Mysterical-E

Book Reviews

Deadly Echoes by Philip Donlay
Donovan Nash is battling forces on all sides. Eco-Watch, a scientific research organization he founded, is blamed for several eco-atrocities that fuel protests around the world. Garrick Pearce, the man behind the protests is also someone from Donovan's past. Pearce is conducting a ruthless vendetta and promises that after he crushes Eco-Watch, he'll begin destroying everyone close to Nash. Donovan enlists the help of Erica, who claims she has important information. This knowledge makes her a marked woman who goes on the run with Donovan. Pursued by trained killers, the FBI, and his own organization, Donovan races from southern California to British Columbia, then to Alaska where he wants to help Eco-Watch try to avoid possibly the worst environmental disaster in history. Facing dire consequences, with everything he knows teetering on the edge of destruction, Donovan makes one last move to stop Garrick but which could also well cost Nash his life.

The Disposables by David Putnam
A street tough member of the police’s elite violent crime task force, Bruno Johnson is feared by his enemies and admired by others. But when a personal tragedy forces him to break the law, Johnson is no longer feard or admired. Now an ex-con on parole, he does not handle things well. Hassled by the police bullied by his former partner, Robby Wicks, now a high-ranking detective, Johnson finds himself backed into a corner. He is forced by his ex-partner to help solve a high profile crime. Unofficially. At the same time, Marie, Bruno's girlfriend, tries her best to bring the old Brino, the good guy cop, back out of hiding. They may have to work outside the law, but saving abused children and creating an underground railroad for disposable kids is worth breaking the law.

Troubled Water by John DeDakis
Lark Chadwick, a young journalist, is about to begin her new job covering cops and courts, when she discovers the body of a strangled girl. While she may have the inside track on covering the crime, she’s got competition in the newsroom, a colleague who’s a suspect, and an athlete with anger issues (are the other kinds?). Other suspicious characters pop up here and there, especially when Lark is not only trying to cover the story but solve the crime. Her old friend and mentor Lionel Stone steps in to help her out. But Lark is tested as never before. Troubled Water is the third installment in the Lark Chadwick mystery series.

Poisoned Ground by Sandra Parshall
A resort development, seen as an economic boon by some and as ruin by others, Mason County Virginia becomes a battleground. Rachel Goddard is a veterinarian and leads the opposition to the developer who wants to make the Blue Ridge mountain community a resort town. She supports locals reluctant to sell their land and is quite vocal about the issue. This complicates the life for Sheriff Tom Bridger, Rachel’s new husband. The inevitable happens and a beloved couple is gunned down on the farm they refused to sell. Development supporters are immediately suspect and the battle becomes an all out war between factions. With the violence increasing Rachel begins her investigation and realizes that things are more complex than she thought. Small town life is deftly drawn as are the characters. There are plenty of secrets, twists, and turns to keep readers reading.

The Serpent’s Tongue by Dorien Grey
Dick Hardesty is back in Grey’s latest and it’s a page turner. Hardesty is hired to investigate threats against former priest Dan Stabile. Could it be something someone confessed to him when he was still a priest? Or is there some other secret in his life? When Dan is killed and his partner injured, the case becomes more complex because things point to murder. Dick learns the case could involve the murderer of a child. Things get more involved when Dick’s own family is targeted. Grey is good at showing not only an investigation but the characters behind it.

Elective Procedures by Merry Jones
Elle Harrison and her friends Jen, Becky, and Susan travel to Mexico where Jen will have cosmetic surgery. The plan is that she and her friends will spend recovery time in a lavish hotel. But the hotel is housing more trouble than anyone expected. Just after they settle in, Elle sees the woman in the suite next door fall from her sixth floor balcony. The room is next occupied by another patient and Elle finds her brutally mutilated body on that same balcony. The police, a doctor, varied guests, and lots of intrigue later, Ele finds herself in danger and trying to solve the case before she is the next body. A fun, well-paced read.

