FMAM MOSTLY MYSTERY REVIEWS
 |
THE FMAM MOSTLY MYSTERY REVIEW is the place to come
to find out what to read next. Want to know what readers are saying
(as opposed to critics) about the books you see around you? You’ve
come to the right place! And, if you appreciate a critical review
we’ll have those, too. Come in, sit down and see what’s
write with the world! (Or, right in the world of write!) New reviews this month from: . Dr. Cynthia Clark . Cerri Ellis . Harriet Klausner . Mystery Dawg . |
 |
|
|
||
July 2007
Bone Valley
by Claire Matturro
Avon Books $6.99 321 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-077366-3
Lily Cleary is an attorney in Sarasota Florida who needs to take a second look at her clients when she finds that she has taken on to defend not one but two men in an orange defamation case. Angus and Miguel, both environmentalists have been accused of saying foul things about an orange grove and now they are being sued. But before Lily can check into the citrus laws her former lover and an enemy to the environmentalists, M. David Moody has been found murdered in Bone Valley in gyp, a phosphate that is bad for land and man.
Angus is kind of a good old boy, but Miguel sizzles with sexuality. They persuade Lily to come to a rally with them to see what they are so passionate about. Miguel invites Lily to join them on his house boat for dinner. Angus steps on to the boat as Miguel pushes Lily away telling her that he forgot something in his truck as this boat blows up killing Angus. Miguel tells Lily to take his truck and run. She does without thinking, and when she arrives home she begins to wonder whether it was coincidence that Miguel remembered that he needed something at just that right moment. Lily is further concerned for her own safety when she searches his truck and finds receipts for fertilizer, phosphates and other ingredients that could indeed make a bomb.
Lily’s other client is an eighty year old homeless man she is defending in another case. He keeps meaning to fix things around her house and mow the lawn but never quite gets around to it.
So, who killed Angus? Why was the widow of Moody at the environmental meeting Lily attended and what's wrong with her face? Who killed Moody? Will Jimmie ever mow the lawn?
BONE VALLEY is an interesting suspense although a little wordy at times. The cast of characters are fun, and there is a non preachy lessen in phosphates and contamination that is well worth the read. The book is a little longer than most at 321 pages, so it’s not as quick of a read as it could be. However, the characters and their antics make the extra time to read it worthwhile.
On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 4.5.
Deadly Appraisal
by Jane K. Cleland
St. Martin’s Minotaur, April 2007, $23.95, 288 pp.
ISBN: 0312343663
Josie Prescott owner of Prescott Antiques sponsors the Portsmouth Women's Guild Annual Black and Gold Autumn Gala as a way to expose her new city to her new company. Josie had left New York and a very lucrative career in antiques to open her open her own antique store in the small New Hampshire town of Portsmouth.
Everything is going great. Maisy Gaylor, one of the Guild’s executives is having the time of her life. She has worked on the gala and now us enjoying herself going from table to table. Bidding has been occurring on the antiques and now it is time to announce the winners. As Maisy and Britt (another business man and Guild executive) are about to announce the winners, they are joined by Dora, yet another Guild member who wants to take a quick peak at the bid winners. Shortly after the peak, Maisy keels over dead.
Detective Rowcliff, a gruff, obnoxious cop is unsure who the actual target was, Both Maisy and Josie were drinking red wine. Both of their glasses were side by side. Maisy died by cyanide poisoning. Could Josie be the intended victim and not Maisy? Before long Josie is nearly killed by a hit and run driver fueling the questions as to the real intended target.
And if it’s not bad enough that someone is murdered in your place of business, it’s made even worse when an expensive tureen is replaced by a cheap knock off, making people question Josie’s ability to determine the values of antiques.
At first Josie cannot think of anyone who would want to hurt her much less murder her, but then she finds out that a man she testified against years prior is now out of jail and he was vowed to clear his name at Josie’s expense.
Ty. a law enforcement agent is the love of Josie’s life has problems of his own. His aunt is dying and he leaves Portsmouth to be with her, leaving Josie alone to face the allegations of Detective Rowcliff as well as the murder attempt.
Max, Josie’s attorney is there by her side to help her through this is she a suspect or victim mess.
