Journalist and correspondent Adams knows the inner workings of DC and vividly portrays the Capitol’s underside. He writes Cora as a dystopic, flawed hero who is larger than life in this near-future narrative that’s frighteningly like the present.
Readers who enjoyed the first novel will want to see how Geller’s life and career play out, but there is not much here for newcomers. What could be a classic in the spy genre, complete with a timely idea, doesn’t live up to its initial promise.
The weather, as an additional character in the plot, is very effective. Though part of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone. Recommended for fans of Carlene O’Connor and the “County Cork” series by Sheila Connolly.
The follow-up to Sunshine State is labeled thriller, but it’s a step-by-step investigation with a great deal of dialog. The witty banter and Jake’s character might remind readers of Rex Stout’s Archie Goodwin. Fun for those with a penchant for good conversation and detectives under the thumb of a beautiful woman.
Coyle’s sixth “Rick Cahill” novel (following Wrong Light) will please noir enthusiasts with its staccato prose, evocative descriptions, and hard-nosed protagonist. Readers new to the series can still enjoy this book as a compelling stand-alone mystery, and enticingly vague references to previous books make a strong case for checking out Rick’s past adventures.
Jay is an obsessed, flawed character in the latest grim book by the Anthony Award–nominated author of Give Up the Dead. The bleak outlook, for the story and for Jay, will appeal to fans of noir fiction.
Gumshoe, the first in the series, was a Shamus nominee, and the author continues to develop Mort’s character and his snappy repartee. Readers who loved Robert B. Parker’s Spenser or Matt Goldman’s Nils Shapiro will appreciate the humor and investigative work in this outstanding example of the PI novel.