Mysterical-E

Book Reviews

Spring/Summer Book Reviews

Death Island Style by Maggie Toussaint

MaryBeth Cashour is proof that starting over is never easy. Left with nothing after her husband’s death, she faces more tragedy. But moving to a small town and running a craft store is her way of starting again and making a new life for herself. But the dead man she finds on the beach makes her plans take a detour she never expected. Along with the dead body comes news that her husband may not be dead after all and that she is a mob target, as well as a suspect in the dead guy’s murder. The book takes readers on a journey that is at once exciting and fun. With very little to her name and not knowing where to turn, MaryBeth might seem like she’s down for the count, but Toussaint has a few surprises for readers. A nice summer read.

Damned If You Don’t by Anita Page

Anita Page does it again, giving us Hanna Fox, a committed friend, activist, and teacher. When a friend is accused of the murder of a developer, Hannah plunges in to clear him of the charges. Fraudulent eminent domain schemes, a victim with a past no one would want, corrupt politicians (perhaps that’s an oxymoron but there it is), and domestic violence all come together in Page’s new mystery which is sure to please. Written with her usual deft style and verve, this new work is engaging and keeps the reader turning pages. While trying to clear her friend and save her town from virtually destroying the nature of her town, Hannah finds more than she bargained for including the possibility that she may be next on the killer’s list. With well rounded characters, a setting that is part of the action, and plenty of excitement, this one will keep you glued to your seat.

Blotto, Twinks and the Dead Dowager Duchess: Blotto, Twinks #2 by Simon Brett

This is Simon’ Brett’s secont Blotto and Twinks outing and it’s a riot. Set in the 1920s and at a weekend house party, this book gives you everything you’ve come to expect in such a novel. Of course, there’s a murder and certainly, someone close to Blotto and Twinks, in rthis case their chauffeur, is accused. From there, we’re off and running headlong into another delightfully madcap mystery. This one takes you from that stylish house party to some surprising venues like an opium den, a castle, and the headquarters of a nasty bunch of evildoing anarchists. There’s also an amateur sleuth, an interesting mix of sleuths we all know, but he’s outshone by Blotto and Twinks. He’s also well behind them in solving the case. The characters are fun and the settings delightful. This mystery will keep you smiling all the way to the solution.

Silent Kill by David Fingerman

Officer Louise Miller is a lesbian with an attitude. Pushed up against the male establishment, she has to have a tough hide and a way of looking at things which allows her to get the job done. When a friend goes missing, Miller investigates despite being told not to do so. It becomes clear that a psychopathic killer is on the loose and that Miller must be the one to find him. The author handles the story without overdoing it and creates sympathetic characters moving in a believable setting.

Got No Friend Anyhow by Peggy Ehrhart

If the music scene is your thing, specifically the blues, then this is a book you’ll want to read. Elizabeth “Maxx” Maxwell and her Maxximum Blues band have taken the Manhattan blues scene by storm. The only thing they lack is a CD to help get bookings at blues festivals. Along comes Rick Schneider of Prowling Rooster Records and the label Maxx wants to record with. Unfortunately, Schneider disappears just before the album is finished. Maxx is steamed and tries to recover the master CD from Schneiderr’s office. Instead she discovers a pool of dried blood and Schneider’s pet rooster, Red. After that Maxx finds herself identifying Schneider’s body. While the police think Schneider was pirating music and got caught in the crossfire of a mob feud, Maxx doesn’t buy it. She wants to clear his name by finding the real killer. The action gets going from there. The New York music scene provides the background for action-filled scenes and some interesting characters.

Fly by Wire by Ward Larsen

This Larsen thriller features an uncompromising National Transportation Safety Board investigator who attempts to discover what’s behind the crash of a brand new CargoAir C-500, a cargo plane using fly-by-wire technology. Jammer Davis has his life complicated by a series of terrorist attacks, bureaucrats, corrupt officials, hired killers and more. It’s not called a thriller because it’s tame. Larsen knows his stuff and turns out a well tuned book filled with action from the minute the story opens. Davis eventually manages to cut through to the possible cause of the failed aircraft, or does he? You’ve got to crack the book to find out.

