Mystery

By Jo Ann Vicarel -- Library Journal, 02/01/2010

Sleuthing's Dangers

Crime solving can be a hazardous occupation as the detectives in this month's selections discover. In Jon Talton's Deadline Man, his nameless hero almost loses his life and misses his deadline. The young healer of Alys Clare's Mist Over the Water gets thrown into a situation in which men are willing to kill anyone who gets in their way. Then we have the battered and almost destroyed PI of Ray Banks's No More Heroes. Readers who like seeing their favorite sluths in peril will enjoy these white-knuckle, edge-of-your-seat mysteries.

Banks, Ray. No More Heroes: A Cal Innes Novel. Houghton Harcourt. Mar. 2010. c.261p. ISBN 978-0-15-101459-0. $25. M
Manchester PI Callum Innes (Sucker Punch) takes on the job of finding the arsonist who set fire to a house where a woman died and he single-handedly rescued a child. He discovers that the English city he thinks he knows is home to neo-Nazis and urban terrorists, and he must face his own addiction to pain killers. VERDICT Banks is one of the freshest voices in hard-boiled crime fiction today. His protagonist talks to readers like an old friend, fills us in on the action, and lays everything out so well that we even feel his back pain, know his fear, and grow to appreciate his considerable charm. For fans of Lee Child and Michael Connelly who like the lone hero facing difficult situations.

Bannister, Jo. Liars All: A Brodie Farrell Mystery. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Apr. 2010. c.319p. ISBN 978-0-312-61239-9. $25.99. M
As Brodie Farrell (Flawed; Closer Still) travels to find a cure for her son's cancer, friend Daniel Hood is left in charge of her detective business. He is hired to find a necklace stolen by the man who ran down a young couple, killing the man and crippling the woman. VERDICT This is a heartbreaker as only Bannister can write. The anguish of motherhood is underscored in her depiction of one parent watching her child slowly die while another is living with the knowledge of the devastation caused by a son's wanton actions. Bannister also skillfully begins the loosening of the bonds that have tied Daniel to Brodie for so long. Bannister just gets better with each book.

Clare, Alys. Mist Over the Water. Severn House. Feb. 2010. c.247p. ISBN 978-0-7278-6848-0. $28.95. M
The son of William the Conqueror is building an impressive cathedral on Ely Island. While fishing for eels, Morcar, cousin of apprentice healer Lassair, is horribly injured, and Lassair goes to tend him. What appeared to be an accident turns out to be an attempt on Morcar's life. VERDICT In this second entry in her Aelf Fen Norman series (after Out of the Dawn Light), Clare doles out enticing clues to keep the reader turning the pages. She also knows her medieval medicine, which should delight all fans of Ellis Peters and Susanna Gregory. [See Prepub Mystery, LJ 10/1/09.]

Doherty, P.C. The Spies of Sobeck. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Feb. 2010. c.304p. ISBN 978-0-312-53397-7. $24.99. M
Once again Doherty takes his readers on a journey into ancient Egypt where there is a plot to bring down the Pharaoh Hatusu. Chief Judge Amerotke works against the rising tides of rebellion in Nubia and a plot hatched by a group of deadly traitors in the heart of Thebes. VERDICT In Doherty's capable hands, readers walk in the ancient streets of Thebes, feel the ground under the wheels of Amerotke's chariot, smell the dank mud of the Nile, and experience daily life in this fascinating culture. Doherty delivers a puzzler that rivals one of his most perplexing mysteries, The Assassins of Isis. For historical fiction fans.

Hays, Tony. The Divine Sacrifice. Forge: Tor. Apr. 2010. c.303p. ISBN 978-0-7653-1946-3. $24.99. M
Asked to investigate the death of an elderly monk, counselor Malgwyn ap Cuneglas and King Arthur journey to Glastonbury abbey where they find not only a murderer but the famous St. Patrick, who has come looking for heresy. Malgwyn is a memorable sleuth: a warrior (even though he lost a hand in battle), a thinker, and a tactician. VERDICT Hays's follow-up to The Killing Ways serves up fifth-century church politics, warring philosophies regarding the celibacy issue, and a portrait of Arthur as an intelligent man caught between the growing dogma of the Church and his desire to bring all his subjects under the rule of the crown. Medieval mystery fans and readers who enjoy Peter Tremayne, Cora Harrison, and Bernard Cornwell will love this.

