A Book A Week

I’ve been a voracious reader of crime fiction for as long as I can remember. No other genre hooks me quite like the slow unraveling of a mystery, and I always find myself coming back to it after wandering into other types of books. That was the case with Joe R. Lansdale’s latest novel, Hatchet Girls. His publisher kindly sent me a copy of the fourteenth installment featuring his crime-solving duo Hap and Leonard. Though I hadn’t read any of the previous books in the series, I decided to dive in. Coming off a nonfiction read, I was eager for something that felt a bit more familiar.

Hap and Leonard have their hands full on the domestic front, happy to let their private investigation work sit on the back burner for a while. Hap and Brett are busy making their new home perfect, settling into cohabitation with all the mess and joy that comes with it. Meanwhile, Leonard is caught up in the whirlwind of wedding planning with his fiancée, Pookie. There’s a guest list to finalize and a venue to secure, but mostly Leonard is just thrilled at the thought of marrying the love of his life. Both men are content, happy even, but if history has taught them anything, it’s that peace never lasts long.

Sure enough, chaos comes calling, literally, in the form of a panicked young woman and a pig strung out on meth. Hap and Leonard rush in, only to discover the hog is the least of their problems. Their caller is tangled up with a crew of hatchet-wielding women, all sworn to a vengeful leader with big plans for blood-soaked retribution. What starts as a bizarre errand spirals into a helter-skelter showdown, forcing Hap and Leonard to set aside their home lives and square off against lunacy in its purest, most violent form.

The term hard-boiled gets tossed around a lot in crime fiction, but it feels tailor-made for Hatchet Girls. Joe R. Lansdale blends pulpy wit with bursts of violence to craft a story that’s both timeless and timely. Hap and Leonard are throwback detectives at heart—unafraid to bend the rules if that’s what it takes to set things right—and following them is pure fun. Even without any background in the series, I slipped easily into Lansdale’s world, rooting for his mismatched heroes while marveling at the sheer lunacy of their enemies. The result is a brisk, wildly entertaining read that scratched my itch for a true hard-boiled crime novel.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2025, 69)

I've always had mixed feelings about long-running series. On the one hand, I appreciate the depth of following characters across multiple books. On the other hand, starting a new series can be daunting, especially with annual releases. With this trepidation, I approached Paul Doiron's latest book, Pitch Dark. The premise of a game warden investigating a crime in the remote wilderness intrigued me, and when his publisher offered me a review copy, I was eager to dive in. However, I was also apprehensive because Pitch Dark is the 15th novel in Doiron's Mike Bowditch series. I wondered if I could jump into the story and still follow along.

As the novel begins, Mike Bowditch, an investigator for the Maine Bureau of Warden Services, receives a call from a young warden about a potentially missing man. This man was searching for Mark Redmond, a skilled builder working on the property of Mike's friend and experienced bush pilot, Josie Johnson. Upon arriving at the scene, Mike finds Mark missing. Josie mentions Mark's exceptional craftsmanship, a rare skill in this remote area. Mark had agreed to build Josie's home in exchange for living on the property and homeschooling his 12-year-old daughter, Cady.

Mike immediately senses something amiss, and his suspicions are soon confirmed by a gruesome murder shortly after his arrival. He sets off through the dense Maine forest towards Canada with only his experience and instinct to help him chase down the allusive fugitive. Mike marvels at his adversary's superior bushcraft skills as he navigates the dense terrain. As he tries to save the life of a young girl, Mike faces the unsettling question: is he the hunter or the hunted in this deadly game?

Paul Doiron immerses readers in the rugged landscape of the Maine wilderness, plunging them straight into the heart of the action. As someone new to the series, it took me a while to grasp the characters and their dynamics, yet this initial unfamiliarity did little to diminish my enjoyment of the narrative. The explosive start captivated me, and I eagerly anticipated each twist and turn. While familiarity with the preceding novels would provide deeper context, Pitch Dark reads just fine on its own merits. If anything, it left me eager to explore the earlier installments from the beginning.

Pitch Dark delivers a tense cat-and-mouse chase through rugged wilderness, unafraid to explore its darker depths. The conclusion is satisfying yet leaves a tantalizing cliffhanger, setting the stage for the next book. I approached this novel with some trepidation, unsure of diving in without prior knowledge, but now I can't wait to see where Doiron will take the story next.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 50)

For five decades, Stephen King has captivated audiences with his richly developed characters, imaginative narratives, and knack for crafting stories that truly scare us. My journey with King's works began in my senior year of high school with the hefty Duma Key, and I've been an avid reader ever since. I strive to incorporate his books into my regular reading rotation, balancing his latest releases with the classic titles that have cemented his status as a household name. His newest effort, You Like It Darker, sees the author returning to his roots with a collection of short stories that showcase the genre-bending breadth of his writing prowess.

Like most short story collections, You Like It Darker has its share of hits and misses. Fortunately, the stories I found to be misses were the shorter ones. I could see King experimenting with his usual array of literary devices, but ultimately, the brevity of these tales left me wanting more. That being said, many of the stories were well worth the price of admission. Here’s a breakdown of my top three favorites.

Perhaps the most buzzed-about story in this collection is Rattlesnakes, the sequel to King's classic novel Cujo. It follows Vic Trenton, who readers will remember lost his young son to a rabid St. Bernard decades ago. Now a recent widower, the 76-year-old Vic rides out the COVID-19 pandemic at a friend's house in the Florida Keys. There, he meets an elderly woman whose personal tragedy mirrors his own. Rumor has it that she lost her twin boys decades ago and now pushes around their empty stroller, unable to acknowledge that her children are gone forever. The two grieving parents continue to cross paths, perhaps connected by their shared sorrow or something more sinister. When the woman meets a tragic end in one of the most gruesome scenes in the entire book, she leaves Vic an unusual inheritance, one that will reopen old wounds and torment him all over again.

Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream stems from a simple idea: What if you dreamed about the location of a murdered body? Would you seek it out? Would the authorities believe you truly dreamed it, or would they suspect you as the killer? This is the longest story in the collection, and it seems most in line with King's recent foray into crime thrillers. At nearly 200 pages, the work feels the most complete, providing a tense "what if" scenario that hits all the right notes.

The final story in the collection is quintessential Stephen King. The Answer Man imagines a protagonist who stumbles upon a simple table with a red umbrella. Sitting beneath the shade is the Answer Man. For a nominal fee, the Answer Man promises to truthfully answer whatever question you ask. Is that knowledge a blessing or a curse? This story highlights what King excels at: finding deep unease and philosophical uncertainty within the lives of everyday people. I think that's why we connect so deeply with his writing. We see glimmers of ourselves in the flawed people who inhabit his world. Yes, there are absolutely crazy things happening a lot of the time, but that connection to his characters and his ability to ground absurd plot points in reality have sustained him for his entire career.

