Year in 52 Books Reading Challenge
Shelf Reflection Candy Reading Challenge for Kids (and Adults)
2026 Countdown Reading Challenge
Dragon Rambles' Law of Fives Bingo
2026 Southern Literary Reading Challenge
2026 Reading Challenge (by Linz the Bookworm)
2026 Pioneer Book Reading Challenge
European Reading Challenge 2026
2017 Pick Your Poison Reading Challenge (retired challenge - doing old boards for fun)
2026 Reading Challenge Addict Reading Challenge
The 100 Most Common Last Names in the U.S. Reading Challenge
The Life Skills Reading Challenge
Showing posts with label Police Procedurals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Police Procedurals. Show all posts
Friday, June 18, 2021
Second Installment in U.S./Irish Mystery Series Just As Compelling As First
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for A Distant Grave, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from its predecessor, The Mountains Wild. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
When a Dublin man is found murdered on a Long Island beach, Detective Maggie D'Arcy is called upon to help with the investigation. Although her colleagues believe Gabriel Treacy was robbed and killed by a local gang, likely at random, Maggie's not so sure. The old scars on the dead man's back say there's more to Gabriel's story than meets the eye. What was he doing in New York? Who made sure he'd never return to Ireland? And why?
Maggie is just about to leave for Ireland anyway, already having planned to travel there with her teenage daughter, who is still reeling after her father's suicide. Anxious to see her boyfriend, Trinity professor Connor Kearney; let their children get to know each other; and help Lilly heal away from the place where her father died, Maggie decides to combine work with pleasure. Flying off during an intense police investigation doesn't sit well with Maggie's superiors, but she knows she's the best person to look into Gabriel's death in his home country. Working with her Garda friends is sure to produce some answers in what is becoming an increasingly puzzling case. When another murder ups the ante, Maggie finds herself back in New York working frantically to solve the crime before she, too, ends up dead.
I'm always thrilled when I find a new crime series to love. The Mountains Wild, the first book in the Maggie D'Arcy series by Sarah Stewart Taylor, pulled me in with its enticing blend of atmospheric setting, likable characters, and intriguing plot. A Distant Grave (available June 22, 2021), the second installment, offers the same in another story that is just as engrossing, just as exciting as the first. It's finely crafted, skillfully told, and wholly enjoyable. Needless to say, I'm anxious for the next volume. And the next and the next...
(Readalikes: Reminds me of the Maeve Kerrigan series by Jane Casey and of Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad novels)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, blood/gore, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of A Distant Grave from the generous folks at St. Martin's Press via those at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Monday, April 26, 2021
The Mountains Wild An Atmospheric, Engrossing Opener to a Promising New Mystery Series
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Maggie D'Arcy never planned on becoming a cop. Not until her 23-year-old cousin, Erin Flaherty, went missing two decades ago in Ireland, never to be seen again. Her amateur investigation then fueled her passion for solving mysteries, leading to her career as a homicide detective in New York. Now 45, Maggie is a divorced single mom, who's passionate about her daughter and her work. Still haunted by Erin's disappearance, she can't stop thinking about her still-missing cousin.
When Maggie receives a phone call from Dublin, informing her that Erin's scarf has been found and that it might be a clue to a current missing persons case, Maggie flies to Ireland to help local police with their investigation. The disappearance of a Galway schoolteacher is just as confounding as Erin's case. Are the two connected? As she retraces her cousin's steps, interviewing those who were close to Erin, and searching for clues, Maggie becomes increasingly frustrated. She's especially confused by her growing attraction to Conor Kearney, a former co-worker of Erin's who's now an associate professor at Trinity College. The man seems to know more than he's saying. Did he have something to do with Erin's disappearance? If he didn't, who did? Maggie is determined to find out what happened to the missing teacher and to solve Erin's case, once and for all. Even if it means putting herself in a killer's crosshairs.
I always dig an atmospheric mystery and The Mountains Wild by Sarah Stewart Taylor is certainly that. The first in a series starring capable, determined Maggie D'Arcy, it's an engaging, compelling novel that moves slowly but surely toward a resolution I didn't see coming. The characters are sympathetic and likable, the Irish backdrop is vivid and immersive, and the plot is engrossing and twisty. Even though its pace is more measured than other thrillers, The Mountains Wild kept me eagerly turning pages. I enjoyed it enough that I immediately downloaded the next book in the series (A Distant Grave, available June 21, 2021) from NetGalley. Needless to say, I'm excited to see where the series goes. It's always exciting to find a new one to love!
