The Lipstick Chronicles has a new look!

Mystery lovers know it's not good to believe in coincidence. That said, I added a series of "favorite links" to my page this weekend. Today I got two invitations via Facebook to see The Lipstick Chronicles' new look. Coincidence? I think not. Join me in checking out this updated site—today on "Manly Mondays," TLC welcomes Gregg Hurwitz.

Even if you don't read everything, it's worth a look for the cool 1950s artwork!

MURDER AT LONGBOURN by Tracy Kiely (Minotaur)

Every so often a new author comes along with a book that propels the reader along from beginning to end. Such is the case here. Fans of Jane Austen have already latched on to it—both the protagonist and others in the story are big Austen fans who quote her often, but for story form, I think the style is straight from Georgette Heyer. The situations are similar to Heyer's Regency books, but the content is definitely 21st century.

Elizabeth Parker faces the New Year without her two-timing boyfriend so she accepts an invitation to a murder mystery party at Great Aunt Winnie's new Cape Cod B&B. There she meets a drop dead gorgeous Englishman, a couple who own a New York antiques business, and her childhood nemesis, Peter McGowan. Guests at the party include the nasty millionaire who covets Winnie's B&B, his trophy wife and his cold daughter as well as two septuagenarian women-one wealthy, one poor.

Mystery readers will not be surprised when the murder party turns real. They will, however, enjoy the entertaining rest of the story. This debut has "Agatha" written all over it!

SWAN FOR THE MONEY by Donna Andrews (Minotaur)

When Donna told my husband and me she was setting a book at a flower show, even Noel got interested in mysteries. When she asked me if I'd like to be a character in the book, I was delighted. Sure enough, the rose show that Meg Langslow is asked to coordinate works right into her parents' new hobby, but it has her running from swans, climbing fences, dodging goats, and finding bodies. Meg's wacky family has brought us all a lot of laughs over the years, and this outing is no exception. Their wackiness is balanced nicely by the eccentricity of the wealthy Mrs. Winkleson who owns the estate where the Caerphilly Garden Club's first rose show will be held. (Mrs. Winkleson is sponsoring the prize for the blackest rose at the show. Meg soon learns that Mrs. Winkleson also has a thing for black horses, swans, and decor.)

The story moves from one calamity to the next, but somehow they all seem plausible. The goings on at the rose show are spot on for flower shows—except I've never heard of anyone's discovering a body! Swan for the Money deserves a spot at the head table!

FACE TIME/AIR TIME by Hank Phillippi Ryan (Mira)

Ryan won the Agatha Award for her debut Prime Time and I was delighted to catch up with her protagonist, Charlie McNally. Like Ryan, Charlie is an Emmy-winning investigative reporter.

In Face Time, Charlie gets an opportunity for an exclusive story with the Constitutional Justice Project as they try to prove "Deadly Dorie" Sweeney (who, by the way confessed to killing her husband) is innocent. The CJP's new evidence turns up just as Oscar "Oz" Ortega, who just happens to have been the lead prosecutor in Sweeney's case, announces his candidacy for governor.

Charlie's juggling of her career with her new love life and visiting her mother who's in town for cosmetic surgery add comic relief to the very real concerns of finding the truth behind the crime.

In Air Time, Charlie and Franklin, her long-suffering producer, are on the trail of fake designer purses. Turns out, the high fashion industry is a hotbed of grand larceny, organized crime, and murder. Making their job tougher, a young consultant has the ear of the news director, and she's trivializing their hard-hitting news story with cute puns and artificial deadlines.

While both stories are highly entertaining quick reads, they also bring the reader into the world of journalism and investigative reporting. Journalists who go undercover to reveal the truth behind these stories really do put themselves at risk. Ryan relates the true picture in entertaining, well-plotted mysteries. More, please!

