Fiction Addict

Genre: Suspense, Mystery, Supernatural

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: July 2009

Reviewed by James Andrew Wilson

On page 285 of Faces in the Fire, readers will finally come to chapter one. This is important because the final chapter will have already been read back on page 78. While this might sound like a lawsuit against the printing press just waiting to happen, it is in fact the deliberate and brilliant mix-up that author T.L. Hines intended.

Faces in the Fire is a difficult book to describe. At a basic level, it is the story of four characters whose lives are mysteriously connected by a ten-digit number:1595544534. Kurt is a sculptor with the odd ability to hear ghostly voices from articles of clothing. Corrine is a professional email spammer suffering from lymphoma. Grace is a tattoo artist whose arm itches for another shot of heroin. And Stan is a hit man with a gift for killing that he can’t escape.

These characters are unique and richly crafted. As the title implies, they are people who find themselves facing the fire; their stories of pain and their journeys to redemption are beautiful, mesmerizing and inspiring. And Hines writes them with an easy-to-read style that dances between off-kilter humor, insightful ponderings, and fresh plays on words that make for a nice sort of poetry in the prose.

That being said, this is a complex book that requires a patient reader to see it through to the end. Most of the suspense arises from a curiosity to know what in the world is going on. Mysteries and oddities are all over the place, some of which are never completely answered. Or maybe they are. It all depends on what you think the book ultimately means and what the mysterious numbers represent. To each of the four main characters, those ten digits are something different, something unexplainable, but ultimately magical.

I don’t think it’s any mistake that those numbers are hidden in the novel’s ISBN number. They are a good metaphor for the book as a whole. This story will mean something different to each reader. Those who are willing to trust Hines to guide them through the puzzling pages will close the book with the feeling that they have been shown something for which there is no easy explanation—something that is beyond the barriers of what we can understand.

Faces in the Fire is a daring and expertly crafted novel. It is a puzzle. It is a mystery. It is a memorable story that defies simple description and refuses to be placed in a genre box.

Genre: Mystery

Publisher:  Little, Brown and Company

Publication Date:  January, 2010

Reviewed by Jennifer Roman

The quintessential American vacation starts out with the family packing the car and starting off, eagerly anticipating good times.  As the drive continues, the kids ask, “Are we there yet?” while the parents just keep pressing forward.  Eventually, the family arrives at its destination and everyone has a good time.  Reading The Swan Thieves is similar to the American vacation.  It’s a long ride, but the end is worthwhile.

Dr. Andrew Marlow is a respected psychiatrist in Washington, DC.  He is also somewhat of an artist and spends a great deal of his free time painting.  A colleague refers a special case to him because of his interest in painting.  The patient is Robert Oliver, a prominent painter who has been arrested for attempting to slash a painting at the art museum.  The challenge Dr. Marlow faces is that Robert refuses to speak, except to tell him that he may talk to his ex wife and to Mary.  Dr. Marlow therefore embarks on a journey to figure out this troubled character, mostly by interviewing the ex-Mrs. Oliver, and Mary, who turns out to be an ex-lover.  His quest to figure out this enigmatic man takes him to Virginia, Mexico, and eventually, to France.  Aided by some ancient letters Robert has in his possession, Dr. Marlowe learns fascinating things about Robert Oliver. He also learns about a female painter emerging in Nineteenth Century France when women didn’t really show their work, and why her work stops suddenly just as she is becoming lauded for her work.

The story is richly told, and in all honestly, too richly told.  It’s long- very long.  Kostova puts a lot of effort into describing scenery, painting techniques, and scenes, and the result is possibly a bit mind-boggling.  Readers not willing to put forth the time and effort will most likely abandon the novel, and that’s a shame.  There’s a great mystery to be solved and an interesting story that’s told along the way.  The characters, some likeable, some not, are fascinating and contribute greatly to the storyline.  While it is a very long and involved read, it is worth the reader’s time to pick up this novel.

Because the story deals with art, there are a lot of titles mentioned in foreign languages.  Many terms are in foreign languages, too, which may make some of the terms and storyline difficult to understand.  At times the story may have to be pieced together.

There really isn’t anything too objectionable in The Swan Thieves.  There’s minimal profanity or sexual situation.  There is no violence.  Any of the romance and intimacy is written in flowery language of days past, where the anticipation is just as exciting as the actual act.  Modern readers should not be offended at all.

Review copy provided by Little, Brown and Company.

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: August 2009

Reviewed by Elizabeth Olmedo

COLD.

Numb.

Confused.

I opened my eyes.

Too dark. Black as arctic winter.

Am I dead?

So begins Kathy Reichs’ twelfth Temperance Brennan novel, 206 Bones. As Brennan slowly gains her bearings, the reader, and Brennan, discover she is trapped in a small, dark, space. Fighting claustrophobia and panic, questions bombard her foggy thoughts—how did she get here? And who wants her out of the way? Brennan must backtrack through her fractured memories and piece together the events that led up to that moment.

Thus the reader embarks on the journey with Brennan, alternating between the past and present, as she and Lieutenant Ryan work to unravel a mystery while bodies of elderly women start to pile up. Of course, true to any Reichs novel, the heroine faces multiple challenges while attempting to uncover the truth — an anonymous tipster accusing Brennan of mishandling a case, a pesky neighbor, and problems at work, just to name a few.

206 Bones is an interesting read with twists that while surprising, aren’t shocking. The reader might not see the turn coming, but when it arrives, Reichs has set it up in a way that makes perfect sense and suddenly seems very obvious. I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a good puzzle. This novel will keep the reader’s head spinning as he or she pieces together the clues. For those concerned about vulgarity, though, as with all the Temperance Brennan novels, crude language is present.

Review copy provided by Simon and Schuster.

Genre: Mystery/Romance

Publisher: Mira

Publication Date: November 2009

Reviewed by Elizabeth Olmedo

Hannah Shay lived in Black Falls all her life. While life has never been easy, the recent attack that shocked the small town and left several dead has made everything harder. Her own brother barely escaped with his life and now people suspect the killers had inside help. Hannah fights the increasing fear that a man she grew up with is involved as she juggles running her café, studying for the bar exam, the speculations and aftermath of the recent violence, as well as dealing with the Cameron brothers.

Sean Cameron has returned to town hoping to uncover why assassins targeted and murdered his father. Hannah’s behavior together with theories he’s compiled of the event convince Sean the young woman is hiding something. He struggles to win her trust hoping to uncover the truth, but in doing so he risks losing his heart to the beautiful and stubborn woman.

Cold River is the second book in the Black Falls Series, although readers will quickly pick up the story line. Carla Neggers explains the events of the previous book—maybe too much so. Hearing the same story from every character quickly became annoying.

Neggers also tends to spell everything out. The author makes the characters’ thoughts and feelings clear through their actions and words, only to go on and state what they are. Neggers should give the reader the benefit of the doubt and tell him/her once. Sadly, this urge to explain led to much unnatural dialogue as Neggers forces too much information. The character’s unrealistic conversations slowed the story.

That aside, while Cold River presents no new takes on the romance/mystery genre, the novel provides a few hours of easy and entertaining reading. A couple of swear words show up occasionally, but it’s nice to find a book that isn’t filled with vulgar language. Readers should be aware that there is one sex scene which anyone who wishes to can easily skip and miss nothing. While this isn’t the kind of book I’d read a second or third time, its fine for a one-time read.

Review copy provided by Mira.