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, disturbing subject matter, and mild sexual content
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Friday, April 09, 2021
Elly Griffiths' Newest Surprising in a Delightful Way
There's nothing unusual about residents of Seaview Court dying. It's a block of retirement flats occupied by elderly people, after all. Still, Ukrainian carer Natalka Kolisnyk can't help but think there's something fishy about the "sudden" demise of 90-year-old Peggy Smith. Even more curious is the business card she finds identifying Peggy as a "murder consultant." If all the crime novels dedicated to Peggy on the shelves of her apartment are any indication, the senior citizen advised authors on inventive ways to kill off their characters. Surely a woman with such an odd job couldn't have died of natural causes. Could she?
Although Natalka brings her suspicions to DS Harbinder Kaur, it's not until there's a break-in at the dead woman's apartment followed by the murder of an author who used Peggy's services that Harbinder starts to take Natalka seriously. Although the detective agrees that something strange is happening, she and her colleagues can't move fast enough for the concerned carer. Much to Harbinder's dismay, she discovers that Natalka has enlisted the help of two friends—coffee shop owner and former monk, Benedict Cole and Edwin Fitzgerald, a senior citizen and good friend of Peggy's—to help her investigate the strange occurrences. When another author murder takes place, Harbinder realizes they're in a frantic race against time to find a murderer who will not hesitate to kill again.
One of the reasons I enjoyed The Stranger Diaries, the first installment in Elly Griffiths' engaging mystery series starring Harbinder Kaur, was its deliciously Gothic feel. I was surprised, then, to discover that the second book in the series has an entirely different vibe. The Postscript Murders is lighter and more upbeat than its predecessor, almost like a cozy mystery. Natalka, Benedict, and Edwin are quirky, funny characters. Harbinder is likewise appealing. Plot-wise, the story is twisty enough that the killer's identity caught me by surprise. Although The Postscript Murders didn't turn out to be what I expected it to be, I still found it engaging, compelling, and wholly entertaining.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, and mild sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of The Postscript Murders from the generous folks at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via those at NetGalley. Thank you!
Monday, March 22, 2021
Popular Series Opener More About the Journey Than the Destination
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
I started watching Longmire, a crime series on Netflix, without realizing it was based on a set of books. Since I'm a staunch the-book-is-always-better-than-the-movie person, I immediately stopped watching and got to reading The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson. In this first installment, we're introduced to Walt Longmire, who's been sheriff of (fictional) Absaroka County, Wyoming, for 25 years. Although the venerable old cowboy loves his job, retirement is starting to sound mighty good. With an election on the horizon, he just might get his wish. In the meantime, it's up to him to deal with the murder of a local bad boy.
No one is too surprised or too saddened by the shooting death of Cody Pritchard. The young man was no altar boy. In fact, he was known for making racist cracks about Native Americans and being involved in the vicious gang rape of Melissa Little Bird, a Cheyenne girl with learning disabilities, three years ago. Cody received only a light sentence for his part in the crime, an outcome that pleased the smug boy and outraged both Walt and his county's Indian community. An eagle feather found by Cody's corpse seems to indicate that someone with Native blood is seeking justice in their own way. While Walt isn't about to shed a tear over the likes of Cody Pritchard, it's his job to find out who killed the kid and stop the murderer from executing the rest of Melissa's rapists. With the help of Victoria "Vic" Moretti, his tough-talking deputy and protégé, the sheriff sets about to do just that. As Walt digs deeper into the secrets of his small town friends and neighbors, he finds himself in increasing danger. He won't stop until he finds the answers he seeks, even if it means stepping into the killer's crosshairs himself.
I've heard The Cold Dish described as a "literary" mystery. While I'm not sure it's as high-brow as all that, it's certainly more than your typical, run-of-the-mill police procedural. For one thing, Johnson imbues the novel with a very strong sense of place. You can feel his love for the American West—its landscape, its people, its contradictions—in every word he writes. In addition, the story is much more about community than crime. Johnson focuses on Walt's relationships with the people around him more than on the job he's doing. The result is a folksy, long-winded novel that's enjoyable more for the journey than the destination. While the plot takes a long time to get anywhere, which makes the story sag in places, there's still plenty in the way of humor, quirky characters, and local color to keep the reader entertained. The killer's identity also surprised me, which doesn't happen all that often for this veteran mystery reader. However, the most appealing thing about The Cold Dish by far is its hero. Walt Longmire is an endearing character on many levels. Not only is he brave, compassionate, and committed, but he's also fallible and self-deprecating. It's impossible not to like him. All these things considered, it's easy to see why this book has garnered so many fans since its publication in 2004. While it's hardly an edge-of-your-seat thriller, it's an entertaining read. The real question for me is, do I want to continue with the series? Maybe, maybe not is my answer. While I enjoy character-driven crime fiction, I prefer the kind that also features a taut, focused plot. This is not that, so we'll see if I continue on with the series or not...