Hirahara, Naomi. Blood Hina: A Mas Arai Mystery. Thomas Dunne Bks: St. Martin's. Mar. 2010. c.224p. ISBN 978-0-312-54555-0. $24.99. M
The wedding of Mas Arai's best friend is canceled after a break-in at his fiancée's home, and the groom falls under suspicion. As the best man, L.A.'s most insightful and unassuming gardener/detective searches for answers, including who stole an ancient Japanese doll. VERDICT Edgar Award winner Hirahara has created a most original L.A. sleuth. In his fourth outing (after Snakeskin Shamisen), the Hiroshima survivor is self-deprecating and humble yet takes a sure, straightforward approach to helping those in trouble. [See Prepub Mystery, LJ 11/1/09; library marketing.]

McCarthy, Keith. Corpus Delicti. Severn House. 2010. c.278p. ISBN 978-0-7278-6836-7. $28.95. M
When Helena Flemming ends her relationship with John Eisenmenger, he is so wounded that he returns to his detested job as forensic pathologist. His case, the murder of a local petty criminal, has low priority with the Cheltenham CID, which considers the investigation into the disappearance of the son of a highly placed civil servant to be more important. Yet something is going on that investigators are missing. No one will escape unscathed. VERDICT McCarthy excels at capturing his readers and not letting go until the shocking conclusion. More of a police procedural than a true forensics investigation, this seventh entry (after With a Passion Put to Use) in the John Eisenmenger and Helena Flemming series will appeal to fans of John Harvey's crime novels.

Wan, Michelle. A Twist of Orchids: A Death in the Dordogne Mystery. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Apr. 2010. c.328p. ISBN 978-0-312-54994-7. $24.99. M
A woman falls to her death during a riot between the French police and young Muslims living in the Dordogne region. Julian Wood tries to aid the Turkish couple who run his favorite bakery when their son vanishes. Meanwhile, girlfriend Mara Dunni helps look after an old man who is seeing monsters and his late wife, the woman killed during the riot. VERDICT A passion for orchids and the beautiful Dordogne fuel Wan's third series entry (after Deadly Slipper and The Orchid Shroud). She skillfully blends current Islamic issues in France and the hunt for a killer with the problems faced by middle-aged lovers who aren't sure they want to marry. This may appeal to fans of Peter Mayle's Provençal crime capers or Cara Black's Parisian mysteries.

Wiley, Michael. The Bad Kitty Lounge. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Mar. 2010. c.278p. ISBN 978-0-312-59300-1. $24.99. M
It starts on a cold Chicago street where a man pours gasoline on the car of his wife's lover and sets it on fire. Then the murders begin; one victim is a nun with a cat tattoo on her stomach. PI Joe Kozmarski follows a trail of deception, greed, and old secrets that endangers everyone he encounters. At the same time, his conflicted personal relationships involving the care of his mother and the young cousin he is now raising as his own, described in Kozmarski's clear voice, will affect readers. VERDICT Though the twisting tangle of plot lines at times goes over the top, Wiley, a Shamus Award nominee for The Last Striptease, keeps us guessing to the end; his style will remind readers of early Bill Pronzini. [Library marketing.]

Yancey, Richard. The Highly Effective Detective Plays the Fool. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Mar. 2010. c.261p. ISBN 978-0-312-38309-1. $24.99. M
PI Teddy Ruzak is hired to establish the infidelity of an attractive woman's husband. Meanwhile, the state of Tennessee is trying to shut down his agency because Teddy has not passed his licensing exam. VERDICT In his third adventure (after The Highly Effective Detective and The Highly Effective Detective Goes to the Dogs), Teddy is finally getting the hang of this detecting business, as he hunts a murderer. Zany humor and delightful characters make this a good choice for Janet Evanovich fans waiting for her next book. [Library marketing.]