Genre: Thriller, Suspense, Mystery

Publisher: Bantam

Publication Date:  August 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Tim Blake is living every father’s worst nightmare. One day his teenage daughter leaves for work and never returns home. Not only are there no leads, but the people that she supposedly worked with have never even heard of her.  Trying to hold down his job as a car salesman, Tim uses every spare moment and expense to spread the word about her disappearance, hoping that someone will have seen her. He even sets up a website for people who might have information on her whereabouts.  As Tim wallows in his despair he is overjoyed when a lead from across this country surfaces. Tim is now running full out towards the possibility of hope, never realizing that the worst is yet to come.

Linwood Barclay is quickly rising to the top of my list of favorite authors and this stellar performance only propels him higher. Once again Barclay brings us a strong first person narrative from a father in the deepest throes of anguish. As a father of a little girl I found myself torn up inside along with Tim every step of the way. This all worked together for a gut wrenching, yet engaging read that refused to release my attention until the end.

Once again, the twists just don’t stop and they consistently pack a punch. I’m amazed at Barclay’s ability to hide surprises so neatly within a story, knowing just the right time to pull back the veil and amaze his audience. The suspense drips off every page and the terror is all too real.

In the midst of the thrills, Barclay also introduces some strong characters that really sell this story. From the wild child friend of Tim’s daughter, to the ever suspicious detective, and even to the highly unstable love interest, each character takes turn adding to both the despondency Tim is swimming in and the overall depth of this story.

There is some profanity and adult content readers should be aware of, but nothing on the level of Barclay’s previous work, Too Close to Home.

We’re just weeks away from Linwood Barclay’s next release, Never Look Away, and I find myself anxiously waiting what is sure to be another high quality thriller from one of my favorite new authors.

Review copy provided by Bantam.

Genre: Thriller, Suspense, Mystery

Publisher: Bantam

Publication Date: September 2008

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Jim Cutter doesn’t miss his old job. Sure, being the mayor’s driver had its perks, but no perk was worth putting up with that man. After his boss took things too far one night, Jim walked away and never looked back. Happy to be free, he started his own lawn service with his son, Derek. It also allowed him to spend more time at home with is wife, giving their relationship some much needed attention. Things seemed to be turning around for Jim. That is until his neighbors ended up dead and his son became the main suspect in their murder.

This was my first Linwood Barclay novel and it most certainly won’t be my last. After hearing comparisons to Harlan Coben, I had to find out if such lofty claims were valid.

From the opening lines Barclay weaves a tale of intrigue, murder, and mystery that keeps you guessing. Even when I thought I knew what was coming, I was continually surprised by the number of twists and how brilliantly they were orchestrated. The first person narrative of Jim Cutter is top notch and I was easily pulled into the emotional turmoil surrounding this man and his family.

Too Close to Home might be best described as a dark suburban thriller, but I’m not even sure that accurately describes the depth of this novel. Even some of the best thriller writers often neglect character development, opting instead for relentless action and pacing. Barclay expertly balances a fast paced story with the perfect amount of character building, making this story stand out above so many others written in the same vein.

The only element that seemed off here was the complete overuse of profanity. I understand a writer’s desire to create real characters, flaws and all. However, it seems that in several instances the profanity was relied upon too much, seeming forced and manufactured. There is also a smattering of adult content that some readers might want to be aware of.

Overall I was more than impressed with the level of storytelling on display here. Indeed, if you are a fan of Harlan Coben’s work you will love what Barclay brings to the table. I predict it won’t be long before fresh new thriller writers are being compared to Linwood Barclay himself.

Review copy provided by Bantam.

Genre: Mystery, Science Fiction

Publisher: Putnam Adult

Publication Date: February 2010

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Lieutenant Eve Dallas is back. J.D. Robb’s much beloved heroine of the future is taking on a new case and this game is anything but fun. When Bart Minnock, a brilliant young mastermind behind the 2060 gaming industry turns up dead in his holo unit, it seems like a relatively simple case of murder. The investigation takes an unusual turn when absolutely no forensic evidence is found in the apartment or the holo unit. It appears that Bart Minnock was alone when he was decapitated.

Things get even stickier when Dallas discovers that Minnock had a connection to her husband, Roarke. As a special consultant to the NYPSD, Roarke is usually a great help in investigations, but this time, there’s a personal spin. It seems that Roarke had been a mentor of sorts to the victim. This brings even more tension to the investigation and Dallas has to juggle things that she’s never had to before.

The case launches Dallas into a new area that’s well out of her comfort zone, the gaming world. It’s revealed in the book that she knows little (if anything) about popular culture and understands only very little about her husband’s profession. This allows for a lot of fun with ‘historic’ mentions of geek lore. Sci-Fi fans will find fantastic references to Star Wars, Batman and other much beloved icons of the current culture, though of course in the book’s timeline, they’re historical references.

I loved the way that this mystery unfolded. Since this is only my second Eve Dallas book, I have to say that this one grabbed me faster and held my attention throughout. The mystery was intriguing (How DOES a guy in a holo unit get decapitated without any forensic evidence left behind?) and the plot moved just quickly enough to keep you entranced. Though there was plenty of opportunity for Robb to showcase her knowledge of Science Fiction and technology, it didn’t overwhelm the story in technical details and geek speak. It added depth and realism to the story without bogging it down.

This story brought more depth to the relationships in Eve’s life. As we read how she’s able to compartmentalize and push feelings aside, Robb presents situations that allow her to explore the emotions and give the character a depth of dimension that’s beautiful and heartbreaking. It allows the reader to experience murder in a less emotional aspect as we delve deeper into the relationship between Roarke and Dallas.

Succinct, creative, fun, and still with enough of a twist to keep you guessing until the very end, Fantasy in Death surpassed my expectations from the previous Naked in Death book (which was stellar) and set a new bar for mystery and suspense, but Science Fiction as well. I think I can now call myself a certified fan of the In Death series.

Review copy provided by Putnam Adult.

Genre: Thriller/Mystery

Publisher:  Ballantine

Publication Date:  November, 2007

Reviewed by Jennifer Roman

The Amber Room provides those hungering for thrilling, cross-continent adventure with plenty.  There is intrigue, murder, and yes, a bit of sex as trial court judge Rachel Cutler and her ex-husband Paul search for the highly evasive and mysterious Amber Room, a room of artfully crafted amber panels created in the early 1700s in what was then Prussia.  The room was deconstructed and the panels were looted, and subsequently lost, during World War II.  Rachel’s father Karol Borya was a POW in World War II and saw things that led to the possible re-discovery of the Amber Room.  Unfortunately, early in the story, he is killed because of that knowledge.  Headstrong Rachel, in an attempt to put to rest this fascinating story, heads to Germany to search in places only her father and his comrade knew might contain the Amber Room.  Paul goes off to help her and tries to protect her from art “acquisitioners,” and, more importantly, from herself.  Along the way they learn powerful secrets and experience more violence than they ever expect.

It’s obvious from reading this novel that Berry did a lot of research on the sough-after Amber Room.  He brings the story of it from inception to creation to eventual destruction to life in great detail and includes fun anecdotes that most people never know.  In fact, after reading the story, I was intrigued and did more research on my own.  If Berry had not portrayed this great historical piece of art in such a fascinating way, I probably would not have cared.  The interesting details he gives are amazing.

That being said, the story itself is interesting, but not gripping.  The characters are your typical “headstrong woman goes off in a huff and love interest chases after her then they find mutual love and respect,” without a lot of development.  The sights in Europe are described well and brought to life, but that could be done in a good travel guide.  The “bad guys” are interesting, but predictable.  Overall, it’s a good thing Berry does so well telling the Amber Room’s story because the characters and storyline don’t do much to enhance it.

