OPEN SEASON

4 stars out of 5

As always, I loved the characters in this series - this is the 40th, which is hard to believe since I don't think I've missed a single one. On the other hand, the story was more than a little hard to follow and connect the dots.

The whole thing starts when a woman's body is dumped - a wannabe actress who's a caregiver at an elder facility. As is customary, Los Angeles PD lieutenant Milo Sturgis calls his friend, psychologist Alex Delaware, to take a look and share his usual insights. But just when they think they've identified the killer, they get another surprise: the dead body of that suspect. Complicating matters even more is the fact that he was killed sniper-style by a rifle that was used in a previous unsolved murder.

Not satisfied that they're not looking at a serial killer, Milo, Alex and their team start digging into cold cases to find similarities; it takes a while, but slowly, bits and pieces come together that yes, scream that it's a single killer - but anything that connects the murders remains elusive.

Also as is customary, Alex puts his mind on the psychological clues while Milo and the others dig into the facts and figures - and slowly but surely, a whole picture emerges that leads the team in the direction they need to go. All told, it's a familiar (and always welcome) pattern, and as always, I look forward to the 41st adventure. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy of this one.

Open Season by Jonathan Kellerman (Ballantine Books, February 2025); 288 pp.

THE BUSINESS TRIP

4 stars out of 5

Tell you what - this is one of the most "Aw, c'mon, you've got to be kidding me" tales I've read in a long time. But I didn't mind at all - the twists and turns made it a romp and really hard to put it down. Trying to review it, I quickly realized, is a challenge, though - way too much chance of spoiling it for others.

The two main characters are Stephanie, a TV news director, and Jasmine, a have-nothing 44-year-old who's in an abusive marriage. Both are looking for a break; Stephanie from the daily grind and hoping to reconnect with her grown son, and Jasmine for the obvious reason. Over time, Jasmine has surreptitiously squirreled away tips from the bar where she works so she can make a getaway when the time is right - and she's finally reached it. Stephanie's breaking point comes with what she hopes will be the last demand that she drop everything - this time to head for San Diego for a news director convention she really doesn't want, or need, to attend.

On the plane, Jasmine and Stephanie coincidentally sit next to each other (yeah, right). And that's when things start to get interesting, as it isn't long after that when the two women are reported missing. Say what?

The calls of foul play come from various sources, although one of them is not Jasmine's ne'er-to-well husband Glenn, whose track record makes him reluctant to notify the authorities. Not so her friend Anna, who's been helping Jasmine make plans. On Stephanie's end, her ever-so-gay next-door neighbor Robert, who's been watching her cat, becomes suspicious early on, as do a couple of co-workers at the station who begin to notice irrational behavior.

Readers, however, are clued in to what's happening by way of chapters that shift in perspective among several of these characters including, of course, Stephanie and Jasmine. Now I do have to admit it's unlikely I'd ever want to hoist a beer with either of them, nor did I much care what fate (or make that ultra-careful planning) had in store for them personally. The process of finding out, though, was rather fun, and the author did a great job with the plot development and "reveals" along the way.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable read, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for giving me the nod to download a pre-release copy. This is a debut novel, and I'll certainly be on the lookout for more from this talented author.

The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia (St. Martin's Press, January 2024); 352 pp.

THE BIG EMPTY

5 stars out of 5

Over the years, I've come to love the investigative team of Elvis Cole and Joe Pike; Elvis is charismatic, while all Joe needs to do is stand there and everybody knows what he's thinking. This latest adventure - the 20th - had me glued to my Kindle from start to finish.

It begins as Traci Beller, she of The Baker Next Door fame and fortune, asks (through her humorless promoter Kevin) Elvis to find her long-lost father, Tommy. A decade ago, he apparently abandoned his family and hasn't been seen since, and both police and private investigators turned up nothing. The owner of an HVAC company, his last known location was Rancha, a small town near Los Angeles.

Always a sucker for a pretty woman in distress - and knowing he's pretty darned good at finding people - Elvis decides to give it a try and sets off for Rancha, mostly to look for anyone who might remember Tommy or anything that might provide a clue as to what happened to him. Early on, though, his questioning of local folks - especially former convict Sadie Givens and her daughter, Anya - puts him in the crosshairs of some nasty guys who clearly want him to cease and desist - or else.

That experience, in turn, leads to his calling his partner Joe for help, and it's a good thing he did; Joe is particularly skilled at dealing with nasty guys (and no doubt gals as well), and as the investigation progresses, those skills definitely will be put to the test. Clues - and fists and shots - are coming strong and fast, and only one thing is for certain: Traci's father isn't even close to the man she remembers.

Other than that, all I can say is it's a fight to the finish that I'm glad I got to read - and I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for making that possible by way of a pre-release copy.

The Big Empty by Robert Crais (G.P. Putnam's Sons, January 2025); 384 pp.

THE PERFECT HOME

3.5 stars out of 5

Admittedly, this book had me on the edge of my seat psychologically most of the way through; the twists, turns and reveals just kept coming. That is, until they didn't. Despite my almost salivating in hopes of that final curve ball that would shoot the book over the fence, it never happened.

Early on, though, the story hit quite a few timely hot buttons, including a home improvement reality TV show with husband-and-wife stars who have the perfect combination of a solid marriage and skykrocketing ratings. But for both themselves and the homes they're renovating, the foundations are crumbling. Aha, I said - this plot will thicken.

As well it did. The renovators are Wyatt and Dawn Decker, a somewhat unlikely pair. He's handsome, charming, witty and outgoing; she's on the shy side and in no danger of being wooed away by Project Runway. But together, their onscreen chemistry works; the show is climbing in the ratings - in large part to their lively back-and-forths. On the home front, though, trouble is brewing. Both are intent on having a child, but since Wyatt is adamantly opposed to a donor or adoption, they head for a fertility clinic to be tested. There, the egocentric Wyatt learns he's the problem - and he's not a happy camper to say the least.

Then he learns about a controversial fertility drug - one that's illegal in the States; secretly, because Dawn isn't in favor of it, he takes the drug. Yep, you guessed it - shortly afterward, Dawn gets pregnant - with twins, no less. How she managed to get through the hammering and pounding of refurbishing for nine months while carrying such a heavy load was never explained - nor for that matter even mentioned - but apparently she somehow managed to carry on. Wyatt got through it as well, but his personality started on a downward slide. That did not escape his wife's attention to detail; in fact, she finds evidence that things are getting much darker right before the Dawn (sorry, couldn't resist).

The revelations prompt Dawn to do the unthinkable - take the twins and run. Wyatt, needless to say, is happy to play the wronged husband, and even happier to go to his adoring public with claims that his wife, who is suffering from serious post-partum depression, has fallen over the edge. From that point on, it's a race to see who wins, with the future of a TV deal and the very lives of a couple of innocent babies hanging in the balance. As I alluded to previously, the track is far from straight and narrow, and readers are in for a wild ride along with Wyatt and Dawn. 

