Tom Clancy Dead at 66

For more information, please see the Publishers Weekly story.

JAMES LEE BURKE FOR THE NOBEL PRIZE!

That's what Pete Mock says in his mystery newsletter from McIntyre's in Fearrington Village (Pittsboro NC). He makes a good case, too. Pete and I have shared mystery opinions for many years now. We don't always agree, but we do always respect! Take a look and see what you think. Let me know.

Happy reading.

A Skeleton in the Attic by Leigh Perry

Many families have a skeleton in their closet. You know, the family member who was a thief, an alcoholic, a rapist, or a schizophrenic. People hide them so that their own good reputation isn't tarnished by admitting that we all have a dark side. Georgia Thackery's family is one who has a skeleton, not in their closet, but in the attic, where he enjoys reading and other pursuits usually reserved for the living. This family has given him a name and keeps him hidden for his own sake. Sid, walks and talks, makes bad jokes that aren't funny, but generally he is a good guy. Oh, yeah, they know he's a he. What they don't know is who he was before he ...er....was dead. 

Georgia is an adjunct professor at the same college where her parents teach. They are on sabbatical and Georgia has moved back home for awhile. She is a single mom with a daughter, Madison, a bright 14-year old. They are happy to live here and reconnect with Georgia's sister. Georgia has known Sid almost her whole life and he is actually her best friend. Well, Sid talks Georgia into attending an anime convention, disguised as......what else?.......a skeleton !  Don't know what an anime is? The book will explain. 

While at the convention, Sid sees a woman who triggers vague memories of his past, and he is determined to find out who he is and how he died. He needs Georgia's help and their adventures are worth discovering. Needless to say, there's a killer on the loose, and the

mystery leads Sid and Geogia on a chase that could be lethal. Luckily, Sid has abilities as well as a sterling character that leads to an ending that isn't easily figured.

This is a fun read and before you go making assumptions about skeletons that walk and talk—think about it !!

—Dian Esterly

FTC Disclosure: This book was provided by the publisher.

Editor's secret: Leigh Perry is a pseudonym for my good friend and North Carolina native Toni L. P. Kelner. As Dian indicates, she's still got her funny (dare I say it?) bone!

Keep No Secrets by Julie Compton (Fresh Fork Publishing)

If you liked Jillian Flynn's Gone Girl, read until 4AM to finish it, Keep No Secrets is its equal. Here's the portrait of a modern marriage caught in the balance of careers, demands of raising children, and just keeping your head when your world comes apart. Keep No Secrets is a shell game of who is the hero, whois the villain. Compton's skill as a writer in her third novel keeps the reader's sympathies on a seesaw. Who is telling what lies? Who is keeping the most and biggest and worst secret of all?   

A fantastic read!

--Ruth Moose

FTC Disiclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher.

Ruth Moose won the St. Martin-Minotaur-Malice Domestic Award for Best First Novel in May. Her debut mystery, Doin' It at the Dixie Dew will hit shelves next spring from Minotaur.

Noah’s Rainy Day by Sandra Brannan (Greenleaf BookGroup)

This is the fourth book in the Liv Bergen Mystery series. The suspense begins on page one with the prologue and continues throughout the book.

Liv Bergen has finally become an FBI Special Agent entrusted with the handling and training of the bloodhound, Beulah. Liv is back home in Colorado for Christmas with her family. Noah, Liv’s 12-year-old nephew, has cerebral palsy. He cannot speak or walk, and has very limited eye site and use of his arms. Noah’s brain functions very well, in fact better than some of us. His only means of communication is with smiles for “yes” and frowns for “no”. He worships his Aunt Liv “Boots” Bergan and wants to be a spy like her. Liv gives him a secret gift of a “spy pin” that records sound.

Liv and Beulah’s Christmas visit is interrupted when five-year-old Max is kidnapped from the Denver airport. Working with veteran agent Street Pierce, enigmatic agent and lover Jack Linwood they fear the worst when no ransom demands are made. They are on a time clock to find the boy before it is too late.