Cautions: there are a lot of gruesome murders in this story, complete with graphic descriptions of them.  If the reader has a weak stomach, this book might not be a good fit.  In addition, one of the characters in particular has a very foul mouth.  He drops the “F-bomb” throughout the story, so caution should be used when recommending this book to younger readers.  The same goes for sexual situations.  There are not a lot of sex scenes, but there are a lot of sexually explicit conversations and innuendos.  If a reader is OK with graphic violence, foul language, and sexually explicit scenes, he or she will be fine.  Otherwise, because there is so much of all, I suggest the potential reader skip this book.

Genre: Mystery, Suspense

Publisher: Penguin

Publication date: January, 2010

Reviewed by Jennifer Roman

Tami Hoag is known for her suspenseful novels that have plenty of twists and turns before the final reveal, and Deeper than the Dead is no exception.  In a sleepy California town in October of 1985, several children cut through a park on their way home from school.  One ends up tumbling down a hill and lands smack on a body of a young woman.  Her eyes and mouth are glued shut and her eardrums are pierced, possibly in reference to, “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.”  The students’ teacher hears the commotion and rushes out to console them.  From that moment on, she is involved in a murder investigation that eventually threatens her life.  In the meantime, several students’ home lives are exposed as less than perfect and townspeople’s personal lives are made public.  What makes the investigation interesting is that since it is set in 1985, there is no access to high-tech devices and processes, even fingerprint databases.  Imagine being a police department and barely having a fax machine.  There is not a computer at each investigator’s desk; in fact, using a computer requires a wait for long stretches of time.  The police have to rely on phone calls and favors from officers in other locales.  Psychological profiling is just beginning, and many still don’t put credence in it.

Never once did I get the feeling that the story was lagging.  I was constantly on the edge of my seat, ready to turn the page, trying to get to the bottom of the investigation.  I was entertained, and best of all, my mind was engaged as I tried to figure out who could have committed the crime.  I loved that things kept moving at a good pace and just as the resolution seemed imminent, something else happened.  Nothing was as it seemed.

While this novel is highly entertaining and fast-paced, there are several grisly scenes that may upset some readers.  One woman is kidnapped and held hostage, but she is severely injured while she is held captive.  There are some very upsetting things that happen to her, and a subsequent victim, that are uncomfortable.  I know many times when I was reading a description of the torture, I had to clench my hands and take a minute to settle myself.  I was especially unnerved by another situation in which a young boy pulls a finger off the corpse and tries to shove it into another student’s mouth.  While these things may happen in real life scenarios, it is still difficult to read some of it.  In addition, there are a couple of people who are mentally unstable, and it is difficult reading some of the things they say and do.  For those who are easily unnerved, this book may not be for them.

Overall, if a reader is interested in a fast-paced, murder-mystery and can tolerate some psychological and physical torture, this is a good read.

Review copy provided by Penguin Publishers.

Genre: Mystery, Crime, Supernatural

Publisher: Signet

Publication Date: December 1, 2009

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Sadie Novak has a problem. Well, actually she has several. Her father has just died, her boyfriend’s struggling with his addiction again, his ex-girlfriend is their company’s newest client, she has inadvertently discovered a mummified baby’s remains and now she’s got someone threatening her business and her life. And those are just her troubles with the living. She’s got a whole new catalog of issues surrounding the fact that she can see and speak with the dead who haven’t yet ‘crossed over’ to the rest of their afterlife.

The third novel in the “Ghost Dusters” series has Sadie juggling a lot more than just your typical everyday job stressors. Zack, her boyfriend, has taken on a new client without telling Sadie and she’s less than pleased to discover that it’s his ex-girlfriend, Paula. The job appears to be relatively easy. Paula’s mother is a hoarder and now she’s been stricken with Alzheimer’s. Paula is looking for someone to clean out the house that has become so full of boxes and clutter that it’s become dangerous to enter. As Sadie tries to figure out where to begin, she also discovers that there is a very angry (and very ugly) ghost in the upstairs portion of the house and he’ll stop at nothing to make sure that no one takes his ‘stuff’. When boxes begin flying, the plot thickens as a mummified baby is discovered in one of them. Now we have a mystery. Who is the baby? Where are its parents? How did it end up in the box? And who is the ghost that is so determined that no one touch his stuff?

Dead and Kicking is a fun easy read for someone who is looking to fill a supernatural or mystery fix. The characters are realistic (Honestly, I thought I was the only one who had crazy days like the ones that Sadie had.) and honest. Conversations felt real and honest though a couple of times it felt like Sadie was being dramatic in her responses. Then again with a father who just died but is hanging around, a boyfriend who is hanging out with his ex-girlfriend and leaving all sorts of drugged up voicemails and a ghost chasing her angrily around, I would expect that anyone could tend toward the dramatic.

I enjoyed this book. It was a nice light read for the weekend. It drew me in quickly and I enjoyed following along as Sadie found the clues and picked her way through the mystery. It was also fun, though in a painful way, watching Sadie try to find her way through the pitfalls of her private life. All in all, Dead and Kicking was a fun weekend read that I can easily recommend to those who enjoy the Sookie Stackhouse books or supernatural mysteries in general.

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Hyperion

Publication Date: September 2009

Lori Twichell’s Review:

Richard Castle is back. As a follow up to his wildly popular Derrick Storm series, Castle has introduced us to a new character and she brings the heat. Literally. Nikki Heat is a Detective with the New York Police Department and she spends her days tracking down some of the most violent criminals in the city. Tough, sexy and incredibly intelligent, Heat doesn’t stop until justice is served. And now, thanks to the Police Commissioner, Heat’s justice can be served with a side of witty repartee in ruggedly handsome Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Jameson Rook.

Rook, writing a new detective series and in need of inspiration, follows Heat to learn the ins and outs of the murder scene in New York City. (Some say that Rook’s character is based loosely on Castle himself.)

For this case, Heat and Rook find themselves investigating the death of a prominent New York real estate tycoon. As they delve deeper into the case, things go from bad to worse when Nikki has a run in with one of the suspects that results in murder and death coming a little too close to home for the detective. Then the mystery unravels and then pulls even tighter as more and more bodies begin to appear all around the city and it looks like all of them are connected to the case. Could it be the trophy wife with a checkered past? Or was it the enforcer for one of the local crime syndicate? And why is there a dead art appraiser in a car across town? It’s up to Rook and Heat to shuffle through the myriad clues and figure out who is behind the growing string of murders popping up through the city.

Castle has created a partnership that sizzles with passion at the same time that it crackles with intrigue. Rook and Heat are perfect complements to each other as they follow the clues and attempt to crack the case.  You can’t help but be entertained as Rook calls in his always famous and well connected past for favors and Heat continually tries to deny the attraction she’s feeling for her new shadow. In the midst of murder, tension and intrigue, you’ll find yourself laughing out loud as Rook throws some new pop culture or celebrity reference into the conversation.

Richard Castle has again proven that he is wordsmith worthy of the title. The storylines are tight, the banter witty and sharp and the passion is hot. The new series excites me and I can’t wait to see where he takes Heat and Rook next time around.  And if you enjoyed the book, check out the pseudo-reality show starring Richard Castle himself as he trails a New York Police Detective, Kate Beckett. The show, titled Castle, airs on ABC. Check  your local listings for time and date.

Jake Chism’s Review:

Detective Nikki Heat more than lives up to her name with her intense passion for justice and her stifling dedication to bringing down New York City’s not so finest.  When a real estate mogul is found plastered on the concrete below his apartment, Heat and her team are called in to solve the case. Lies and secrets lie around every corner of the investigation, and Nikki must balance her police work with her new task from the mayor. Big time reporter Jameson Rook has been assigned to her squad for research on an article about the police. As much as Heat is annoyed by the arrangement, she can’t help but admit there are sparks evident between her and Rook. As the case intensifies, so do Nikki’s emotions, culminating in a heat wave she never saw coming.