The afterward of the book reads as both a thank you and a retrospective. King admits to liking only two of his finished works, The Green Mile and Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. In the golden years of his life, however, he continues to follow his imagination and chase the thrill of writing something that truly captures magic. For the sake of us readers, I hope he continues that pursuit.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 44)

Next year will begin Stephen King's sixth decade as a bestselling author (with his initial hit, Carrie, hitting shelves in 1974). In that time, he's certainly earned the freedom to explore any genre that captures his imagination. Recently, the horror maestro has developed a keen interest in crime fiction. His 2021 release, Billy Summers, is a testament to this fascination. The acclaimed author takes on the narrative of a killer for hire, presenting a hitman with a moral compass reminiscent of Jeff Lindsay's iconic character, Dexter. Given my enduring appreciation for King's literary prowess, it was the perfect choice to bring my year of reading to a close. 

In the novel's opening, King skillfully acknowledges the well-worn trope he's about to delve into. Billy Summers, an Iraq War veteran turned assassin, is on the verge of concluding his career with one last job. Fully aware of the tendency for final assignments to go awry, Summers, nevertheless, decides to take on this task. For this ultimate job, he adopts the guise of a fictitious author, settling in the vicinity to complete a classified project as part of his massive book deal. While awaiting the arrival of his target, Summers uses his time to craft a fictionalized narrative of his own life. This pursuit unexpectedly becomes a source of genuine enjoyment for him.

As anticipated, the job takes an unexpected turn. This is the juncture where the narrative truly intensifies. Summers, compelled to go into hiding, finds his aspirations for a seamless departure from his criminal life delayed. Lacking the payment from this pivotal assignment, he's left without the means to execute his planned disappearance. While grappling with his dilemma, he unexpectedly crosses paths with a young woman facing an even more dire situation than his own. What ensues is a tale of an improbable partnership, propelling these two individuals on a riveting journey of revenge and redemption.

Billy Summers is a solid three-star thriller from Stephen King, blending elements of pulp fiction with in-depth character explorations that affirm the author's enduring literary heft. While the novel takes its time to gain momentum, and the initial character establishment of the eponymous Billy Summers may feel prolonged, the narrative becomes thoroughly engaging once the action kicks in. King skillfully manipulates well-worn genre tropes, infusing each with his signature twist. Introducing a female character serves to counterbalance Summers' ruthlessness, providing a necessary foil to the main character. It's essential to note that the novel contains prevalent triggers of rape and violence; however, King handles these darker elements with purpose, adding depth to his characters and driving their connection. If there's a critique, it lies in the book's length, which could have benefited from some trimming to enhance the overall storytelling. Nonetheless, concluding 2023 with this novel was a thrilling experience.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 93)

My profound love for reading has always been closely linked to my affection for mystery novels. As a kid, I was captivated by characters like Nate the Great and Encyclopedia Brown. This love for mysteries has remained a constant throughout my life. Even now, I relish the excitement of solving a case before the book reveals its secrets, and I'm particularly delighted when the revelation catches me off guard. When I had the opportunity to read author Dann McDorman's debut novel, West Heart Kill, I eagerly embraced it. The book promised a modern take on the classic murder mystery, a premise that was too intriguing to ignore.

The novel begins with a setup reminiscent of an Agatha Christie mystery. Private Detective Adam McAnnis reunites with an old college friend for a weekend at the exclusive West Heart Club in upstate New York. This isolated lodge is a retreat for the wealthy elite, a place where they can escape their busy lives. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that these seemingly friendly strangers have their own secrets and disregard for the rules of the normal world. McAnnis begins to hear whispers of financial troubles and the potential sale of the club.

The plot takes a dramatic twist when the lifeless body of one of the club members is discovered on the shore of the lake. Is this a tragic suicide stemming from desperation, or are there more sinister forces at play? As tension mounts, a fierce storm descends upon the area, plunging the property into darkness and cutting off all access. Before McAnnis can even embark on a proper investigation, yet another body is unearthed, all but confirming the presence of a cunning murderer among them. As suspicions intensify and paranoia spreads among the club members, McAnnis faces the daunting task of restoring order to the chaos and unveiling the true identity of this malevolent killer.

At first glance, West Heart Kill appears to follow the conventions of a typical whodunit. McDorman skillfully sets the stage for a classic locked-room mystery, complete with a cast of deceitful characters, an isolated setting, and a young detective who harbors suspicions about everyone in his midst. It doesn't take long, however, for the narrative's contemporary twist to become apparent. The story unfolds through the lens of a fourth-wall-breaking narrator who acknowledges that we, the readers, are seasoned experts in the mystery genre, well-versed in its classic tropes. This narrative approach breathes fresh life into the traditional framework, offering a unique perspective that keeps readers questioning the unfolding events and the reliability of the characters. As the story introduces new revelations and red herrings, the narrator is there to provide insight and encourage readers to scrutinize it all.

A mystery's ultimate success, though, hinges on its resolution, and this is where West Heart Kill will divide readers. While the story weaves an intricate web of mystery and reaches a shocking twist in its third act, it is the explanation of this twist that will be divisive. McDorman's narrator provides historical context to justify this turn of events, but it leaves this seasoned mystery reader feeling unsatisfied. West Heart Kill undoubtedly showcases a promising debut from an author with a fresh perspective on the genre. Still, the absence of a truly satisfying conclusion detracts from an otherwise engaging narrative.

For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads. 

(2023, 69)

I recently stumbled upon Hannah Morrissey's debut novel, Hello, Transcriber, and was immediately captivated by its atmospheric thriller elements. It left me craving more of her writing. I promptly borrowed Morrissey's next offering, The Widowmaker, from my local library. This book sees Morrissey return to the desolate setting of her debut, the grim and chilling Black Harbor, Wisconsin, a town notorious for its high crime rate.  In her first book, she explored the inner turmoil of a character torn between escaping the town and being drawn deeper into its darkness. In this new narrative, we are introduced to a fresh character, someone who was born and raised in Black Harbor but managed to escape the traumas it inflicted. Now, as circumstances compel her to return, long-forgotten memories begin to resurface and slowly creep back into her life.