City of the Sun by Juliana Maio
Espionage and power take center stage in 1941 Cairo, Egypt. This wartime historical is a fascinating read and will keep readers engaged.
The city known as “Paris on the Nile” hosts to an international set seemingly intent in ignoring the raging war and the advance of the Germans across North Africa. Spies flood the city along with refugees and soldiers. The political backdrop is well drawn and covers an area of history little dealt with. American journalist Mickey Connolly is in Cairo to report on the war but faces expulsion by the British for not playing by their rules. Accepting a deal from the U.S. embassy allowing him to remain in the country but forcing him to take on a covert mission: to infiltrate the city’s thriving Jewish community and locate a nuclear scientist who could be key to America’s new weapons program. Of course, Mickey is not alone in the search for the scientist. A Nazi spy is also on his trail. Blending noir and spy fiction as well as history, this novel has a lot to offer.

Nursing Homes are Murder by Mike Befeiler
Another entry in Befeiler’s series had Paul Jacobson, who suffers from short-term memory loss, becoming an undercover resident at a nursing home to help the Honolulu police track down a sexual predator who has assaulted at least one woman in the home. Paul has names for three persons-of-interest and begins his investigation. But, none of the three appear suspicious. Things begin get out of control when the woman is found murdered. After another sexual assault is reported, Paul himself is nearly smothered in his bed, he escapes and is able to continue though he didn’t see his assailant. When he interrupts a third sexual assault, though the perpetrator gets away, Paul solves the mystery. But there are still plenty of thrills before he can prove he’s right.

The Jones Men by Vern E. Smith
As the tag line for this 40th anniversary edition of the book says: “Before there was street lit, there were the streets… and the Jones men ruled them.” In Detroit, 1974, a far cry from the corrupt and bankrupt city of today, there were always battles going on to rule the streets. To take the crown, you had to be one tough fighter. The man in control, Willis McDaniel, has been king of the streets a long time and Lennie Jack would like to take his place. Learning about a heroin delivery, Lennie decides to make his move and does. McDaniel puts out the call to find whoever stole from him. And the hunt begins. This book was a hit in 1974 ans this edition will show you why if you’re into gritty, street-wise literature dealing with a bygone era. It’s a great specimen of its day -- the language, the pacing, the characters.

The Second Letter by Robert Lane
Jake Travis is contracted by his ex-Army colonel to retrieve a missing, fifty year-old Cold War letter and finds himself ensnared in a world where good and evil may be all the same. The letter, written in 1961 by a CIA operative mysteriously killed, is in the possession of the enigmatic Raydel Escobar. Jake must use all his resources to pursue Escobar and is not surprised to find a more complex set of events going on. Escobar is not simply blackmailing the government in exchange for the letter. Jake, with the assistance of his partner Garrett and neighbor Morgan, turns up the pressure on Escobar. Fascinated by this case, Jake takes measure, moral and otherwise, to complete the task. This page turner is filled with mystery, suspense, and plenty of thrills and twists.

Panthers Play for Keeps by Clea Simon
Pru Marlowe takes Spot for a walk, the service dog in training, leads her to the mangled body of a young woman. And though she tells herself not to, Pru gets involved. The young woman appears to have been mauled by a wild animal probably a cougar though Pru knows no four-legged cougars have stalked the Berkshire woods for years. Wallis, Pru’s tabby, is fixated on the idea of a killer cat, but Spot, using his training, tells her that the violent killing was something more than an animal attack. Motives and suspects pile up and a different, no less lethal, cougar makes an appearance, threatening Pru’s love life. Then another woman disappears. The small community is panicked and Pru must put everything aside to solve the mystery. This is the fourth book in the Pet Noir series featuring pet behaviorist and psychic Pru Marlow. Pru can hear animals thoughts, and though they’re somewhat confused, they manage to steer her in the right direction. Good pacing, a unique set of protagonists, and an interesting mystery is what this series has to offer.

Now You See It by Jane Tesh
A box once belonging to Houdini is stolen and hidden in the local Magic Club, a nightclub with magic acts. The box has something special, enough to boost any young magician to the next level. While investigator David Randall is busy searching for a socialite missing diamond bracelet, he doesn’t pass up the chance to search for the Houdini antique and is hired by Taft and his partner. Instead of finding the box, Randall finds Taft murdered, his body in a backstage trunk. There are any number of magician rivals, competitors, and jealous suspects to keep Randall busy. But, warned off the murder investigation, Randall focuses on that missing diamond bracelet and his problems at home.