A BAD DAY FOR SORRY by Sophie Littlefield (Minotaur)

Stella Hardesty has something of a split personality: By day she runs a sewing/sewing machine repair shop and by night she tracks down abusive husbands and boyfriends and teaches them a lesson. She knows firsthand there is little recourse for abused women other than moving to a shelter. Stella wants more for them—much more. She wants them to have respect and upkeep. Her most recent client, Chrissy, simply wants help with her piece-of-trash husband. Roy Deen shouldn't be much of a problem, but then he disappears with Chrissy's two-year-old son. Very quickly, things turn ugly. Stella is sure she's in over her head, but it's too late to find a boat.

I don't usually like to be in the head of people outside the law—and Stella is definitely outside the law, but Stella is right: Somebody has to do something to help these women. You, too, will find yourself saying under your breath, "You go, Stella!"

Interview: Craig Johnson & William Kent Kruger

If you ever wonder why I'm always including these two guys in my library programs, take a look at this excellent interview—then dash to your favorite independent bookseller and stock up on their fabulous books!

SAND SHARKS by Margaret Maron (Grand Central Publishing)

You can tell by the title—Deborah Knott won't spend much time in Colleton County in this outing. Like most Maron fans, I was a bit disappointed to see the judge leave my favorite spot, but that didn't last. Deborah goes to the North Carolina coast for a judges' conference and some of the home folks are there with her. It doesn't take long for a body to turn up—one who in North Carolina parlance, "needed killing," so there are plenty of suspects. Deborah is drawn into the hunt for the killer, and while she's sleuthing, the readers get to visit some outstanding Wilmington restaurants, learn about the state's movie industry, and meet someone from Deborah's past.

Admittedly, I'm a huge Margaret Maron fan. In fact, I buy these books and give them to a lot of folks who've recently moved to or visited North Carolina so they'll understand what we Tarheels are all about. That said, I think this is the best non-Colleton County book yet. It's summer. If you can't come to an NC beach in person, this is the next best thing!

THE FITZGERALD RUSE by Mark de Castrique (Poisoned Pen Press)

Iraq amputee Sam Blackman has just opened a new detective office in Asheville with new partner and love of his life, Nakayla Robertson. Before they can even get their furniture placed, they get a case—which, truth be told, doesn't appear to require exceptional skills to handle. Appearances are deceiving, however, and soon the pair is surrounded by dead bodies, death threats, old people, and literary icons.

Once again, de Castrique uses his extensive knowledge of Asheville, its families, and, this time, the Jazz Age to give a contemporary story a sense of nostalgia. The Jazz Age connection to Asheville is F. Scott Fitzgerald, who stayed at Asheville's Grove Park Inn during the summers of 1935–1936.

The story is lively, conditions are compelling, and the mystery incredibly clever. Match your wits against Sam's.

Mark de Castrique will be in the Triangle with the NC Men of Mystery Tour. (See listing on Meritorious Mysteries July 25.)

A SLICE OF MURDER by Chris Cavender (Kensington)

If you don't like to wait 50 pages for your first body, this one's for you! "911? I need to report a murder," it starts—and the pace doesn't slow down after that! Eleanor Swift, North Carolina widow, owns a pizza restaurant, and she's not above making deliveries when she's short staffed. That's how she discovers the body.

Eleanor had slapped the deceased at the Harvest Festival last fall after he made a pass at her. In the mind of the police, that gave her a motive for murdering him now. That's how she becomes interested in solving the crime.

Eleanor and her often-flighty sister Maddy make a great detective team as well as great pizza. Just like in a well-seasoned recipe, this book is peppered with a bit of romance, a dash of humor, and a full portion of solid crime solving. Buon appetito!

Chris Cavender (aka Tim Myers) will be in the Triangle with the NC Men of Mystery Tour. (See listing on Meritorious Mysteries July 25.)