For the past two decades, the mysterious disappearance of business mogul Clive Reynolds has fueled rumors and curiosity within the community of Black Harbor. His vanishing act has cast a dark cloud over the entire Reynolds family, leaving them under a constant shadow of suspicion. Meanwhile, professional photographer Morgan Mori has been facing a string of bad luck in her own life, making her all the more intrigued by the cryptic letter she receives. It urges her to return to her hometown of Black Harbor, a place she had been eager to leave behind. The offer to photograph the enigmatic Reynolds family at one of their gatherings presents both a much-needed financial opportunity and a chance to peer into the secretive lives of this intriguing family.

On the same evening as the family event, Morgan unwittingly becomes a witness to the fatal shooting of a police officer. Investigator Ryan Hudson has tirelessly pursued the Reynolds case for years, striving to establish himself as the department's lead investigator. However, when his longtime partner is murdered, Ryan grapples with the challenge of balancing his commitment to solving the cold case with his burning desire to apprehend his partner's killer. Morgan holds the potential to illuminate both mysteries. As she confronts her own traumatic past and Black Harbor's dark history, Ryan aims to leverage her insights to propel his career and finally deliver justice to those who have long eluded it.

Hannah Morrissey delivers another outstanding thriller with The Widowmaker. Much like her initial work, this novel immerses readers in a haunting and chilling atmosphere that permeates the entire narrative with an unsettling sense of suspense. By introducing new characters and only briefly referencing the events of her debut novel, Morrissey skillfully positions her work as both a continuation of the previous story and a self-contained narrative for newcomers. The world she has crafted is nothing short of captivating, with Black Harbor itself becoming a prominent character, a place where crime, secrecy, and darkness hold dominion. The story alternates between the perspectives of its two protagonists, offering readers unique insights into their characters that remain concealed from one another. While this approach may have initially made it slightly more challenging for me to connect with the characters, it ultimately provided a deeper understanding that enhanced the satisfaction of the story's twists and turns. The Widowmaker is a gripping page-turner, standing out as its own compelling narrative while simultaneously serving as a worthy sequel to Morrissey's stunning debut.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 68)

One of my absolute favorite protagonists in the realm of crime fiction has to be Virgil Flowers, a creation of John Sandford. I first encountered this character during college, and I've eagerly devoured every new installment in his adventures ever since. While Sandford's pace of releasing new books has somewhat slowed recently, he now teams up this character with his other immensely popular creation, Lucas Davenport. Their latest collaboration, Judgment Prey, marks the third book where both characters appear together. I've been fortunate enough to receive copies of Sandford's latest works directly from his publisher, and this newest one was no exception. Staying true to his distinctive style, Judgment Prey is a riveting murder mystery enriched by the witty banter and dynamic between Flowers and Davenport.

The book begins with a harrowing scene: the ruthless execution of a federal judge and his two young sons. The killer shadowed the family back to their home following a basketball game and in a chilling act, shot them in cold blood. When the judge's wife arrived just moments later, she was met with the devastating sight of her husband and sons lying lifeless on the floor while her infant baby cried in the background. The heinousness of the murder sends shockwaves through the community. Given the high-profile nature of the crime and its victim, authorities are determined to bring the perpetrator to justice.

Enter Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers. Both men are still recovering from the harrowing conclusion of their previous case, an ordeal that almost cost them their lives. Davenport, in particular, is taking an extended break to mend his wounds. Meanwhile, Flowers is engrossed in writing his second novel. The last thing either of them needs is a new case. Fate, however, has other plans. Davenport's proximity to the crime scene leads him to offer his insights, and before long, the irresistible urge to uncover the truth takes hold. He quickly summons his good friend Flowers to join him in the investigation. Together, they will delve into the lives of criminals, the leaders of dubious charities, and even the judge's grieving widow. They will spare no effort in uncovering the identity of the perpetrator behind this brutal and heart-wrenching crime.

Returning to Sandford's characters is always a delightful experience. The dynamic duo of Virgil Flowers and Lucas Davenport consistently delivers a thrilling and unexpectedly comedic reading adventure. Some of the witty exchanges between these two had me in stitches. Judgment Prey, as the 33rd installment in the long-standing Prey series, successfully hits all the essential marks. Sandford's writing exudes a sense of pure enjoyment, resulting in an engaging page-turner.

Could the mystery's plot have been more tightly woven? Undoubtedly. In fact, this particular installment seemed to struggle with occasional plot meandering, as if Sandford himself was uncertain about the story's direction. Nevertheless, the narrative remains firmly anchored by its charismatic protagonists, rendering even the most implausible plot twists relatively inconsequential. This is top-notch popcorn thriller writing at its finest. I'll gladly continue immersing myself in these narratives for as long as Sandford continues to write them.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 63)

At the start of August, my family embarked on a journey from Texas to Wisconsin to commemorate my brother and sister-in-law's achievement of earning their PhDs. The celebration of this significant milestone was truly joyful, and the experience was enhanced by the pleasant summer climate. The temperature was notably cooler than the relentless summer heat we were experiencing back home. Throughout our visit, we relished the outdoors, basking in the mild weather. 

My brother found our fascination with the climate amusing, given that in Wisconsin, the summer months are a time for everyone to embrace the sun. It's a different story during the winter months when the cold becomes relentless. As a Texan, I'm not accustomed to such cold temperatures, at least not in reality. While browsing through books at my local library, I came across Hannah Morrisey's debut novel, Hello, Transcriber. The book's setting in the frigid winter of the fictional town of Black Harbor, Wisconsin, allowed me to experience the cold my brother had described, even if only through the pages of a book.

The story unfolds in the bleak backdrop of Black Harbor, an infamously crime-infested city in Wisconsin. At its center is Hazel Greenlee, a woman who finds herself trapped in a life she didn't quite choose. Her marriage is suffocating, the house she lives in is filled with the remnants of her husband's hunting exploits, and her dreams of becoming a writer remain unfulfilled. Amidst this stagnation, she seizes an opportunity to work as a transcriber on the night shift at the local police department. This role offers a glimmer of hope. It's a chance for her writing aspirations to find an outlet, even if it's in the form of transcribing recordings.

Unexpectedly, Hazel's neighbor confesses to involvement in disposing of a body, sparking a series of events tied to a notorious drug dealer known as Candy Man. This confession intertwines Hazel's life with an ongoing investigation, and she becomes entangled with Detective Nikolai Kole, the lead investigator. Her curiosity and desire for a gripping story lead her to collaborate with Kole, embarking on a journey through the darker underbelly of Black Harbor.

As the investigation progresses, Hazel's pursuit of an absorbing story challenges the bounds of her relationships and personal safety. She navigates a treacherous path, grappling with ethical quandaries, endangering her marriage, and possibly beckoning danger closer. Through her pursuit of the truth, Hazel unwittingly finds herself engulfed in the shadows of the city she yearns to break free from.