For those who may not know, Richard Castle is a fictional character (brilliantly played by Nathan Fillion) from the ABC television hit, Castle. Heat Wave is written to be a fun companion to the witty cop/comedy/romance/drama, and that’s exactly what you get here. In the first season of the show, novelist Richard Castle is assigned to NYPD Detective Kate Beckett to research his next novel. As their relationship progresses (mostly platonic with romantic hints), Castle decides to start a new series of novels about a sexy, tough as nails detective named Nikki Heat (which is obviously inspired by Kate Beckett). You can imagine the excitement that brewed amongst the fandom when ABC/Hyperion treated us with the very novel we heard so much about on the TV show.

I was a bit hesitant going into Heat Wave because I expected it to be completely over the top and gimmicky. While there certainly are elements of this story that fall into those categories, I was pleasantly surprised to find a novel that is actually readable and entertaining.  This is certainly not the year’s greatest detective story, nor is it meant to be. It’s written primarily for the fans of the TV show, and I’m not sure someone who’s never watched Castle could actually appreciate the inside jokes and subtle humor that run rampant throughout the story.

This novel does have a decent mystery angle, but make no mistake about it. This story is all about Nikki Heat and Jameson Rook. The sparks fly all throughout this tale, even overtly so in an overemphasized love scene that was really unnecessary. Fans of the show should be warned that some of the language and themes in Heat Wave are considerably more mature than what network TV currently allows.

As a fan of Castle, I enjoyed this book for what it was and I’m anxious to see if we’re treated to more Richard Castle novels in the future. If you’ve not watched the show, do yourself a favor and rent Season One on DVD before you read this book. Not only will you have picked up a great new TV show, but you’ll fully be able to appreciate the gist of this story.

Genre: Comedy, Mystery

Publisher: Viking

Released: October 29, 2009

Reviewed by Jonathan Schindler

If you are like me, then you too think that the Christmas season is far too short. The four or so weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are not nearly enough time for all the music that needs listening, lights that need viewing, eggnog that needs drinking, and holiday books that need reading. Christmas is a special season when, despite the hustle and bustle of shopping and parties and the moaning of an overburdened schedule about to buckle, the images of the cozy hearth and hot drink reign in my mind.

And cozy is exactly the word I would use to describe A Rumpole Christmas, the newest (and, unfortunately, posthumous) release of Rumpole stories from John Mortimer. All of these stories have appeared before in one form or another, but it is the combination of Christmas capers that gives this collection its cozy feeling.

Rumpole—barrister, Old Bailey hack, and a bit of a Scrooge himself—doesn’t care too much for Christmas. As he explains, “I suppose what I have against Christmas Day is that the courts are all shut and no one is being tried for anything.” Still, while the courts may be on hiatus, crime never takes a break, and it is up to Rumpole to solve the mysteries necessary to perform his duty to justice (and get his clients off). As if solving crimes weren’t enough, Rumpole must also navigate the dangerous waters of a “health farm” (where he encounters “a bicycle that you could exhaust yourself on without getting anywhere”); an arctic Norfolk Christmas (which finds Rumpole “hugging the radiator”); a British pantomime, for which Rumpole feels deceptive nostalgia; and the other whims of She Who Must Be Obeyed, his wife, Hilda.

It may seem odd to call a collection “cozy” when the stories involve murder and adultery, blackmail and robbery. Yet it is Mortimer’s particular brand of genius that makes them so. Mortimer keeps the sordid details to a minimum, allowing Rumpole’s singular voice to steal the show. Rumpole as a narrator is humorous without being flamboyant, dry without being boring, intelligent without being stuffy. American humor, I’ve found, tends toward outrageous narrators; Rumpole is much more subdued, the “straight man,” but he is no less enjoyable to read. The Rumpole stories make me think of what P. G. Wodehouse’s Jeeves and Wooster stories would be like if they were narrated by Jeeves instead of Wooster. And, in addition to Rumpole’s warm narration, the Christmas spirit, continually mentioned and observed, and a cast of recurring characters to share it with provide the firelight for this cozy collection.

A Rumpole Christmas is sure to delight this Christmas. I read that this volume is perfect as a stocking stuffer; its merit makes it better suited to be a main gift in its own right. A Rumpole Christmas is likely to become for me a holiday staple, alongside Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Henry Van Dyke’s Story of the Other Wise Man, stories that display and embody the Christmas spirit they spread.

Genre: Thriller, Mystery

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Publication Date: November 16^th, 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Alex Cross has just been notified that a distant family member has been murdered. As he looks into the details of the gruesome death, he finds connections to even more killings and mysterious disappearances. Soon the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place and all signs seem to point to a killer within the White House.  Alex Cross has faced his fair share of foes, but never has he gone against a killer who is as untouchable as this madman. Never one to give up, Alex Cross holds nothing back in his quest for justice.

James Patterson brings back his most beloved character in this sixteenth installment of the Alex Cross series. Long time fans will be pleased to know that this latest installment falls much closer to home than recent attempts. Patterson has certainly put Cross through the ringer with countless relationship problems, a myriad of career changes, and even a poorly imagined international romp in Cross Country. This time around we are treated to what hooked us on these novels in the first place: great mystery, strong character development, and the relentless pacing that has become the trademark of Patterson’s writing.

While I enjoyed the high profile mystery in this plot, what really sold me were the relationships that are so beautifully explored with the characters we have grown to love. There are some truly heartwarming and gut wrenching scenes that might just catch you off guard, if for no other reason than the glimpse into the eventual reality for Alex that they hint at. Mushy stuff aside, there is still plenty of action and suspense to go around for thrill seekers to devour.

It should come as no surprise to returning readers that this story is peppered with bad language, sexual content, and violence throughout. Readers searching for some “light” mystery reading should keep on searching. However, if you long for a raw, engrossing thriller that will keep you churning pages long into the night, then I, Alex Cross is certainly for you.

Genre: Suspense, Mystery, Thriller

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Publication Date: October 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Detective Harry Bosch is called in on what looks to be a typical robbery murder in a convenience store in south Los Angeles. As Bosch explores the crime scene he begins to notice things that don’t add up. A string of evidence leads Harry and the team to a notorious triad member. Just as the case is breaking wide open Bosch gets a message from someone in Hong Kong who is holding his daughter captive. Either he lets his suspect go, or he will never see her again. Driven by determination and fear Harry Bosch catches the next flight to Honk Kong to save his daughter and bring her home.

Michael Connelly serves up this fifteenth installment of his Harry Bosch series in superb fashion. You would think after writing a character for so long that Connelly might begin to lose his edge or run out of great story ideas. Thankfully, neither is true in this case. The Bosch we fell in love with so long ago is evident throughout these pages and we’re reminded once again why Michael Connelly consistently soars to the top of the bestseller lists.

As always we are drawn into the plot through Harry Bosch’s detailed detective work and his commitment to the badge. I love “hitting the streets” with Bosch and chasing down leads and nabbing suspects. Connelly’s meticulous detail never seems overbearing and always serves to effectively drop the reader into the middle of everyday detective work.

Much of this story takes place in Honk Kong and it was fun to see Bosch in a different environment while he searches for his daughter. Along the way he makes unlikely allies and leaves a wake of bodes in true Harry Bosch style that fans have grown to love. Connelly somehow keeps the tension throughout this setting, while at the same time giving us a revealing glimpse into both the beauty and seediness of China’s global metropolis.

The strength of this novel is found in Bosch’s relationship to his daughter. There’s plenty of suspense, action, and hard boiled detective elements to go around, but it all works together to highlight the personal nature of this story. A man desperate to save his daughter no matter what the cost? That’s enough to keep the pages churning for sure.

