The Right Book at the Right Time

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: 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: 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:    Chocolate Covered Murder

Author:    Leslie Meier

Publisher:    Kensington Publishing Corp. NY,  2012

Summary:  Lucy Stone is at it again in the tiny New England town of Tinker Cove, Maine. A town where everyone knows everybody. It’s the middle of a frigid winter and the economy can use a real boost.  Who would vacation in Maine at this time of year? The Chamber of Commerce is promoting a Valentine’s Day theme, “Love Is Best on The Coast” in an effort to draw Tourists to town.  And what is Valentine’s Day without chocolate.    Competing for “Best Candy on the Coast” award is the long standing winner, Fern’s Famous Fudge up against the new upscale arrival to Tinker Cove, Chanticleer Chocolates.  Lucy Stone is a small Town Mom, trying to raise a Family, and make ends meet by working part time as a reporter at the weekly newspaper, the Pennysaver.  One of her first assignments is to interview the handsome owner of the new chocolate shop.  She also meets the Chanticleer’s Manager, who has more on her mind than boxing up fancy chocolates. And it seems the male population of Tinker Cove find her just as enticing as the chocolates on display.    Lucy always manages to stumble upon a dead body and find herself in the middle of a police murder investigation. This book is no exception. Is there a killer on the loose in this quiet town?  Could it be one of the locals?  Even though Lucy has been warned to stay away from the official police investigation, she can’t help herself and starts doing her own snooping.  This is an enjoyable read.  As you read this book and the others in the series, you become part of this small community and get to know the residents.  They are charming and funny, and quirky in their own way.  It is small Town America at its best.

Keep your chocolates nearby as you read this one.  It is mouthwatering delicious!

Who Will Like this?    Anyone following the Lucy Stone Mystery Series by Leslie Meier.  There are 16 books in this series.  Those who enjoy a cozy mystery.

If you like this, try this:  Joanne Fluke, Diane Mott Davidson, Livia J. Washburn, Isis Crawford, Laura Childs, Kaitlyn Dunnett

Recommended by:  Laura, Library Associate

Does this sound delectably irresistible? Visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to check availability and place a hold!

Title: The Drop

Author: Michael Connelly

Publisher: Hachette Audio, 2011

Summary: Narrator Len Cariou, the voice of deeply flawed LAPD detective Harry Bosch, brings Bosch alive in this popular series that has yet to grow cold like the cases Harry oversees in the LAPD’S Cold Case Homicide Unit. On the verge of retirement Harry’s need to solve cases reaches a desperate point when not one but two cases are dropped in his lap. The first case a cold case, in which DNA from a 21 year old cold case points the finger at a convicted pedophile rapist, the only problem is that the suspect was only 8 years old at the time of the crime. The possibility of a bad DNA report from the Regional Crime Lab casts a veil of uncertainty over the validity of DNA results that could send thousands of sex crime cases into turmoil. The second case involves the son of Bosch’s arch enemy Councilman Irvin Irving, who “dropped” out of a hotel suite window at the famed Chateau Marmot. It is not clear why Irving specifically requested that Bosch investigate his son’s death when all evidence points to a suicide. Bosch sticks to his credo “Everyone counts or nobody counts,” in his investigation where he finds himself on a path of clues leading to possible political conspiracy.

I love to listen to Connelly’s Harry Bosch books on audio CD with the rich character voice of Len Cariou creates the perfect image of Harry in your mind, when audible voice is given to a character like Harry it outs the story on a whole different level. Michael Connelly revives the character of Bosch avoiding a stale storyline of heroics and glory and really giving insight into a cop facing the possibility of retirement when his life force depends on the challenges of a case and the pursuit of justice.

Who will like this?: Fans of the Harry Bosch series (this is number 17), anyone who likes crime thrillers

If you like this, try this: Joseph Wambaugh, John Sandford’s Virgil Flowers series, or books by David Simon.

Recommended by: Dawn, Main Library

Interested in this book? Visit the Fairfield Public Library Catalog to check the status or place a hold on the audio book, or visit the Fairfield Public Library Catalog to place a hold on the paper version!

Title: “V is for Vengeance”

Author: Sue Grafton

Publisher: Penguin, 2011

Summary: I have been a fan of Sue Grafton’s alphabet mysteries since her first one “A is for Alibi.”  Her main character Kinsey Millhone, who was born in the 1950’s, has been a PI since the early 80’s.  I always related to Kinsey driving around in her beat up Volkswagen, wearing her jeans, turtleneck sweater and boots. When need arose to make a visit to a more elegant venue she’d climb into her back seat of the car, to change into her pantyhose and skirt and manage to walk into a crowd sassy and smart.   She was just a funky kind of PI.