The ending itself wraps up most of the loose ends, and no doubt many readers will be happy with it. For me, though, the story absolutely screamed for a gobsmacker - which in a perverse way is exactly what I got as the lyrics of the old Peggy Lee hit, "Is That All There Is?" ran through my brain. Alas, in this case I guess it is.

Oh well - overall, it was an enjoyable experience - really - and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.

The Perfect Home by Daniel Kenitz (Scribner, January 2025); 320 pp.

ROBERT LUDLUM'S THE BOURNE VENDETTA

4 stars out of 5

Years ago when the original author was penning the novels in this series, I read a couple and quit even though overall I thought they were well written. Why? Reading became tedious, and getting through one became more slogfest than enjoyment to me. The movies I watched - as long as I've read a book that gets transformed to film, I'm game, but never the other way around.

Fast-forward more years than I want to own up to, and I've once again started to read the series (most recently penned by this author). That in itself is an oddity, since once I've seen the movie(s) I never, ever, return to print. And by golly, I'm enjoying the heck out of the books. This one is no exception, although I'll say at the outset that I'm so not happy with the ending.

Once again, current and former players from the secretive agency Treadstone are interacting with each other - including Jason Bourne, a.k.a. several other names, who's forgotten most of his past. The agency's head is a truly wicked city woman called Shadow; a former agent, Johanna, gets involved in the mix. Despite having had initimate relationships with both women, Jason's long-time love is Abbey Laurent, who left him (with his blessing) because she couldn't deal with his ultra-dangerous lifestyle.

Throw into the mix something called "The Files," some kind of clandestine computer program that has ferreted out top secrets from the lives of all sorts of people. Whoever has it has the potential to earn tons of money by blackmailing those who want to protect their secrets, so several factions are doing their best (or worst) to get it their hands, including Treadstone. To help with that, Shadow calls in Jason.

Amid people getting killed and Jason trying his best not to be among them, he learns that Abbey is collecting information for a book she's writing based on a major fire at a ranch resort in which several people died. No cause has been determined as yet, but she hopes her research will ferret out the truth. He also learns she's no longer a free woman; not long ago, she married a man named Garrett Parker. Jason has very mixed feelings about that - perhaps hoping that Abbey does as well - although both deny any chance of getting back together.

But as connections between what both are working on grow stronger, meeting again becomes inevitable - as does the danger that follows Jason like a shadow encroaches on Abbey's life once again. An even bigger problem, though, is that Garrett may be involved somehow - and it may be up to Jason to save him (or not).

All in all, it's typical Bourne in action from the beginning (and no, you didn't really expect me to say why I didn't like the ending, did you)? I'll just say thanks once again to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy. Good one!

Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Vendetta by Brian Freeman (G.P. Putnam's Sons, January 2025); 400 pp.

THE JFK CONSPIRACY

5 stars out of 5

As a slightly-under-21 adult back in 1959, I liked Ike - just like most of the people around me at the time. But while I wasn't quite old enough to vote in the 1960 Presidential election (and, for better or worse, definitely would have opted for Eisenhower's former Vice President Richard Nixon just because of my family's strong Republican leaning), I was fascinated with the young "upstart" who was running against Nixon for President of the United States. By the time he emerged victorious, I was totally on board with his enthusiasm, values and plans for our country (and had left my childhood behind for college and marriage).

But all that's well didn't end well. Tragically, I'll always remember when a relative called in November 1963 frantically tellling me John F. Kennedy had been shot - after whichi I quickly plopped our three-month-old son in his baby carriage and turned on our tabletop black-and-white TV with rabbit ears to watch Camelot crash and burn in real time right before my eyes.

When I had an opportunity to get my hands on a pre-release copy of this book, then, the memories came flooding back. I even had some recollection of someone once being arrested for trying to kill JFK before the man who was successful, but it was vague. So since I have a personal interest in the details - and I'd read and enjoyed another of the authors' "conspiracy" books - I was eager to read it. It took me all of two days, brought back many memories and enlightened me with many details I never knew about back then, or since. And for those who need proof, it's all backed up with an almost exhaustive list of sources.

The focus of the book is Richard Pavlick, who came frighteningly close to ensuring that Kennedy never took the oath of office. But there's much, much more about what it was really like for Kennedy, his much-heralded wife Jacqueline and others around him between the time he was elected and actually moved into the White House. And at this point, I'll say this is one of the shortest book reviews I'll ever write. That's not because I have nothing to say - trust me, I have plenty - but because much that is in here is new to me, so I'm not about to spoil it for others. Highly recommended!

The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy - and Why It Failed by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch (Flatiron Books, January 2025); 304 pp.

WE THREE QUEENS

5 stars out of 5

I came very late to this series, as far as my records show having read only the most recent three (this is No. 18) - but better late than never, as the old saying goes. I've found the books fascinating, which says a lot because I'm a fan of neither historical novels nor, for the most part, cozy mysteries. This one, I'm happy to say, is delightful as well.

The star of the show, Lady Georiana Rannoch, is a cousin of the King of England - who happens to be that guy who abandoned the throne to marry the [older] woman of his dreams. Perhaps that's partly the attraction for me; I was born roughly four years after he abdicated and remember hearing the story later from my parents, who of course lived through it all (probably listening to the news on the upright radio on which my dad and I also listened to the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday nights). Anyway, I remember what a scandal it caused here in the States, so it was extra fun to learn that the woman in question - Wallace Simpson - plays a role here when King Edward asks Georgie and her hunky husband, agent Darcy O'Mara, to keep her hidden at Eynsleigh, the huge estate that will one day belong to Georgie.

What Georgie and Darcy learn after the fact, though, is that Sir Hubert, the current owner of the estate, has offered up the grounds as a setting for some scenes of a Hollywood movie. Needless to say, Wallis is frantic because she doesn't want to be found (and also because all the servants will not be at her beck and call), the servants are frantic because they're being commandeered into unbargained-for service and Georgie is frantic because all the house routines are being turned upside down just as she's trying to deal with a still-nursing infant son. On top of that, she's worried about her mother, who's in Germany making google eyes at one of Hitler's top officers and refuses to believe that either of them are anything other than nice guys.

Just as it seems they may achieve some semblance of order, things take a turn for the worse; Georgie's sister, her husband and two kids come for a long visit and the child-star actress in the film suddenly goes missing. The search for the young girl takes up a good bit of the book until yet another tragedy strikes - one of the cast of characters is murdered. This time, Darcy turns to his government employer for professional assistance, while Georgie puts some of her own investigative talents to work.