Mysteries in Brief

Dickinson, David. Death of a Wine Merchant. Soho Constable, dist. by Consortium. Mar. 2010. c.327p. ISBN 978-1-56947-622-2. $25. M
A member of the Covilles, wealthy wine merchants, is about to marry the daughter of a landowner and solicitor when the groom's father is murdered and the father's brother is arrested. Gentleman detective Lord Francis Powerscourt (Death of a Pilgrim) is hired by the defense to prove the accused's innocence. VERDICT This fine historical has one of the best trial scenes in recent memory, rivaled only by Anne Perry's Execution Dock.

Ramirez, Misa. Hasta La Vista, Lola! A Lola Cruz Mystery Minotaur: St. Martin's. Feb. 2010. c.262p. ISBN 978-0-312-38403-6. $23.99. M
Sacramento PI Lola Cruz returns to her parents' house to find her family mourning her death. Turns out a dead woman found in a dumpster had a driver's license with Lola's name. VERDICT Struggling with identity theft, Lola (Living the Vida Lola) finds her world turned upside down but manages to make everything come out right. For fans of chick-lit mysteries.

Talton, Jon. Deadline Man. Poisoned Pen. May 2010. c.276p. ISBN 978-1-59058-714-0. $24.95; pap. ISBN 978-1-59058-723-2. $14.95. M
A business columnist for the Seattle Free Press witnesses the death of a primary source. Then a young man is found dead with a tattoo 11/11 on his ankle. For the anonymous "Deadline Man," the world is changing, people are dying, and the newspaper is going out of business. VERDICT This terrific stand-alone by the author of The Pain Nurse and the David Mapstone series should appeal to readers who enjoyed Michael Connelly's The Scarecrow. [See Prepub Mystery, LJ 1/09; large print edition available.]

Additional Mysteries

Black, Cara. Murder in the Palais Royal: An Aimée Leduc Investigation. Soho, dist. by Consortium. Mar. 2010. c.291p. ISBN 978-1-56947-620-8. $24. M
In Aimée Leduc's latest investigation (after Murder in the Latin Quarter), the crime is upfront and personal—not only has Aimée's partner, René Friant, been shot but Aimée herself is accused of the crime. In addition, a large amount of money has mysteriously appeared in Leduc Detective's account, prompting official investigation, and a young man Aimée helped pack off to jail for anti-immigrant activities demands to see her—and then ends up an apparent suicide. Bien sûr, this would not be an Aimée Leduc novel without political concerns, and Aimée's follow-up of the convicted man's death—even as she tries to clear her name and figure out who really shot René—leads her straight into the hate-filled terrain of neo-Nazi agitation and Les Blancs Nationaux. These two investigations link in a surprising way—there's a really ripping ending—and make for interestingly different and overlapping tension. And with Aimée really on the defensive, she's more appealingly tough yet vulnerable than ever. VERDICT With its multiple strands, this work has a somewhat different feel from other Aimée Leduc novels. But never fear, it's still a winner. [See Prepub Mystery, LJ 11/1/09.]—Barbara Hoffert, Library Journal

Box, C.J. Nowhere To Run: A Joe Pickett Novel. Putnam. Apr. 2010. c.368p. ISBN 978-0-399-15645-8. $25.95. M
Heading into the Wyoming backcountry while responding to a hunting complaint, game warden Joe Pickett senses someone lurking in the woods. Rumors have been flying about this region ever since a world-class female runner disappeared here a few years ago. But it's not until Joe is ambushed and almost killed and staggers out of the forest talking about twin survivalist-type guys and a lone woman that things get really crazy. The runner's parents, the media, and mercenaries descend. Box's latest thriller (after Below Zero) is an intense story of multiple crimes that asks rhetorically how much government interference is mandatory when people just want to be left alone. Echoing themes from earlier books (Winterkill), Box views the quandary from all sides in this well-structured novel. VERDICT A perfect choice for fans of Nevada Barr's Hard Truth, which grappled with a similar topic, and readers who like political issues mixed in with their suspense, this title can be read as a stand-alone. However, series readers will enjoy Nate Romanowski's growing role as sidekick, much like Joe Pike in Robert Crais's Elvis Cole novels. Highly recommended. [See Prepub Mystery, LJ 12/09.]—Teresa L. Jacobsen, Solano Cty. Lib., Fairfield, CA