Her life has evolved over the years, and alphabet, into a seasoned Private Investigator.  We are still in the 1980’s for this latest book and it opens with Kinsey celebrating her birthday with two black eyes.  Kinsey decided to stop in at Nordstrom’s and take a look at some lingerie and silk pj’s. That was unfortunate for the woman who was shoplifting.  The woman is caught but when released from jail commits suicide by jumping off of a bridge, or did she?  This woman’s finance wants to know the answer and hires Kinsey to find out.  Kinsey hasn’t mellowed at all in this latest installment.  She begins an investigation of a woman with a murky past; she stumbles onto the death of a spoiled kid, who had a huge gambling debt he thought he could beat and she runs into a powerful “mafia” style boss whose dealings fall outside of the law.  Oh yeah, and just to add a little bit more spice to the situation there’s a “bad” cop involved.

You might think that after 21 books Ms. Grafton’s 22 might be a little stale and boring.  But she’s kept Kinsey current to the timeframe and life of the 1980’s as she’s added new and interesting characters to her life.  A quick and enjoyable read.

Recommended by: Nancy, Deputy Town Librarian

Who will like this book: Those who are looking for a quick-paced and exciting mystery. Those who are looking for an exciting and quick read.

If you like this, try this: Anything else by Grafton, especially the Alphabet Series.

Title: Death Echo

Author:  Elizabeth Lowell

Publisher: HarperCollins, June 2010

Summary: Emma Cross, former CIA agent now working for St. Kilda Consulting, must rustle with Russian spies and a terrorist plot in Elizabeth Lowell’s latest book.  Emma needs to chase down “The Blackbird” a yacht that could have explosives attached to it… enough explosives to blow up a major city. The story moves from the Puget Sound to Vancouver Island.   Interestingly, a “twin” yacht went missing never making it to its port. Are the two connected somehow? Did they have the same owner? 

Fortunately for Emma she doesn’t have to work alone. Enter Mackenzie Mac Durand, a former Special Ops guy, and the transit captain for “The Blackbird.” Sparks fly between the two and a romance blossoms amidst all of the turmoil.

 They are in for a bumpy ride in this romantic suspense novel, fighting off Russian Spies, CIA agents, and a very hazardous sea -  and time is not on their side.

Recommended by: Nancy, Deputy Town Librarian

Title: Ice Cold

Author:  Tess Gerritsen

Publisher: Random House, June 2010

Summary: Ice Cold is Tess Gerritsen’s newest novel featuring medical examiner Dr. Maura Isles and her friend, FBI agent Jane Rizzoli. While on a ski trip, Maura and her friends become stranded in Wyoming. There they discover a deserted town called Kingdom Come. It turns out that Kingdom Come was home to a cult but the people have disappeared. When Maura also goes missing, Jane is determined to find out what has happened to her friend and the residents of Kingdom Come. Suspenseful throughout, “Ice Cold” keeps you guessing until the end.

Recommended by: Virginia, Circulation Department

Title: Evil at Heart

Author:  Chelsea Cain

Publisher: Minotaur, September 2009

Summary:  This is the third book featuring detective Archie Sheridan and serial killer Gretchen Lowell. Gretchen, also known as the Beauty Killer, is on the loose. Archie is in a mental health facility attempting to recover from the physical and psychological wounds she has inflicted on him. The media has glamorized the vicious murderer and now Beauty Killer fan clubs are springing up left and right. When body parts start turning up at previous murder sites, Archie is called upon to help capture Gretchen once and for all. Is it really Gretchen leaving these gruesome calling cards? After all, she did promise Archie she wouldn’t kill again, right? If you can’t trust a serial killing psychopath to keep their word, who can you trust?

Evil at Heart is a thrilling cat and mouse chase, although you’re never really sure who the cat is and who is the mouse. From eyeballs to spleens, no part of the anatomy is safe from this scalpel wielding lunatic so you might want to read this on an empty stomach, unless you’re a seasoned veteran of grisly thrillers like me. Fast-paced with page turning suspense, this is a great book.

Who will like this book? Fans of  thrillers and suspense novels.

Recommended by: Sue, Circulation Coordinator