All told, it's another fun look at life in mid-1930s England. Since it's closing in on the start of World War II - and Georgie's mother has just gone back to Germany - I'm wondering how the next installment can avoid taking a darker turn. Well, guess I'll have to wait and see. Meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a copy of this one.

We Three Queens by Rhys Bowen (Berkley, November 2025); 331 pp.

BELLEVUE

3.5 stars out of 5

Overall, I enjoyed this book - at least the premise of it. Abandoned former hospitals are not uncommon in many communities these days - there's one not far from my house - and there's nothing gets the old heart rate skyrocketing than the thought of a few unhinged ghosts wandering around in them. 

In this instance, it's the old Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital in New York City - long since closed but not torn down - still standing next to the current Bellevue Hospital. As a teaching facility, new classes of residents are admitted each year, and this season's group includes twenty-something Michael Fuller - known as Mitt. He's a bit surprised to have been selected for the residency, although he's aware that family ties might have played a role; several of his ancestors were noted physicians who practiced at the old Bellevue over the years dating back to its beginnings. 

In addition to his medical skills, Mitt has another one that he doesn't acknowledge publicly: precognitive ability (a.k.a., sixth sense). As he begins to work with patients under the supervision of seasoned physicians, it starts to kick in - but not in a good way. To begin with, he "sees" a young girl wearing a bloody dress and hears screams from people who aren't there. Then, during the surgery he's assisting with for his first "assignment," a couple of strange things happen. But that's not the worst part; inexplicably, the patient dies. 

Although what happened creeps Mitt out a bit, he chalks it up to happenstance. When the second of Mitt's assigned patients dies under unusual circumstances, though, it's a bit harder to shove under his mental rug. After the third, well, he starts to wonder if he's somehow responsible. That, in turn, makes him wonder what awful things really happened at that long-closed psych hospital - and what part his ancestors played in the horrific goings-on.

All that leads to an ending that, all things considered, wasn't too surprising. And while it held my attention throughout, in the end, it was repetition - and to a certain extent, predictability - that kept me from loving this book (as is my custom for books by this author). Still, I enjoyed it very much and thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.

Bellevue by Robin Cook (G.P. Putnam's Sons, December 2024); 351 pp.

THE HOUSE OF CROSS

4 stars out of 5

Like many readers, I often look forward to books in various series; over several, I become familiar with a particular character or characters and am confident that I'll enjoy the latest installment. But after a period of time - say 10 or 15 years - it's also likely I'll take a break. Most of the time, it's just a feeling of ennui; the latest story's setting may be a little different, but otherwise, it's become sort of same old, same old. It's happened with every series I've ever followed to any extent; and it's true of the Alex Cross series, which I read from the beginning until fairly recently. When I compiled a list of all-time favorite Top 20 book heroes a decade or so ago, detective Cross was on it.

And he still is. So given a little extra breathing room on my list of for-review books and the opportunity to snag this one (the 30th in the series), I took it; and I'm glad I did. Besides reviving old familiar faces and an engaging, edge-of-my-seat story, taking that break refreshed my outlook and I'm once again looking to cross paths, so to speak, with the good Dr. Cross, his family and friends. The story hits the ground running with the murders of some top-level judges in different parts of the country. Alex is a consultant on the FBI's high-profile investigations unit, so he gets an SOS from the agency.

Meanwhile, Alex's wife Bree is looking into an auto crash authorities have ruled accidental; she suspects the dead guy may be an old nemesis - a dangerous man known as "M" and leader of a dangerous vigilante group known as Maestro (he'll be familiar to regular readers). She and Metro PD's John Sampson head off in a different direction - the site of the man's demise - to do their own investigating, leaving the wonderful Nana Mama, who's now over 90, to hold down the home fort.

Alex and Ned aren't exactly setting the world on fire, but they make some progress; Bree and John's investigation, though, goes off track right out of the starting block. Suddenly, Alex and Ned must switch gears to go look for the missing couple, hoping to finding them still alive. From that point on, it's nonstop action - I had trouble putting it down to the point of staying up something like 45 minutes later than my usual bedtime to finish it. The bottom line? I'm hooked on the series once again, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for bringing me back into the fold by way of a pre-release copy.

The House of Cross by James Patterson (Little, Brown and Co., November 2024); 410 pp.

TOM CLANCY DEFENSE PROTOCOL

5 stars out of 5

After reading several of these books, the Jack Ryan family - Jack Sr., his wife Cathy, and children Jack Jr. and Katie - almost feel like family to me (and it doesn't hurt that I'm married to a guy of the same name). But I look forward to reading them because they never fail to disappoint - and this one's no exception. Actually, Jack Jr. doesn't enter the fray here except in the occasional mention of his name - he's got his own series going now - but rising Navy officer Katie sure does. It's fun to watch as she starts to sound and act more like her father - now the President of the United States - every single day. 

This time out, the story involves an attempt by the greedy and corrupt leader of China to attack and take over Taiwan - a headline ripper if there ever was one. But of course, it can't be seen as an outright act of war; the Chinese need to pass the blame on to someone else and have concocted an elaborate plan to accomplish that. But early on, Chinese defense minister Qin Haiyu realizes the damage such an act will cause to their own people - a fact the current leader is choosing to ignore - and surreptitiously passes a message to an American ambassador to sound the alert (silently, of course). It's an act of courage that easily could backfire if if the ambassador doesn't realize what's going on or believes it's some kind of scam - and heaven help him if he's caught. But the man has put his very life on the line, as well as those of his wife and two children, who are enjoying a vacation in the Maldives.

The message was received, but the intent wasn't very clear until Katie offers her insights - demonstrated to be spot-on in a previous book, the powers that be in the United States - including the President and his trusted director of national security, Mary Pat Foley - buy in. Collectively, they lock into the need to get Qin out of China and his family out of the Maldives - as quickly as possible. Given China's nearly impenetrable internal defense systems, accomplishing that is next to impossible; exfiltrating all four puts the U.S. teams in nearly unsurmountable danger. Without help from an internal spy - a woman known as the Night Spider - either or both missions likely will end in failure. But first, they have to get a message to her - and doing that alone could get everyone, including her, very dead.

The rest of the book centers on the details of  both exfiltrations, with chapters shifting from China to the President's office to Katie's latest assignments as well as the Chinese efforts to run up a false flag in the Taiwan takeover effort. As always, it's all very exciting - holding my attention from beginning to end. Also as always, the devil is in the details, but those you'll have to read for yourself. I'll just thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to get in on the action by way of a pre-release copy. Well done once again!

Tom Clancy Defense Protocol by Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson (G.P. Putnam's Sons, December 2024); 512 pp.