Reflecting on my experience with Hello, Transcriber, the first word that comes to mind is "atmosphere." Hannah Morrissey skillfully creates a frigid, dark, and vast sense of place that envelops the reader from the very beginning. Her adept descriptions and attention to detail conjure a deeply immersive setting. Within this environment, the characters thrive. Hazel, in particular, emerges as a complex and conflicted individual. Her struggle between societal obligations as a wife, sister, and employee and her compelling fascination with delving into a perilous investigation add depth to her character. I found myself simultaneously rooting for her to make the right choices and daring her to explore the dark case further.

Morrissey's writing style held me captive throughout, even during moments when I wanted to shield myself from the more distressing aspects of the story. While there were a few instances of conveniently placed plot points and extraneous character revelations, they did little to detract from the overall atmosphere of suspense that Morrissey skillfully imbues on every page. Hello, Transcriber is a thoughtfully crafted debut that introduces a captivating new series. It demonstrates Morrissey's storytelling prowess and sets the stage for an intriguing journey ahead.

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 56)

Before delving into my customary review for this week, I'd like to take a moment to celebrate a significant milestone for A Book A Week. Since 2012, I've maintained consistent blogging, documenting my literary journeys. Every year, I set a target of reading at least one book per week, tallying up to 52 books annually. Over time, my success rate has varied, influenced by life's fluctuations. Occasional interruptions have caused me to fall short of the goal, while recent years have seen me comfortably meet the December 31st deadline. This year, however, has been exceptional. Today, with a good four months remaining on the calendar, I'm thrilled to present my review for the 52nd book, achieving my goal in record time! If I continue at my current pace of reading and posting, which seems likely, this year will stand as my most prolific reading endeavor to date. With titles like the one I'm sharing with you today, it is easy to see why. 

In crime fiction, a unique niche has emerged where authors choose the podcast format to tell their tales. As literary trends surface, authors inevitably contribute their interpretations. The outcome of this foray into podcast-driven mysteries has been a mixed bag, yet talents like Megan Goldin and Holly Jackson have harnessed its potential to great success. In 2020, I was introduced to the debut novel of the writing duo L.R. Dorn. Their work, titled The Anatomy of Desire, unfolded as a series of transcribed podcast episodes while simultaneously taking on the challenge of reimagining the classic novel An American Tragedy. Despite my initial reservations about such an ambitious undertaking, the result was a captivating read that skillfully blended an engrossing mystery with a contemporary twist on a timeless tale. In their latest release, With a Kiss We Die, Dorn once again employs the podcast-style narrative, this time with no overt ties to classic literary works. 

Propelled by the charismatic Ryanna Raines, The Raines Report, a true-crime podcast, has amassed a dedicated following. Recognized for its compelling investigative journalism and Ryanna's fearless determination, the show's popularity continues to surge. Now, armed with a voice recorder and an unyielding quest for justice, Ryanna steps into uncharted territory. She's about to participate in a live criminal investigation that tests her investigative acumen like never before.

A jolting double homicide within a lavish Southern California estate has reverberated through the affluent community. While the initial shock of the crime garnered immediate attention, it's the identities of the prime suspects that are poised to ignite a media frenzy. The couple's twenty-two-year-old son and his college theater student girlfriend are positioned at the heart of the inquiry. The pair teeters on the precipice of impending arrest and legal proceedings. In an attention-grabbing twist, they've exclusively sought Ryanna's engagement, offering interviews with the aim of authentically representing their viewpoint. Through a meticulous series of penetrating interviews, Ryanna navigates diverse vantage points, delving beneath surface contradictions to unveil an eerie and disquieting truth.

With a Kiss We Die showcases L.R. Dorn refining the style introduced in their debut, expertly amplifying the form for a multidimensional book. The story carries shades of a Bonnie & Clyde dynamic as the central couple fights to assert their innocence, yet Dorn skillfully avoids incorporating any direct source material. This allows for a fresh and original narrative. Amidst uncertainty surrounding the accused, Ryanna Raines emerges as the unwavering force committed to unearthing the truth. By anchoring Raines as an unequivocally virtuous character, Dorn provides a stable focal point for readers amidst the enigma of the alleged murderers. Presented in the format of podcast episodes, each chapter adds a layer of realism to the story, immersing readers in its fictional world. As I observed in Dorn's previous work, acclimating to the podcast-style narrative on a written page required an adjustment. I switched between the physical book and the audiobook and found the latter to offer a particularly engaging experience. Regardless of the chosen format, L.R. Dorn undeniably emerges as a distinctive voice within this densely populated genre.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 52)

As an avid reader devouring at least one book every week, striking a balance between my towering TBR list and ongoing series can be quite the juggling act. When I launched my blog, crime fiction was my bread and butter. I delved deep into series like Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta novels and John Sandford's Virgil Flowers stories, savoring every page. Although I occasionally dip back into these series when time permits, one collection holds an unwavering grip on my reading routine: James Patterson's Alex Cross books. 

It all started with Mary, Mary, a gift from my Mom during my freshman year of high school, a tale that hooked me onto the genre with its breakneck pace and mind-bending twists. A cherished tradition now, every Christmas, like clockwork, my Mom presents me with the latest Alex Cross installment. With the year winding down (seriously, how is it almost September?), I decided to finally delve into the book that found its way to me last year. The 30th installment in the series, Triple Cross, follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, delivering another rapid and exhilarating read.

In the shadows of Washington, DC, a systematic killer targets families spanning generations, operating under the shroud of darkness and leaving behind a baffling absence of any physical clues or alarms. While Alex Cross diligently investigates the chilling case, a charismatic true-crime author also examines the perplexing puzzle, unraveling patterns that elude the grasp of the detectives. Branded as "The Family Man," this eerie killing spree is hailed by the writer as an exemplar of a flawless crime, a notion that Alex contests. For Alex, every crime is a puzzle waiting to be solved. But could this be the one that defies resolution?

James Patterson's writing undeniably follows a formula. Characterized by concise chapters, non-stop action, and shifting perspectives, it is a winning recipe. As the 30th installment featuring his iconic protagonist, it's no surprise that much of this formula remains intact. The captivating mystery takes root from the outset, propelling the narrative's energy. Patterson inserts a clever twist by pitting Alex Cross against a formidable investigative rival, stirring doubts in Cross's established beliefs. While the moments of familial depth centered around Alex Cross's grandmother Nana Mama offer emotional resonance, they've become somewhat predictable over the series. In the grand scheme, Triple Cross upholds the tradition of providing immersive escapism within the Alex Cross series. It remains faithful, delivering the anticipated entertainment without veering off course. It is a dependable choice that firmly cements its place in my reading rotation.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 50)

Do you judge a book by its cover? While I'd like to say otherwise, a book's cover often catches my attention first. Of course, I always delve into the synopsis to gauge my interest, but an eye-catching cover can definitely pique my curiosity even more. While I may not be the best judge of cover art, I received Everybody Knows by Jordan Harper from the publisher earlier this year, and admittedly, its cover didn't immediately grab me. The LA skyline and enigmatic eyes at the top seemed washed out by the bright red background. After letting it sit on my shelf for a while, however,  I eventually read the synopsis and found it intriguing enough to dive in. Surprisingly, the story inside proved to be much more enthralling than the cover might suggest.