Meanwhile, Noah, housebound, spends a lot of time looking out his special window to the world—a floor to ceiling window installed by his father. Noah’s active mind and curiosity notices everything that happens in his small world. When he sees a small child watching him from his neighbor’s window he has a mystery to solve and a spy pin to use. Noah’s “investigation” may lead down a very dark path for him and his family.

If the first three books in the series are as good as this one, I have some serious reading to do! As with all good series, I did not have any problems following the story and character relationships. 

—Helen Jones

FTC Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher.

BDP (Blatant Daughter Promotion)

I know this isn't mystery-related, but it's my blog, so…

Our daughter Erin has been nominated for the Martha Stewart American Made award. We'd surely appreciate your SIX votes each day (I have no clue when the contest is over). As Andy Griffith used to say, "I 'preciate it—and good night."

WIGGLE ROOM Amazon Free Book 8/28–30/13

I ran into Darden North at Killer Nashville this weekend. His new book, Wiggle Room, is just out and his publisher is offering the Kindle download free today through Friday (August 28–30). I just downloaded his new medical thriller featuring Air Force surgeon Brad Cummins. I suggest you grab it, too!

Congratulations

Crocodile on the Sunbank has been won—but I hope you'll all participate in "Buy a Friend a Book Day" at your local bookstore!

Happy reading!

Buy a Friend a Book Day - August 31

I was invited to this event on Facebook and I hope you'll join the effort. One new thing:  Let's all be sure to buy that book at a local INDEPENDENT bookstore. Support local economy — at least with one book.

The mystery community lost one of the greats this week. Barbara Mertz (Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels) died on Thursday. To honor her, I've ordered a copy of Crocodile on the Sunbank for Saturday, August 31. I'd like to make a new friend by sending this copy to the first responder who has never read the Amelia Peabody series. You'll have to get the rest of the books on your own, because I know you'll be hooked!

Just email me with "Crocodile" in the subject line. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.

Elizabeth Foxwell has written a beautiful tribute to her friend.

CAT IN AN ALIEN X-RAY by Carole Nelson Douglas (Forge)

“Cats rule—dogs just wish they did, and people are fooling themselves.”  Yes, Midnight Louie is back with his whole clowder— feline and human with just a touch of canine. OK, I confess, I’m a fan of Las Vegas mysteries, but Louie is definitely my favorite and Carole Nelson Douglas continues to keep us guessing in Cat in an Alien X-Ray.

This time Louie’s dealing with the “usual”----murder, mobsters, Max --with a twist of disappearing buildings. Is it science or aliens or just Vegas? Is that body really an Aztec astronaut somehow back from space or is the old-time  mob related to his murder? And were all those ancient space travelers really cats in disguise? Louie has all the answers. 

--Doreen Weaton

FTC Disclosure: This book was provided by the publisher.

COMPOUND MURDER by Bill Crider (Minotaur)

Reading Bill Crider is like sitting by a cozy fire—in sweats and fuzzy slippers! Every time I see "a Dan Rhodes Mystery" on the cover, I know I'm in for a good time.

When the body of an English instructor at the community college turns up behind a Dumpster one morning before classes, Sheriff Dan Rhodes is off to another rib-tickling adventure. This time he's dealing with a survivalist compound, a wild pig, and a beauty shop break-in—not to mention Dr. Pepper withdrawal.

Dan keeps the peace in and around Clearview, Texas with a supporting cast as outrageous as that in Sheriff Andy Taylor's Mayberry.  Y'all have fun, now, ya hear?

—FTC Disclosure: This book was provided by the publisher.