Readers not familiar with Michael Connelly’s work should be aware that he holds nothing back when it comes to authenticity. All of the language and violence you would expect from a hard nosed detective story are evident here, and readers who are looking for a “lighter story” might take exception.

Whether you are a veteran fan of Harry Bosch or a newbie to this series, Nine Dragons can be enjoyed by all. Michael Connelly is at the top of his game and shows no signs of slowing down.

Genre: Suspense, Mystery, Young Adult

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication Date: October 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Shaley O’Connor has always longed for the father she never knew. Being the teenage daughter of a rock star certainly has its perks, but Shaley would gladly trade all the glamour and spotlight for a chance to meet her dad. However, two of her friends have recently been murdered and it seems like her father may be behind it all. Shaley and her mom, Rayne, delve into the past looking for answers unaware that someone is coming for them both.

Last Breath takes up right where Always Watching left off and immediately we’re pulled in by the tight suspense and mystery surrounding Shaley. We’re treated to a great storytelling device this time around that gives us a glimpse into the past and propels the story ahead. The suspense and mystery elements are strong throughout and Shaley’s spiritual journey never seems forced or manufactured.  Rather the questions and doubts come across as a natural reaction to the fear and turmoil she is facing.

Brandilyn and Amberly Collins continue to shine in a young adult market that so desperately needs quality stories laced with positive messages. Though geared towards teen girls, this series can be picked up and enjoyed by anyone who loves great suspense. Give the Rayne Tour a try and see for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.

Don’t miss our interview with Brandilyn and Amberly Collins.

Genre: Suspense, Mystery, Young Adult

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication Date: May 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Shaley O’Connor has the kind of life most girls would do anything for: A rock star mom, limitless wealth, and the celebrity status to boot. What teenager wouldn’t want to tour with one of the world’s most famous bands? Unfortunately, the fame soon loses its power and appeal when one of Shaley’s closest friends is murdered back stage at the latest concert. As new evidence comes to light she soon realizes her own life is in danger. Not knowing who to trust, Shaley turns to the God who has always seemed so far to help her in her greatest time of need.

Mother and daughter team Brandilyn and Amberly Collins have stormed onto the YA scene in exhilarating style with this great new series. Always Watching is a fast paced whodunit set against the intriguing backdrop of rock star celebrity. From the opening lines, we are immersed into Shaley’s exciting life as a celebrity’s daughter. It doesn’t take long for us to see that fame is not all its cut out to be. Indeed Shaley’s struggle to balance her public status with her true identity is one of the most interesting aspects of this story.

When you read Brandilyn Collins you expect mystery and thrills, and once again she doesn’t disappoint. Her adult fans will find much to rave about here, while new teen readers will love the youthful voice and perspective that Amberly Collins brings to the table. Underlying the tension and dread is a strong spiritual message about trusting in the God who is always watching over us. In the end we are left with the closure we long for and a promise of even more mystery to come. The Rayne Tour is in full swing and you can guarantee that I won’t miss a show.

Genre: Thriller, Dark Fantasy, Mystery

Publisher: Jove

Publication date: August 25, 2009

Reviewed by Jeremy Taylor

Damnable, the surprising debut novel by Hank Schwaeble, is well written, intricately crafted, highly imaginative, and edge-of-your-seat suspenseful. It features a likeable and sympathetic hero, a diabolical villain, and a cast of supporting characters that enhances the fast-paced plot. It’s a quick, enjoyable read.

But the book has a big problem in its sexual content, which is so overdone and explicit that the narrative seems more like erotica than thriller in spots. This unfortunately detracts significantly from the otherwise highly engaging story.

The plot centers on Jake Hatcher, a wrongly imprisoned ex-military man. When he receives word that his brother has died—a brother he didn’t even know he had—he is temporarily released to assist his grieving mother with funeral arrangements. The trouble starts when he begins investigating the circumstances of his mysterious brother’s death. As Hatcher uncovers a series of increasingly confusing and disturbing clues, all signs seem to indicate that something very sinister is unfolding. Soon Hatcher comes face to face with true evil, and when he does, all bets are off as to whether he has what it takes to prevail.

There’s a lot to like about this book. The writing is good. The hero is sympathetic, realistic, and displays an appealing combination of street-honed toughness and cerebral dexterity. Schwaeble does an admirable job of building the suspense and tension from the first pages right to the climactic conclusion. The story contains a nice blend of mystery, fantasy, and dark thriller characteristics. But the positives are seriously marred by the overdone sexuality and crass language. The depiction of evil in the book is stark and graphic as well.

The title is derived from Jake Hatcher’s description of himself when he reveals why he was imprisoned: after a politically sensitive operation, someone in his special-forces unit had to take the fall, and he was chosen—the damnable one.

In the end, the book’s positives don’t outweigh its negatives. Hopefully, with his next book, Schwaeble will focus more on the aspects of his writing that almost make this book really good and less on the explicitness and vulgarity that overshadow it.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication Date: October 2009

Reviewed by Tim George

Warning! If you haven’t read Farraday Road yet stop here.

Swope’s Ridge continues the story Ace Collins began in his riveting debut work of fiction, Farraday Road. Lije Evans and his cast of characters follow the mystery of Swope’s Ridge to places none of them could have possibly imagined. What began as the hunt for the murderer of his wife becomes Lije’s quest to stop something far bigger than the individual pieces of the mystery.

The stakes are raised as we realize what happened in a sleepy corner of Arkansas was only the precursor to something much more sinister than first believed. The author expands the story this time to include international terrorism and the last soldier of the most infamous of all terrorists, Adolf Hitler. This time around we are carried from Arkansas, to England, to Germany, to Mexico, to Kansas, and back home again on a wild ride of suspense, mystery, and espionage.

Though the stage is much bigger than the first novel, Collins still manages to keep us close to the characters; something that is often lost in sequels. Swope’s Ridge is not a book for readers looking for stereotypical cut outs of characters. Through all the adventure we are presented a sobering look at racism, betrayal, and misplaced loyalties. Once again the plot is tight and the dialogue, engaging. And the really good news … there is no “to be continued” at the end of this one. Though Lije Evans may be back another day, you will be satisfied with the conclusion of the mystery of Swope’s Ride. Very satisfied.

Genre: Mystery, Science Fiction

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Publication Date: July 2009

Reviewed by Kaci Hill

I’ve been a fan of Karen Hancock’s from the beginning, and it’s been two years since her last book, Return of the Guardian-King, which wrapped up her Legends of the Guardian-King series. So, suffice it to say, her fans have eagerly waited this new book, which returns to earth in the present day and, like Arena, engages the worlds of science and faith. But both lovers of  the Arena style and lovers of the Legends style will be pleased, I think, and get a taste of both worlds, in some sense.

The Enclave follows geneticist and former military (how’s that for a combination) Cameron Reinhardt and fellow scientist Lacey McHenry as they try to unravel the secrets behind Kendall-Jakes Longevity Institute.  At the bottom of physical attacks, seduction, secrecy, deception, genetic manipulation, and psychological warfare lies a disturbing reality of men playing gods. And caught in the middle is a group of children just praying they survive.

For me, reading The Enclave was akin to visiting an old friend. Hancock has a wonderful method of combining the physical and the spiritual so that they complement each other. Faith is woven into the story naturally, underscored and developed as the story progresses. Rather than be in conflict, faith and reason move as one, rather than hammer truth, it unfolds readily. Even the subplot in New Eden serves as a mirror as well as a means for the reader to engage the children affected unwittingly by those inside Kendall-Jakes.