(Readalikes: Reminds me of C.J. Box's Joe Pickett series, Margaret Coel's Wind River Reservation series, and Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon series)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language, violence, blood/gore, and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The Cold Dish with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Locked-Room Mystery/Thriller an Engrossing, Intriguing Debut
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
After barely surviving a traumatizing abduction by a vicious serial killer while on the job in Manhattan, former NYPD detective Shana Merchant has moved upstate, taking a position with the Bureau of Crime Investigation (BCI). Idyllic Alexandria Bay, a charming village in the Thousand Islands area, is the perfect place to lick her wounds. With her devoted fiancé by her side, she hopes to put her nightmares behind her and make a fresh start in the peaceful riverside town.
Shana is shocked when her department receives a frantic call about a murder on an island that is privately owned by a wealthy family from the city. With an incoming nor'easter creating stormy weather and choppy water, Shana and her partner, Tim Wellington, head out to Tern Island. Nine members of the Sinclair family, a wealthy clan that has made a fortune in the NYC fashion industry, have been vacationing there. One of them, 26-year-old Jasper, has vanished. The bed in which he and his girlfriend were sleeping is soaked in blood, but there's no corpse and the girlfriend claims to have no idea what happened. Tim thinks they're dealing with a spoiled businessman who's gone missing to get attention. Shana's sure it's murder.
With only a handful of suspects on the remote island, it seems clear that Jasper has not just been killed but also that he's been murdered by a member of his own family. All of them had motive, means, and opportunity. Which one made sure Jasper was out of the way? And why? As the storm worsens, isolating Shana and Tim on the island with a dysfunctional family, one of whom is a killer, the situation grows increasingly perilous. Can Shana and her partner get the truth out of their very reluctant witnesses? Can they unmask the murderer before someone else turns up dead? Will that someone be one of them?
I love me a locked-room mystery set in an isolated locale, so I was all in for Death in the Family, a debut novel by Tessa Wegert. Atmospheric and absorbing, the mystery is engrossing and twisty. It kept me guessing until the very end, which is exactly what I like in a mystery/thriller. Shana is a sympathetic heroine whose vulnerability and determination make her both relatable and admirable. The Sinclairs are the opposite. They're snobby, greedy, manipulative, and immature, almost to a one. In the end, the whole sorry lot pretty much gets what they deserve. I cared about Shana, though. That—and an engrossing, can't-look-away plot—is what kept me reading Death in the Family. Even though it's a depressing story, I enjoyed the thrilling read overall. I just requested The Dead Season, the second installment in the Shana Merchant series, from the library because I'm excited to see what this intriguing heroine does next.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, blood/gore, sexual content, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Monday, September 21, 2020
I Will Follow Maeve, Follow Maeve Wherever She May Go ...
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
The Chiron Club is not the kind of place where just anyone can waltz in. Especially not a woman. It's a palace of luxury, indulgence, and secrets to which only its male members are privy. So, when Paige Hargreaves—a freelance journalist who was investigating the exclusive gentlemen's club—turns up dead, the police naturally turn their focus on the club. Did one of its members kill Paige to keep her quiet? That's what DS Maeve Kerrigan and her partner, DI Josh Derwent, are determined to find out.
As the duo digs into the secrets of both Paige and the Chiron Club, they make some dangerous discoveries. Unearthing these truths is getting Maeve and Josh closer to a killer, but Maeve is keeping her own secret and it's this that could really put her life in danger. Can she solve the mystery of how Paige died? Can she save herself from suffering a similar fate?
I'm trying to wean myself off dark, disturbing thrillers, but when it comes to Jane Casey's Maeve Kerrigan series, I just can't resist. I love this brave, tenacious, self-deprecating heroine! Maeve is a likable blend of vulnerable and tough and that's perhaps never more apparent than in The Cutting Place, the ninth installment in the series. Although these novels feature taut, compelling mysteries, it's Maeve's evolving relationship with the mercurial Derwent that has become my favorite aspect of the series. That features prominently in The Cutting Place, which makes me happy. As always, Casey isn't afraid of taking on disturbing subject matter, so be forewarned that this isn't an easy read. Still, it's one that kept me totally riveted. Weaning be darned, I'll follow Maeve Kerrigan anywhere!
