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click on links for buying info 20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill Published by William Morrow ISBN-10: 0061147974 Reviewed by Glen Clooney, New Mystery Reader Joe Hill is an excellent writer. That's all there is to it. In this collection of short stories he demonstrates clear skill with depth of character and a strong ability to completely draw the reader into each tale. The title of the book comes from the second story. These are not horror stories in the traditional sense -- they are well-told tales of oddball people in unusual situations. My favorite was "Pop Art", which is perhaps the strangest tale of them all, though they are all thrilling, touching, vivid stories. This anthology may not appeal to the die-hard gore/horror fans, but to anyone who simply enjoys a good read you can't go wrong with this book. Joe Hill has established himself as an unique and greatly talented writer.
Death and the Devil by Frank Schatzing Publisher: William Morrow ISBN: 978-0-06-13498-5 Reviewed by Kathryn Lawson, New Mystery Reader While in a treetop stealing apples, Jacob the Fox witnesses the murder of a prominent architect, who whispers his dying words in Jacob’s ear and thereby puts Jacob on the run from powerful interests embroiled in a ruthless struggle for control of Cologne. To make matters worse, the murderer’s strength and agility are so superhuman that Jacob believes that the killing may have been the work of the Devil himself. Jacob teams up with some unlikely allies (including a beautiful clothes-dyer’s daughter) to try to uncover the conspiracy and identify the murderer, before he loses his life. Death and the Devil is set in Cologne in 1260, and Schatzing pulls the reader into his descriptions of a variety of locales within the city (a house of prostitution, a monastery, a bathhouse, a leper colony). Unfortunately, the effort to provide historical detail often results in dialogue that is a bit forced, as when one of Jacob’s allies embarks on long narratives on the history of the city and the power structure within. This self-consciously didactic tone lessens the emotional depth and impact of the characters. The plot has a number of credible twists, but the pacing is slow. If you want to soak in the atmosphere of medieval Germany, then this is a good read. If you prefer more character-driven stories, or those with high levels of suspense, this may not be the book for you.
The Good Thief's Guide to Amsterdam by Chris Ewan Publisher: St. Martin's Minotaur ISBN: 978-0-312-37633-8 Reviewed by Anne K. Edwards, New Mystery Reader Charlie Howard is a suspense writer who is currently living in Amsterdam while writing his latest novel. Imagine his reaction when someone tells him, "I want you to steal something for me." How did that someone know Charlie is also a thief? Even though he denies knowing what the person is talking about, Charlie's interest is piqued. What he is supposed to steal are two small monkeys that look like part of the hear-no-evil, see-no-evil, speak-no-evil set. What value could they possibly have? This is a fun read all the way through. Charlie has problems with his book, he wants to find out who fingered him as a thief, he is kidnapped, and meets some interesting people as he becomes involved in a murder. Talented author Chris Ewan has written a well crafted story that will hold your attention as the action unfolds. Imagine the trouble an American writer/thief might have with the law in a country where he doesn't speak the language and join Charlie as he tries to find out what he's gotten into. I'm pleased to recommend this tale highly as a read well worth the time for any mystery/suspense fan who likes meeting interesting characters. Lots going on in this story. Enjoy. I sure did.
The Dells by Michael Blair Publisher: The Dundurn Group ISBN: 97801055002-752-5 Reviewed by Anne K. Edwards, New Mystery Reader Joe Shoe hasn't been home for a while and his return isn't something he particularly looks forward to. He's grown apart from his brother and sister, but his parents are aging and it is time to pay them a visit. He arrives in time to find an old neighbor has been murdered in his parent's back yard. The man had been gone for decades and suddenly returns to be killed. Joe is questioned by a woman cop who he finally recognizes. The kids he knew are all middle aged now like himself and it is a shock to see the changes in some. He meets an old girlfriend, an ex-friend, and old enemies. The investigation into the murder involves Joe with many from the past and his family too. It brings out secrets and exposes activities of local toughs who were young toughs once. A woman is murdered and the question is, are the deaths connected. Then Joe's sister and a friend disappear. Danger seems to be all around. Will they be found in time?Talented author Michael Blair uses his sure knowledge of people's natures and lets his characters do what they will do. The result is a tension filled, exciting read you will not want to put down and you will be looking for other books by this fine writer. I'm pleased to highly recommend this tale as one you will want to read more than once. Enjoy. I sure did.