Hancock’s characters are also memorable, from the awkward but steady Cam to the endearing, sweet Zowan, to the wholly depraved villains. The characters struggle through decisions, trying to align their faith and the world around them, working through almost impossible scenarios that don’t seem to have any desirable outcome. And, as a personal side note, I love how their faith plays out in ways I could actually envision real, full-time working Christians actually doing. Some bend over backwards just to read their Bibles; others succumb to the routine and neglect the reading of the Word. The same environment, whether hostile (and believe me, this one is  malicious) or benign, produce in  different people different results. There is no cookie-cutter faith. They struggle to answer questions, wrestle through real-world dilemmas, and, in the end, hold God faithful.

And that, really, I think is the beautiful mingling of the Legends of the Guardian-King and the Arena worlds—the harmony of the spiritual and the physical, the real-world playing out of things unseen. There are other things as well, but the stark reality is that I Am is here.

So, hat’s off to Karen. I look forward to whatever comes next.

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Henry Holt

Publication date: September 1, 2009

Reviewed by Jeremy Taylor

Richard North Patterson, acclaimed for his character-driven political thrillers, makes a departure from the major issues of previous novels like Eclipse and Exile and turns out a straightforward campus mystery in The Spire.

Mark Darrow has made millions practicing law after graduating on a football scholarship from Caldwell College, a fictional but familiar-seeming formerly Christian school in small-town Ohio. Sixteen years later, his alma mater is asking for his help. The school is embroiled in a financial scandal involving its president, and Lionel Farr, Darrow’s mentor and the school’s provost, asks Darrow to return to Caldwell to fill the now empty position. Darrow agrees, but upon his return, he quickly finds that all is not well at the little college.

The story follows Darrow as he adapts to his new job, but between fundraising calls to prominent alumni and meetings with faculty, he finds time to investigate not only the financial scandal for which the former president was ousted but also a 16-year-old murder for which his best friend is still serving time. For some reason, no one in town, from the police chief to the local attorney, seems to think it the least bit odd that the new college president would be investigating a murder that took place a decade and a half earlier.

As a mystery, The Spire mostly succeeds. Patterson does a good job of setting up multiple plausible suspects early on, and the ending delivers a predictable but satisfying twist. But the story, while interesting, is flawed by uncharacteristically careless writing. The transitions between story elements are jarring at times, and much of the book’s first half contains confusing memories of memories and flashbacks within flashbacks. The plot is frequently interrupted by lengthy sections of dialog that, while they serve to build character depth, are largely unsupported by any real drama in the story.

Like most of this author’s books, the story is told from a purely secular viewpoint, and the objectionable content that exists stems from that fact. It is either interesting or unfortunate, depending on one’s point of view, that Caldwell, a purportedly Christian institution, exists in such an environment that things like rampant drug and alcohol abuse and even a professor’s affair with a student are viewed as wrong only insofar as they affect the school’s reputation among wealthy alumni.

For all its problems, however, this book was still penned by one of the great fiction authors of our time. So while it falls short of the bar set by Patterson’s best-sellers of previous years, it nevertheless manages to be compelling right to the final page.

Genre: Thriller, Mystery

Publisher: Revell

Publication Date: August 1^st, 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

FBI Agent Patrick Bowers has successfully brought down his share of serial killers. His latest case in Denver has left him more than baffled as the killer always stays one step ahead. Bowers and his team soon link the murders to a historic manuscript that the killer uses to plan each slaying. As the pieces begin to fall into place, Bowers realizes that the killer’s ultimate target has yet to be revealed. Now he is in a race against time to bring down his most formidable foe yet.

Steven James has reached that lofty status in my eyes, where I always expect the next offering to not just be good, but great. The Knight certainly doesn’t disappoint. Patrick Bowers is such an intriguing character that easily carries this story through its myriad twists and surprises. James puts on a storytelling clinic with his faultless plot pacing, strong character development, and downright pulse pounding suspense. The violent and gory elements are used in just the right doses to take us into the depths of the killer’s twisted persona. Everything comes together beautifully in this addicting page turner that makes its 490 page count seem like a breeze.

Perfectly nestled among the severed heads and bloody crime scenes are strong themes of family and relationships that have continued throughout all three Bowers Files novels. Patrick’s relationship with his step-daughter Tessa, in many ways is the glue that holds these thrillers together. You can have all the best action scenes, the darkest mysteries, and the most ruthless killers, but if we don’t care about the characters then we are left with nothing more than an average, mundane thriller. James raises the bar by bringing us in close to these characters that he no doubt loves himself, effectively separating these novels from so many others in the genre.

I’m continually in awe of Steven James and his mastery of story. While it’s been nice to see James getting more recognition, I’m still amazed that I don’t see his name in every book store I walk into. If you are looking for top notch thriller writing laced with suspense, action, mystery, and emotion then look no further. Steven James is your guy.

Genre: Suspense, Mystery, Thriller

Publisher: Revell

Publication Date: August 1^st, 2008

Reviewed by Jake Chism

FBI Agent Patrick Bowers is baffled by his latest case in San Diego. An arsonist has been wreaking havoc on the city leaving no clues as to motive or identity. Meanwhile, a shark researcher from a local aquarium has been kidnapped by a sadistic madman who has only given Bowers a few hours to save her. The only clue left behind is a shocking video clip that reveals the torture the victim is enduring. Patrick races against time to not only save an innocent life, but also to apprehend the monster responsible.

Meanwhile, both cases take a startling turn when a top secret research facility is burned down at a nearby naval base. When the culprit is apprehended, more connections to both cases are brought to light. Soon Bowers discovers a device that was stolen from the naval base, and is shocked when its purpose is revealed. As more and more answers surface Patrick realizes he is in the middle of a grand conspiracy with far reaching implications. He must find the truth at all costs and try to stop the mastermind behind it all, the ever elusive Shade.

Steven James hooked me with his debut, The Pawn. Now in this explosive sequel he has absolutely blown me away. The Rook is thriller writing at its highest level. James is a top-notch storyteller that knows exactly how to hook readers with complex storylines, unexpected plot twists, and engaging characters. While reading The Rook, I was reminded of the works of Michael Connelly, James Patterson, and Harlan Coben among others. Yes, this guy is that good!

Patrick Bowers is now becoming one of my favorite literary characters and James does a masterful job of portraying a man who is both a genius in his profession and a novice as a father. Patrick’s relationship with his step-daughter, Tessa, is emotional and real, bringing a welcome dose of family values and heart to the story. While Patrick and Tessa both struggle with their faith, their search for meaning and hope is heartfelt and inspiring.

Steven James is continuing to prove what an amazing talent he is. This one is not to be missed!

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication Date: October 2008

Reviewed by Tim George

After years of producing a number of excellent non-fiction works, Ace Collins has entered the world of fiction with style. His debut novel, Farraday Road, introduces us to Lije Evans and a cast of characters that are hard to forget. The story begins with Lije, a small town attorney, found shot on a dead-end road and his wife dead not far from him. Lije is offered little chance to grieve as his junior law partner is accused of the crime and the Arkansas Bureau of Investigation shows up intent on proving her guilt.

Farraday Road is a classic southern mystery. Lije lives in the biggest house in town and is wealthy from inherited “old money.” His murdered wife is loved by all and remembered as a great benefactor of charity. Each chapter of the book finds Lije drawn deeper and deeper into something that is far bigger than anything little Salem, Arkansas has ever experienced. But don’t be fooled; this is not a little story. The more Lije seeks to answer why someone would kill his wife the bigger the story gets. Everything from old Indian legends to the James Gang to German SS espionage blend together to make for a story with plenty of plot twists and surprises.

This is a story with rich characters and a mystery with incredible implications. I know it’s overused, but this is the kind of book that really is hard to put down. The story flows so seamlessly it is easy to get lost in its magic. The prose and plot are powerful reminding me of Athol Dickson’s first novels (Gar Reed Mysteries). The spiritual themes of the book are presented in the natural conversations of the characters and the setting of the Deep South. Nothing is forced or preachy but at the same time this is not just a clean story. There is a solid spiritual dimension to it.