Step into Mae Pruett's Los Angeles, a city where silence reigns, and secrets are shielded by whispers. Mae, a "black-bag" publicist for one of LA's most influential crisis PR firms, is the guardian of the rich, powerful, and morally questionable. She's become an expert at containing their most ruinous scandals, the kind of controversies that could destroy their status and reputation. When her boss is unexpectedly murdered, Mae embarks on a daring solo investigation, uncovering the labyrinthine operations of "The Beast," a complex network of lawyers, PR agents, and security firms that operates ruthlessly to protect the elite. 

Mae's journey propels her into the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, a world illuminated by neon hues and fueled by pharmaceuticals and illusions. She'll face the dichotomies unique to the city she inhabits like the luxurious mansions overlooking sprawling homeless encampments and encounters with corrupt police who break the very laws they are tasked to enforce. Seeking solace in her ex-lover Chris, a former cop turned private investigator, Mae becomes entwined in a battle against the forces she once served. Along the way, she might expose the hidden truths driving the city's powerful and corrupt aristocracy.

In Everybody Knows, Jordan Harper masterfully crafts a neo-noir thriller that seamlessly blends the genre's traditional elements with a contemporary twist. Drawing inspiration from noir's rich legacy, Harper brings it into the modern era with finesse. The novel encapsulates all the classic ingredients of crime noir. Two compelling antiheroes embroiled in moral dilemmas spark reader empathy. At the same time, the vivid Los Angeles backdrop becomes an integral third character, shrouding the narrative in a blend of atmospheric intrigue and darkness.

Harper skillfully navigates the dynamic between glamour and destitution, highlighting the morally ambiguous individuals that populate his tale. Amidst these timeless noir tactics, Harper introduces a plot deeply rooted in the present, delving into the complex implications of the "Me too" movement. He fearlessly explores the intricate balance between deserved consequences and the actual impact on those who wielded their power to exploit. This merging of classic noir methods with contemporary themes results in an engrossing, unputdownable thriller that leaves a lasting impact. Despite its unassuming cover, Everybody Knows is a true gem that shines as brightly as the neon lights of the city it is set in. 

For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads. 

(2023, 47)

"There was comfort in the uncertainty, the possibility of the impossible."

I've been a fan of Mindy Mejia since devouring her novel Everything You Want Me to Be in 2017. Her penchant for gripping plots combined with deeply drawn characters has made her one of my go-to authors. Her last book, Strike Me Down, was released in the early months of the pandemic, and I've been not so patiently waiting for her next release ever since. Three years later, with a new publisher who kindly sent me a copy of her new work to review, Mejia is back with To Catch A Storm. This start of a planned trilogy sees the author return with all the elements that made me fall in love with her work in the first place, but with a new angle that adds an extra ripple of intrigue to her storytelling. 

Eve is flying a plane high above the winter terrain of Iowa when she sees the storm. The scientist leads her mentees in a study of the weather, capturing data about the day's atmosphere to dissect once they land. She can't wait to land and tell her husband, Matthew, about everything she saw. When they touch down, though, Matthew is nowhere to be found. Instead, Eve is greeted by the news that her husband's Tesla was found far from the family home, completely engulfed in flames. Life for the couple hadn't been easy for the last few months. Matthew was suspended from his professorship after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student came to light. Eve was hurt by that revelation but stood by him. Now, she's the number one suspect in his mysterious disappearance. 

Jonah appears at Eve's doorstep after his most recent vision showed her husband hidden in a barn. The same barn, in fact, that he's seen Celina in countless times before. Jonah is no stranger to disturbing visions. As a psychic, he's assisted the local police in countless cases before. Celina's case, however, is different. Jonah has been haunted by the image of her on the barn floor. Years of searching have yielded no results. When he recognized the setting of his latest vision as the same one that had invaded his consciousness for all these years, Jonah knew he had to connect with this missing person's case. If he can help uncover Matthew's location, he can finally put Celina's disappearance behind him. 

Max hasn't been active in the local police force since that fateful day when he went against his better judgment and followed Jonah to investigate a missing girl. The pair had been a reliable duo, solving several cases with each other. Of course, Jonah's involvement had to be downplayed. Still, Max couldn't deny the results. That's probably why he was willing to follow Jonah to the doorstep of a man he claimed to have seen as part of Celina's disappearance. That fateful day ended with Max being shot, suspended from the force, and completely finished working with Jonah. Now word has gotten back to him that Jonah is attempting to insert himself into the investigation of the missing professor. Max is determined to stop Eve from partnering with the psychic and avoid the same miserable fate he finds himself in. 

To Catch A Storm sees Mindy Mejia write a highly original thriller that builds upon the wonderful precedent she has already set in her previous works. All the ingredients of a great thriller are in play here. There's a missing persons case with plenty of angles to investigate, a trio of main characters who complement and play off each other, and a frigid Iowa snowstorm that adds to the danger and tension of the entire setting.  I was hesitant at first about the psychic element of the book, especially because the rest of the novel seemed to be so grounded within the real world. I never should have doubted Mejia, though. By pitting the psychic against a skeptical scientist, Mejia addresses my concerns about the veracity of his abilities, adding real believability into an unbelievable scenario. Chapters alternate perspectives between the three main characters, giving readers insights into each of their motivations while deepening the suspense of each chapter. All this comes together in a page-turning thriller, the beginning of what is sure to be an excellent trilogy. 

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 44)

What's the longest-running series that you read? In the crime fiction genre, establishing a well-received character and spawning a series featuring that character is like capturing lightning in a bottle. Not every detective is shaped up to star in a series. John Sandford's Lucas Davenport is one who has withstood the test of time. The first book to feature the character, Rules of Prey, was published back in 1989, and the 32nd installment Righteous Prey released earlier this year. I've read and enjoyed both books, but I haven't routinely kept up with the series. In fact, I've only read that first novel and the latest two releases. Needless the say the Lucas Davenport of thirty years ago is quite different from the character that appears in Sandford's series today. I've enjoyed Sandford's writing enough that I decided to venture back in time again and pick up the second book in the Prey series. 