DeKOK AND THE MASK OF DEATH by Baantjer (Speck)

The "Dutch Conan Doyle" has done it again. Two young women are reported missing under mysterious circumstances: They are accompanied to the hospital for a blood test and vanish. The hospital personnel deny ever having seen them. As DeKok (with a K-O-K) and his young partner Vledder investigate, things become cloudier, not clearer. When DeKok's feet show signs of tiring, he knows the cases are going poorly. Eventually, with steady investigation, knowledge of the Amsterdam underworld, and a keen intellect…

Each of the Inspector DeKok stories is a jewel. This one shines like its peers.

THE CUTTING by James Hayman (Minotaur)

Sometimes you just can't get away from it. Detective Michael McCabe thought he'd done it. After all, how could Portland, Maine compare to homicide in Manhattan. Of course, that was before the body of a young teenager was found with her heart surgically removed from her body. Then, amazingly, a young woman disappears on the same day the body is found. Portland's crime rate is soon to skyrocket. The Cutting is a hard-hitting police procedural with no quirky characters or comic relief. It is the story of a horrific crime spree and the efforts of a caring detective who works desperately to end it. Michale McCabe is a cop you'd want on your side if the unthinkable happened to you or your family.

ROYAL FLUSH by Rhys Bowen (Berkley)

Being thirty-fourth in line to the throne doesn't convey wealth (witness the shabby gentility of Bowen's protagonist Lady Georgiana), but it does open some rather grand doors. When customers of Georgie's house-cleaning business leave London for the country, she has to find another source of income—quickly. Planning to advertise herself as a witty dinner companion (for pay), in her naivety, she misrepresents herself with near-dangerous results.

To get her out of the limelight, Georgie is sent in disgrace to her ancestral home, Castle Rannoch, in Scotland where she's doomed to endure her spineless brother, Binky, and his ramrod stiff wife, Fig. The Castle is hosting a house party of Americans, and Her Majesty offers Georgie an opportunity to redeem herself: All she has to do is keep Wallis Simpson from seducing the Prince of Wales.

This delightful cozy offers an entirely different view of the woman I saw Edward R. Murrow interview many years ago on Person to Person. Somehow, I believe Bowen's version is closer to reality.

THE DARK HORSE by Craig Johnson (Viking)

I became a fan of Sheriff Walt Longmire when I read The Cold Dish. Every succeeding book has confirmed my good opinion of Craig Johnson's writing. Not only are his characters compelling, each story is completely different—no changing the characters and altering the situations here. In this latest outing, a young woman confesses to killing her husband (all reports suggest that, as we say in the South, he needed killing). Walt doesn't believe she did it, and he puts himself at risk, both personally and professionally, to prove it. His efforts take him to places he left behind, embroil him with people who are trying to kill him, and to levels of personal courage to which no one should have to travel.

The Dark Horse is a complicated mystery that deserves a reader's time to concentrate on its wonders. Beautifully written, it lingers in one's mind.

MURDER OF A ROYAL PAIN by Denise Swanson (Obsidian)

I've been reading the Scumble River mysteries since Denise began writing them, and I truly believe this is my favorite. School psychologist Skye Denison has to face her own fears when she's compelled to take part in a Halloween fund-raiser. Turns out her fears are justified when she stumbles over a body. Discovering the murderer is complicated by pushy moms battling for their daughters' being prom queen, an ingratiating new social worker, and Skye's love life—which is more complicated than usual.

If you're not already a Scumble River fan, I suggest you check out this Agatha-nominated series, beginning with Royal Pain. New readers won't miss a step—every character is introduced completely enough for you to read without question.

Marcia Talley Short Story Free On Line

I got an exciting email from my friend Marcia Talley this week. Her short story, "Can You Hear Me Now?," which is featured in Elizabeth's George's new collection Two of the Deadliest: New Tales of Lust, Greed and Murder was selected by Harper Collins as the story that pops up, full text, when you click Read Excerpt on the Sony ebooks website. I just read it—it's a story of our time. I think you'll enjoy it!