The Ophelia Cut by John Lescroart (Atria)

Dirty NYC cop Anthony Xavier Ricci is about to get a second lease on life, after being caught up in a Federal sting. If he cooperates with the Feds, he will not be charged with any crime and will be given a new persona, a new name, and he will be placed in the Federal  Witness Protection Program. And so, Ricci becomes Tony Solaia and is born anew and relocated to San Francisco. Thus begins John Lescroart's latest novel, The Ophelia Cut.

Meanwhile, our main protagonist, attorney Dismas Hardy is facing a mid-life crisis. The kids are grown, his practice is shrinking, and a six-year old secret may raise its ugly head. His brother-in-law, Moses McGuire, and his best friend, Detective Abe Glitsky, are both nervous about this secret. Only six people know the secret and from time to time it threatens to come to the surface.

Everything is going to become more complicated. Moses McGuire's daughter, Brittany is brutally raped by Rick Jessup,a councilman's chief of staff. McGuire roughs up Jessup, and a couple of months later, Jessup ends up dead. Quite naturally, McGuire is the prime suspect. Hardy will defend McGuire, but his friendship with Glitsky will be called into question and the six-year-old secret involving all of them may yet surface!

John Lescroart's latest book starring all his leading characters may be his best yet. Please enjoy The Ophelia Cut!

—Steve Bank

THE KILL ROOM by Jeffrey Deaver (Grand Central)

Chubby Checkers has nothing on the twists in Jeffery Deavers’ The Kill Room. It’s the latest in his Lincoln Rhyme series and it will keep you reading. 

Just then you think he’s told you everything about the good guys and the bad guys, there’s another twist. Is he really a good guy or really a bad guy? Think you know? You’re probably wrong.

“Are you a patriot or a traitor?” This time Deaver goes political, but not with opinions—with facts. You decide which side the National intelligence and Operations Service (NIOS) with its “targeted remedies” is on. 

I couldn’t wait to finish it, but didn’t want it to end. You’ll think about this one long after you finish reading. 

--Doreen Wheaton

FTC Disclosure: This book was provided by the publisher.

A DANGEROUS FICTION by Barbara Rogan

I read a lot of great books, but this one is outstanding! I resented every moment I had to be away from it—and I read it from cover to cover today.

Literary agency Jo Donovan has a gift for choosing winning manuscripts and nurturing her authors. Unfortunately, she also has to say no more often than not. One aspiring author, however, just won't take no for an answer—"Sam Spade" accosts her outside her office, insisting she's the only agent for him. Quickly, Jo's whole world is turned about—from sabotage to her agency to her personal life. 

While telling her story, Jo gives the reader a full insight into the publishing business as only an insider could. She should—her creator, Barbara Rogan once owned a literary agency. She now teaches writing.

A Dangerous Fiction will get my vote for best mystery novel next year.

FTC Disclosure - This book was provided by the publisher.

Rosemary & The Camel

In a comment to my guest blog today at Mystery Lovers' Kitchen Rosemary Harris mentioned a yard sale we went to when she toured in this area a few years ago. I responded that she should have bought the life-sized camel—and the comments continued from there.

I thought I'd better post what I was talking about

—and then I remembered that Noel and I had visited Don Shadow's fabulous place in Tennessee where I fell in love with the real camels.

I wasn't brave enough to let one of them kiss me though—I've heard they spit!

HEIRS AND GRACES by Rhys Bowen

Titles and being heirs to the throne didn't mean much to most British families during the Depression years: Lady Georgiana Rannoch is 35th in line and her brother is a Duke, but the coffers are quite empty. Georgie has tried several unsuccessful careers during this delightful series, but usually the most she earns is her room and board—and the opportunity, urh—obligation to solve a murder.

In this outing, Georgie thinks she may have landed in a comfortable spot when the Queen suggests she help a dowager duchess groom her son's newly discovered heir (from the Outback of Australia) to to be in position to take his place in society. No reader will be surprised when Georgie finds a knife in the back of the current Duke; I suspect few, however, will suspect the perpetrator.