Murder is a grisly affair no matter how you shake it. The brutal execution of a slumlord in Minneapolis, an up-and-coming politician in New York, and a judge in Oklahoma City would be newsworthy in their own right, but it is the similarities in each instance that make the murders all the more unsettling. Each of the victims' throats has been ritualistically slashed with a type of knife most commonly used in Native American ceremonies. The killer seems driven by a primal force to murder. Not even those closest to him will be able to stop his reign of terror. 

Lucas Davenport, an investigator with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, is called to the case when the first murder occurs. He's got a few things working against him from the very start. For one, his usual strategy of planting himself within the community and working with his contacts to gather information is narrowed by the close-knit Native American community's unwillingness to work with an outsider. He's also got a few distractions on the home front. He's still in a relationship with the mother of his young daughter, but Lucas's eyes have strayed to that of a New York cop who is also investigating the murders. As his personal life begins to tangle, the killer and those who are driving the crimes set their target upon him. He'll have to overcome every obstacle to make it out alive and bring the murderer to justice. 

Books can be seen as something of a time capsule to the time in which they were written. Shadow Prey, the second Davenport novel by John Sandford, is certainly an example of this idea. Davenport is still in his raw form. Sandford works to give him some higher stakes in this book, but I could tell that the character lacked the confidence that he owns in the more recent installments. The underbaked elements of the character aside, it is the cultural ramifications of this book that really took me out of the entertainment. The main plot centers around some troubling stereotypes about Native Americans that I found to be alarmingly out of date. Sandford toys with a few social commentary moments, but they just ring so wrong to my modern ears. Having read his more recent works, it is clear that Sandford, like many of us, has evolved with the times. Still, some of the more blatant elements of this novel are pretty tough to reconcile with. There are the bones of a solid thriller here, but I feel this story may be one that is better left in the past. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2022, 59)

What's your go-to genre? My tastes have evolved and varied, but I always return to crime fiction. There's just something about following a character through the process of investigative discovery that I find eternally appealing. It should come as no surprise then that I happily accepted a copy of The Wheel of the Doll by Jonathan Ames from his publisher. This follow-up to his novel A Man Named Doll promised to be an "...irreverent and inventive mystery...", so I knew I had to give it a read. I hadn't read the first book in the series, but I wasn't about to let that stop me from diving right in. 

When we meet our hero, he is physically and emotionally scarred from his last case. All things considered, though, he's ready to hop back into the proverbial saddle. A man named Happy Doll probably doesn't have any other choice but to be optimistic. He's a private investigator who relies on independent cases for his livelihood, so he's willing to listen to the young woman who shows up at his door with an offer for a new investigation. He's not prepared, however, for the way this case will force him to reckon with his past. 

The woman is named Mary DeAngelo, and she's looking for her mother Ines Candle. Happy instantly recognizes the mother's name as an ex-lover of his. The last time the couple was together, she barely survived an attempt at suicide. Happy is saddened to learn that her life didn't get better after that. Mary has been estranged from Ines for a while, but recently received a Facebook message that alleges to be from her. Mary's mysterious husband puts up the funds to pay Happy to find Ines. As he embarks on finding her, he's left with more questions than answers. Old wounds will reopen and new ones are sure to follow. 

The Wheel of the Doll sees Jonathan Ames write a hardboiled private investigator novel that blends echoes of the genre's past while blazing a trail into the future. This is a small, intimate story that takes full advantage of developing the characters and the mystery with laser-like precision. Reading about this down-on-his-luck investigator reminded me of some of the great noir novels, especially as the entire book is set in the shadows of Los Angeles. Ames hints at some of the events that happened in the first novel, but this story is self-contained enough that I never felt lost. There's a sparseness to the work that makes it compulsively readable. I was hooked from beginning to end, unable to pull myself from the pages. The Wheel of the Doll is a novel that knows exactly what kind of story it is trying to tell, and Ames deftly executes it to its fullest potential. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2022, 50)

Ice and Stone, the 34th installment in Marcia Muller's prolific Sharon McCone series, begins with a disclaimer from the author. Muller writes that this novel was written well before the historic and tumultuous 2020, and as such, there is no mention of the COVID-19 pandemic. More importantly, the strife of police brutality and the undeniable impact of the Black Lives Matter movement was not on the forefront of Muller's mind as she concocted this story. Nevertheless, readers will no doubt find the themes of racism and prejudice to permeate the fabric of the book. As I read this note, I was struck by just how long racism has infected our country. For this book to be conceived before the historic year that brought the struggle of racial tensions and systemic racism front and center into most of our lives only further illustrates just how long this issue has been part of our existence. 

Normally a murder of any kind rocks a community. Surely the remains of two indigenous women in the wilderness of northern California would spark some kind of concern. Sadly though, this incident is just another in a long line of similar cases in the area. Each time investigators are called in, and each time they are ruled as isolated events. Despite all evidence to the contrary, officials seemed satisfied to believe that the murders of indigenous people in the same area have nothing to do with each other. They are quickly brushed off and fall away into the long line of cold cases. 

Private investigator Sharon McCone refuses to let these cases rest. When most other officials are perfectly okay with letting these murders be brushed aside, McCone is eager to see justice be served. We learn that she's recently discovered more about her own heritage and has found a kinship with the women who have been murdered. She is hired by a group of native women to investigate these horrific crimes and finally put the matter to rest. McCone begins an undercover operation to investigate the truth behind the crimes, an operation that sees her unearth secrets of the community that she's planted herself within. She'll have to work fast though. You see, she fits the exact profile of the very women she's been sent in to investigate the killings of. If she doesn't find justice soon, she may find herself as the killer's next victim. 

This was the first book by Marcia Muller that I've read, and I don't think that you need to have read the other 33 books in the series to fully enjoy this one. That being said, I do think it would be interesting to read some of the earlier books to see how the main character has evolved over time, especially since the first novel was released in 1977. Muller writes a compelling murder mystery filled will small-town politics, questionable characters, and racially driven crimes. I shared in McCone's frustration with the authorities more comfortable looking the other way than dealing with the reality of the bold racism that was motivating the crimes within their jurisdiction. For her part, Muller expertly balances the social commentary with a breakneck mystery that equally kept the pages turning while taking on a deeper meaning. Through the lens of the events that have unfolded over the last couple of years, I found her story to take on an even more urgent and timely tone. When a book like Ice and Stone allows you to be entertained while also commenting upon larger issues, you really can't go wrong. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2021, 41)

With as many books as I read each year, it is pretty rare for me to keep up to date with a series. There are just too many books to read with not enough time! That being said, James Patterson's Alex Cross series is the exception. My mom has gifted me the latest book each year for Christmas, so it has become a personal tradition to stay current on Patterson's series. Alex Cross continues to be his best and most consistent character, so I always look forward to reading the next one. As has become another kind of tradition, I've procrastinated nearly a year to read the current book Deadly Cross. Armed with my hardcover copy and an afternoon to kill, I finally settled into the familiar warmth of the latest Alex Cross novel. 

