Title: Touch and Go

Author: Lisa Gardner

Publisher: Penguin Group, 2013

Summary/ Review: This is a fast moving story about kidnapping, betrayal, and revenge. The narrator and protagonist, Libby Denbe, is married to Justin, for almost 20 years. They have a beautiful 15 year old daughter, Ashlyn, but lately things have been troublesome between the couple. Drug addiction, infidelity, and distance, have been plaguing the couple and they have been working at get things back to where they once were. Justin is a handsome businessman who is the owner of his family’s construction company and Libby is an artist and loving mother. One night tragedy strikes this family and they are assaulted and kidnapped by three terrorizing men. The Boston FBI and New Hampshire sheriffs’ Department has to work alongside investigator Tessa Leoni to help recover the family safely all the while trying to pinpoint the source of the kidnapping. The author takes you on a rollercoaster ride page after page. The development of this tale continually unfolds in all new directions. There are so many twists and turns in this story that it will keep you guessing up until the very end.

Who will like this book: Anyone who is interested in crime drama infused with dynamic family plots.

If you like this, try this: Lisa Gardner has written numerous books with similar story lines along with returning characters such as Tessa Leoni. Other authors to read would be Karen Rose and Heather Graham. For a more sinister and dramatic plot, turn to Gone Girl, by Gillilan Flynn. You will not be disappointed.

Recommended by: K.C., Circulation Assistant

If this looks like a book you’d like to try, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to see if it’s available and place a hold!

Title: What Dies in Summer

Author: Tom Wright

Publisher: W.W. Norton & Co, 2012

Summary/Review: This is a debut novel that is packed with so much emotion and surprises you won’t be able to put it down. The story is narrated by one of the main character James- also known as Biscuit. He, along with his cousin Lee Ann (also known as L.A.), and their Grandma live together in Dallas Texas. They were brought together by unfortunate circumstances. The story begins with the two cousins just doing what normal teenagers do, hanging out and trying to stay out of trouble. They soon discover a dead body in the woods and then everything seems to start spiraling out of control.

Family secrets are revealed, and more dead bodies are found. You will not want to put this book down until you have read the very last page. It brings everything together-family bonding, first love, and terrible secrets.

Who would like this: Anyone who enjoys books with a lot of characters and different stories.

If you like this, try this: Books by Mary Higgins Clark. She always has a bunch of characters but they’re easy to keep straight.

Recommended by: Virginia, Circulation

If you’d like to put a hold on this book and/or see if it’s available, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog!

Title: Rage Against the Dying

Author:Becky Masterman

Publisher: Minotaur Books, March 2013

Summary/Review: If you’re looking for a fast paced thriller that you just can’t put down, look no further. Rage against the Dying, the debut thriller by Becky Masterman, will not disappoint you.

Ex-FBI agent Brigid Quinn is adjusting to her new life as a newlywed in Tucson, Arizona. Forced into early retirement after shooting an unarmed suspect, the 59 year old Quinn has seemingly moved on. That is until the Route 66 Killer, the case that has haunted her for years, becomes news once again. Not only the most frustrating unsolved case of Brigid’s career, the Route 66 Killer cost the life of her protégé Jessica Robertson. Now a suspect has confessed and Brigid is once again drawn into this disturbing case. Laura Coleman, the new FBI agent assigned to Route 66, has asked for Brigid’s help but no one can foresee the horror that lies ahead.

This novel has everything: suspense, dark humor, and of course some blood and guts. I sincerely hope Brigid’s story does not end here. Unlike any character I’ve ever read, she is strong, smart, funny, and a little bit of a loose cannon. I can’t wait to see her again.

Who will like this book?: Anyone who’s not afraid of a little gore.  Someone looking for a thriller that they won’t be able to put down.

If you like this, try this:  If you liked Masterson’s writing, be on the lookout for more from her: this is a debut novel, but the story leads itself to more.  If you liked the intensity, try Chelsea Cain, who has a number of books including “Heartsick” and “Sweetheart”.  If you’re looking for the same level of darkness without the gore, try Neil Gaiman.

Recommended by: Sue B, Circulation Coordinator

This book isn’t quite out yet, but we still have it on order, so visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to place a hold!

Title: Defending Jacob

Author: William Landay

Publisher: Delacorte Press, 2012

Summary/Review: Andy Barber has been a well-respected assistant district attorney in Massachusetts for many years until his 14-year-old son Jacob is accused of killing former classmate Ben Rifkin. As the community presumes Jacob’s guilt before the trial starts, Andy and his wife, Laurie, struggle internally and externally to maintain their son’s innocence. Even after evidence points toward his son, Andy sticks to his belief that the neighborhood pedophile is responsible for this murder.

As the story unfolds, it brings up many questions, such as how well do parents know their own child, how far would they go to protect him, what role do genes and family history play in influencing an individual’s destiny, and do childhood actions indicate future behavior?

Defending Jacob is a compelling novel with a shocking ending. Once you start it, you can’t put it down.