No Remorse by Ian Walkley

A supposedly disgraced Special Forces soldier, working for an outfit that operates outside the law, faces a Saudi bent on evil and vengeance. Filled with vivid characters and a plot that’s torn from the headlines, this book is another thriller that might make your summer a bit more exciting. With plenty of intense action, page turning events, and enough material to satisfy even the most experienced thriller fan, this is a book you’ll want to read in one sitting.

Port City Black and White by Gerry Boyle

The newest Portland police rookie is a tough character who calls them as he sees them. With an unenviable past and a hardnosed attitude, Brandon Blake finds himself in a position to do some good as a police officer. Blake is tasked to find the missing child of a drug besotted woman and he is relentless in his search. To the exclusion of almost al else including a relationship. Well written with believable characters, this book is one you’ll enjoy if police procedurals are your thing. The state of Maine is also a character in this work and it shines.

Murder in the 11th House by Mitchell Scott Lewis

Paranormal mysteries are still going strong and this book is yet another entry in that field. This time mystery is wrapped up with astrology to make an interesting read. You’ll learn a bit of astrological information as you get involved in the mystery. The quirky characters, from those involved in the Starlight Detective Agency, to others encountered along the way, are well drawn. With New York (where else? Well maybe L.A.) as the backdrop, having a detective who uses astrology to solve crimes is no stretch. David Lowell, the astrologer, is hired by his daughter Melissa, a defense attorney, to prove the innocence of Johnny Colbert, a female bartender accused of murdering a judge in a New York parking garage. Lowell starts with astrological charts for those involved and the story gets going from there. This is the first of a new series and paranormal fans will be rejoicing at the unique nature of this detective.

Those Who Fight Monsters: Tales of Occult Detectives edited by Justin Gustainis

Another paranormal feast for readers, this anthology is a real treat. This book features fourteen sleuths in original tales of cases involving vampires, demons, succubae and other children of the night. All of the tales feature characters from already-established series, but for those unfamiliar with some of them, each story does a good job of picturing the world of the characters. There are plenty of tales included and all of them are well-written pieces that will delight fans of this genre.

Dumpster Dying by Lesley A. Diehl

Emily Rhodes expected to retire in rural Florida’s Big Lake Country but instead she finds herself having to work at a country club bar. During her second week on the job, Rhodes stumbles upon a body in a dumpster outside the bar. The victim is a rancher and a wealth one. Before she knows it, Rhodes is questioned by the police and seems to be a person of interest. As a snowbird, a winter only resident, Rhodes isn’t accorded much respect or help. But she must clear her name if she has any chance at a decent retirement. A good mystery with lots of twists and turns, it’s a good read and worth picking up.

Boystown (1, 2, and 3) by Marshall Thornton

Each of the books in this review is a set of tales centered around former police officer, now private investigator, Nick Nowak. A man with a past, he’s unhappy about a lot of it including his departure from the department, and the bad breakup of his relationship with Daniel Laverty. Set in 1980s Chicago, the stories capture the sights and sounds of the times. Nowak’s job fills his life, other than some casual relationships until he meets Detective Bert Harker. In addition to all the other mysteries Nowack deals with, he’ll have to discover whether or not he’s got it in him to try his hand at love again. There are lots of characters and more than enough plot twists to satisfy readers.
(See Mysterical-E's interview with Marshall Thornton in this issue.)

Murder at Spouters Point by Leslie Wheeler

Steeped in Native American lore, this mystery combines suspense, romance, and more in a pleasing combination. Miranda and Nate, her Native American boyfriend, set off on a vacation but as soon as they arrive someone Miranda knows is murdered. Worse yet, Nate’s best friend Jimmy is the chief person of interest. Perhaps even worse is the fact that the murder rocks their relationship. Nate understands that Miranda and the cops think Jimmy is the killer and the only reason for this belief is that Jimmy is also a Native American. Miranda decides to investigate not only to save Jimmy but also her relationship with Nate. Wheeler’s characters are well rounded, the historical background is well researched, and the plot moves along. This is a good read on many levels.

Vintage Connor: The Blonde in the Lotus Elite by Robert Baty

Connor drieves and Alfa Romeo and indulges his interest in vintage cars now that he’s no longer wearing a badge and patrolling the streets. He also manages to find trouble easily. His old flame Evie shows up asking for help finding out the truth behind her daughter’s death. Officially called a suicide, Evie knows it’s murder. Connor agrees to help and gets his old partner to help out. Soon it looks like Evie is right and that he’ll have to find the killer. A mix of noir and the old pulps, this book is a treat for readers. A tough detective, a damsel in distress, and more will delight fans of the genre. The action will keep readers turning pages and it’s well worth a read.