(Readalikes: Other books in the Maeve Kerrigan series, including Left for Dead [novella], The Burning, The Reckoning, The Last Girl, The Stranger You Know, The Kill, After the Fire, Let the Dead Speak, One In Custody [novella], Love Lies Bleeding [novella], and Cruel Acts)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, blood/gore, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of The Cutting Place from the generous folks at HarperCollins via those at Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Monday, May 18, 2020
Unconvincing Mystery/Thriller Not Super Satisfying
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Considering it's named for the dark, serpentine cave system that lurks at its edge, it's not all that surprising that little Grotto, Iowa, is hiding big secrets. The largest surrounds the vicious murder of a teenage girl twenty-five years ago. Found inside one of the caves, her battered body revealed she had been beaten and strangled. Although several suspects were investigated at the time, no one has ever been charged for the murder.
When new evidence is discovered in the cave, the case of Eve Knox's murder is reopened. This time, Detective Maggie Kennedy O'Keefe—the daughter of the police chief who initially spearheaded the investigation—is in charge. Despite the fact that she's 8 months pregnant after a decade of miscarrying, Eve's childhood best friend, and the person who found her friend's dead body 25 years ago, Maggie insists she's up to the task. As she revisits evidence, she's reminded of the many people who could have been responsible for Eve's death, from the girl's abusive boyfriend to her creepy younger sister to a neighbor who would kill to keep her from talking. As Maggie tries to untangle the truth from the lies, she must face the secrets she's been keeping. Risking the disintegration of everything good in her life, Maggie persists—even with her own life and that of her unborn baby on the line.
My favorite setting for mystery/thrillers is small towns like Grotto. They're always concealing such juicy secrets! Unfortunately, while the premise of This Is How I Lied by Heather Gudenkauf appealed to me, its execution didn't so much. The novel is peopled with unlikeable characters, implausible plot points, and a heroine who isn't all that convincing as a detective. Despite these irritants, I did finish the book because I wanted to know what was going to happen. In the end, though, I found This Is How I Lied to be depressing, far-fetched, and not all that satisfying. It turned out to be just an average read for me.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of books by Catherine McKenzie and Erin Kelly)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, sexual content, blood/gore, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of This Is How I Lied from the generous folks at Harlequin. Thank you!
Thursday, January 09, 2020
Debut Medical Mystery by Wife/Husband Duo Engrossing, But Otherwise Nothing Special
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
In need of a start-over, forensic pathologist Jessie Teska moves from L.A. to San Francisco. The 31-year-old is not thrilled with the foggy city, her cramped converted cable car apartment, or the aging equipment in the dingy building where she's employed as an assistant medical examiner. She needs to make it all work, though, even if she's feeling increasingly overworked and underpaid.
When the body of a young Filipino nursing student, dead of an apparent heroin overdose, lands on Jessie's table, she's taken aback. Especially when she notices several inconsistencies between the detectives' version of what happened to her and the story her corpse is telling. Although she's told repeatedly to let it go, Jessie can't. Something about the death doesn't compute. With more and more bodies piling up on her table, she's convinced—there's more to these overdose deaths than meets the eye. No one else seems to care, but Jessie won't rest until she figures out what's really going on. Even if it means putting herself in the crosshairs of a killer's weapon.
First Cut is the debut novel of wife/husband team Judy Melinek and T.J. Mitchell and the first installment in a new mystery series. A Harvard-educated forensic pathologist with many years of experience, Dr. Melinek clearly knows her stuff. First Cut is filled with interesting, though graphic and gory, depictions of medical examiner life. Storywise, the novel isn't anything mystery/thriller lovers haven't seen before. The tale is predictable, the killer not all that surprising. There's enough action to keep readers turning pages, though. Jessie is a complex, admirable heroine, although she's impulsive and has questionable people-judging skills. Overall, First Cut is an engrossing book, but one I didn't end up loving. I doubt I'll continue with the series.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of the Temperance Brennan series by Kathy Reichs)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, blood/gore, sexual content, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of First Cut from the generous folks at HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Newest Not My Favorite Maeve Kerrigan, But Still ...
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Cruel Acts, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from earlier Maeve Kerrigan mysteries. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
Guilty?
A year ago, Leo Stone was convicted of murdering two women and sentenced to life in prison. Now he’s been freed on a technicality, and he’s protesting his innocence.