The Deal: About Face by Adam Gittlin
Commercial real estate broker Jonah Gray resurfaces and has a lot of unfinished business. Since becoming a fugitive he’s had onlyi one goal: his return. Having accidentally killed a dirty NY police officer after solving a case involving a Faberge egg, Gray was on the run. But he spends time planning his revenge and his comeback and in the process become ruthless and ready for another round.

The Black Stiletto: Secrets and Lies by Raymond Benson
This is the fourth book of the ""Black Stiletto"" series. It’s 1961 and Judy, the Stiletto, meets Leo, a man who convinces her to move to Los Angeles. But Judy suspects Leo is not the hero she at first thought. For one thing, he’s got connections with the West Coast mob. His sister, Christina, an ex-con who served time for armed robbery, could also be a threat. Meanwhile, in the present, Alzheimer's-stricken Judy worsens and her son Martin comes to grips with her imminent death. But elements from the Stiletto's past again threaten Martin's family, and it is up to his daughter Gina to save the family. This novel has mystery, family secrets, and more. A good read.

Secretariat Reborn by Susan Klaus
Christian Roberts rents out small sailboats on Sarasota Bay. His peaceful life is shattered when he accepts a thoroughbred colt from his estranged father, an Ocala horse trainer. When Christian promises his father that he'll race the colt, he finds himself in the underworld of horse racing. To help, he hires Ed Price, a Miami trainer. When his colt shows potential and a surprising resemblance to Secretariat, a wealthy sheik wants to buy him. But Christian vows to keep his promise to his father. With a sizable debt still owed on the horse, Christian is takes out a loan from a New York mobster with the usual consequences for nonpayment. There’s a lot on this thriller and readers will find themselves wrapped up in the setting as well as the fast-paced thrill ride.

The Troubles Trilogy by Adrian McKinty
A well written foray into the early 1980s which brings the era in Northern Ireland to life on the page.
Cold Cold Ground
Northern Ireland, spring 1981. Belfast is a tinderbox. The Thatcher government has placed troops everywhere, but the riots continue along with bombings and sectarian attacks. In the midst of the chaos, Sean Duffy, a Catholic detective in the Protestant Royal Ulster Constabulary, tries to track down a serial killer who is targeting gay men. He discovers that one of the victims was involved in the IRA, but was last seen discussing business with someone from the Protestant UVF (Ulster Volunteer Force). A fast paced historical that is riveting.
Sirens
A torso in a suitcase presents an impossible case. But Sean Duffy isn't easily deterred. With Detective Constables McCrabban and McBride, he works at identifying the victim. The torso is that of an American tourist who once served in the US military. An American in Northern Ireland during the Trouble is not an ordinary occurrence. The trail leads to the doorstep of a beautiful widow, whose husband was killed by an IRA assassination team. Duffy is caught between his romantic instincts and powerful men from British intelligence, the FBI, and local paramilitary death squads. enough to keep even the savviest detective busy.
In the Morning
In this outing, Sean Duffy, a conflicted Catholic cop, is recruited by MI5 to hunt down Dermot McCann, an IRA master bomber. Sean discovers a woman who may hold the key to McCann’s whereabouts. The woman wants justice for her daughter who died mysteriously in a pub locked from the inside. Sean realizes that solving the "locked room mystery" may lead to McCann.

A great series with much to recommend it.

Silent Kill by David Fingerman
Officer Louise Miller not only has to deal with the good old boy mentality of the policen department, but she's also a gay police officer who has to deal with harassment of a different kind. When one of her few friends on the force goes missing Miller decides to investigate despite being ordered not to. Miller scours the town for signs of her fellow officer but finds little. Miller is convinced the detectives are not doing the best job they can. Miller is savvy, smart, and tough. The book has lots of plot, characters that will hold a reader, and twists and turns to keep pages turning.