The "Royal Spyness" series gets stronger with each title. I always look forward to Georgie's adventures.

FTC Disclaimer -- This book was provided by the publisher.

Iconic NC Bookstore Has New Owner

RALEIGH, NC. — A member of a well-known Raleigh family is the new owner of Quail Ridge Books & Music.  Bookstore owner Nancy Olson turns the reigns over to Lisa Robie Poole, a 49-year-old mother and wife. Poole is the wife of Ven Poole, CEO of Waste Industries in Raleigh.

Poole is a Raleigh native, who grew up in the same neighborhood as humorist David Sedaris. Her father was the beloved pediatrician, Dr. Bill Robie. She’s excited about starting this new chapter in her life as a bookstore owner. “I have two daughters departing the nest, leaving just one behind, and the opportunity to add something to my life seemed interesting,” she says.

Poole says she will continue the tradition of Olson. “I am in awe of everything that goes on in that store,” she says. “From the author events, to the book clubs, the award winning children’s section, and the wonderful collection of Southern writers…I can’t imagine changing the book store into something other than what Jim and Nancy Olson have made it.”

“I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to carry on the traditions of Quail Ridge Books,” says Poole, who hopes to add new books to her large children’s book collection intended for her future grandchildren.

“I know they will be good stewards of the bookstore,” Olson says. “They are very down-to-earth and easy to work with. We are going to have a good time.”

Olson will serve in an advisory role to the store to help the new owner make a smooth transition. The new owners also will inherit the store’s 24 full- and part-time staff members, which have an average of 15 years of book-selling experience.

“I think we are really fortunate to find a new owner with roots in Raleigh who values books, and values the store the way it is and wants to keep it a strong presence in the community,” says Sarah Goddin, the store’s manager. “Nancy will still be involved for a long time and the staff will continue as well. So, there will really be little visible change except some new faces. I know our customers will find Lisa and her family a delight to get to know.”

There will be lots of new people for Poole to meet. The store has nurtured scores of North Carolina writers, including Lee Smith, Kaye Gibbons and Jill McCorkle. Many of them had their first readings at Quail Ridge Books. Olson’s taste for good books has earned her a national reputation for turning hard covers such as Charles Frazier’s “Cold Mountain” into best-sellers. The store sold 6,000 copies of his first novel, 1,200 of them at his first reading.

Olson created a gathering place for the Triangle’s book-loving community. For 28 years, she’s been wooing customers to her store again and again with genuine Southern hospitality, a knowledgeable staff and a carefully curated selection of books. This is no small feat in the competitive book-selling climate of e-books and Amazon. More than 17,500 households belong to the store’s loyalty program, and her staff can call most customers by their first names.

In 2011, Quail Ridge Books, located in Ridgewood Shopping Center, sold $3 million in books, cds, stationery, calendars and gift items. The 9,400-square-foot store also has a children’s book and music department and stocks about 70,000 titles.

Since its founding in 1984, the bookstore has attracted local and national authors, including Michael Chabon, Amy Tan and Walter Mosley, and celebrities including President Jimmy Carter, humorist David Sedaris; and radio host Garrison Keillor. The store also sponsors hundreds of events each year, including community discussion groups and town hall meetings.

Quail Ridge Books has received numerous awards. In 2001, the store was named Publishers Weekly Bookseller of the Year. That same year, the store also received the Pannell Award for Excellence in Children’s Bookselling and the Haslam Award for Excellence in Bookselling. Poole plans on keeping up the tradition.

THE MAN FROM BERLIN by Luke McCallin (Berkley)

It's the latter part of WW-II in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. A German officer  and a popular Yugoslavian  photographer, Marija  Vukic have been murdered. Both bodies turned up in her apartment. Now it is the job of German detective Gregor Reinhardt to try to solve the double homicide. His competition is the local police in the form of a detective named Padelin. Although it appears that they  are  working together,  Padelin has his own agenda. He is interested only in getting  Vukic's killer while Reinhardt wants to solve both murders.