Death Will Extend Your Vacation by Elizabeth Zelvin

The newest entry in Zelvin’s series has recovering alcoholics Bruce Koehler and Jimmy along with counselor Barbara sharing a Hamptons condo with others who are trying to live a “clean and sober” life.The unique angle that Zelvin pursues is that her characters struggle with staying sober and cleaning up their lives in any number of ways. Of course, they find plenty of obstacles not only to their goals of a sober life but also to their desire for a relaxing vacation. The trouble starts when, while out hiking, they find the body of another housemate, Clea, a passionate investigative journalist concentrating on environmental issues. The police, not interested in the anonymity that the recovering housemates crave, plunge full on into the investigation. Zelvin piles on the trouble and the bodies increasing the pressure on both the police and the housemates. Barbar, Bruce, and Jimmy, wanting to protect everything that the housemates have worked for, start their own investigation. A character driven series, Zelvin lets readers into her characters’ lives and brings them to life. There are plenty of characters, a good plot, and action to keep readers glued to the pages. Good reading for the summer or anytime.
(See Mysterical-E's interview with Elizabeth Zelvin in this issue.)

Journey to Die For by Radine Trees Nehring

In this sixth of Radine Trees Nehring's mysteries, retirees Henry and Carrie King take a nightmarish day trip by train. Intending to explore Arkansas history on a restored train to an historic community, the furthest thing from their thoughts is finding a dead body. But when the train makes a stop and the passengers take a break to explore the town, a dead body is just what Carrie finds. With Carrie’s instincts and with Harry’s former job as a cop, they easily get into the investigation and find themselves in a world of things they never expected. A treasure hunt, greed, and corruption blend together to make this a mystery worth reading. Add to this the fun characters and a fast moving plot, and this is one readers won’t want to miss. In addition to the romance and suspense, you’ll also find a few recipes from food that plays a part in the story. You can cook up some of the food and have a well rounded experience reading and eating.

Lawn Order by Molly MacRae

MacRae has another hit on her hands. In this first of a new cozy series, she takes readers into the world of bookstore owner Margaret Welch in Stonewall, Tennessee. Strange and ugly things are happening there – poisoned pigeons, arson, and eventually murder. Margaret finds herself looking into all of these occurrences and then some. Gene Mashburn is a newcomer to the town and Margaret’s cousin/friend Leona likes him just fine. But her taste isn’t appreciated by Police Sergeant Buckles and Margaret’s sister Bitsy. In fact they think Masburn’s the culprit since his arrival and the nasty doing seem to coincide. More than that, Mashburn has other connections that make him a likely suspect. While others try to prove that Mashburn is the killer, Margaret follows another trail, one that brings her into danger. Good writing, great settings, and believable characters will make readers want more.

The Peripheral Son by Dorien Grey

The prolific Dorien Grey has done it again. In this fourteenth Dick Hardesty mystery series outing, Grey has given readers a mystery to savor and enjoy. Readers are introduced to Mr. Koseva, a journalist who is deep into researching and eventually exposing unsavory elements like drug use in the boxing world and corruption in the arena of construction. Unfortunately for him, he takes a dive off a hillside and is killed. An ordinary accident. Not in the mystery world. Hardesty is asked by family to investigate the “accident” and he gets involved. Along the way, Hardesty finds plenty of suspects and deals with a passel of interesting characters, including some in the Koseva family. The book is set in the 1980s and comes with all the benefits and limitations of the period. Grey does an admirable job of bring that era back to life. Grey also lets us in on developments in Hardesty’s domestic situation which progresses with each entry in the series. Great characters, a plot that keeps moving, and solid writing will keep readers turning pages. Once they reach the conclusion, they’ll be panting for more.