ROBERT B. PARKER'S HOT PROPERTY

4 stars out of 5

Ah, Spenser. The Boston private eye has held the No. 2 spot on my Top 10 list of book heroes since, well, forever. And after original author Robert B. Parker's death in 2010 at the age of 77, my favorite takeover author - by a country mile - is the author of this guy (Mike Lupica). Why? Well, I've been impressed with his sports knowledge for many years. But more to the point, besides making Spenser seem like Parker never left the building, he's the only one so far who, in my eyes, has been able to put realistic dialog into the mouth of Spenser sidekick Hawk (who would be on my Top 10 list of heroes except that he's a sidekick).

This one begins with a snowstorm of epic proportions, followed by the unwelcome news that Spenser's old and dear friend, hotshot attorney Rita Fiore, has been shot. With her very life hanging in the balance, there's no shortage of possible suspects. In fact, she'd just come off of a trial defending TV anchorman Brian Tully, who ultimately was acquitted on charges of sexual harrassment by fellow TV journalist Shannon Miles. She - and many others who are upset with Rita for "unjustly" freeing someone they consider guilty as sin - have plenty of motive for making sure she never sees the inside of a courtroom again.

But thinking isn't proving; Spenser and Hawk have a lot of investigating to do before the person who put Rita in ICU can be held accountable. The chase leads to a local hot-shot politician and friend of Rita's, some prominent and well-connected real estate developers vying for a lucrative project and even some of the mobsters with whom Spenser has had run-ins (both bad and good) over the years and who will be familiar to regular series readers.

The thrill of the chase remains a thrill here, especially since Spenser gets some help from a couple of old friends from Paradise, Maine, who as good luck would have it happen to be friends of Rita as well. It's wonderful to see them all together again, and I think long-time readers of Parker's various series will agree. At this point, all I can say is more, please - and thank you to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy. 

Robert B. Parker's Hot Property by Mike Lupica (G.P. Putnam's Sons, November 2024); 352 pp.

TO DIE FOR

5 stars out of 5

Any book by this author is sure to be a treat for me, and this - the third in the series featuring ex-Army Ranger Travis Devine - certainly doesn't disappoint. This time out, he's been called to Seattle to protect 12-year-old Betsy Odom, who recently lost both her parents to drug overdoses. He's a bit reluctant to become a glorified babysitter or do anything that puts him in a spotlilght, especially since his recent encounter in Switzerland with the "girl on the train" that nearly cost him his life.

But duty calls (or more to the point, his boss, so off to Seattle he goes. Betsy's long-lost uncle, Danny Glass, wants her to come live with him. But despite having more riches than King Midas (or maybe because of it), Danny is under FBI investigation for RICO violations that could put him behind bars for a very long time. The FBI has an agent on the scene guarding Betsy, but there's reason to believe Betsy may not be safe so they're hedging their bets by having Devine run interference.

Almost from the start, though, Travis senses something's wrong. To begin with, Betsy - who was with her parents when they suddenly convulsed and died - insists they never did drugs. Further, the official record notes that Betsy herself administered Narcan to try to save them - a claim she disputes as well. The police in the tiny town in which the parents died, though, insist they investigated thoroughly and indeed, drugs were involved. But after meeting with a couple of the Odoms' friends who are hanging out in their house, Travis is even more convinced that some kind of cover-up is in place - perhaps an extensive one that reaches far beyond the local cops and might even (gasp) put him in the crosshairs of that mysterious girl on the train once again.

All told, it's quite an intriguing adventure, and now that it's over, I'm once again hoping the next installment will come sooner rather than later. Meantime, thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy of this one. 

To Die For by David Baldacci (Grand Central Publishing, November 2024); 424 pp.

AN INSIGNIFICANT CASE

4 stars out of 5

I've read and thoroughly enjoyed a couple of the author's books featuring former MMA fighter and current attorney Robin Lockwood, so when I got the chance to read this standalone book, I jumped at it. The lawyer here is Charlie Webb, an "average" guy who through no fault of his own got accepted into law school and passed the Bar. Living in Oregon, most of Charlie's clients are in the local Barbarian Motorcycle Club, just because he treats them right (and for the most part wins their court cases).

Charlie is also an old friend of sorts of a man who calls himself Guido Sabatini, a painter by profession. He recently sold one of his paintings to a woman named Gretchen Hall, who hung it on the wall in the office at the restaurant she owns. That, alas, really annoyed Guido, who was mightily offended that it wasn't on display where diners could see it. To rectify the situation, he broke into the office and stole the painting - along with at least one item from Gretchen's office safe.

That, of course, is a big no-no from a legal standpoint; Guido definitely will find himself in a court of law (as he's done in the past) - but not before he convinces Charlie to defend him. Unbeknownst to both of them, though, Gretchen is a suspected ringleader in a group of rather nasty folks who traffic young girls. And as luck would have it, the item Guido stole from that safe is a flash drive showing living proof that the police suspicions are right on the money.

That, needless to say, puts Guido - and everyone associated with him - in the crosshairs of those who are desperate to keep that video from ever being seen, even if murder is involved. So Charlie and his friends must be vigilant to the nines if they even hope to make it to Guido's trial, much less get him acquitted. More than that I can't reveal except to say it's quite an adventure. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for giving me a pre-release copy to read and review.

An Insignificant Case by Phillip Margolin (Minotaur Books, November 2024); 304 pp.

BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT

5 stars out of 5

Last year, I read the author's Her Deadly Game, which featured attorney and grown-up chess prodigy Keera Duggan. At the time, I hoped she was destined for a series but wasn't sure - and by golly, here she is again. This second installment is better than the first.

Living in the shadow of her hot-shot attorney father, Patsy, Keera has a place in his Seattle law firm along with a couple of sisters. Three year ago, her father successfully defended health-care entrepreneur Jenna Bernstein when she was charged with the murder of a potential whistle-blower. Now, Jenna's former company partner and lover has been murdered as well, and the evidence points to Jenna as the killer (if you haven't already guessed, the resemblance to a similar real-life incident that topped the national news in the United States is inescapable). Because of the earlier success, Jenna and her parents again turn to Patsy's firm to defend her.

Patsy, though, is fighting his own battles with the bottle and not actively participating in the firm's business. That leaves the defense job to Keera, but there's a hitch: Keera is well acquainted with Jenna from childhood, and let's just say Jenna is far, far from an upstanding, honest and trustworthy individual (the term sociopath is a more appropriate description). If Keera takes the case, she knows she cannot trust anything that Jenna says or does.

The story follows the investigation and trial as well as plenty of backstories about Keera, Jenna and Patsy - those who love courtroom action (like me) should be happy. It's a treat to read from start to finish, and I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt by Robert Dugoni (Thomas & Mercer, October 2024); 365 pp.