TRUST ME by Jeff Abbott (Dutton)

I've been following Jeff Abbott since he's been writing mysteries, and I can say without reservations that he develops some of the most compelling characters I've ever met! I never start one of his books without allowing time to finish it in one reading. His newest outing introduces Luke Dantry, a psychology graduate student at the University of Texas. Luke's parents are dead, but he's very close to his step dad, whose Washington think tank works with the government to identify terrorist groups. As part of his research, Luke joins his stepfather's efforts.

Because this is a thriller, you know things will go wrong—terribly wrong. Abbott takes his readers on a roller coaster ride that must be experienced firsthand.

I'm not the only reader who wants to share this book. Check here for a review in the Dallas Morning News.

Summer Reading Suggestions

Looking for a good mystery? Try my Summer Reads.

NC Men of Mystery

Get ready! I'm pleased to announce a tour of six—count 'em SIX—North Carolina men mystery writers will be together in the Triangle for a mini tour. Tim Myers asked me to help make this happen, so I sent emails to Robert K, Brown, Mark deCastrique, Bryan Gilmer, A. J. Hartley, and J. D. Rhoades asking if they were interested. To my great surprise and delight, all of them accepted. You're all invited to a venue near you.

Saturday, August 8
2:00 McIntyre's, Fearrington Village, Pittsboro
Note: A. J. Hartley will not be at this event

Monday, August 10
2:00 West Regional Library, Cary
7:00 Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Cary, sponsored by the Cary Public Library

Tuesday, August 11
12:00 Eva Perry Library, Apex — (Brown Bag Lunch)

This is sure to be a lively panel. I hope to see you there!

Alexandra Sokoloff Wins Thriller Award

One of the nicest ladies to come from the West Coast to Raleigh just sent a modest announcement. Her story, "The Edge of Seventeen," in The Darker Mask anthology, has won the International Thriller Writers Thriller award for Best Short Fiction.

Alex's newest book The Unseen is one you want to read with a good friend in the room and you don't want to read after dark!

Alex will have a radio interview with Randy Walker on WSGE-FM which airs Monday, July 20, from 6:00 to 6:30 EST.

She'll be at The Regulator Bookshop in Durham on Wednesday, July 22, at 7:00 for a reading and signing. Alex will also be at the Cary Barnes & Noble Mystery Book Club for a discussion and signing on July 27, at 7:00.

To keep up with Alex's schedule, check her website.

210 Mystery Trip to Devon, Cornwall & Bristol

I got an email from mystery friend Kathy Ackley yesterday that she asked me to share with others in the mystery community. Here's her note:

Hello,

I wanted to tell you about a new mystery trip that I'm planning for May 16-25, 2010. This trip to Devon, Cornwall, and Bristol trip will be quite different from my London/Oxford trip. We will stay in the Grand Hotel in Torquay, where Christie spent her honeymoon, and the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel; we'll have a Blue Badge guide for all tours (including the same guide who does Smithsonian's mystery trips for the pre-CrimeFest tour in Devon and Cornwall); and we will have John Curran as our guide for Christie's home, Greenway, in Torquay. Curran was a consultant on the refurbishment of Greenway and is author of a new book on Christie due out in the fall. Writer and critic Peter Guttridge will give a talk on Holmes, and we are still negotiating for an expert on DuMaurier.

CrimeFest in Bristol began several years ago when Left Coast Crime was held there. That conference was so successful that the organizers have decided to have an annual mystery & crime conference in Bristol and it, too, has been well attended. Guest authors confirmed so far include Colin Dexter and M. C. Beaton.

Please note that there are only 6 single sea view rooms in Torquay, so we're assigning them on a first-come, first-served basis, though there are many single rooms elsewhere in the hotel. All people sharing a room will be in sea-view twin-bedded rooms, and of course will avoid the single supplement in Bristo

Also, we have had a very strong response to this trip and will have to limit participants to 30.

Attached are files describing the trip. I have a PDF file of the Factsheet if you can't open these, and I am happy to mail paper copies if you prefer.

Please e-mail for more information or go to my website or the website for CrimeFest.

Thanks,
Kathy
kackley@kconline.com