A year ago, Leo Stone was convicted of murdering two women and sentenced to life in prison. Now he’s been freed on a technicality, and he’s protesting his innocence.
Not guilty?
DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent are determined to put Stone back behind bars where he belongs, but the more Maeve digs, the less convinced she is that he did it.
The wrong decision could be deadly…
Then another woman disappears in similar circumstances. Is there a copycat killer, or have they been wrong about Stone from the start?
I'm a big fan of the Maeve Kerrigan series by Jane Casey and while Cruel Acts, the eighth installment, isn't my favorite, it's still an engrossing read. It has some disturbing themes and yet, I couldn't stop turning pages. The murderer's identity caught me by surprise, which is always good. My favorite part of the novel and, really all the books in the series, is Maeve herself. She's a great character—brave, tough, down-to-earth, and passionate about her job. Watching her relationship with Josh Derwent, her work partner, evolve is always fun. All in all, then, I found the book compelling, even if it's maybe my least favorite in the series.DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent are determined to put Stone back behind bars where he belongs, but the more Maeve digs, the less convinced she is that he did it.
The wrong decision could be deadly…
Then another woman disappears in similar circumstances. Is there a copycat killer, or have they been wrong about Stone from the start?
(Readalikes: Other books in the Maeve Kerrigan series, including Left for Dead [novella], The Burning, The Reckoning, The Last Girl, The Stranger You Know, The Kill, After the Fire, Let the Dead Speak, One in Custody [novella], and Love Lies Bleeding [novella])
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, blood/gore, sexual innuendo, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I bought an e-copy of Cruel Acts from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Thursday, November 07, 2019
Despite Familiar Plot, First Installment in Mystery/Thriller Series Still Compelling
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
I grew up in Washington in a tiny town that no one's ever heard of. Except for mystery/thriller writer Robert Dugoni, apparently. My sister mentioned that one of the books in his popular Tracy Crosswhite series, which is set in The Evergreen State, talked about not just our little village, but also referenced nearby ones like Pucker Huddle. That was enough to get me to check out the series! All in all, I'm glad I did.
The first installment, My Sister's Grave, introduces readers to Tracy, a high school chemistry teacher turned homicide detective. At 42, she's still haunted by the rape and murder of her younger sister 20 years ago. Although the body has never been found, a man named Edmund House was convicted for the crime. To Tracy, the evidence against him has never really stacked up, leading her to wonder if he's truly guilty.
When the remains of Sarah Crosswhite are finally discovered, Tracy pushes her colleagues to reopen her sister's case. While examining the details of Sarah's short life, the detective discovers long-buried secrets and lies, which cause her to see the past in a whole new light. The more she digs, the more she finds, which puts Tracy in the crosshairs of a dangerous killer. Can she figure out who killed Sarah before she becomes the next victim?
As you can tell from the plot summary, there's nothing super new or original about My Sister's Grave. It tells a familiar story, but one that does offer up some twists and turns I didn't see coming. The thriller gets a little long, true. Still, it kept me reading. Overall, I like the characters in this one enough to continue on with the series. After all, I have to get to the installment that mentions the little Columbia River Gorge towns that I know and love (even if no one else does)!
(Readalikes: Reminds me of lots of mystery/thriller novels, although no specific title is coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, blood/gore, mild sexual content, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Friday, October 04, 2019
In a Word: Meh
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When a body is found in the small town of Portland, Pennsylvania, it's obvious the dead man has been the victim of a brutal murder. The crime bears an eerie resemblance to a 20-year-old killing, a cold case that has never been solved. Since the locals are notoriously unwilling to talk to outsiders, Portland native Parker Reed is assigned as lead detective on the case.
Becca Kingsley, another native, returns to her hometown around the same time to care for her estranged father, who is now dying of cancer. As she rekindles her friendship with Parker, her best friend and unrequited high school crush, old feelings quickly surface. But with the murder investigation turning up old rumors and long-buried secrets, Becca begins to question everything and everyone she's ever known. The killer is likely someone local. But, who? The more Parker and Becca uncover, the more dangerous life in Portland becomes for them ...