Bradley, Alan. The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag: A Flavia de Luce Mystery. Delacorte. Mar. 2010. c.362p. ISBN 978-0-385-34231-5. $24. M
When our heroine, conducting a mock funeral for herself in the village churchyard, encounters a weeping red-headed woman, the 11-year-old's precocious wit and sympathy immediately charm the tearful Nialla: "I like you, Flavia de Luce." The many readers who made Bradley's The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie a best seller will concur, and newcomers, too, will fall under Flavia's spell in this second sleuthing adventure. Nialla is the assistant to master puppeteer Rupert Porson, whose van has broken down in the English hamlet of Bishop's Lacey. When he is fatally electrocuted during a performance, Nialla becomes a suspect in his murder. Putting aside her chemistry experiments and poisoning plots against her tormenting older sisters, Flavia sets out on her trusty bike, Gladys, to investigate. VERDICT While the plot at times stretches credulity, with some characters veering close to Agatha Christie stereotypes, Flavia is such an entertaining narrator that most readers will cheerfully go along for the ride. Sure to appeal to Anglophiles and mystery fans nostalgic for the genre's Golden Age. [See Prepub Mystery, LJ 11/1/09; see Prepub Alert, LJ 11/1/09; library marketing; available as an ebook and unabridged CD.]—Wilda Williams, Library Journal

Nesbø, Jo. The Devil's Star. Harper: HarperCollins. Mar. 2010. c.320p. tr. from Norwegian by Don Bartlett. ISBN 978-0-06-113397-8. $25.99. M
Devastated by his inability to convince his superiors that fellow detective Tom Waaler is both guilty of his former partner Ellen's murder (The Redbreast) and an arms dealer, Harry Hole goes on a four-week bender. Dragged back to work by his loyal boss, Harry is partnered with Waaler to investigate what quickly looks like a serial killer on the loose in Oslo who leaves star-shaped red diamonds with his victims. Upset by his inability to maintain a relationship with girlfriend Rakel and her son, Harry dries out and buries himself in the case, investigating with only the help of forensic tech Beate and determined not only to identify the killer but finally to get Waaler. VERDICT Harry is one of the best lone-wolf cops for the 21st century, and Nesbø's third book is equally as good as The Redbreast and Nemesis. Scandinavian noir is alive and well, and Nesbø is one of its best authors. Highly recommended, especially for readers who like Henning Mankell's Kurt Wallander series (Faceless Killers) or Arnaldur Indridason's Inspector Erlendur series (Jar City).—Jessica Moyer, Univ. of Minnesota, Coll. of Education & Human Development, Minneapolis

Peters, Elizabeth. A River in the Sky. Morrow. Apr. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 978-0-06-124626-5. $25.99. M
Quelling a riot at the Temple Mount and chasing a villain through an ancient tunnel are the latest adventures of the Emerson family, as they detour to Palestine in 1910 when a mysterious German archaeologist, Frau Von Eine, and her Muslim partner, Mansur, kidnap son Ramses, who is working in Palestine. Ameila Peabody and husband Radcliffe, meanwhile, investigate amateur archaeologist Morley, who has ties to the villains. Much of the book centers around the search for Ramses and his escape. Descriptions of the history, culture, archaeology, and landscape impart significance and realism while educating the reader. Still, the plot is hazy, and the importance of the artifact, deemed so significant by the villains, is not sufficiently explained. Multiple shifts from "Manuscript H," which recounts Ramses's activities, to Amelia's first-person narrative may confuse readers. VERDICT The plot is less riveting than many Peters mysteries, but series fans will enjoy sharing another adventure with the forthright Amelia, powerful Radcliffe, and quick-thinking Ramses. Fans should note that this is out of chronological order from the rest of the saga. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 12/09.]—Sally Bickley, Del Mar Coll. Lib., Corpus Christi, TX