Publisher: Overlook Press
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 09/01/2011
ISBN-13: 9781590204634
ISBN-10: 1590204638

Crime Caper. In this "pitch-perfect comic noir" (Publishers Weekly), transplanted Irishman Lincoln "Linc" McEvoy works as the lead bouncer at a "bottom-rung" New Jersey casino. When the balding Linc helps one of the cocktail waitresses avoid unwanted attention, she ends up dead, and he finds himself dealing with both the mafia and some corrupt cops. Then, to top it all off, the illegally practicing Israeli doctor who's putting in Linc's hair plugs goes missing. Fans of Carl Hiaasen will want to check out Eoin Colfer's wacky first adult crime novel (he's the bestselling author of the Artemis Fowl series for younger readers) -- and Janet Evanovich fans who appreciate the crazy side of Jersey life should take a look, too.

Publisher: Forge
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 08/16/2011
ISBN-13: 9780765321794
ISBN-10: 0765321793

Historical Mystery. After an absence of almost a decade, Nathan Heller returns, and his fans will be happy to spend time with him in this 13th book -- especially in the company of that most iconic of blonde screen goddesses, Marilyn Monroe (whom he first met in the short story collection Kisses of Death). In the summer of 1962, Marilyn hires Heller to record her phone calls as evidence in case her movie studio fires her for holding up production. But Heller discovers much more than business problems (she is, after all, involved with two Kennedys)...and weeks later, Marilyn is dead. Officially, she killed herself, but Nate knows better. Hardboiled historical fans will want to check out the well-researched series.

Publisher: Pantheon Books
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 07/12/2011
ISBN-13: 9780375425356
ISBN-10: 0375425357

Police Procedural. Swedish cop Paul Hjelm, who sometimes uses unorthodox methods to get his job done and has an unhappy home life, thinks he might get fired. Instead, he's unexpectedly promoted to an elite team of police officers, the A-Unit. The group is told to track down a serial killer who has been murdering business leaders while listening to Thelonious Monk's jazz song Misterioso. The investigation soon involves Russians, the Mafia, and secret societies. Fans of Henning Mankell and Stieg Larsson who appreciate well-written and well-plotted crime novels will want this latest Swedish import, the 1st in a series.

First Chapter  

Publisher: Minotaur Books
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 08/16/2011
ISBN-13: 9780312569136
ISBN-10: 0312569130

Police Procedural. On Pittsburgh's North Side, a young mother dies after being hit by a truck. The two troubled brothers in the truck, Ryan and Jack, flee the scene and head to a country cabin in Sugar Lake that their family had rented in happier times. Though Jack works odd jobs for an elderly neighbor and tries to keep them safe, Ryan, who's drug-addicted and violent, draws danger ever closer. Meanwhile, Detectives Colleen Greer and Richard Christie investigate the hit-and-run and eventually make their way to quiet Sugar Lake. This "winning combination of nuanced character study and expertly plotted, nitty-gritty police procedural" (Booklist) is the 5th in a series.

Publisher: Minotaur Books
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 08/02/2011
ISBN-13: 9780312644338
ISBN-10: 0312644337

Mystery. College student Chester Morton disappeared 12 years ago in Mattatuck, New York. His mother, never giving up hope that he'd be found, tirelessly handed out flyers and paid for a billboard year after year. Her efforts finally pay off in a macabre way when Chester's very recently murdered body is discovered hanging from the very billboard advertising his disappearance. Needing help, the local police call in former FBI agent Gregor Demarkian, who's known as the Armenian-American Poirot. Though this is the 25th entry in a "consistently excellent" (Booklist) series, readers can easily start here.

Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 07/05/2011
ISBN-13: 9781590589052
ISBN-10: 159058905X

Historical Mystery. In 1901 Seattle, widowed University of Washington professor Benjamin Bradshaw teaches electrical engineering and takes care of his son -- then a rival colleague is killed in an electric machine that was to be part of a special demonstration during an upcoming presidential visit. Bradshaw, who becomes the police's only suspect, has to add investigator to his resume in order to clear his name. Not up on your amps and volts? Not to worry -- debut novelist Bernadette Pajer explains the topic in a way that lay readers can understand in this "deft, highly entertaining" (Publishers Weekly) 1st in a new series.

Known for her elegant style, Laurie R. King writes both the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes historical novels as well as the Kate Martinelli contemporary series. Mystery fans who enjoy atmospheric, well-plotted books peopled with interesting characters -- particularly intelligent female ones -- will want to read King if they haven't already. If you prefer historical tales, pick up The Beekeeper's Apprentice, where 15-year-old Mary meets Holmes for the first time; for a more modern tale, try A Grave Talent, San Francisco police detective Martinelli's debut. Readers on the hold list for King's new Russell/Holmes novel, The Pirate King, or who miss Martinelli can check out one of the books below.

Publisher: Fourth Estate
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 11/01/2004
ISBN-13: 9780060763404
ISBN-10: 006076340X

Historical Mystery. In addition to reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original works, fans of Laurie R. King's Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes books can check out any number of Holmes pastiches -- those looking for a short, lyrical read will want to pick up this novella by Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael Chabon. In the 1944 Sussex countryside, an 89-year-old beekeeper -- and one-time famous detective -- meets nine-year-old Linus Steinman, a young refugee from Nazi Germany. Linus doesn't talk, but his African grey parrot repeats a mysterious series of German numbers. When a murder occurs and the parrot disappears, the elderly sleuth investigates.

First Chapter  

Publisher: Grand Central
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 07/01/2007
ISBN-13: 9780446619318
ISBN-10: 0446619310

Mystery. In her 24th case, newly married Sharon McCone looks into the 22-year-old disappearance of a supposedly devoted wife and mother at the behest of the woman's now-adult daughter, Jennifer. But not long after McCone starts her investigation, Jennifer disappears -- and McCone learns that the long-missing mother hadn't lead the happy and respectable life that Jennifer imagined. If you enjoy Laurie R. King's Kate Martinelli novels, McCone's books should please since both are evocative, San Francisco-set series featuring strong, socially conscientious female detectives. Readers who want to meet McCone earlier in her career should pick up her excellent 1st case, Edwin of the Iron Shoes.

Publisher: MIRA
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 01/01/2007
ISBN-13: 9780778324102
ISBN-10: 0778324109

Historical Mystery. Lady Julia Grey, a wealthy young widow, and Nicholas Brisbane, a secretive sleuth, join forces to investigate her husband's sudden death. Though the Greys hadn't been the happiest, Lady Julia wonders if she knew her husband at all as the duo's investigation takes them to some of the less savory parts of Victorian London. Like Laurie R. King's Mary Russell, Lady Julia is a strong female character whose romantic relationship with a talented detective develops over the course of several well-researched mysteries. Deanna Raybourn's "perfectly executed debut" (Publishers Weekly), the 1st in a series, also features a delightful cast of eccentric secondary characters and cunning humor.

First Chapter  

Publisher: Picador
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 06/27/2006
ISBN-13: 9780312426217
ISBN-10: 0312426216

Historical Mystery. Fueled by a deathbed plea from his dying wife, Sir Cecil Lawton hires Maisie Dobbs, a psychologist and investigator, to discover if his aviator son really died during the Great War. The mission tests Maisie's feelings for her mentor, Maurice Blanche, and brings her face to face with a college friend who has surprising ties to the missing pilot. Readers who enjoy the 1920s and 1930s English setting of the early Mary Russell mysteries might want to check out the Maisie Dobbs books, which also take place then and there; additionally, both series feature courageous, intelligent heroines. Pardonable Lies is the 3rd book in a series that now numbers eight.

First Chapter