Mystery, March 1, 2011
Mar 1, 2011
History in mystery More writers are discovering that U.S. history is a rich and fertile ground for crime fiction. In Carol McCleary’s The Illusion of Murder, we join feisty journalist Nellie Bly as she travels around the world in 1889 and solves a few murders along the way. Frances McNamara’s Death at Pullman revolves around the 1894 Pullman Strike that brought to the fore Eugene V. Debs and his American Railway Union. In an interesting aside, the real Nellie Bly reported on this strike for her newspaper.
Allan, Barbara. Antiques Knock-Off: A Trash ‘n’ Treasures Mystery. Kensington.Mar. 2011. c.228p. ISBN 9780758234230. $22. M
When blackmailer Connie Grimes is found stabbed to death, antiques dealer Brandy Borne’s mom becomes the primary suspect. Vivian had been spotted arguing with Connie the day before, and then she confesses to the crime. But is Vivian protecting someone else? With her pet shih tzu, Brandy investigates. VERDICT This fifth cozy series entry (after Antiques Bizarre) displays the versatility of husband and wife Max Allan Collins and Barbara Collins (coauthors, Regeneration; Bombshell). Scenes of Midwestern small-town life, informative tidbits about the antiques business, and clever dialog make this essential for those who like unusual amateur sleuths.
Balzo, Sandra. Running on Empty. Severn House. (Main Street Mystery). Apr. 2011. c.192p. ISBN 9780727869814. $27.95. M
When her mother begins losing her memory, AnnaLise Griggs returns to her North Carolina hometown of Sutterton, which is plagued by a series of killings. The first to die is a town ne’er-do-well, and the second a Japanese man who was set to open a sushi bar. As the attacks increase, AnnaLise is drawn into the community and realizes she must deal with her mother’s worsening infirmity as well as find out who is behind these murders. VERDICT The author of the Maggie Thorsen mysteries (From the Grounds Up) introduces an appealing new amateur sleuth who is calm, good-natured, and nosey for someone else’s own good. For readers of G.A. McKevett and Joan Hess.
Delany, Vicki. Among the Departed: A Constable Molly Smith Novel. Poisoned Pen. May 2011. c.250p. ISBN 9781590589243. $24.95; pap. ISBN 9781590588895. $14.95. M
The successful search for a missing boy in the woods near the British Columbian town of Trafalgar also uncovers a human bone that may belong to a man who disappeared years earlier. It’s almost too much to handle as Constable Molly Smith (Negative Image; In the Shadow of the Glacier), one of the last people ever to see the missing man, tries to come to terms with her own father’s death and deal with her relationship with Adam Tocek of the Royal Canadian Mountain Police. VERDICT By using western Canada as her setting, Delany gives us a breathtaking vista, in which she places her deceptively minimalist plots. Her exceptional ability to create characters, both realistic and sometimes creepy, makes this another terrific addition to her outstanding body of work.
Edwards, Martin. The Hanging Wood: A Lake District Mystery. Poisoned Pen. Apr. 2011. c.250p. ISBN 9781590588529. $24.95; pap. ISBN 9781590588543. $14.95. M
When 14-year-old Callum Hinds goes missing in England’s Lake District, everyone suspects his uncle, who, unable to stand the pressure, commits suicide. Twenty years later Callum’s sister raises doubts about her uncle’s guilt, but no one listens. Then she falls into a grain silo and suffocates. DCI Hanna Scarlett, head of Cumbria’s Cold Case Review Team, begins an investigation that leads to more deaths and an unexpected ending. Edwards’s fifth series title (after The Serpent Pool) builds suspense while capturing its characters’ rage, anguish, and resentment that complicate the investigation and intensify the danger for all involved. VERDICT With an unforgettable ending, this outstanding cold case will attract Lynda La Plante and Mo Hayder fans.
Harrod-Eagles, Cynthia. Body Line: A Bill Slider Mystery. Severn House. Apr. 2011. c.248p. ISBN 9780727869579. $28.95. M
When a doctor is fatally shot in his home, Bill Slider (Fell Purpose; Game Over) and his team have precious little to investigate. There are no clues at the scene, and the victim’s life is clutter free—they cannot even find out where he worked. Then there is a second murder. VERDICT Although the carefully detailed plot effectively creates an oppressive atmosphere, the motive behind the crime is a trifle obvious. Still, that should not stop fans of complex British procedurals from enjoying this title.
Heley, Veronica. False Money: An Abbot Agency Mystery. Severn House. Apr. 2011. c.232p. ISBN 9780727869852. $28.95. M
Bea Abbot, who runs a domestic problem-solving agency, is asked to help find Tomi, the star of a short film who had befriended some of Bea’s young friends. They all swear that the missing woman would never cause anyone anguish by just disappearing. At the same time, Bea must deal with her daughter-in-law, who treats her like a maid and refuses to allow Bea to touch her own infant grandson. VERDICT As in this title’s predecessors (False Pretences; False Step), Bea reveals her personal strength as she nourishes the friends she has reluctantly adopted as her own surrogate family and cleverly unwraps the motives behind several deaths. For fans of sophisticated contemporary cozies.