Who will like this book?:  Someone who is interested in crime dramas but who is more interested in the psychology of crimes and the criminal mind.  Someone who is interested in
family bonds and how far someone will go to protect them.

If you like this, try this:  If you’re interested in novels about the criminal mind, try “Hannibal” or “Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris, which both focus on the question of mental insanity.  If you would like a newer novel that focuses on criminal minds, try any Chelsea Cain book.

If you are more interested in the suspense/thriller aspect, try Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl” or the popular Stieg Larsson novels.  Michael Connelly and John Grisham are also well-known for their legal thrillers.

If you’re interested in this book, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to check availability and place a hold! [Link will open in a new window]

Finally, this isn’t William Landay’s first book- his historical novel is focused on the Boston Strangler, entitled “the Strangler”, and he also writes other fiction such as “Mission Flats”.

Recommended by: Sharyn, Circulation Assistant

Title: Don’t Ever Get Old

Author: Daniel Friedman

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, 2012

Summary/Review: “Old age is not for sissies”, “Old age isn’t so bad – when you consider the alternative”, (and the more optimistic) “every day I wake up on this side of the grass is a good one.” Aging is inevitable, and if you hit eighty seven with the sharp mind and wit of Baruch “Buck” Schatz, you’re doing fine.

Don’t Ever Get Old is Daniel Freedman’s debut novel about the cigarette smoking, gun toting, wickedly funny former police officer, Buck Schatz, who finds himself drawn into the hunt for a former Nazi war criminal and a fortune in gold. Buck is assisted by his grandson, Tequila, who has a lot to learn from his caustic grandfather. It’s easy to see the tough guy, take no prisoners cop that Buck used to be as he stalks his prey with the help of his more technologically savvy grandson, but Friedman never lets you forget that Buck is closing in on ninety and is facing the serious health and independence issues that old age brings. Rose, his wife of many years, is slowing down and there is the great fear that he will no longer be able to care for her at home. The issues that come with aging are never trivialized yet you know that Buck will definitely not be “going gentle into that good night.”

It would be great to see a Buck Schatz series, though given his age it might be a short one.

Who Will Like This: Anyone who likes a fast paced thriller, no matter how old the protaganist.

If you like this, Try this: I couldn’t help but think of Miss Marple, only a lot edgier, and packing a .357.

Recommended by: Sue D’Num, Library Assistant

Does Buck Schatz sound like your kind of guy?  If so, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to take a look at its availability and/or to place a hold [link will open in a new window]

Title: The Invisible Ones

Author: Stef Penney

Publisher: Penguin, 2012

Summary/Review: I have waited a long time for the Stef Penney, the author of Tenderness of the Wolves, to come out with a new book and finally it is here! The Invisible Ones did not disappoint in any way. When we open the book we meet Ray, a troubled private investigator, who is in the hospital with paralysis, and no memory of what brought him there. Ray had been hired by a gypsy family looking for their daughter who disappeared seven years ago; they came to Ray because they knew his father had been raised a Romany and they only trust their own. The other voice in this story is JJ the 14 year old nephew of the missing daughter. JJ’s family has been through much tragedy and discourse and JJ is trying to navigate between the gypsy world and the outside world. Their stories overlap and as they come close to solving the disappearance of the daughter more questions than answers are raised. Penney is a gifted storyteller, she was a former screenwriter, and she has great skill in her descriptions of people and places. This is a compelling story and a good mystery and a fascinating look into the gypsy world.

If you like this, try this: Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney

Who will like this? Fans of books that take place in England and mystery fans.

Recommended by: Claudia, Technical Services Librarian

Visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to check availability of this book and place a hold!

Title: Stolen Prey

Author: John Sanford

Publisher: Penguin, May 2012

Review/Summary: I came across John Sanford years ago when looking for my favorite type of fiction about Cops and Detectives and Thugs. Twenty-two books later, featuring detective Lucas Davenport, Mr. Sanford still knows how to write a great story filled with an intense plot and lots of different angles taking place.

Lucas Davenport is a Minneapolis Cop who is tough with that peculiar sense of humor that makes him so likeable. In Sanford’s latest Prey book the opening sees Lucas getting robbed at an ATM, breaking his wrist in the confrontation as well as wounding his ego a tad. The two thugs, man and big burly woman, get away but Lucas is determined to find the two punks who robbed him. It leads to some very smelly horse manure as his puts another cop, Virgil Flowers, on the case.

In the meantime he’s called into a case of an entire family being murdered. A husband, wife, kids, pets – dead. It’s horrible. As the investigation heats up computer geeks, a bank, and some trigger happy Mexicans become central to finding out the truth about what happened.

Lucas Davenport is older and mellower in this story and as usual sidesteps the rules whenever necessary but you won’t be disappointed with the action and the conclusion.

 Who will like this?: Someone looking for an exciting criminal thriller. Fans of Sanford, who have read the other Lucas Davenport books.

 If you like this, try this: This book is a part of a collection of books featuring Lucas Davenport, including “Chosen Prey”, “Broken Prey”, and “Hidden Prey”. If you liked this one, you may want to check out the others. This one is #22, so you’ll have a lot of choices!