DC Metro Police Commissioner Bree Stone has called upon her husband Alex Cross to review the scene of a brutal murder. The half-clothed remains of a man and woman have been found in a car right outside of a prominent charter school. The school happens to be the same institution that Alex's daughter attends, and Alex is surprised to see that he is familiar with both of the victims. The first is the very much still married man who founded and runs the charter school. The second is both a former patient of Alex's and the ex-wife of a man at the height of his political career. As Alex assists Bree in taking in the scene he is certain of one thing. This murder is about to rock the entire community. 

Patterson usually has multiple cases going on in his books, and this one is no exception. As the main murder investigation progresses, Alex, his partner Sampson, and Bree also focus on the disappearance of several missing girls, and an odd incident that has seen various politicians shot at. There's a lot happening in the book, but it all comes together in the end. Beyond the various mysteries, Patterson spends a good amount of time updating us on his characters. The Cross family has grown over the course of the series, and we get to see a bit about how each of them is doing. Tragedy strikes the extended Cross family early on in the book, and it forces Alex to slow down, reflect on his own life, and volley with the worth of his career in relation to his role as a father. 

As far as James Patterson novels go, Deadly Cross is a pretty good one. Patterson seems to have found his stride again with the characters, and this one continues the story with everything I've come to appreciate about these books. First, there are the mysteries. Three of them to be exact. Each of them draws in both Alex and the reader as they begin to mesh with his personal life, tying him closer to each case. I was enthralled with the hunt and couldn't stop reading. Patterson is known for burning through a plot, and this one certainly had the pages flying. I've always said, though, that the true strength of the Alex Cross series lies within the characters that Patterson has built over the course of 28 novels. Deadly Cross sees the family grappling with their own mortality and coming together to face an unexpected tragedy. It was hard not to share in all of their emotions, especially having seen them evolve with each new book. Character work and the ever-intriguing puzzle of several active investigations propel the book, making it one of the better Alex Cross novels in recent years. Suffice it to say, I'll be eagerly awaiting the next book later this year. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2021, 39)

"He'd spent so much time trying to keep one half of himself separate from the other half, and now they were set to collide."

How do you follow up a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel? If you're Colson Whitehead, the answer is easy. You simply write another Pulitzer winner. That's what he did with his last two efforts, The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys. Each of those books told powerful stories dealing with slavery and racism, unflinching portraits of a nation's tragic history. I adored both novels, and have been not so patiently waiting for Whitehead to write something new. The hype surrounding his first Pulitzer win was massive, so you can imagine the anticipation with which the world has waited for this follow-up to his second. The fine folks at Doubleday granted me access to an advanced copy of Whitehead's latest book Harlem Shuffle. While this new work is not nearly as serious as his previous two efforts, it is nonetheless impactful. 

Ray Carney is a man between two worlds. In 1959 Harlem, everybody knows everybody. To most of the community, Ray is known as the upstanding owner of Carney's Furniture, a modest business on 125th street that sells good quality furniture at a reasonable price. It isn't much, but it's an honest living. Could things be better? Of course. Despite a decent living, money can be tight. Ray and his wife live in a small apartment that the impending birth of their second child will officially render too small. This is where the other side to Ray begins to emerge. You see, he's the son of a well-known crook, the kind of man who is completely counter to the honest businessman Ray has worked to become. Ray's struggled to carve his own path away from the shadow of his father for years, but the need for a higher cash flow is about to darken that path again. 

It begins innocently enough. Ray's cousin, Freddie, periodically shows up to the store with a random piece of jewelry. Ray doesn't ask where the items come from, but he's happy to take them off Freddie's hands. A little extra income off the books never hurts. But then Freddie begins to escalate things. He joins a group of gangsters in a plot to rob a prominent hotel and volunteers Ray to hold and sell whatever loot is gained. The heist goes off with plenty of complications that place Ray in the sight of the worst kind of people. Suddenly his quiet family business becomes the meeting place for criminals, dirty cops, and other lowlifes who call Harlem home. As the novel progresses, Ray struggles to balance the two sides of himself, the cracks between them threatening to dismantle his entire livelihood. 

Harlem Shuffle sees Colson Whitehead writing a story that places his readers directly into the heart of Harlem during the early 1960s. His descriptions of the place and people who inhabit it are as real as any of his previous characters, the kind of folks whom you could easily see passing on the streets as you visit the city. There's a lightness and sense of fun to this novel that wasn't present in his previous two works but don't let that fool you. Beneath the surface lies the kind of thoughtful commentary on race, class, and morality that readers have come to expect from this celebrated author. I hesitate to say that I enjoyed this book as much as I did other Whitehead novels. The opening portions of the book took a bit too long to establish the story for my taste. Still, the latter half of the novel had me breezing through the pages, breathlessly reading to see how the ending would play out. The uneven pace of this one is perhaps more noticeable because of the stellar plotting of Whitehead's last two books. Still, there's plenty about Harlem Shuffle to marvel at. Sometimes a great author writes a great book while other times they merely write a good book. I think that's the case with this one. It won't be my favorite book written by Colson Whitehead, but it certainly is a joy to read. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2021, 33)

With so many books coming my way each year, it can be hard to devote time to reading a series. There are just so many books to read with never enough time to read them all.  This means that I usually don't keep up with a series beyond the first installment. However, when it comes to John Sandford's Virgil Flowers series, I can't help but look forward to the next novel. No matter what I'm supposed to be reading, I always carve out a few days to devour his latest. I was a bit surprised when Sandford's publisher sent me his latest novel featuring his other long-time hero Lucas Davenport. I've read the first novel to feature Davenport, but I've never kept up with the other 29 Prey novels. When I found out that Ocean Prey happened to feature Virgil Flowers too, all made sense, and I quickly began reading. 

The book opens with a bang. An off-duty Coast Guardsman stumbles upon a crime in action, just off the coast of Florida. A group of drug runners is pulling up large canisters from the ocean floor, filled with what has to be drugs. When the coast guard intervenes, a gunfight breaks out leaving 3 officers dead, the drug smuggling boat torched, drug-filled canisters on the bottom of the sea, and no real leads as to who was behind the crime. An FBI-led task force struggles with the case for weeks before they finally call in the support of US Marshall Lucas Davenport. Davenport has a reputation for discreetly blurring the lines between lawful investigation and downright intimidation, but one thing is certain. Davenport knows how to get results. 