Killer Riff by Sheryl J. Anderson Publisher: St. Martin's Minotaur ISBN-10: 0312351410 Reviewed by Stephanie Padilla, New Mystery Reader After having solved a major crime and nearly dying in the process, NY City's advice columnist Molly Forrester couldn't be happier with her promotion to a feature's reporter for her magazine. Her first assignment is to interview the daughter of a legendary rock promoter for a featured profile after his death by an accidental overdose. But, of course, in Molly's world nothing is so ever cut and dried, with her story soon revealing accusations of not just one murder, but two: the promoter and the legendary rock star he once represented who too died in much the same way. The connection between the two seems to be a set of underground and never released recordings of the musician, recordings that if actually exist could be worth millions. But getting anything out of the very dysfunctional families left behind by the two dead men is going to take some work, and Molly will not only once again put herself in a very dangerous position looking for answers, but will also have to face the hunky detective who left her for that very same reason last time around. It's easy to see why this series has often been compared to "Sex in the City", with Molly and her crew of glamorous and successful girlfriends, her hunky boyfriend, and the bright lights of NY City all fairly reeking of the show's glib and flighty banter, up-to-the-minute fashions, and hearty gossiping sessions of men, career and shoes. So, if this is the kinda thing you like, you'll love this one. Admittedly, most men and the more staid type of female might find this a little too chick lit for their tastes, but that being said, it's still a charming bit of entertainment for those willing to give it a shot.
The Pure Heart by Susan Hill Publisher: Overlook Hardcover ISBN-10: 1585679283 Reviewed by Stephanie Padilla, New Mystery Reader In her follow up to The Various Haunts of Men, Hill continues her saga of tragedy, life, hope, love and loss of the residents of the England cathedral village of Lafferton. This time out, DCI Simon Serrailler is summoned back home from a vacation with the news that his younger sister Martha, who has been severely disabled since birth, might be dying. And while she does eventually recover, it doesn't take long for Simon to be thrust into another tragedy; that of a young boy's sudden disappearance from outside his home. With not even a single clue to follow in the boy's abduction, and still reeling from the previous year's tragedies, Simon, his team of investigators, and the whole community are thrust once again into the spotlight as they face yet another event that will shake the foundation of the entire village to its very core. As with her first outing, Hill once again creates a story that is more about the personal dramas of the citizens of this special community than the solving of a particular mystery; one that details emotions and consequences, rather than procedures and facts. And, as before, she continues to do it with great empathy, insight, and poignancy. A story rife with sentiments that are both familiar and provocative, Hill once again encapsulates a place and time that could be anywhere and everywhere, and one filled with such promise that readers will eagerly anticipate another return.