Is Josie the killer or victim? Who would want Josie dead? Why? What is the strange relationship she has with Wes, the reporter? Was the soup tureen real? Who killed Maisy? Was there more to Maisy then the sweet, happy gal everyone saw? What secrets was she hiding?
DEADLY APPRAISAL is a fun, fast read cozy. Jane Cleland’s descriptions of the warehouse makes you feel like you are there. You can see the antiques, almost reach out and touch them. Scattered through the text is great information about antiques. Not only did I have an enjoyable escape, I learned about antiques. Delightful! Charming. I highly recommend it!
On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 4.9
Hearts Flight
by Barbara Goodwin
Electronic book Publication: March 2007
Cost $6.49
ISBN 9781419908002
Publisher’s website www.cerridwenpress.com
What if time travel was possible? What if someone wanted to bring Hitler forward?
This is the premise of “Hearts Flight.” On a flight to Chicago 1944, Emma McDaniel bangs her head during turbulence and wakes up on a different plane heading to Chicago 2006.
This is where “Hearts Flight” and I parted ways. I’m sorry, but this story and I didn’t mix. When my interest started to peak, around the last ten pages, it was too late. The time vortex idea would have been better introduced early, and the sexual relationship between Emma and the mysterious Tom later. I just did not believe in the characters nor cared.
I’m always saddened when I don’t mix with a story.
Los Angeles Noir
Edited by Denise Hamilton
Akashic Books, May 2007, $15.95, 348 pp.
ISBN-13: 978-1-933354-22-4
Noir was born in Los Angeles, conceived in a marriage of desperation and dreams... beauty and decay tucked away in a back alley. So perhaps it is the perfect time for noir to return to its roots. Akashic Books continues its award winning series of noir-inspired anthologies with Los Angeles Noir. The stories are all new, all fresh, rendered with a multi-cultural palette of colors, textures and tastes.
Perhaps the best of Akashic’s Noir series, Los Angeles Noir packs serious heat. Former L.A. Times reporter, Denise Hamilton has done a masterful job editing a truly incredible roster of authors; Michael Connelly, Naomi Hirahara, Emory Holmes II, Denise Hamilton, Janet Fitch, Patt Morrison, Héctor Tobar, Susan Straight, Jim Pascoe, Neal Pollack, Lienna Silver, Gary Phillips, Scott Phillips, Brian Ascalon Roley, Robert Ferrigno, and Diana Wagman fill the pages with character-driven intensity.
While every story in this anthology is solid, there were a few stellar standouts. Tales that lingered long after the initial reading, and still resonate with crystal clarity.
One such story is The Girl Who Kissed Barnaby Jones by Scott Phillips. Set in Pacific Palisades, the character Cherie reminds us of the one girl in high school who was so beautiful, near perfect, she could wrap any guy around her finger. And like so many of those hometown girls, the sparkle of L.A. and Hollywood was too much to pass up. They might even make it into the spotlight, grab their 15 minutes of glory...but then, glory fades. Unfortunately for her co-worker Tate, Cherie can still twist men around her little finger.
Once More, Lazarus by Héctor Tobar is set on the streets of East Hollywood. Detective Sanabria is obsessed with saving the lives of the young kids in his old neighborhood. Foolish kids who are filled with false bravado fueled by the need to prove themselves to their peers. Kids who think they will live forever and carry a loaded gun.
Patt Morrison’s Morocco Junction 90210 invokes memories of the golden age of Hollywood, and of the old money of Beverly Hills. Even the rich have standards to separate themselves into haves and have nots...using class, manners and carefully hidden secrets as the dividing line.
A noir tour de force not to be missed.
Midnight Brunch
by Marta Acosta
Pocket Books, May 2007, $14.00, pp. 328
ISBN-13: 978-1-4165-2039-9
ISBN-10: 1-4165-2039-2
In this sequel to Ms. Acosta’s stunning debut, Happy Hour At Casa Dracula, the author proves she can deliver more than just laughs. Impeccable timing and rare wit blend with a true mystery. But Midnight Brunch is more than a mere whodunit.