THE KNIFE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

3.5 stars out of 5

Despite not being a huge fan of cozy mysteries, this series is a favorite - largely because for once the main character is a real woman, not a ditzy female who never listens to reason, and the stories always are intriguing and relatively fast-paced. This one, too, was enjoyable, but it was noticeably lacking in the usual pizzazz. 

Yes, there's a murder in the small California coastal town of Lighthouse Cove (make that two murders, in fact); but those events take up a only a few pages - the rest mostly filled with characters running around talking about how much they like (or dislike) each other. Even the relatively brief reference to a current real-life trend (a particular concern for online shoppers) ends up with a not-quite-realistic conclusion and seems more like an afterthought than part of the plot.

Shannon Hammer is an accomplished builder with her own construction firm (for those not familiar with the series, yes, that's her real last name). It won't be long till she marries her true love, MacKintyre Sullivan, who's a successful writer of mystery novels (though it's a mystery to me when he finds the time to do much writing). This book takes place a few weeks before Christmas, so the small town is gearing up for the season. That's especially true at the Cliffs Hotel, a restored Victorian mansion (much of it by Shannon and her team) owned by Bill and Lilian Garrison, who apparently have money to burn and are by all accounts the most lovable people on the planet. Bill has asked Shannon to create a "Fun Zone" to entertain locals and tourists for the holidays, and there's plenty of enthusiasm and hoopla surrounding that.

The Garrisons have three grown children, all married to other characters - some of them are perfect like the parents/in-laws, some way at the other end of the lovable spectrum. One beloved son, Logan, has been away as an officer in the U.S. Navy and just returned home, to the delight of everyone.  His wife, Randi, is one of the nasties - she can't seem to tolerate anyone except herself, and Shannon is at the top of her enemy list. Since she's married to the son of the resort owners, though, she's been given a relatively cushy job despite everyone's dislike of her (and she of them). No big surprise, then, when she turns up as the first murder victim.

At this point, I can't reveal much more without spoiling things for others, so I'll say simply that, like almost all cozy mysteries, there's a happy ending (well, except for those two dead people). If you're already a fan of this series, do read it - it may not be my favorite, but it's definitely worth it. If this will be your first, I suggest starting with an earlier book (but then that's what I suggest to all new-to-a-series readeers). As for me, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy of this one.

The Knife Before Christmas by Kate Carlisle (Berkley, October 2024); 287 pp.

IN TOO DEEP

4 stars out of 5

Let me say at the outset that I've loved Jack Reacher for years (in the books, I hasten to add, of which this is the 29th). This one is not my favorite - maybe by half a country mile - but I stayed up past my bedtime to polish it off nonetheless.

Mostly, I guess, I just didn't warm up to any of the overabundance of characters - probably because it was a little hard to tell the good guys and gals from the bad. And for some reason, Reacher himself seemed a little "off" - but then, if I'd lost a chunk of my recent memory on top of trying to do my usual super-human feats with a broken wrist, I guess I'd be a little cranky as well. The wrist, in fact, is where it begins; Reacher wakes up tethered to a table in an unknown location. In typical Reacher fashion, he manages to get free - but he has no recollection of how he got to be where he is. So when a man arrives and shows him he's survived a car accident in the Ozarks during which an FBI agent was killed, Reacher decides, at least for the time being, to believe him.

But of course, not everyone is who they claim to be, and chapter perspective shifts let readers in on what's going on behind Reacher's back. Along the way, Reacher meets up with a disgraced female agent who's on the trail of the man she claims murdered her father - who, as it turns out, is directly connected to characters who are causing headaches for Reacher as well. Joining forces, then, is a no-brainer - especially since she's a computer whiz while Reacher remains a troglodyte when it comes to technology (although it amazes me how much he knows about it even though he doesn't even own a cell phone).

Needless to say, what they learn along the way turns out to be a huge threat to the American way of life, and as expected, saving our skins depends on Reacher learning the truth before the other side does. The fun - and action - is in the getting there, and trust me, there's plenty of it from start to finish. Another good installment, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.

In Too Deep by Lee Child and Andrew Child (Delacorte Press, October 2024); 328 pp.

THE PRESIDENT'S LAWYER

5 stars out of 5

If one of the primary settings in a book is a courtroom, I'm always up for it (or "down" for it, as today's kids tend to say). Whichever direction tickles your fancy though, I guarantee you'll fancy this debut novel and its gobsmacking ending.

Rob Jacobson was a super-charged attorney for many years, but now he faces one of his toughest cases yet: defending his long-time friend John S. Cutter - better known as Jack and as the recently-exited President of the United States. The charge? Murdering Amanda Harper, his top legal aide and a woman with whom he was having an affair.

For sure, it won't be easy; the police, and prosecutors, have ample evidence to "prove" Jack strangled his lover, then dragged her body to a local park where they claim he left more damning evidence. The case is even more complicated because of Rob's former relationships with both Amanda and the President's wife and First Lady Jess, the latter of whom may or may not have known about her husband's dalliance.

From the outset, Rob was reluctant to take on the case; after all, there are at least two obvious conflicts. But since his old friend is insistent, Rob rounds up his old attorney friend Jane Cashman to ride shotgun and decides to give it a go. Much of the book centers on the actual trial, so readers who love that scenario should be delighted (for sure I was). Back home, Rob worries only about his son Josh, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and often, reminisces about his long-lost brother, Evan, and their abusive but no-longer-living parents.

The courtroom scenes are riviting - the author, I learned, has a pretty impressive record as a trial and appellate court attorney. As far as I'm concerned, he's a pretty impressive writer as well; all along the way, clues are dropped that might have softened the blow of the ending. I didn't, and I added to the whammy for at least the next couple of days as I kicked myself for not paying more attention. But hey, when you're caught up in the drama of a life-or-death trial...

For sure, this one's a winner - and I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for offering it to me in the form of a pre-release review copy. Wow!

The President's Lawyer by Lawrence Robbins (Atria Books, October 2024); 319 pp.

THE MORE THE TERRIER

5 stars out of 5

Granted, this is not a lengthy book. Still, the fact that I whipped through 35% of it in one before-bed sitting indicates two things: first, it's an easy read; and second, doing so was a real treat. In fact, I'll say it's one of the best so far (this is the 30th).

Long-time super-charged attorney Andy Carpenter is happy as a clam now that he's retired - enjoying the heck out of his ex-cop wife, Laurie Collilns, 15-year-old son Ricky, their three dogs and running his Tara Foundation dog rescue operation. On their way back home to Paterson, New Jersey, the family is surprised when their pet sitter tells them a stray dog has appeared at their doorstep and doesn't want to leave. Almost immediately, though, they're shocked to realize this isn't a stray; it's Murphy, a pup they once fostered that was adopted some time ago by BJ Bremer, who lives with his mother. They're even more shocked, though, when BJ's mother reveals that her son has been arrested for murdering one of his college professors at nearby Rutgers University.