Hinger, Charlotte. Lethal Lineage. Poisoned Pen. Mar. 2011. c.250p. ISBN 9781590588376. $24.95; pap. ISBN 9781590588390. $14.95. M
When Reverend Mary Farnsworth dies in a locked room in tiny St. Helena’s Church in rural western Kansas, Deputy Sheriff (and local historian) Lottie Albright and her sister Josie, a consultant for the FBI, go to the reverend’s apartment to find her family contact information. They are arrested for trespassing by Sheriff Deal, who represents the law from another county and who hates Lottie. This sets off a citizens’ attempt to oust him from his job. VERDICT The complex threads of the investigation and the viciously mean-spirited actions of the Deal family add to the electrically charged atmosphere and create drama in this unusual and well-written sequel to Deadly Descent.
McCleary, Carol. The Illusion of Murder. Forge: Tor. Apr. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780765322043. $24.99. M
Accepting Jules Verne’s challenge that she can beat Phileas Fogg’s record of 80 days around the world, Nellie Bly (The Alchemy of Murder) arrives in Egypt with one carryall, lots of spunk, and a nose for danger. On her first day in Port Said, Nellie witnesses a murder. More deaths follow as her perilous journey continues. Traveling with Nellie are a number of aristocratic Brits acting in very mysterious ways. VERDICT What a stroke of genius that McCleary chose an early female pioneer of journalism for her sleuth. Nellie proves herself more than capable of racing around the world while solving a couple of murders. Fans of Suzanne Arruda and Rhys Bowen will love this one.
McNamara, Frances. Death at Pullman: An Emily Cabot Mystery. Allium Pr. of Chicago. Mar. 2011. c.250p. ISBN 9780984067695. pap. $14.99. M
When hard economic times in 1894 Chicago force the Pullman Car company to cut wages and lay off workers, social reformer Emily Cabot (Death at Hull House) and her friend Dr. Stephen Chapman arrive in town to dispense much-needed supplies to the employees. When a younger worker is murdered and a bomb plot is revealed, the labor situation becomes volatile. VERDICT In McNamara’s capable hands, the sense of impending union-management violence keeps the reader engrossed. However, Emily’s self-righteousness almost ruins the story. Still, historical fans may enjoy this take on early U.S. labor history.
Spencer, Sally. Echoes of the Dead: A DCI Monika Paniatowski Mystery. Severn House. Apr. 2011. c.218p. ISBN 9780727869807. $28.95. M
A dying man who served 20 years for a young girl’s murder reveals that he was coerced by the police to confess. DCI Monika Paniatowski is ordered to lead an unofficial investigation, but the man in charge of the original case was her old mentor, Scotland Yard DI Charlie Woodend. Moving between the two time periods, we follow Woodend as he returns to his hometown and makes a case against the suspect. Then we see Paniatowski’s careful probe to find the real killer and restore Woodend’s reputation. VERDICT Spencer’s third series title (after The Dead Hand of History and The Ring of Death) reflects the author’s empathy and understanding of human nature as her characters display a gamut of emotions and behaviors. The result is a near-perfect mix of procedural and top-notch mystery.
MYSTERIES IN BRIEF
Groundwater, Beth. Deadly Currents: A RM Outdoor Adventures Mystery. Midnight Ink. Mar. 2011. c.312p. ISBN 9780738721620. pap. $14.95. M
Colorado river ranger Mandy Tanner rescues two people when their whitewater raft overturns. The man dies, and his widow blames Mandy’s uncle, who rented the raft to them. But the autopsy proves that the man had been poisoned before the accident. VERDICT With a fresh locale and a spunky if at times too emotional heroine, this is a promising new series by the author of the gift-basket designer Claire Hanover mysteries (A Real Basket Case).
Hoklotubbe, Sara Sue. The American Café: A Sadie Walela Mystery. Univ. of Arizona. Apr. 2011. c.234p. ISBN 9780816529223. pap. $16.95. M
Nothing is going well on opening day for new American Café owner Sadie Walela (Deception at All Costs); a customer threatens her, and the former proprietor is found dead. VERDICT Great characters and an authentic Native American setting (Oklahoma’s Cherokee country) make this second series title a good pick for Tony Hillerman fans.
Hunt, James Patrick. Get Maitland. Five Star: Gale Cengage. May 2011. c.256p. ISBN 9781594149658. $25.95. M
Evan Maitland, an ex cop–turned–antiques dealer, is in London to find an $800,000 chair. But he is mistaken for a crime boss representative who is arranging to launder bearer bonds stolen in Chicago. The Shiver brothers, heads of London’s underworld, want their share and look to shut Maitland down. VERDICT While not the strongest entry in the series, Hunt’s thriller (after Maitland’s Reply) still has plenty of nonstop action, danger at every turn, and a savvy hero.