A word of warning though; Farraday Road ends with the words, “to be continued.” The mystery is not resolved until Collin’s sequel, Swope’s Ridge, is released in October 2009. The good news is I have already read Swope’s Ridge and can guarantee you the story gets even bigger and the mystery is solved with final resolution. I could review Swope’s Ridge for you but I think I’ll let you guess for now. After all, this is a mystery.

Genre: Mystery, Suspense

Publisher: Bethany House

Publication Date: May 2008

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Vera Gamble leads a quiet life as a CPA in Dallas. Haunted by her past, she hides behind the numbers to keep from facing the pain. A stranger calls out of the blue bearing news that forces Vera to remember things that she longs to forget. Her brother, Siggy, has been found dead washed up on the shores of Winter Haven, a small island community just off the coast of Maine. Reluctantly, Vera embarks on the long journey to claim the body of her older brother who has been missing for thirteen years.

Upon arrival at Winter Haven, Vera is instantly aware of how unique this place is. Trees of seemingly unnatural height tower overhead and the streets are lined with antiquated homes and buildings that look as if they have been untouched by time. The people are quite and keep to themselves and seem bothered by the presence of a stranger.

Vera is lead to the old shack where her brother’s body has been preserved. She is shocked to discover that that not only is the body indeed her brother, but he also hasn’t aged a day since he vanished thirteen years ago. Vera stets out on a quest for the truth behind this startling revelation and along the way learns the dark history of Winter Haven. Her search for truth will bring her face to face with her greatest fears and her troubled past. The truth that is uncovered will forever change Vera and the people of Winter Haven.

Athol Dickson is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Winter Haven is further proof of the depth of his talent and his storytelling ability. At its core this is a mystery novel, yet it is so much more. Dickson treats us to a wonderfully drawn story that includes suspense, chills, a hint of romance, and a search for spiritual truth that will resonate with the reader long after the last line.

Dickson’s strength is found in his ability to cause readers to slow down and savor every word. I often find myself flying through the pages of a book that I love, but this time I constantly found myself holding back to enjoy the rich imagery and the methodical character development. Dickson paints word pictures like no one else and he effortlessly drops us into the strange and beautiful world of Winter Haven. Even though we are presented with more and more questions as the story unfolds, Dickson cleverly ties up all the loose ends in a way I never anticipated.

This is Athol Dickson at his best and fans of unique mysteries and suspense will love this story. Clear your schedules, kick back, slow down, and prepare to enjoy every word of this rich, mesmerizing tale.

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Publication Date: April 27th, 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Someone is killing Bay area socialites and they are leaving no clues behind. Because of the high society spotlight, Detective Lindsey Boxer is feeling pressure from on high to track down this ruthless killer. M.E. Claire Washburn is just as baffled as the police when she is unable to find anything wrong with the bodies that are piling up. This is one case that might just be too much for The Women’s Murder Club to handle.

So here we are with round eight in James Patterson’s wildly popular series. 7^th Heaven gave me hope that Patterson and Paetro still had some tricks up their sleeves for these beloved characters. Unfortunately, The 8^th Confession left me scratching my head at the total lack of mystery that has been such a strong cornerstone of this series. The only real sense of whodunit comes in the side tale of a murdered homeless man that feels both out of place and contrived.

There is one romantic twist in particular that is over the top, tasteless, forced, and gimmicky all at the same time. I’m shocked that Patterson and company would for a moment consider this a great story element. Unreal. If this series has come to the point where it needs gimmicks to grab readers’ attention, then perhaps it’s time to end it. I’ve truly enjoyed these characters for the most part, but I’m slowly losing hope that the Women’s Murder Club will ever be as engaging as it once was.

The good news? Well, it’s James Patterson. Even if you aren’t swept away by the story (and I wasn’t) you will find it hard to stop reading. Patterson is the master of fast paced storytelling making even his most uninteresting novels easy to swallow. Too bad this one is just as easy to forget. Next please.

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Publisher: Revell

Publication Date: August 2007

Reviewed by Jake Chism

In The Pawn, Steven James takes us into the world of FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers in this exceptional psychological thriller. A serial killer is at large in the Appalachian area of North Carolina, and Bowers, known for his expertise in environmental criminology, is called in to help make sense of this baffling case. The killer has dubbed himself “The Illusionist,” thriving on misdirection and confusion to further confound the authorities at every turn. As Bowers and his team search for clues, they realize they are facing a madman who is as cunning as he is evil. As answers are uncovered, more mysteries surface, linking the Illusionist to a charismatic cult leader with ties to the infamous Jonestown cult. Patrick Bowers now faces seemingly insurmountable odds as the case becomes larger and more dangerous than anyone ever anticipated.

Steven James writes at a break-neck pace, effortlessly pulling the reader along on this incredible thrill ride. With the backdrop of the Jonestown disaster, James has added a clever dose of history that brings a sense of relevancy to the story. The plot twists and turns while never hinting at the destination, and the characters are rich and absorbing. Patrick Bowers is an intriguing hero who is extremely brilliant, yet very fallible. While he excels in his professional career, his personal life is in shambles, and his struggles in parenthood are real and pertinent.

While The Pawn holds its own both as mystery and a suspenseful thriller, the strength of the novel is found in Patrick Bowers’ spiritual journey. As Bowers is drawn closer to danger, he finds that he must also face his difficult past and come to grips with some hard, yet hopeful truths about life and death. In the end, James leaves us enough to satisfy and whets our appetite for more.

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Publication Date: February 4th, 2008

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Detective Lindsay Boxer just landed the lead of her career in the disappearance case of Michael Campion, the teenage son of California’s former governor. Not only has she found a suspect, but she has the murder confession to boot.  Just when everything falls into place the suspect recants the confession throwing the trial into a downward spiral.

Meanwhile, two arsonists are preying on wealthy rich couples and Lindsay and her partner, Rich Conklin, can’t seem to keep ahead of these sadistic murderers on the loose. Once again Lindsay Boxer leans on her cohorts in the Women’s Murder Club to try and save the day.

This seventh installment of James Patterson’s bestselling Women’s Murder Club series gives fans just what they want: more mystery, more murder, more romance, and thankfully a better story than The 6^th Target. Lindsay, Claire, Cindy, and Yuki are as engaging as ever and Patterson and Paetro do a great job of giving each character a fair share of the story. This series seems to be developing a pattern of following multiple cases with each new offering and this time it really works. Both cases are interesting throughout and there’s even a great little twist in the end that I never saw coming.

As always readers must be aware of the sex and profanity that Patterson deems necessary for his novels. Numerous writers in the genre have proven to us time and time again that a great story can be told without such elements. I guess Patterson and company are paying more attention to the astronomical sales numbers than to my objections.

Overall I have really enjoyed this series. The only thing not working for me is the relationship turmoil Lindsay continually finds herself in. I do realize these scenes were not necessarily written for my demographic, and I suspect Lindsay’s romantic entanglements are exactly why millions of other readers keep coming back. However, for me the mystery and fast paced storytelling are all I need and are enough to bring me back for more.

Genre: Mystery, Suspense

Publisher: Mira

Publication date: June 26, 2007

Reviewed by Jeremy Taylor

This satisfactory debut novel from Jason Pinter features nearly nonstop action, mostly believable and sympathetic characters, a realistic plot conflict, and a likeable first-person narrator. Armed with a formidable list of endorsers, including James Patterson, Lee Child, and Joseph Finder, the book is well written enough to make this young author successful once he irons out some of the rough areas.