I usually love thrillers like River Bodies, the first in a new series by Karen Katchur, but sadly, this one left much to be desired. The characters are mostly unlikeable, which makes them difficult to connect and empathize with. I found the motorcycle gang, both its members and its activities, especially cliché and far-fetched. In addition, since we know from the outset who the murderer is, the book lacks suspense—a key element in a compelling thriller. The novel's overall vibe is sad, depressing, and overall, kind of pointless. That being said, I did find myself invested enough in the story to finish the book, but I can't say it was a satisfying read because it just ... wasn't. Needless to say, I won't be moving on with the series.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other small-town mystery/thriller series, although no specific titles are coming to mind)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a few F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, blood/gore, and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Appealing Heroine and Twisty Mystery Make Series Debut an Engaging Start
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Although Jazz Ramsey has a job she enjoys as an administrative assistant at St. Catherine's Preparatory Academy, a girls-only school in Cleveland, her real love is training cadaver dogs. One night, while running drills with a clever canine in an abandoned building, Jazz is shocked when Luther discovers a dead body. The remains are those of a young woman wearing Goth clothes and makeup. Underneath all the camouflage, Jazz is stunned to see a girl she recognizes. Kind of. Florentine "Florrie" Allen had a much more subtle appearance while she attended St. Catherine's, but there's no doubt it's her. What was she doing in the old, deserted building? Who hated the girl enough to strangle her to death? And what happened to Florrie to cause such a dramatic change in her appearance?
Jazz's ex-boyfriend, Detective Nick Kolesov, warns her to let the police handle the investigation, but she can't get Florrie out of her mind. She has to know what happened. While her amateur detecting brings her closer to the truth, it also puts her own life in danger. Can Jazz crack the case before the killer strikes again? Or will Luther be sniffing out her corpse next?
Kylie Logan has authored several cozy mystery series; The Scent of Murder is her first foray into more serious crime fiction. I'm glad she made the jump as this novel features an appealing heroine, a twisty plot, and dynamic prose, all elements I very much appreciate. It's an engaging whodunit that's compelling and fast-paced, but remains PG-13 in content, an unusual feat for books in this genre. I enjoyed Logan's descriptions of Cleveland's vibrant Tremont neighborhood as well as the warm relationships she creates between Jazz and her family. I'm also interested to see what happens between her and Nick. The Scent of Murder is the first book in the Jazz Ramsey series; I can't wait to see what happens in the next one!
(Readalikes: Reminds me of A Borrowing of Bones by Paula Munier)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, and innuendo
To the FTC, with love: Honestly, I can't remember where I picked up my copy of this book. Sorry, FTC.
Wednesday, August 07, 2019
Despite Intriguing Premise, Crime Novel A Little Disappointing
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Fifteen years ago, two young women vanished from a Baltimore shopping mall, never to be seen again. The sisters' mysterious disappearance baffled local police then and continues to puzzle cold case enthusiasts now. How does someone lure away a tween and a teen at the same time? If the girls were kidnapped and held, where are they now? If they were killed, where are there bones? If they ran away together, why haven't they ever returned? The questions only lead to more questions.
Then, a 38-year-old woman is involved in a car accident. When questioned by the police, she claims to be Heather Bethany, the youngest of the missing girls. Although "Jane Doe" knows enough details about the case to be convincing, the holes in her story are enough to make Detective Kevin Infante doubt the woman is who she claims to be. The few clues "Jane" is willing to part with only lead to dead ends. Is the woman just toying with the police to get attention? Does she know what really happened to Heather and Sunny Bethany fifteen years ago? Will a 15-year-old crime finally be solved? Or will the police be left, once again, with more mystifying questions that lead absolutely nowhere?
I find the missing returned trope utterly fascinating, so I'm always drawn to novels like What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman. Perhaps it's because I've already read several novels with similar plots that I found this one a bit disappointing. True, What the Dead Know is a tense, fast-paced thriller that kept me frantically turning pages. Still, with its unlikeable characters, predictable end, and depressing vibe, I didn't end up loving this one. I didn't hate it either; I just feel kind of ... ambivalent about it. I've enjoyed other books by Lippman, but What the Dead Know just didn't quite do it for me. Bummer.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of The Stranger Game by Cylin Busby; Never Missing, Never Found by Amanda Panitch; and Only Daughter by Anna Snoekstra)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language, violence, sexual content, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Friday, July 12, 2019
A Lot to Love in Engaging, Atmospheric Native American Mystery Series Debut
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Fire-Sky tribal member Sandra Deering had everything going for her, including a college degree she was about to receive. Why would she have committed suicide just when she stood on the cusp of getting everything she'd worked so hard for? It doesn't make any sense, especially since Sandra's is the latest in a string of suspicious deaths linked to the Fire-Sky people. Like Sandra, the victims appear to have been murdered by a killer familiar enough with the tribe's beliefs to make sure his/her victims cannot receive proper burials, dooming their spirits to wander the earth forever.