Milagro de los Santos is back, as are the majority of characters from Happy Hour At Casa Dracula. The smart and sassy chica feels even more like an outsider in the “vamp” clan when her boyfriend’s parents show up for a special baby-naming ceremony–one she is not invited to, despite her boyfriend Oswald’s attempts to make her feel welcome at his family’s ranch. All the hush-hush nonsense and the hostility from Oz’s mother plus some of the other guests, forces her to take matters into her own hands–which causes her to fall into the arms of suave and charismatic Ian Ducharme.
With Oswald leaving on a medical charity mission, she asks the handsome Ian to act as her escort to a friend’s wedding. What she is really asking herself is why she is still attracted to Ian when she is in love with Oswald? More confused than ever, she agrees to meet with one of the men who was invited to the naming-ceremony, to learn more about the history of the rare genetic disorder that causes the disease some call vampirism. Unfortunately, the vamp has other plans for Milagro, ones that don’t include a history lesson.
Throw in a mysterious, exclusive spa that has more in common with Hotel California, a has-been movie star, a tabloid reporter, and supposed sightings of chupacabra–and you have one glorious, mad-cap mystery of a ride. Ms. Acosta keeps readers wondering what will happen to her plucky heroine next and turning those pages.
Cerri Ellis
Trial And Error
by Paul Levine
Bantam Books $6.99 267 pages
ISBN: 978-0-440-24276-5
The fourth in the series of Solomon and Lord has them opposing one another as they did in the first book. Nash, a young kid, with good intent, attempts to free dolphins from a park. But he is caught in the act as Bobby. Solomon’s ward and nephew has snuck away to talk to the dolphins. And Nash’s luck gets worse as one of his partners is shot dead by the owner of the park. This means Nash will be charged with murder. But the prosecutor can’t prosecute the case as Nash is his nephew, so he asks Victoria Lord to be a special prosecutor and take care of it. Victoria is thrilled and can’t wait to get home and tell Steve her good news. But in the meantime, Steve has been summoned to the jail by Nash to represent him. So, once again Solomon and Lord are on opposite sides.
But the case doesn’t make sense to Steve. Why kill the second man? Grisby, the owner of the park had wounded him. Was a second deadly shot needed? And Nash claimed his girlfriend Passion was also involved. Why was there no record of Passion at the school she claimed to have gone to?
And Bobby was having a rough time with baseball and the loss of his best friends the dolphins.
It’s no secret, I love this series, but I do have two issues: this book is too short. I so wanted to see more of that witty repartee, the great character sparring, and the charm of Bobby. And secondly, the next book in the series isn’t due out until 2008, boo hoo. If you enjoy a good mystery, with great writing read the Solomon and Lord series!
On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 10.
Tango For A Torturer
by Daniel Chavarria,
translated by Peter Bush
No fare for your thirteen year old, this visceral romp through the back streets, by-ways and thigh-ways of Hispanic land. You cannot horribly mistreat your fellow man a la Germany's Mengle and expect those you've scarred to turn a deaf ear regardless the time and distance. So we follow the convoluted trail of a dedicated survivor who uses every tool from sex to murder to track the brutal Triple 'O' and bring him to 'street justice'. If the original Hispanic version is as colorful and as breathless a read as the English translation then it will truly add Daniel Chavarria to your list of those whose tales are a 'must read'.
Tougher Than Diamonds
by Delia Carnell
Electronic book Publication: March 2007
Cost $5.95
ISBN: 9781419908064
Publisher’s website www.cerridwenpress.com
Warning: Some sexual content
Obsession; failure; revenge; we’ve all felt them, what we do about them is what matters.
Enter into the life of Rebecca Mallory and Jake Crosby and read how these two people find that life isn’t about where they are, but where they want to be.
Rebecca’s father was an infamous jewel thief, one of the best. She remembers the laughter and love of her parents. Now, her mother’s dead (Rebecca’s father died years before) and Rebecca blames notorious Edward Emerson. The same man Jake holds responsible for the death of a past employer; a young man he thought of as a son.