Dead Man's Hand Edited by Otto Penzler Publisher: Harcourt ISBN-10: 0151012776 Reviewed by Dana King, New Mystery Reader Robert B. Parker once wrote, "Otto Penzler knows more about crime fiction than most people know about anything.” Penzler’s place in the pantheon of crime fiction has been secure for years, and he shows no sign of losing any zip off his high hard one at sixty-five. In recent years he has edited a series of themed anthologies, including Murder for Love, Murder on the Ropes, and last year’s triple header, Murder at the Foul Line, Murder at the Racetrack, and Murder in the Rough. This year’s addition, Dead Man’s Hand: Crime Fiction and the Poker Table should make readers hope Mr. Penzler’s imagination for concocting scenarios doesn’t run dry any time soon. As always, Penzler has attracted an impressive line-up for this series of short stories. He knew not to restrict them; the only stipulation was for each story to involve poker in some way. Some stories treat the game as incidental; shopping or rock climbing could have sufficed just as well. Some link their stories intrinsically with the falls of the cards, and the propensities of those who stake their livelihoods – and sometimes more – on chance, and confidence in their ability to tell what someone else is thinking. Walter Moseley’s “Mr. In-Between” has a master fixer use a poker game for more than just the exchange of funds. The best story of the set, Jeffery Deaver’s “Bump,” capitalizes on the popularity of televised poker to explore the ethical similarities of criminals and television producers. “The Monks of the Abbey Victoria,” Rupert Holmes’s entry, has a set-up and twist that meets the description of perfect mystery as well as anything this side of The Shawshank Redemption. (The ending must be a surprise, and yet seem inevitable.) “One Dollar Jackpot” showcases Michael Connelly’s procedural skills (and Harry Bosch) in a quick, yet satisfying episode Law and Order could learn from. An interesting subtext to the poker theme lies in several contributors’ use of children. Teenagers, anyway. Joyce Carol Oates’s “Strip Poker” shows how a fourteen-year-old girl grows up in a hurry. “Pitch Black,” by Christopher Coake, uses the poker game as a minor, yet key point, in a fascinating and unusual coming of age story. “Poker and Shooter,” by Sue DeNymme, would fit right into one of Hitchcock’s old anthologies. Alexander McCall Smith shows how students can become attached to teachers in “In the Eyes of Children.” Other talented writers also make appearances: Sam Hill, Parnell Hall, Peter Robinson, Eric van Lustbader, Laura Lippman, John Lescroart, and Lorenzo Carcaterra all have worthy contributions. Not all stories measure up to the expectations set by the best; that’s the nature of any anthology. Nothing here is a disappointment. Dead Man’s Hand is a wonderful companion, especially when you have more taste for a quality mystery than time to read. Enjoy these one at a time, or all at once, as circumstances allow. You won’t be sorry.
Cat Deck The Halls by Shirley Rousseau Murphy Publisher: Wm Morrow ISBN: 978-0-06-112395-5 Reviewed by Anne K. Edwards, New Mystery Reader Are you a cat fancier? Do you like the idea of talking cats? Several people in the coastal town of Molena Point, California, are acquainted with or live with cats who talk, cats like Joel Grey, Dulcie and Kit. These extraordinary cats take a deep interest in human doings and have a deep respect for the law. So when Kit discovers a body with a little girl clinging to it, she puts in a call to the police chief. You could imagine his consternation if he were to discover who his snitch is. The residents of Molena Point will be old friends if you've read any other Joel Grey stories by talented author Shirley Rousseau Murphy, or you'll have the pleasure of making their acquaintance if this is the first of these delightful tales you've read. A wonderfully balanced tale between the cats and humans as they interact with each other. You'll be one of those who has the secret knowledge that some of the town cats can talk while long time residents of the town don't know and may never. It's a secret to hug to yourself as you join Joel Grey, his friends--both cat and human, in another mystery of a disappearing body, a child who can't speak, newcomers to the town and how close others come to the secret of the cats. I'm pleased to highly recommend this engrossing tale to any and all. Whether you are a cat fancier or not, this well told tale and its great cast of character gives enjoyment you will long remember. It is something different in the mystery genre that may have you talking to cats--just in case... Enjoy. I sure did.