Brinyside Chowder by Margaret Searles

If the Oregon coast doesn’t do it for you, then this mystery just might be the thing. The Millet and Hark mysteries wrap you in the atmosphere of the seaside and the people who live there. Millet’s beach home as well as others, have been encroached upon byt the construction for a new motel next door. If that isn’t enough, a fire claims an old friend and neighbor. But he’s not just any old friend, he’s a guy that’s rumored to have buried a bucketful of gold coins on the property. And it wasn’t any old fire, Millet knows it was suspicious. Not only does Millet have to deal with the mysterious death of her friend, she’s set on finding the buried treasure as well as on dealing with the encroachment onto her property. Of course, Hark joins her to follow the trail and solve the case. Great fun on the beach.

The Lover by Laura Wilson

Based on the true story of the “Blackout Ripper,” this mystery takes the reader on a trip not only into the past but into an intriguing set of circumstances. The fall of 1940 brings the Blitz and with it a string of murdered prostitutes. The story is told through the eyes of a fighter pilot with a secret, a prostitute supporting her child, and a female office worker making new to everything and trying to make her way in the world. The shifting points of view help tell this story in a way that allows the reader to see much more than just the mystery. A well researched historical mystery, this book is well worth a read. Not to be missed.

Clobbered by Camembert by Avery Ames (third in the Cheese Shop Mystery series)

Charlotte Bessette, owner of Ohio’s famous Fromagerie Bessette, is setting up her booth for the town's Winter Wonderland fair, when she meets an old friend of her mother’s, Kaitlyn Clydesdale, who’s returned to town to start a honeybee farm. Unfortunately, the bees will have to wait as Kaitlyn is found dead. And not just anywhere, Kaitlyn’s body is found in the home of Charlotte's assistant Rebecca. As it happens, Rebecca's boyfriend is a honeybee farmer and so all suspicion falls on him. Charlotte knows better and decides to find the real killer. Strong characters and a good plot all mix with lots of cheese. Unless you’re lactose intolerant, this romantic suspense offering will please.

One Book in the Grave by Kate Carlisle

Another series, this one, an old book-lover’s delight, has a new entry and protagonist Brooklyn is back solving another crime. With a chance to restore a rare first edition of Beauty and the Beast, Brooklyn finds herself in the middle of a mystery. Seems the book belonged to an old friend who died in mysterious circumstances. Brooklyn has believed for a while that it was her old friend’s girlfriend who was responsible. Now she has a way to get herself involved so she can solve the mystery.

Bad Moon Rising by L.F. Crawford

Paranormal mystery fans have yet another tale to keep them busy this summer. Beverly Hills medical examiner, Mary Eclaire leaves her work and her boyfriend Det. Murry behind while she goes home to heal from her last case. Murry is, of course, not happy but his brother Lance and his partner Billy enduce him to take a cruise with them. Of course, no cruise is without a mystery (on some it’s only about the food) and Murry’s cruise is no different. Billy wanders off with a woman who is later found dead in NOLA and the police arrest him though they aren’t confident he’s the real killer. Murry has no choice but to investigate and paranormal things begin to happen. There are enough plot turns and twists to keep readers entertained and plenty of supernatural goings on to have genre fans satisfied until the next entry in the series.

Blood over badge by Wayne Farquhar

With two crimes and two different killers, Blood Over Badge delivers a large helping of mystery. This police procedural takes the reader on an edgy ride through the real world of detective work. Lots of plot, rounded characters, and good pacing make this first novel something readers will enjoy. Farquhar is a police detective and knows his way around an investigation and it shows. There’s plenty to keep readers guessing and reading.

Reunion by Carl Brookins

Reunions have provided fertile ground for mystery writers for a while. Brookins has joined the ranks of those who’ve set their tales at a typical back-stabbing, old rivalry filled session. Lori Jacobs receives an invitation to her high school reunion and persuades her relatively new squeeze, Jack Marston, to go along and meet her old friends. He’s happy to do it since he wants to know more about Lori and gabbing with old friends seems the perfect way to gather information. During the first night’s reception at a local restaurant, the old high school quarterback is found murdered in a nearby field. Because reunions are such fun, one murder is never enough, and soon the bodies pile up. Lori is in luck since Jack is a former investigator for the US Navy and when they get drawn into the search for the killer, his skills come in handy. Lori and Jack also become targets in the case which gives them lots of incentive to find out who’s killing Lori’s old buds. As Lori and Jack explore different avenues to solving the case, the reader is treated to a number of amusing characters as well as some fast-paced action. A good read, especially if you’re on your way to a high school reunion of your own.