Monique "Nicky" Matthews, a sergeant and special agent working with the Fire-Sky Pueblo Police, is called in to investigate. Along with her partner, a suave newcomer she's not sure she can trust, Nicky begins looking into the odd deaths. Guided by good police work as well as the strange visions that have always been a part of her life, she uncovers some very sinister goings-on on the rez.
Determined to catch a murderer and bring closure and peace to the victims' families, Nicky will stop at nothing to solve the case. With the people she loves being threatened and her own neck on the line, she'll have to risk everything to bring the cold-blooded killer to justice. Can Nicky catch the culprit in time to save lives or will her spirit be the next to join the tortured souls already on eternal walkabout?
In the tradition of Tony Hillerman, Carol Potenza has penned an exciting, well-written mystery steeped in Native American tradition and culture. Although the Fire-Sky people are fictional, their beliefs are based on those of known tribes, giving Hearts of the Missing an authentic feel. The characters in this satisfying debut are well-drawn and complex, the setting is vivid and atmospheric, the plot is taut and twisty, and the prose is skilled and readable. In short, there's a lot to love here. I thoroughly enjoyed this series debut and can't wait to see what the next installment brings.
(Readalikes: I've read very little Hillerman, but Hearts of the Missing definitely reminds me of his novels, as well as the Wind River Reservation mystery series by Margaret Coel.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (two F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, blood/gore, references to illegal drug use, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Tuesday, July 09, 2019
Top Ten Tuesday: My Favorite Super Sleuths of the Book World
I've been a bit absent from the blog of late thanks to a huge genealogy project I'm working on. It's the first step in earning accreditation from ICAPGen and it's been a doozy! The finish line is in sight, so I'm taking a break from that to give my blog a little love today. It's been feeling neglected, poor baby! I'm just about ready to submit my genealogy project; after that, I'll be back to BBB to post long overdue reviews, announce the winner in the giveaway I hosted recently, comment on your posts, answer emails, etc. In the meantime, let's riff on today's fun Top Ten Tuesday prompt: Character Freebie (any topic you want that deals with book characters).
As always, TTT is hosted by Jana over at That Artsy Reader Girl. Click on over to her blog to read some quick instructions, then join the party. It's an enjoyable way to show your love across the book blogosphere, find new blogs to enjoy, and, of course, add to your always-growing TBR list. What could be more fun?
For today's topic, I'm going to go with my Top Ten Favorite Fictional Sleuths You've (Probably) Never Heard Of. It's no secret that I love me a good psychological thriller/crime novel, especially if it's set in an exotic locale. Even though they're often gritty, gory, and disturbing, giving me nightmares and corroding my delicate soul, I can't seem to stay away from my guilty pleasure! So, when I saw today's topic, I immediately knew I wanted to use this freebie to highlight some of my favorite crime-stopping stars of the fictional (book, not screen) world.
To be clear, I'm going to be talking about professionals (we'll save amateurs for another time), or at least characters who work closely with the police department, even if they're not coppers themselves. Even though a list like this would usually include household-name sleuths like Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Harry Bosch, etc., the truth is, I'm not much for classic mysteries and I haven't read a lot of the popular modern(ish) crime writers like Michael Connelly, Patricia Cornwell, Sue Grafton, etc. So, yeah, the police personnel in this list might be folks with whom you're not familiar at the moment, but they're characters you're definitely going to want to get to know if you enjoy crime fiction. All the folks featured are series leads, so the first book in their various series is shown.
Interestingly enough, my list features five police(ish) investigators from North America and five from the U.K. I threw in a new favorite from Australia just to even things out. I know I'm missing awesome detectives from all over the world, so please let me know which I should be getting to know. Who are your favorite fictional detectives?
Top
1. Armand Gamache (Canada)—My hands-down favorite fictional detective of all-time is Louise Penny's delightful Chief Inspector Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec. A consummate gentleman, he's intelligent, kind, and honorable. He's also shrewd and tenacious when he needs to be. I love him and his comrades so much that I'm reading this series slowly so I can savor every delicious word!
2. Dr. Temperance Brennan (Canada and U.S.)—Tempe is not a police officer, but she is a forensic anthropologist who works closely (very closely sometimes) with a sexy detective to solve murders both in Montreal and in the U.S. Like her creator, Kathy Reichs, Tempe is a knowledgable, dedicated scientist. She's also spunky, funny, caring, and just a whole lot of fun. I've read all the books in this series and am stoked that a new one will be out soon.