As the full scope of the case unfolds, Davenport begins to worry that their task force is outmatched. A mid-novel ambush reveals those worries to be true, and Davenport is forced to call in more support. His old buddy from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Virgil Flowers is a natural choice. Flowers is about as unconventional of an investigator as they come. Flowers's hippy cowboy appearance and willingness to follow whatever unorthodox plan Davenport conceives makes him the perfect candidate to go undercover and infiltrate the suspected drug lords. His familiarity with boating and diving also makes him uniquely qualified to be exactly the kind of person the suspects are looking for. After all, there are still millions of dollars worth of drugs lying on the ocean floor. With the combined experience and wit of both Davenport and Flowers, justice just might come to fruition. 

With Ocean Prey John Sandford proves why he remains one of my favorite crime authors writing today. Despite not being as familiar with his Davenport character, I easily fell into the story and began rooting for him from the start. The addition of Virgil Flowers to the novel adds a welcomed change of pace to the second half of the story and serves to raise the stakes and suspense level. Still, I'd hesitate to actually call this book a Virgil Flowers novel. His appearance is more of an extended cameo to the Davenport story than anything else. Nevertheless, Sandford knows how to write a twisted thriller that keeps you on your toes until the very end. The underwater scenes in particular really kept the pages turning in a way that I haven't experienced in his writing before. Clever plotting combined with two of the most fun and intriguing heroes in modern crime fiction make Ocean Prey a worthy addition to both the Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers series. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2021, 15)

I'm always on the search for the next great thriller. I just can't get enough of the suspenseful page-turning stories that keep me reading late into the night. I try to read a variety of genres, but thrillers have always been the safest bet to capture my attention. My last read was a classic sci-fi novel that I really struggled to work through, so I was eager to move on to something that had a quicker pace. Enter Robyn Gigl's debut thriller By Way of Sorrow. Her publisher sent me an advanced copy to read, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Suspenseful, thoughtful, and thrilling, By Way of Sorrow was just the antidote I needed to cure my reading slump. 

Erin McCabe has just agreed to take on the highest-profile criminal case of her career. Sharise Barnes, a transgender woman, is accused of robbing and killing the son of a New Jersey State Senator. The senator's family says that Sharise tricked their son into sleeping with her so that she could rob him. Sharise has a different story. She says that when the son discovered that she wasn't born a woman, he got violent with her. Sharise stabbed him in an act of self-defense. The case is down to the word of a transgender prostitute against that of an influential politician. It isn't hard to guess which side of the story the courts will favor. 

Despite the odds being stacked against them, Erin believes that Sharise is innocent and is determined to defend her. Beyond her desire to see justice served, Erin's involvement in the case is out of something more personal. You see, Erin is a transgender woman herself. Like Sharise, Erin knows what it feels like to be a stranger in her own body. She's faced the challenge of having to live her truth or keep her family and friends. In taking on this case, Erin knows that her past will be brought to the forefront, but she can't let Sharise's case go. In Erin's eyes, the only thing separating her from Sharise is money and privilege. She has to help this woman win this case. 

The best thrillers combine a riveting plot with captivating characters. In By Way of Sorrow, Robyn Gigl does just that. The legal case pits the large political force against the small, marginalized minority. That dynamic of power versus weak drives most of the suspense in the novel. What elevates the story is Gigl's ability to write characters who strive to overcome their perceived weakness and turn it into strength. The main protagonist Erin is still coming to terms with being a transgender woman. She's accepted herself but struggles with how the rest of the world perceives her. Gigl imbues Erin with a sense of truth that is undeniable. She places her in real situations and allows them to play out as they would in the real world. As Erin finds her place in the world and builds her confidence in defending her case, we too gain an understanding of her character and how universal her story truly is. I was glued to the pages of this novel and can only hope that Gigl has more stories to tell in the future. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2021, 12)

"Long-buried images of my past rose up, blurry at first, and then gradually coming into focus, all of them deeply disturbing."

Reading the latest Alex Cross novel by James Patterson has become one of my yearly traditions. Dating all the way back to my years as a reluctant high school reader, my mom has given me the latest novel as a Christmas gift. The books usually release in November, so this gives me an entire year to procrastinate on reading it until I inevitably receive the next installment. Each of the 26 books in the series has varying levels of success as pieces of writing, but I look forward to breezing through the new one regardless. Criss Cross, the 27th book in the prolific series, has been waiting for my attention for nearly a year now. With the holidays rapidly approaching, I decided now was as good a time as any to finally dive in and give it a read. 

With so many Alex Cross books under my belt, I pretty much know what to expect when I pick up the latest. There's a comfort in the familiarity of Patterson's characters and plot structures that allows me to settle into the words and read them quickly. With that many books, I've also grown to know what kinds of stories work best for these characters. In the case of Alex Cross, the best novels always feature a balance between the hunt for a secretive serial killer and the continued development of the extended Cross family. Fortunately for me, Criss Cross perfectly finds that balance. 

Alex is being taunted by a mysterious murderer who goes simply by the name M. We learn that this particular killer has been a part of Alex's career from the very beginning, an elusive criminal who takes as much pleasure in the act of murder as he does is toying with the famed detective. Alex is truly stuck. His usual intellect fails him at every step of the way, keeping him always one step behind M. 

If the case wasn't causing enough stress, Alex has plenty to worry about on the homefront. After recovering from a season-ending injury, his daughter is finally poised to make a triumphant return to track and field. And not a moment too soon. She's caught the eye of several university coaches, each wanting to see how she performs after her recovery. Just as things seem to be moving in the right direction, she comes down with an illness that threatens to end her season and any hopes and receiving one of the coveted track scholarships. 

A James Patterson novel is usually either pretty good or absolutely rubbish. Criss Cross falls into the pretty good category. Patterson keeps the suspense moving through several flashbacks and detours of family drama, constantly driving the novel forward to a pretty satisfying conclusion. I always enjoy getting to check in on the Cross family, and this book was no exception. Patterson has smartly allowed his characters to age with the series. This means there are new life experiences for the characters with each new book and new angles for us to see them in. The mystery is one of the more intriguing puzzles Patterson has written in recent installments. I genuinely didn't know who the murderer would be until the very end, a rarity for a seasoned crime reader like myself. The Alex Cross series will never win awards for literary merit, but it has become a hallmark of my holiday tradition. I will always enjoy reading these books, and I can't wait to unwrap the next one soon. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2020, 47)