Johnston, Linda O. Beaglemania: A Pet Rescue Mystery. Berkley Prime Crime. Mar. 2011. c.298p. ISBN 9780425240212. pap. $7.99. M
After raiding a puppy mill, animal shelter owner Lauren Vancouver catches her assistant in the act of dumping puppies down a storm drain. The man later threatens Lauren and her employees. Then he is murdered. VERDICT This series debut will have animal lovers cheering for Lauren and her pet rescuers.
McDuffie, Susan. The Faerie Hills: A Muirteach MacPhee Mystery. Five Star: Gale Cengage. May 2011. c.236p. ISBN 9781594149610. $25.95. M
When eight-year-old Niall vanishes while searching for fairy gold, Muirteach MacPhee is asked by his uncle, who is fostering the boy, to look for him. But the inhabitants of Colonsay off the coast of Scotland believe fairies have taken Niall. VERDICT A solid plot and an authentic rendering of the Hebrides Islands in 1373 make this a good choice for fans of Alys Clare and Cora Harrison.
Raichev, R.T. Murder at the Villa Byzantine: An Antonia Darcy and Major Payne Investigation. Soho Constable. Apr. 2011. c.214p. ISBN 9781569479148. $25. M
A deadly birthday party has mystery writer Antonia Darcy and husband Maj. Hugh Payne up to their eyeballs in a murder probe. VERDICT This sixth series title (after The Curious Incident at Claridge’s) offers a twisted plot with unusual characters and clever dialog that will appeal to fans of Golden Age mysteries.
Simon, Clea. Dogs Don’t Lie: A Pru Marlowe Pet Noir. Poisoned Pen. Apr. 2011. c.250p. ISBN 9781590588604. $24.95; pap. ISBN 9781590588628. $14.95. M
Berkshires pet psychic Pru Marlowe finds her highest-paying client dead in his living room with his throat torn out. The prime suspect is the victim’s blood-covered pit bull, Lily. Trying to save Lily places Pru squarely on the path to danger. VERDICT Simon, author of the Theda Krakow (Probable Claws) and Dulcie Schwartz series (Grey Matters), launches a delightful new pet series that will appeal to fans of Shirley Rousseau Murphy and Rita Mae Brown.
ADDITIONAL MYSTERIES
Box, C.J. Cold Wind: A Joe Pickett Novel. Putnam. Mar. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9780399157356. $25.95. M
Wind turbines might be touted as a clean alternative to Wyoming’s abundant fossil fuels, but the siren call of easy money leads to murder on the sprawling Alden wind farm one August morning. Missy, Joe Pickett’s gold-digging, serial monogamist mother-in-law, is arrested for the bizarre murder of her latest catch, Earl Alden. Is she capable of cold-blooded murder? Simultaneously, an old enemy ambushes Joe’s outlaw colleague, Nate Romanowski, and his lover. Nate’s grief-driven hunt for revenge adds meaty action to this multistranded tale. Estranged for nearly a year (after the events of Nowhere To Run), Joe and Nate here reconcile, and readers will be riveted by the dilemmas Nate faces in a cliff-hanger plot device. VERDICT Joe’s game warden responsibilities take a backseat in this 11th entry in an outstanding series. As Nate’s fugitive life becomes more precarious, Joe will again be forced to make decisions that place him outside of his comfort zone as a government man.—Teresa L. Jacobsen, Solano Cty. Lib., Fairfield, CA
Clements, Rory. Revenger: A Novel of Tudor Intrigue. Bantam. Jun. 2011. c.448p. ISBN 9780385342841. $25. M
In this sophomore outing for intelligencer John Shakespeare (after Martyr), England’s fate once again rests in his hands. Shakespeare is approached by the Earl of Essex, who wishes Shakespeare to find one of the lost colonists of Roanoke, who was mysteriously sighted in London. Then Sir Robert Cecil asks Shakespeare to keep an eye on Essex. Shakespeare soon learns that Essex plans secretly to marry Lady Arbella, an heiress to the throne. Eventually his secret ties to Cecil are discovered by Charlie McGunn, an Irishman with some power over Essex. The missing Roanoke colonist, various murders and disappearances, acts of torture, poems by John’s brother William, and numerous lewd acts all play a part in Clements’s tale. Readers can almost hear the clamor of London, smell its stench, and feel the muck on their shoes as they follow Shakespeare on the trail of skullduggery and high treason. VERDICT The appetite for anything Tudor is great, and there is a demand for mysteries from this period. This well-told tale will not disappoint.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Lib., Wisconsin Rapids
| Author Information |
| Jo Ann Vicarel, a branch manager and head of Reader’s Advisory Team Services, Cleveland Heights–University Heights P.L., OH, has reviewed for LJ since 1982 and wrote the Mystery column from 1985 to 1987 |