Andy is, of course, reluctant to take on the case - besides loving retirement, he won't be making any money (not that he needs any). But under the circumstances, he just can't say no; so he quickly gathers his competent team, which includes Laurie, to begin an investigation that begins with a close look at the victim in hopes that will lead to a motive. On the downside, the evidence against BJ is strong, so it's clear that even coming up with enough to create reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors will be a challenge.

But try they will, of course, and it's an intriguing exploration that leads to some very dangerous characters. I'm sorry to say other readers will have to find out how it went for themselves, though - I can't say more without revealing too much. But for courtroom and pooch lovers, I highly recommend this book (and the entire series). Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.

The More the Terrier by David Rosenfelt (Minotaur Books, October 2024); 299 pp.

SOCIETY OF LIES

4 stars out of 5

At the outset, I'll say that if I got nothing else out of this book, it was confirmation of my decades-ago decision when I started college that "going Greek" just wasn't for me. Whew!

Maya Banks, though, didn't get the memo. In fact, when she was a student at Princeton a decade or so ago, she jumped into the social club thing with both feet - participating in all of what I'd have called "Rush Week" activities at her desired Sterling Club and hoping for acceptance into the ultra-secret Greystone Society imbedded in the club. She was, she said, trying to pave the way for her younger sister, Naomi, who would (hopefully) follow in her footsteps. And for the most part, all that went as planned; now, Maya is back for her 10-year college reunion - when she also expects to see Naomi's graduation.

Alas, that's not to be; before the big event, Maya - now married with a 5-year-old daughter Dani - gets word that Naomi won't be graduating; no, she didn't fail her last class - she's dead. And while it's initially ruled accidental, some things just don't add up - like the drugs in her system and no logical reason for her to be found covered in snow far from the lodge at which she was staying. Maya, understandably, is frantic; but very soon she begins to wonder if some things that happened and people she knew back when she was a student had some impact on the reason for Naomi's death.

Chapters, which flip back and forth among time frames and the perspectives of Maya and Naomi almost fast enough to give me whiplash, provide readers with a look at what went on in the worlds of both young women - all coming together, of course, to make a complete and attention-holding story. Definitely worth a read, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.

Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown (Bantam, October 2024); 366 pp.

THE WAITING

5 stars out of 5

From their beginnings in print, I've been a fan of retired Los Angeles Police Department Detective Harry Bosch, with or without his half-brother, "Lincoln Lawyer" Mickey Haller. And since LAPD Detective Renee Ballard joined the cast of characters, I've come to enjoy her as well (after a bit of a rocky start, if I'm being honest). These days, Renee is still on the job, heading up the mostly volunteer department's Open-Unsolved Unit. His glory days as the "star" of a series faded, Harry, now in his 70s and dealing with serious health issues, remains friends (if unofficially) with Ballard, so it's always a treat when he shows up. This book also brings Bosch's daughter, LAPD Patrol Officer Maddie Bosch, into the limelight - as one of those who wants to help with cold cases.

The story begins with Renee, who gets more of a jolt from early morning surfing than from her coffee, has her department badge, gun and ID card stolen from her car while she's out on the water. That presents all sorts of problems in and of itself - she'll take serious heat if she reports the theft. What to do? For Renee, there's only one option: turn to old friend Harry to help her track down her valuables and nab the guy who took them.

That in and of itself proves to be a challenge, and on top of that, Renee continues to search for the mother who long ago abandoned her - now more of an urgent issue because it's possible she was a victim of the devastating fire on Lahaina in the Hawaiian Islands. All that is put on the back burner, however, when Renee learns that a man thought to be the son of the so-called Pillowcase Rapist - who spread his terror at the turn of the century - has been identified.

Given a mostly volunteer staff, Renee is in serious need of more help; it shows up in the form of Harry's daughter, who begs Renee to plead her case with the higher-ups. Renee, afraid that taking her on will upset Harry, isn't so sure; but gradually, Maddie's expertise makes her an indispensable member of the crew. She even manages to uncover evidence that could lead to solving yet another cold case that has been languishing for years.

The twists, turns and connections among all the investigations makes reading a treat, although like Renee, I worry a lot the troubles with Harry. But in the end, that made me even more eager to read the next Renee-Harry story (soon, please)? Meantime, thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to be thoroughly entertained by a pre-release copy of this one.

The Waiting by Michael Connelly (Little, Brown and Co., October 2024); 387 pp.

IDENTITY UNKNOWN

5 stars out of 5

It's been a while since I read a book in a single day - and alas, this isn't one of them. That's not because of lack of wanting to, though, nor trying my darndest to put off doing things that needed done so I could polish it off. I came close, but that doesn't count except when I'm playing horseshoes. What I can do is say this is one of the best in the series so far - and I don't think I've missed one yet (this is the 28th).

The story begins in Virginia, where forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta is examining the body of a young girl whose uber-wealthy parents claim she accidentally shot herself. The parents are demanding the body back, which Scarpetta refuses to approve until she can determine the cause of death. But then, she gets a call to come to a remote location where another body has been found - apparently dropped through the air by some kind of unidentified flying object, according to Scarpetta's Secret Service niece, Lucy.

Say what? If Lucy, an accomplished helicopter pilot, can't figure out what dropped the body, who can? To make already complicated matters more so, the body belongs to astrophysicist Sal Giordano, knicknamed the "E.T. Whisperer" because of his belief in life beyond Earth - with whom Scarpetta just happens to have had a love affairs years ago, before she met and married her FBI profiler husband, Benton Wesley. Since then, she and Sal have stayed in touch but not romantically, most recently on his 60th birthday, the day before he took a downturn for the worse.

Clues as to his death are almost nonexistent, and those that are present are unexplainable - like finding his locked car dumped over a ravine and strange colors and substances found on his mangled body. Also strangely, his body was found in an abandoned theme park owned by - wait for it - the parents of that little girl who supposedly shot herself. Coincidence? I certainly thought not.

As the very secretive investigation by the Secret Service, FBI and other powers-that-be gets under way, something even more sinister is revealed; a possible connection with a villainous character who's haunted Scarpetta and Lucy for years while eluding, and/or escaping, the arms of justice. That in itself adds a whole new dimension to the entire investigation as well as threatens the lives of Scarpetta and everyone she loves.

The book works as a standalone, but for sure those who have read at least a couple of prior books will "get it" more easily (as is the case with almost any series, IMHO). I'm ready for the next one, but meantime I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy of this one. It's a gem!

Identity Unknown by Patricia Cornwell (Grand Central Publishing, October 2024); 394 pp.

