I'm on a mystery kick these days and it's going swimmingly because, well, there's loads of great books out there I haven't read. You may be familiar with the feeling! Rachel Howzell Hall's Detective Elouise Norton series began in 2014 and now there's four books in the series, each an exciting addition to the pantheon of southern California noir. In Land of Shadows, the first book, Lou is paired with a new partner and begins investigating the murder of a young black girl that may be tied to the disappearance of her sister. Hall's books combine twisted plots, crisp social commentary, and a fully realized main character (with humor, actual friends, and real family commitments!)
Robert's ex-wife Suzy left him abruptly two years ago. He doesn't know why, or why they married at all, only that he misses her like a lost tooth. When she goes missing and her new husband blackmails him into searching for her, Robert thinks he might finally get some answers. The path of his investigation, signposted with uneasy allies and glittering Vegas casinos, reveals that their shared past is thick with ghosts and roars with the echo of the Vietnam War. Dragonfish matches any of the best in the ranks of noir novels, and it's a spellbinding meditation on migration, loss, and love.
The first in a trilogy of mysteries featuring Stevie Bell, the crime fanatic and new student at a quirky, yet prestigious New England boarding school. Without telling you everything that is on the inside flap, let me just say this book is dark, gripping, funny - and will leave you howling for the next one. I loved it.
Sherlock meets Doctor Who but from the point of view of an awesome female lead. Add in some cool mythology, sharp wit, and a lot of adventure and follow up with a dose of the macabre. A great start to a wonderfulf series! (I've bought several copies to hand out as gifts)
One of my favorite mystery writers,Walter Mosley, says this "Small-town murder investigation reveals what lies at the heart of America's confusion over race." So if you like mysteries, and you're ready for one with a large side of social justice and race issues (and if East Texas has any place in your heart), this is the book for you. I loved black Texas Ranger Darren Matthews. He conflicted, he's tough, and he's got a heart the size of Texas. The issues he's dealing with are real and pressing, and it's a privilege to be entertained and to learn at the same time.
In this twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes mysteries, Holmes' intrepid housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson, joins forces with Mary Watson (wife of the good doctor) to solve a case the Great Detective has turned away. With appearances by your favorite supporting characters and a clever and compelling plot, you'll be hoping this is a start of a promising series.
Saucy and flossy, flossy. Entirely shocking, brazenly lush, and on a whole 'nother level of sociopathic behavior that still managed to catch me off guard when I was thoroughly expecting it. This definitely isn't a book for everyone - it's ruthless, ambitious, and erotic in a way that will inspire and disgust you... but in the best way, as only books can do.
All of the women in "Someone Else's Skin" have scars, emotional and/or physical. Including Detective Inspector Marnie Rome. But not all of those women are victims and it will be up to DI Rome and her team to sort out who is who before more lives are ruined.
Much to his dismay, Det. Carl Morck has found himself Denmark's "Keeper of Lost Causes." Relegated to the basement of police HQ following a horrific ambush, Carl is handed the coldest of the cold cases and an assistant of questionable origins. This is Department Q born.
Winter may be a distant memory, but Jo Nesbo's "The Snowman" will chill you to the core. Oslo detective Harry Hole has battled demons both personal and professional throughout his career, but the emergence of Norway's first serial killer may be the greatest challenge he has faced. Dubbed 'The Snowman' after his calling card left at the scene of grisly murders, this evil and cunning killer has very carefully planned his finale and the role Harry Hole will play in it. Suspenseful and thrilling!