3. Bell Elkins (U.S.)—I've talked about this series, penned by Julia Keller, a lot, so this name may ring a bell (see what I did there?). Belfa is the prosecuting attorney for a fictional, down-on-its-luck county in West Virginia. Working with her friend in the local police department, she solves crimes committed by a host of quirky Appalachian characters. I'm caught up on this series and anxiously awaiting the newest installment, The Cold Way Home, which comes out next month.
4. Lincoln Rhyme (U.S.)—A brilliant creation of Jeffery Deaver, Lincoln is a quadriplegic forensic criminalist. He's smart, sarcastic, self-deprecating, shrewd, and determined to put bad guys behind bars, even if, these days, he has to do it from a wheelchair. I'm behind in this series, but it's one I enjoy, especially because of its unique hero.
5. Anna Pigeon (U.S.)—Admittedly, I've only read the first book in Nevada Barr's series starring Anna, but I like her and will definitely read more about her. In Track of the Cat—the series opener—she's a 39-year-old widow working as an enforcement ranger at a national park in Texas when she comes across the body of a dead colleague. Unable to convince her superiors that the death is suspicious, Anna decides to investigate on her own. As a sleuth, she's brave, compassionate, and likable. I'll definitely pick up more books in this exciting series.
6. The Dublin Murder Squad (Ireland)—This is a bit of a cheat since the squad is made up of more than one detective, but still ... I've enjoyed all of Tana French's books starring this collection of coppers solving crimes in The Fair City. French only publishes every two years, which makes die-hard fans like me very impatient for each new installment!
7. Maeve Kerrigan (England)—This Irish-born detective constable works the mean streets of London in a constant effort to convict bad guys while proving herself to her mostly-male colleagues. While the male coppers ridicule her for her "womanly" empathy, it's a big part of what makes her a great detective—and an eternally likable character. Jane Casey has created a tough, but caring police professional of whom I just can't get enough. Maeve's newest adventure, Cruel Acts, comes out soon. I can't wait!
8. Lacey Flint (England)—A detective constable assigned to locate London's stolen property, Lacey is just as enigmatic and complex as her oxymoronic name suggests. Intent on proving herself capable of more than tracking down missing bicycles, she takes on risks and danger in an effort to show her male colleagues just how valuable she can really be. Sharon Bolton is a master of gritty crime novels and Lacey Flint is, in my humble opinion, her greatest creation to date.
9. Cormac Reily (Ireland)—With only two books under his belt, this detective sergeant working in Galway is a new kid on the block. But he's definitely one to watch. Cormac is an understated character, one who's going to be very intriguing to watch as his series moves on. Dervla McTiernan has definitely caught my attention with the first two Cormac Reily books. I'm anxiously awaiting the third!
10. Fin Macleod (Scotland)—In The Blackhouse, the first book in a trilogy starring Fin, the Edinburgh detective is sent to his native Outer Hebrides to investigate a murder there that bears an unsettling resemblance to one that has just occurred in Edinburgh. Fin is a complex, empathetic character who's as moody and broody as the islands he once called home. I've read a number of books by Peter May and Fin is my favorite of his many creations.
11. Aaron Falk (Australia)—Like McTiernan, Jane Harper has published two crime novels featuring an intriguing male detective about whom I'd like to read more. Aaron is a Federal Police investigator who's as underrated as Cormac Reily, but also committed and compassionate. I was a *little* disappointed to discover that Harper's third novel doesn't feature this intriguing character (even though it was an excellent crime novel just the same). Here's hoping her next one does.
There you go, eleven fictional detectives I enjoy reading about. Which police(ish) sleuths do you dig? What are your favorite crime novels (and/or writers)? I'd love to know, especially if they're similar to the ones I've listed above. Leave me a comment on this post and I'll gladly return the favor on your blog.
Happy TTT!
Subscribe to:
Posts
(Atom)
Readin'
Beach Thriller by Jamie Day
Listenin'
Hidden Rooms by Kate Michaelson
Followin' with Feedly
-
-
-
-
Sweet Spot by Kemper Donovan4 hours ago
-
Grab my Button!
Blog Design by:
2026 Goodreads Reading Challenge
2024 - Elementary/Middle Grade Nonfiction
2023 - Middle Grade Fiction
2022 - Middle Grade Fiction
2021 - Middle Grade Fiction
2020 - Middle Grade Fiction