If you like this author’s style and would like to try out some similar authors, try Michael Connelly or Jeffrey Deaver. If you’re looking for an international crime author, Stieg Larsson (“Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”) may be a good choice.

Recommended by: Nancy, Branch Librarian

If this looks like something you’d be interested in, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to place a hold or see if it’s available right now! [Link will open in a new window]

Title: The Expats

Author: Chris Pavone

Publisher: Crown, 2012

Summary: If you love John Le Carre, Graham Greene, Frederick Forsythe you will absolutely love this debut thriller from Chris Pavone. Picture George Smiley as a female and you have protagonist, Kate Moore – average government bureaucrat or master spy? Kate Moore living the bucolic life of an expat in Luxembourg with her secretive financial industryhusband and two  children, taking coffee with other expat wives, weekend jaunts to the Alps all seemingly part of a normal life. As they travel around Europe, Kate’s long dormant training kicks in, she launches a covert investigation into her new “friends”, uncovering secrets and deceit. Pavone is genius in melding Kate’s feminine instincts with her spy craft which is most evident when her suspicions about an American couple who have befriended her and her husband uncover the couple as a fraud. Their activities did not overtly give them away it was more subtle nuances in their relationship and behavior that only a woman would notice and Pavone  captures perfectly. Pair her suspicions with a husband acting bizarre and a sordid past that may be finally catching up with her and you have a fast-paced, unpredictable and fresh masterpiece from Chris Pavone.

A carefully woven smart thriller that does not disappoint and will leave you craving more.

Who will like this?:  Anyone who enjoys a fast-paced thriller or has read other spy novels and enjoyed them. Anyone who enjoys a crafty and strong lead female character.

If you like this, try this: Other thrill/spy writers such as Graham Greene or John LeCarre.

Recommended by: Dawn, Assistant Director

A second look:

Kate Moore is an expat in Luxembourg, trying to adjust to her new life of full-time motherhood in a foreign country.  Having left her old CIA job behind to support her husband and this move, her dreams for the future are nothing but rosy.  But nothing is ever as it seems, and as she begins to make a new life and new friends she is increasingly aware that the old life and her very deep secret can never be left completely behind.  Is her old life catching up with her or does her husband have a deep dark secret of his own that is causing the problems she faces now?

You will love this book if you’ve read Robert Ludlum or John LeCarre in the past, or if you’d just like a great read with lots of twists.

Recommended by: Linda Q, Circulation Assistant

Think you may want to read this? You can visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to check availability or place a hold!

Title: Hush Now Don’t You Cry

Author: Rhys Bowen

Publisher: Minotaur Books, 2012

Summary/Review: Whether you have followed private detective Molly Murphy from the beginning of her series, or whether she is new to you, this latest installment is a fun change of scenery. It is the the spring of 1904 and  Molly heads to Newport with her new husband, police detective Daniel Sullivan, to attempt a honeymoon. They are quickly embroiled in another murder mystery and when her husband comes down with pneumonia and is stuck in bed, it is up to Molly to piece together all of the secrets that led up to murder.  Taking Molly and Daniel out of turn-of-the-century New York City is a good twist, and seeing Newport as it was in its heyday is a fun commentary on how the other half lived.

Who will like this? Anyone who likes a good mystery or a historical fiction; this is a great mix of both.

If you like this, try this: Others in the same series. Rhys Bowen also writes the Constable Evans series, set in Wales, and the Lady Georgiana mysteries, set in London in the 1930’s.

Recommended by: Linda Q., Circulation staff

If you’d like to try this book out, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to see if it’s available and place a hold! [link will open in a new window]

Title: Call After Midnight

Author: Tess Gerritsen

Publisher: Severn House, 2011

Summary: The book begins with a phone call at midnight, newlywed Kate Fountaine thinks it’s her husband of two months, Geoffrey. When she answers the call-not quite awake- it isn’t her husband: it’s the U.S. State Department. They are calling to tell her that her husband was killed in a fire in the hotel where he was staying in London. She is then asked to come in and answer a few questions. It is soon discovered that the body had a bullet in the head and now she is told he was murdered. She will not accept this and heads to London for answers; there she discovers Geoffrey isn’t the man she thought he was -in fact, he was leading a double life. He has a wife in London and they are both spies. The story takes off from there. It is very fast paced and has a few twists and turns along the way.

Who would like this book: Anyone who enjoys mysteries, a little romance and espionage.  

If you like this, try this: Anything else by Tess Gerritsen- she has written a number of books.  If you like the crime fiction aspect, Lisa Gardner, Karin Slaughter, and Robert Ludlum also write similar crime fiction. If you’re looking for something a little more gritty, try the Stieg Larsson series (Girl With the Dragon Tattoo…). If you’re more into espionage, try Alan Furst, who blends mystery, spies, thrills with an international twist.

Recommended By: Virginia, Circulation Dept.

If this looks like a book you’re interested in, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to check the availability and place a hold!