Port City Black and White by Gerry Boyle
Brandon Blake, resourceful character in an earlier novel has entered the big leagues. Hired by the Portland Police Department, partly as payback for stopping a vicious cop killer in PORT CITY SHAKEDOWN, he’s also known for his smarts. When a drug-addled mother can't find her child, Blake—whose own mother left him and was killed when he was a toddler— has no pity. But the baby really is missing. Brandon's focused search for the child brings him lots of trouble and threatens his career, his life, and his relationship. Good dialog, tough characters, and a gritty background make this a good read.
Tough, pithy dialogue and fast-paced action. In Brandon Blake, Boyle has created an interesting new protagonist . . . as well as prospects for another long and fine series.

Southside by Michael Krikorian
LA Times gang reporter Michael Lyons is shot and wounded on the sidewalk two blocks from City Hall. After the initial shock wears off, fellow reporters pull themselves together and try to figure out who shot Lyons. There are plenty of suspects. When detectives uncover a recording of Lyons talking to a gang member about the benefits of getting shot, they release the tape. The editor fires Lyons, who must find the shooter and vindicate himself. When three murders occur on the streets Lyons connects them to his own shooting. The common link: A notorious gangbanger, Big Evil, whose brother is among the victims. This is a debut novel from Krikorian, an actual Los Angeles Times crime reporter. His work is taut and engaging and will keep readers reading.

Reel Stuff by Don Bruns
Is it suicide or murder when Academy Award winning actor Jason Londell leaps to his death during the filming of a TV show in Miami? That’s the question James Lessor and Skip Moore are hired to investigate. The plot they uncover is filled with twists engineered around money and greed. Skip's girlfriend Emily goes undercover in Hollywood and is "discovered" by a talent agent. Normally level-headed, Emily gets carried away by the agent’s promises but she eventually finds her way back to Earth. Bruns’ latest is entertaining and a page turner. This is the seventh novel to feature Lessor and Moore.

Found by H. Terrell Griffin
At the start of Griffin's eighth mystery featuring retired lawyer Matt Royal (after Fatal Decree), Royal's girlfriend, detective J.D. Duncan, receives a text message with a photo of her friend Katie Fredrickson, who disappeared after Katie's husband, Jim, was murdered in Sarasota a year earlier. Forensic evidence at the scene suggested Katie was probably dead, but now there's hope she's alive. While Matt Royal wants to help he’s sidetracked in a murder investigation. A World War II vet is shot to death and his murderer is killed while fleeing the police in Longboat Key, Florida. After some odd documents in German and Arabic are found in the killer's car, another man disappears. The vet, as it turns out, was on his way to see Royal. Things, of course, get rough in this complex mystery and readers finding Royal turning again to his old friend, Jock Algren, a rough and tumble version of Matt. Readers who have spent time with Matt Royal before will be happy to find him deep in another mystery.

Cold Tuscan Stone by David P. Wagner
Rick Montoya moves from Santa Fe to Rome, to engage fully as a translator. Beginning to enjoy his time in Italy, he’s approached by a friend working for the police’s Italian Art Squad. Montoya is recruited for an undercover operation. Rick arrives in Tuscany posing as a buyer for a Santa Fe gallery and must track down traffickers who deal in priceless burial urns. Armed with a list of galleries, suspects, and an expense account, he gets into the role. Before his first day in Volterra is over, the gallery employee with whom he had an interview, dies shortly after in a fall from a cliff. Now Rick understands how serious the stakes are. Quickly, Rick becomes a suspect himself. To exonerate himself, Rick and the museum director continue to interview his list of suspects: a gallery owner, an import/export businessman and his assistant, an heiress with an art specialty. Readers will enjoy the characters and the lush Italian setting.

Capacity for Murder by Bernadette Pajer
Healing Sands Sanitarium, southwest of Seattle, sits on the doorstep of the Pacific at the beginning of the Twentieth Century. Famed for its rest cures, fermented diets, and Dr. Hornsby’s electrotherapeutics, everyone loves the sanitarium. Until now. A body is found and Professor Bradshaw is called in to investigate. His only clue to foul play is insubstantial. Suspects in the isolated location are limited to a handful of odd folks. A tale emerges forcing Bradshaw to make a decision about the woman he loves. And then something innocuous provides the key, alerting Bradshaw that one among them possesses the capacity for murder. Readers, especially those who enjoy historicals, will find this a good read.