A Widow’s Curse by Phillip DePoy Publisher: St. Martin's Minotaur ISBN: 978-0-312-36202-7 Reviewed by Kathryn Lawson, New Mystery Reader When a stranger approaches folklorist Dr. Fever Devilin about the story behind a mysterious coin, Fever accepts the assignment with no expectation of anything but an interesting diversion. When the coin leads back to Fever’s own family, however, he finds himself struggling to solve mysteries of both the past and the present. DePoy deftly weaves together murder, unrequited passion, intergenerational curses, and valuable artifacts, in a story that connects a homicide in Ireland to the Cherokee Trail of Tears through a web of family relationships and bitterness. The novel is rich in historical detail, but does not become bogged down in unnecessary description. Pacing is leisurely, reflecting life in Blue Mountain, Georgia, where the story is set. DePoy’s characters (living and dead) are interesting and multidimensional, from angst-ridden Fever himself, to his promiscuous mother and magician father, to his brash buddy Dr. Winton Andrews and a nefarious local lawyer Taylor. There is an affectionately argumentative interplay between Fever and Andrews that enlivens the action. An ideal book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon.
The Graving Dock by Gabriel Cohen Publisher: St. Martin's Minotaur ISBN-10: 0312362668 Reviewed by Stephanie Padilla, Editor-New Mystery Reader Not yet fully recovered from being shot during his last case just a few months previously, NYPD homicide detective Jack Leightner is still ready to go back into action when a coffin carrying the body of a young boy with the letters G.I. marked on his forehead is found floating in the river off the Brooklyn Pier. And while further investigation of the boy's death seems to point more towards a mercy killing than a homicide, the appearance of another body bearing the same signature soon after makes it all too apparent this is a killer that must be found. Meanwhile, Jack must not only face solving a couple of other cases along the way, including why his new temporary partner is so edgy, but he must also find a way to find a way to put the engagement ring he just bought on the hand of the woman he wants to marry. With his setting of New York City and environs just months following 9/11, Cohen creates a vivid and realistic backdrop that effortlessly places the reader firmly inside the story; the streets and sounds and smells of this time and place coming vibrantly alive in this talented author's hands. And when combined with characters, dialogue, and investigative details that smack of authenticity, the immersion into the tale is made complete, with the sense of realness being so complete that the mystery itself seems to be the background for this time, people, and place instead of the other way around. If for no other reason, this is why this book comes recommended; this is one author who knows how to write and knows how to transport the reader from where they are to where he wants them to be.
Terminal by Andrew Vachss
Spider Trap by Barry Maitland Publisher: St. Martin's Minotaur ISBN-10: 0312369085 Reviewed by Dana King, New Mystery Reader Spider Trap is Barry Maitland’s ninth mystery featuring Detective Chief Inspector David Brock and Detective Sergeant Kathy Kolla. Carefully plotted and professionally told, there’s no reason to doubt a tenth installment is coming. Brock and Kolla are called when two teenaged girls are shot execution-style in a Jamaican neighborhood of London. Within a day, a young local boy exploring the open ground on the other side of some train tracks is nearly electrocuted when he brushes against the third rail. He went looking for a rumored artifact that had achieved legendary status among his classmates. He found a human jaw bone, which eventually leads to three skeletons at least twenty years old. Maitland’s plot turns more than it twists; complex, but not complicated. The story bows in the direction of Ross Macdonald, with long-buried family secrets made destructive when brought into the open by a random act. It’s also a procedural of the Ed McBain school, a novel about people who happen to be cops. Brock and Kolla have lives apart from the investigation, and the relationship between them is interesting and believable. Maitland is too clever to go for cheap sexual tension, or a simple a surrogate father/daughter combination. Favored uncle and pet niece maybe, interested in the other’s welfare, always careful not to overstep the relationship’s boundaries. Any book worthy of comparison to Macdonald and McBain has to be pretty good. A few nagging gaps keep Spider Trap from rising to the level of either of those masters. The writing is competent, but lacks beauty or much wit. The style is plain – appropriate in this context – but also dry, and never separates itself from the thousand or so other mysteries that will compete for your attention this year. The plot, while never frustratingly convoluted, has holes of its own. No correlation is evident between the dead girls and the old skeletons other than geographical proximity, yet Brock insists on investigating them as related crimes. A clue may be inserted with negligible fanfare (which is fine; make the reader pay attention), and apparently disregarded by the cops until it’s used to explain something they’ve deduced because of it. The effect is to make it seem like a bit of a cheat. The reader also has to wonder how cops clever enough to get out of some of the situations they find themselves in were dumb or careless enough to get into the situation in the first place. Kolla makes comments she should keep to herself to someone she shouldn’t be talking to at all, and your mind is screaming, “Shut up, dummy!” because you know no good can come of this, but she doesn’t. On the other hand, there’s a gun used in homicides separated by twenty-four years, so the criminals aren’t the brightest floodlights in the prison, either. Spider Trap is well and tightly written, but the end result falls short of the sum of its parts. The depiction of London puts you there and the characters have all three dimensions; the plot will keep you guessing without losing you. The holes mentioned above don’t ruin the book; they just make it a minor disappointment, not quite as good as its strengths led you to believe it might be.