Emerson has The Kendicott Diamond, Rebecca’s family diamond. The diamond her father spent years retrieving and that her mother blindly gave to Emerson for safekeeping. Emerson never planned on marrying her mother, or giving the diamond back. As a police officer, now private detective, Jake knows Emerson traffics in drugs, but like the police he can’t prove it. Working together can Rebecca and Jake extract their revenge? At what cost?
I thoroughly enjoyed “Tougher Than Diamonds.” Right from the opening line, I was hooked. Those who know my reviews know I’m not a romance-type fan; however, I must state “Tougher Than Diamonds” is one of the best quick summer reads. It will satisfy those who love romance with their mystery and those who just want a fun fast-flying mystery.
Ms. Carnell wrote with a clear simplicity that’s refreshing and fast-pacing. There’s never a dull moment, and her characters are not at all boring or duplications of other romance-mystery stereotypes.
Yes, I would be willing to read more of these two characters, and other Delia Carnell stories.
Tremolo: cry of the loon. A Gus LeGarde novel
by Aaron Paul Lazar
Copyright: 2006
Cost $5.50
Publisher’s website: http://twilighttimesbooks.com
Childhood memories of summer vacations reading “The Hardy Boys” and, of course, “Nancy Drew.”
“Tremolo” follows the adventure of eleven-year-old Gus and his friends, Siegfried and Elsbeth. One foggy night their wooden skiff is sunk after being rammed onto Big Blue, the large boulder just below the water’s surface. When they finally stumble to shore, they walk straight into a life or death race. Will Gus and his friends be able to save lost Sharon Adamski?
This is a simple tale of childhood adventures for any age. I was transported back to my own time spent in cottage country. The smells and sounds of quiet summer nights and days spent in swimsuits and not a clock in sight. Although, the time period for “Tremolo” is slightly before my time (well, I was only a year old when JFK was assassinated) there’s nothing dated about the tale…the story could be anyone’s childhood.
I enjoyed “Tremolo” for its simple tale, the nostalgic memory of my beloved “Hardy Boys” and “Nancy Drew,” and because one day I’ll be able to share this story with my own daughter.
“Tremolo” is a story for a warm summer’s night.
Wall Street Noir edited by Peter Spiegelman
Akashic Books, New York, NY
Retail sale at $15.95
Website: www.akashicbooks.com
Akashic Books has done it again. With a lineup of authors including Reed Farrel Coleman, Jason Starr, Jim Fusilli, Twist Phelan and Stephen Rhodes, among others, Wall Street Noir is a marvelous addition to the Noir genre. Peter Spiegelman has put together an anthology of stories placed in the atmosphere of Wall Street, with all the greed, anger, hatred, angst and murder your little reader's heart desires.
To my mind, the best of the bunch is Peter Blauner's "The Consultant." Blauner gives us a pregnant woman who signs on as a consultant for a media mogul who thinks he's God's gift to the music business. Based in a company on the 45th floor of a high-rise at 1313 Avenue of the Americas, this company has no idea who it has hired to coach the mogul in "personal interaction skills." Blauner has given us a story full of noir imagery, death, anger, greed, and something new: a woman protagonist who is not sultry, slim, and stupid. Anchored by the imagery of The Godfather films, this story will get you in the gut, and leave you with a bad taste in your mouth. Not to mention a new appreciation of women in business. Even a woman you'd really rather not know.
Other stories in the anthology that reached out to grab me by the throat include Mark Haskel Smith's "The Day Trader in the Trunk of Cleto's Car", Spiegelman's own "Five Days at the Sunset", and Jim Fusilli's "A Terrorizing Demonstration." There are moments of paralyzing fear, moments of "aha!" and other times when you read the last line of the story, and it couldn't get any better than this.
My favorite final line is from Smith's story. "It's that little gap of suspense, the dead air between the songs on the radio, the frozen moment between exhaling and inhaling, the nervous pause between the order and the execution."
Noir is the world of no exits, dead ends, war that never ends, and strange U-Turns where what you expect is never what you get. This new anthology succeeds on every level. Peter Spiegelman and Akashic Books have published one of the best of the new anthologies of 2007.
Main Book Reviews Index
All rights reserved.
Contact Lida: publisher@fmam.biz
Website contact: webmaster @ fmam.biz