Henry Parker is a fresh-faced 24-year-old reporter for the New York Gazette. Though his personal life isn’t everything he once hoped it might be, he’s thrilled with the opportunity to live out his journalistic ambitions at one of the nation’s most respected institutions. Little does he know his first big assignment could spell not only the end of his career but the end of his life.

After narrowly escaping death at the hands of a crooked police officer while researching a story, Parker finds himself framed for the cop’s murder. Now the target of a nationwide manhunt, he struggles to escape New York while trying to track down leads pointing to the real murderer. Parker spends most of the book trying to stay one step ahead of both the cops and the real criminals as Pinter builds the suspense and mystery right to the climactic final scene.

A fast-paced, entertaining read, The Mark nevertheless suffers from some avoidable rookie bloopers. A few loose connections in the story aren’t quite sewn up, and unfortunate grammatical errors, improper word usage (e.g., confidence instead of conscience), and awkward phrasing serve as obstacles to the reader’s enjoyment as well. On the positive side, the action is intense, and the newspaper backdrop allows for some intelligence behind the intrigue and mystery. Pinter adds some texture by employing a mixed narrative, switching back and forth between first-person and third-person storytelling.

The story is unfortunately marred by foul language and crass humor, and the underlying worldview is one that takes sexuality very lightly, so caution is required. Sophomoric humor and some lame analogies (“my statement sunk in like a hypodermic needle”) betray the author’s inexperience as well. Still, this is a solid first effort from an author who will undoubtedly be entertaining mystery fans for a long time.

Genre: Young Adult, Mystery

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: February 10th, 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Ryan McCray and Sarah Fincher always felt like something strange was happening in their hometown of Skeleton Creek. Their fears are fully realized one fateful night when they decide to sneak around in the old mining dredge in the woods. Ryan finds something that is so terrifying it sends him over a rail into the darkness below. The next thing he knows he is in a hospital bed with a broken leg and a fuzzy memory about what he saw.

Ryan and Sarah’s parents decide to separate them as punishment, but the mystery behind the dredge proves to be too much to keep them apart. Since Ryan is housebound, Sarah captures her investigation on film so Ryan can see everything she discovers about the dredge. Likewise, Ryan spends his days researching Skeleton Creek online, finding more questions than answers. Everything they find leads them back to the dredge and the dark secret hidden inside. If they go back they may find the answers, but they may not make it out alive.

When I first saw Skeleton Creek on the shelf I thought it was a DVD because of the clever packaging. I then realized it was a book and read the description. A novel that uses online videos to tell the complete story? And a ghost/mystery story at that? My interest was more than piqued and I was all in.

Patrick Carman is a storyteller extraordinaire and from the opening lines we are effortlessly sucked into Ryan and Sarah’s story. The book element of this story is written in journal form from Ryan’s perspective. Carman really nails the first person narrative here and actually makes you feel like you are reading a journal. The design of the book and the handwriting font all work together well to sell the idea.

Throughout the story we are presented actual passwords to a website where we get to see the videos Sara shares with Ryan. The video element of the story is a really fun and imaginative way to get us more involved. I was very impressed with the quality of the videos and how effective they were. Even though this is a young adult story, I’m not ashamed to admit I jumped more than once during the creepiest scenes.

While this is classified as young adult fiction, I would strongly urge parents to read the book and watch the videos before your children. The story is clean, but some of the subject matter is quite intense and the videos have some really frightening moments.

Skelton Creek is the first book in this new series and Patrick Carman leaves things wide open for Book 2. Literary purists might scoff at this new storytelling concept. All I know is how much fun I had with this whole experience. I can’t imagine how much work goes into creating a project like this. In the end, the results are what matters and Skeleton Creek works on every level.

Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Publication Date: May 26^th, 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Jack McEvoy made headlines when he helped track down a deadly serial killer early in his career. These days he is being forced out of the Los Angeles Times because of budget cuts. It seems the world has forgotten about the hero reporter who avenged his brother’s death. Just as Jack is ready to throw in the towel, he catches wind of a story that might just allow him to go out with a bang. As Jack digs deeper he soon discovers that the newspaper may be done with him, but a deadly new killer is certainly not.

We first met Jack McEvoy in Michael Connelly’s highly acclaimed novel, The Poet. Many consider that first introduction of the character to be Connelly’s finest work, surpassing even the dearly loved Harry Bosch novels. Thankfully, Connelly decided to prove to us all that Jack McEvoy is anything but a one hit wonder.

The Scarecrow is the perfect blend of vintage Connelly with a welcome dose of tech savvy thriller. While The Poet dealt much more with the daily life of a beat reporter, this time around we get more action layered with the perfect amount of detail. One of Connelly’s trademarks is his thoroughness, giving the audience an all access pass into the lives of his characters. While that element is still strong throughout here, it almost feels like Connelly holds back just enough to let the characters tell the story. The Scarecrow has a much tighter, fast paced feel that makes for an even better read than The Poet.

Rachel Walling is of course back and Connelly does a masterful job of portraying the ache of old flames and the hope of what might be. Jack and Rachel have both matured in different ways, yet they can’t deny the spark that never died. Their relationship feels like a natural overflow of the story and even helps carry the tension along as the plot unfolds.

The Scarecrow himself is a deeply disturbing villain whose weapon is the one thing that makes us all vulnerable: technology. This is a whole new frightening breed of serial killer, and Connelly wondrously brings this character to life through some riveting third person narrative.

What sets The Scarecrow apart from the rest is the character of Jack McEvoy. Michael Connelly nails every aspect of this veteran reporter with an unyielding sense of justice. The use of the first person is second to none here and the switching from first to third person throughout works as a clever storytelling device.

Millions of Michael Connelly fans wait with bated breath for the next Harry Bosch novel, and rightly so. I, however, can’t help but hope that we haven’t seen the last of Jack McEvoy.

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Publisher: Dutton

Publication Date: March 31^st, 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

It’s been ten years since Myron Bolitar has heard from his old flame, Terese Collins. She has become a suspect in her ex-husbands murder in Paris and pleads for Myron’s help. After arriving in Paris, Myron finds out troubling information about Terese’s past and the death of her daughter. Myron begins digging around for answers and discovers evidence that might prove Terese’s daughter is still alive. With the help of the ever faithful Win, Myron embarks on an international search for answers to the mystery behind Terese’s past. What they discover is more frightening then anything they could have imagined.

In Long Lost Harlan Coben sets out to satisfy the masses with his first Myron Bolitar novel in three years. Not only does he satisfy, but he gives his faithful fans what may be his most enticing thriller to date. What makes the Bolitar novels so addicting is the strong and quirky characters and of course they are all back in wondrous fashion. Myron himself is as endearing as ever with his unyielding desire to help those he loves. Coben would be shunned by his rabid fans if he didn’t give us a healthy dose of Windsor Lockwood III. Never fear. Win is back and just as psychotic and engaging as ever. Esperanza is as sassy as always bringing some welcome moments of humor and tenderness throughout.

Coben has long established himself as a master of the first person narrative and I don’t think anyone writing in the genre today compares. I love how Coben takes these characters that are so familiar and raises the stakes by placing them in a horrific conflict with global implications. This is a far cry from Myron’s mystery solving sports agent days, yet despite the raised stakes we still find the same old Myron and Win we fell in love with years ago.

In the end we are left with a truly terrifying conclusion that may surprise readers, but nevertheless fits the plot that Coben has so masterfully constructed. Harlan Coben consistently keeps me in awe with each new installment and Long Lost is certainly no exception. Even if you have never read a Myron Bolitar novel, Coben gives just enough background to keep you out of the dark. Pull up a chair and sit tight because you won’t be going anywhere once you begin.