BUT NOT FOR ME

5 stars out of 5

I'm still not sure why I said yes when I was offered a pre-release copy of this debut novel to read and review - after all, I'm an elderly woman living far north of the Mason-Dixon Line and not even close to being a history buff. But something about it called my name - and boy, am I glad I answered affirmatively. Put it this way: if this is the first in a series as it appears to be, please sign me up for the next one.

The story centers around Kay Schiffner, who despite the times when women are thought to be best kept barefoot and pregnant, has managed to earn a law degree. She's been hired at a San Francisco law firm, where she's basically treated like a second-class citizen. She's also an accomplished jazz pianist; by night, she often makes her way to the Blue Moon, a club in the Fillmore District, an almost exclusively Black (back then, it was Negro) neighborhood where a white woman tends to stand out. But she's made friends here and is accepted by the all-male jazz musicians who take the stage, often allowing her to sit in.

But the neighborhood itself is in danger; gentrification efforts are in full swing, with at least one developer outright threatening residents and club owner Leitisha Boone - herself a sort of anomaly - if they don't sell their homes and businesses at rock-bottom prices. Things take a turn for the worse when a Black real estate mogul is shot and killed - and Leitisha is arrested for the murder on the basis of evidence that everyone - including the cops - know was planted.

Soon, Kay realizes that she's up against some very powerful people. Given the time in history, her efforts to get justice for Leitisha bump up against the reality that Black people (and women) are nearly invisible and never taken seriously. Even though she finds a couple of allies in the legal and law enforcement ranks, she quickly realizes that forging ahead puts their lives -and hers - at risk. It's a well-written action-filled adventure from beginning to end and an insightful peek into the inequities of a world that brings back memories to those of us who were around back then and to those who weren't an awareness of a time when some people were more equal than others.

But Not for Me by Allison A. Davis (Bronzeville Books, September 2024); 362 pp.

ASHES NEVER LIE

5 stars out of 5

Two series by this author have become favorites of mine: those featuring arson investigator Walter Sharpe and his newish partner Andrew Walker and those with Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide Detective Eve Ronin and her partner Duncan Pavone. What a treat it is, then, to find all four in one book!

As the fire-related title suggests, it is Sharpe and Walker who get more of the page time here; they lead off by looking into a fire in an in-progress housing development blaze thought to be accidental, but a common object found in the ruins sparked the investigators' notion that arson may be the case. No one was living there at the time, though, so why would anyone want to torch it?

Shortly thereafter, Sharpe and Walker head to another home devastating home fire - this one with a body inside and Ronin and Pavone outside. The same question arises - accident or arson - until they learn where the dead man worked. Using their best investigative skills, Sharpe and Walker come to some frightening (and subject-wise, timely) conclusions that have great and far-reaching implications far beyond their little part of Los Angeles County.

Of course, I always advise starting any series with the first book - especially since they're all very good - but this one stands on its own quite well. I'm already looking forward to the next installments, so bring 'em on! Meantime, many thanks once again to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy of this one.

Ashes Never Lie by Lee Goldberg (Thomas & Mercer, September 2024); 286 pp.

REMEMBER HER NAME

5 stars out of 5

Honestly, I had some trouble keeping all the characters straight, but the nonstop action had me hooked from the first page to the last (which I stayed up late to finish, I hasten to add). After reading many of the books in this series - this is the 21st - I'm at least very familiar with rural Denton, Pennsylvania Detective Josie Quinn (and more recently, her husband and co-worker, Lt. Noah Fraley, her twin sister Trinity Payne and co-worker pal Detective Gretchen Palmer).

Just off a disturbing case, Josie is reluctant to throw herself back into the investigative fray. But there's no choice; she's called to a puzzling scene with an infant girl wailing in a stroller and no parent or caretaker in sight. There is, notably, a Polaroid shot of an unknown body of water - a photo with blood on the corner. Shortly, the baby's father comes to collect her - with no clear alibi, he becomes a suspect. 

The case remains puzzling, but that provides time for readers to get to know the newest team member - a rather reprehensible dude named Kyle Turner, who's replacing an officer killed in that disturbing case mentioned earlier. No one seems to like him much (count me among those astute characters). But then, something about the photo triggers Josie's memory, and she heads to a place familiar to her from another investigation with fingers crossed every mile of the way. Alas, she's too late; she finds the baby's mother dead, another Polaroid of an unidentified scene and confirmation that a serial killer is running rampant.

But why? And who? And most important, can Josie and her team find all that out before the killer strikes again? Sorry, but I won't tell; you'll just have to read the book for yourself. It's a good one - and I'm ready for the next. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for once again allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.

Remember Her Name by Lisa Regan (Bookouture, September 2024); 423 pp.

SYNDICATE

5 stars out of 5

I've long been a fan of the author and before that his late father, Dick Francis - and even after all those years, for whatever reason, I took a special shine to this book. I even stayed up late one night just because I was at the 90% mark on my e-reader and didn't want to wait till morning to finish it.

My attraction wasn't just the story, although it's a good one; the owner/manager of a racehorse syndicate receives threats to his daughter's life (with actions to back them up) if he doesn't "fix" specific races in which his horses are entered. That part alone captured and held my attention from beginning to end; but sprinkled liberally in the mix were fascinating details about the racing industry, and syndicates in particular (most of which I was clueless about until now).

As a prominent and trusted member of the UK racing community, Chester Newton's reputation is at stake when he finds himself in a most unwelcome situation. After his grown daughter Amanda goes missing - and later turns up drugged but otherwise unharmed - he starts getting calls from an unknown caller that he must follow the caller's instructions or else the next abduction won't end as well. Meantime, his syndicate is doing exceptionally well thanks to a horse named Potassium, who unexpectedly wins the prestigious Epson Downs Derby - just the financial and public relations shot in the arm the syndicate needs to bounce back from its current stagnation. Getting caught fixing a race - or even thinking about it - would bring an end to an illustrious career and life as Chester knows it.

But what to do about it is another matter altogether; he certainly doesn't want to put his daughter's life in danger - nor that of his wife of 25 years, even though they've grown apart over the last several of them, nor Amanda's brother, who comes across as a sort of ne'er-do-well college student with no real purpose in his life.

With Amanda's return, Chester learns the local police have little interest in the case (after all, she wasn't really harmed - just drugged - and she claims to have no recollection of what happened to her anyway). So if he's to learn the identity of the threatening caller and bring him (or her) to justice, he's pretty much on his own. But how to do that without compromising his own values and bringing the professional life he loves to a quick end?

The details, of course, I cannot provide; for that, you'll have to read it for yourself (and obviously, I urge you to do just that). I will, however, happily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy of another of this author's wonderful books. And oh yes, ready for the next one when you are!!