Wicked Ways by Donna Hill Publisher: St. Martin's Press ISBN-10: 0312354223 Reviewed by Stephanie Padilla, Editor-New Mystery Reader In this sequel to Getting Hers, Hill brings back the dynamic trio of women who, after having gotten rid of certain pesky people in their lives through some ingenious plan, are now trying to settle in Aruba while running a high-class brothel. However, as is usually the case, their desperate crimes have followed them. And in one of the woman's case, the man from the other side of the law she fell hard for and thought she'd never see again. And as the secrets the women have slowly begin to be revealed, their trust in each other will begin to crumble as friend turns upon friend, leaving them facing the biggest threat of all: Each other. Having not read the prequel, I was a bit worried about how difficult it might be to get involved with this follow-up. A concern that was thankfully soon dispelled by Hill's ability to not only include salient facts from before, but to do it in a way that blended effortlessly with the resulting current drama. And for those who did read the first, no worries, she manages to throw in quite a few surprises that will more than shock. And while it's unthinkable to condone what these women have done, somehow their Machiavellian tale of revenge, betrayal, and greed is impossible to put down. A quick and very dirty read that while probably would be even better if having read the first, still manages to completely enthrall throughout in this stunning follow-up.
Hitman by Parnell Hall Publisher: Pegasus Books ISBN: 978-1-933648-53-8 Reviewed by Anne K. Edwards, New Mystery Reader An unlikely hitman hires Stanley Hastings to stop him from doing a job. Is he for real? That is what Stanley is trying to find out before he takes the job. Talented author Parnell Hall gives the reader something different in this tale--an unexpected twist in a plot that is in itself different. A touch of tongue-in-cheek gives the bleak business of murder a light touch and you'll find yourself smiling as you read. Questioning lawyers and police about his possible new client don't produce results so he'll have to do the digging himself to decide if he takes the case or not. Join Stanley as the plot unfolds and he finds himself involved in murder. Did the self-confessed hitman do it? An easy-paced read with an intriguing cast of characters you'll enjoy meeting. A definite break from the usual mystery that provides humor as well as murder and the hunt for a killer and the identity of his intended victim. Enjoy. I did.
Die With Me by Elena Forbes Publisher: MacAdam/Cage Publishing ISBN-10: 159692277X Reviewed by Stephanie Padilla, New Mystery Reader When a young teen-aged girl is found dead on the floor of a church it's initially believed that she jumped to her own death. But when further investigation reveals some troubling evidence that she was not alone, and in fact, was not the first young teen to die in such a manner, homicide investigator Mark Tartaglia and his team are determined to solve the mystery behind the disturbing deaths. And when even more deaths follow, it becomes all too clear that there is a killer stalking the young and innocent in a deadly game. With a likable cast of investigators, a disturbing and crafty villain, and a fast-paced plot that moves ever-forward without faltering, Forbes adroitly lays the groundwork for what we hope is only her first. Most noteworthy here is her attention to characterization - not only towards her main characters, but also her victims- a talent that easily elicits the empathy needed to engage the reader throughout. A very promising beginning, this is one that shouldn't be missed. |
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New Mystery Reader Magazine editor@newmysteryreader.com
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