Reinhardt is complicated. He served his country proudly in WW-I but is definitely unhappy with the way Germany has evolved in the 30s and 40s. He declined working with the Gestapo and is reasonably content to work as a detective. Many factors are playing into this case: The Croats are looking for a scapegoat whil Reinhardt’s personal internal conflicts will complicate things.

The Man From Berlin is McCallin’s first book. It appears that his research is solid. For those who love mysteries with a mixture of historical fiction, I believe this author has created a well-written book.

—Steve Bank

FTC Disclosure: This book was provided by the publisher.

SIX YEARS by Harlan Coben (Dutton)

OK, you lost the love of your life and she is marrying some guy named Todd. You can't make up your mind, but you decide to attend the wedding. When Julie tells you, "Promise me, Jake, promise me you'll leave me alone," you return to your job as a professor at a small liberal arts college.

Thus begins Harlan Coben's latest thriller.

Now six years later, Jake Fisher is still single. He reads on his office computer that Todd has passed away. He  decides to attend the funeral to see if there is any spark left from that long ago romance. But, there are very strange discrepancies: There are two teenage children and the widow is not  Julie! As Jack digs into the past to bring it in line with the  present nothing fits nor is there anyone who can help him. 

Ask yourself what would you do if EVERYTHING you knew to be true six years ago does not exist anymore—that's where Jake Fisher is!

    

If possible, Harlan Coben gets better with age. This one kept me guessing for the length of the book. You will have to pay attention in this fast-paced novel to help Jake put together all the pieces.

—Steve Bank

Note from Molly

I don't often get NYT and Edgar winners ask someone to make a photo of him with me, but Harlan did just that at Malice Domestic in May. We've been friends since he was writing paperback originals.

TROUBLE VISION by Allison Kingsley (Berkley)

The play on words in the title—double vision/trouble vision—alludes to the protagonist's dubious paranormal gift. She wishes she didn't have this interited special ability, the "Quinn Sense." Clara Quinn resists the visions that come to her without warning or permission, mostly because they seem unhelpful and unpredictable. Clara has grown up with her cousin, Stephanie, and they are like sisters, being only weeks apart in age and both being only children. 

Clara moved to New York City but returned to Finn's Harbor, Maine when she was jilted by an obviously unscrupulous man. She hasn't told anyone why she's moved back home, but those who know her know it must have been for a profoundly painful reason. Stephanie owns the Raven's Nest bookstore and the cousins run it. Stephanie would love to have the Quinn Sense, so that every time Clara has a vision, Stephanie is right there, wanting to know the reason and meaning while Clara tries to ignore it.

 

In this story, a hotel resort is being built on the edge of town and there's plenty of conflict and opposition. The mayor calls a meeting to give citizens the opportunity to express their concerns and to voice opinions. The meeting escalates into an actual fistfight, and Clara gets a premonition and vision that spells nothing but big trouble.

 

When a customer comes into the bookstore talking about a man's fatal fall from the scaffolding at the construction site, the profound sadness about his widow and young children leave Clara no choice but to pay attention to the Quinn Sense. The sheriff has concluded the death was an accident, but a vision tells Clara he was murdered. Clara's realizes she will have to do something. She sticks her nose into the whole nasty and dangerous situation, riling the sheriff and putting herself in danger with her questions. People who think it's OK to murder someone are not people who take her nosy questions lightly. Clara soon faces a life or death situation.

A nice twist to Clara's paranormal talents is that she and her dog Tatters can understand each other. Tatters plays a role in the resolution.The plot has an interesting-but-not-heavy peripheral mother-daughter relationship situation (Clara is living with her mother until she can get her feet on the ground after coming home).

 

For book lovers, dog lovers, and paranormal mystery aficionados, this is a treat.

 

—Dian Esterly

FTC Disclaimer - This book was provided by the publisher.