Syndicate by Felix Francis (Crooked Lane Books, September 2024); 252 pp.

ROBERT B. PARKER'S BUZZ KILL

4 stars out of 5

This, the 11th entry in the Sunny Randall series, ushers in a new author, or so I've read. While it's a solid, well-written story, IMHO it doesn't quite have the "edginess" of its predecessors. The Boston private investigator - a sometimes very close friend of the late Robert B. Parker's Paradise, Massachusetts, police chief Jesse Stone and a patient of Dr. Susan Silverman, the main squeeze of another of his well-known characters, Spenser - somehow seems a bit subdued and, well, overly nostalgic. Besides that, although Jesse often makes a personal appearance in the series, if only briefly, he's noticeably absent here and I missed him.

But only a little. And it certainly doesn't mean I didn't enjoy this book - I even stayed up a bit late for bed to finish it, in fact. Sunny is in the midst of recovering from a really nasty case that nearly did her in, so she's feeling a bit vulnerable and mulling her future in the business. She's also dealing with mixed emotions regarding her ex, Richie - the son of a powerful local mobster - who's making noises about getting back together (but with some strings attached). When the wife of a billionaire stops in to insist that she take on the case of finding her missing but no-good son Dylan, then, Sunny is less than receptive. That's especially true since she's had a run-in with the kid that left her, shall we say, knowing he's hardly her favorite person.

The ne'er-do-well Dylan just happens to be the head of a highly successful energy drink company called Gonzo, although he seems to have little interest in doing anything except get into trouble (while his long-suffering mother continues to stand by her young man in her best "boys will be boys" manner). The company is actually run in large part by Dylan's best friend, a beautiful and highly talented young woman named Sky Farley.

As Sunny's investigation progresses - with competent help from her office receptionist Blake James (a pretty cool guy, actually) and some other characters familiar to regular readers - she learns that Dylan has a few secrets that might explain why someone might be out to get him - though not whether he's alive or dead. Then, one of the technology gurus at Gonzo turns up dead, and the whole situation takes a turn for the worse. 

But never fear - Sunny and her team are up to the challenge, even if it puts their own lives in jeopardy. All told, it's another satisfying romp that ends with fodder for the next installment. Bring it on! Meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy of this one.

Robert B. Parker's Buzz Kill by Alison Gaylin (G.P. Putnam's Sons, September 2024); 316 pp.

SAFE ENOUGH

5 stars out of 5

Confession time: I've always detested reading short stories. Oh sure, there are exceptions - compilations such as 2014's FaceOff, penned by many of my favorite mystery/thriller authors and MatchUp, ditto (the latter edited, not insignificantly, by this author, who also co-wrote a short story with another favorite author, Kathy Reichs, for that book). But on the whole, if there are fewer than 300 words I don't even bother.

The author, too, used to be something of a stranger to short stories (not that he avoided them - he was just too busy writing other things). It was the 1997 success of his still-popular Jack Reacher series, he says in the introduction to this book, that introduced him to short story writing - at the time, a novel concept for an (ahem) novelist. Asked to write a short story, his first, he came up with one for an anthology - then another, then another and another and so on. The collection here, he explains, is his "editor's pick" of the litter. 

That brings us to now, when I requested and happily received a pre-release copy of this collection in exchange for a review (an honest one, honest)! And despite my misgivings about short stories, I found I can be swayed; in fact, given the entries here, it was pretty darned easy. Each one seemed to be more enjoyable than the one before it - well, at least till I got to the next to the last one, which I liked least of all (still good, though). They're all exceptionally well crafted and clever as well as exceptionally brief - I read the entire book in not much over a couple of hours, in fact. I know that because I read almost nonstop - that's how much I enjoyed what to me used to be unenjoyable.

Alas, what I can't do is provide details on the stories themselves; their brevity means nothing noteworthy can be extracted without giving away too much (in review language, that means no spoilers allowed). So I'll be brief as well; I loved this book and I think you will, too.

Safe Enough by Lee Child (Mysterious Press, September 2024); 237 pp.

THE DARK WIVES

4 stars out of 5

I've followed hard-nosed detective inspector Vera Stanhope for a while now - this is the 11th installment - and she's quite an interesting, complex character. As she continues to mourn the death of colleague Holly - a death for which she feels responsible, she finds it hard to get down to business as usual (her colleague Joe Ashworth is even worried about her). But get down she must, and this time the calling is the murder of a staff member at a home for troubled teenagers. In part because she's gone missing, one of the residents, a 14-year-old girl named Chloe Spence is the primary suspect. 

But for many reasons, Vera has a hard time believing that Chloe is the killer. She gathers her team around her - including newbie Rosie Bell, for whom Vera has high hopes - to focus their efforts on finding Chloe. After learning from Chloe's mum that the girl loved Gillstead, a not-far-away hamlet near the coast, the investigation follows. Turns out it's a place familiar to a younger Vera, as well as the site of three standing stones known as the Three Dark Wives. Each year, a big witchcraft-type celebration is held to keep the folklore going, an event that's coming up soon.

The first revelation, though, is far from celebratory; rather, it's the discovery of another body - a young man who lived in the same teen haven as Chloe. Coincidence? Vera thinks not. Proving it, however, is more of a challenge. Near the end, though, Vera has a theory - one she doesn't share with her teammates nor readers. But rest assured, it all comes together, making for another well-told tale in this series (I'm already looking forward to the next). Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to get reacquainted by way of a pre-release copy of this one.

The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves (Minotaur Books, August 2024); 377 pp.

TALKING TO STRANGERS

4 stars out of 5

With three narrators, this one didn't strike me as an entry in a series, which usually highlights a central figure. The book is, in fact, the second featuring Detective Elise King (I read the first one as well), but here, the other two got what seemed to be just as much page time. The other two are Kiki Nunn, a journalist looking for a story that will catapult her to fame and fortune, and Annie Curtis, whose young son was murdered 16 years ago.

Early on, Elise is called to a wooded area where the body of local hairdresser Karen Simmons is found leaning against a tree - clearly a murder victim. Kiki, of course, smells her big break, so she jumps in with both feet and a cell phone to annoy the heck out of Elise. Annie's perspective is important because the place where Karen is found is the exact same place where her son was murdered all those years ago - and she's still got unanswered questions.

As expected, the story follows the murder investigation - and the private lives of the three narrators - showing the impact on all of them. All have a vested interest in seeing the case through to the end, albeit for very different reasons (some of them surprising), winding through a dark world of online dating.

Admittedly, it was a bit of a struggle for me to keep the various characters straight, but in the end everything got resolved (well, almost everything - leaving a bit to make readers eager for the next installment. Count me in!

Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy of this one.

Talking to Strangers by Fiona Barton (Berkley, August 2024); 400 pp.