WINNING HAND

MIKE FARICY

Winning Hand, by prolific and veteran mystery writer Mike Faricy, has everything that the novice mystery reader is looking for, as well as for long-time readers. Faricy knows how to tell a story, combining his lovable recurring characters, office mate Louie, his attorney, and Tubby Gustafson, the well-known local gangster, for whom Dev Haskell, our intrepid Private Eye and protagonist, is obligated to for many years to come.

Winning Hand finds Tubby reaching out to Dev to find the money and the guest who had misplaced it. The problem is that Tubby wants to use this guest as a professional card player as a partner and model in an ongoing monthly large-stakes poker game, where you can be sure Tubby will make plenty of money, as will anybody associated with Tubby and his gang.

The plot has Dev, our Private Eye, trying to locate the missing money, the person who lost it, and a slew of others you wouldn't want seen with. Combine this plot with amusing dialogue spoken by Dev, his on and off girlfriends, mostly off, his source at the Police Department, and Louie, and you have a winning novel by an author who gives his all every time to make readers laugh and want more of Dev and his theatrics.

THE SNOW LIES DEEP

PAULA MUNIER

The Snow Lies Deep, A Mercy Carr Mystery by prolific writer Paula Munier, is perfect for Christmas time or for any other time of year. It is the 7th entry in the series; however, readers are certainly welcome to read it as a standalone or as part of the series. The protagonist, Mercy, has a seasoned background in law enforcement, emanating from her career as an army MP. Currently, she lives in Vermont with her bomb-sniffing dog and her husband, a game warden, a branch of law enforcement.

Mercy has strong maternal feelings and is trying to be the best mother she can be to her daughter on a mother-daughter trip to the annual Christmas fair, when a homicide occurs, and Mercy is compelled to find the perpetrator. The Snow Lies Deep is a cross between a cozy for those who like less violence and more character development, and a mystery for readers who enjoy action and suspense. The Snow Lies Deep has all the ingredients for a timely, entertaining mystery and suspense story.

THE LAST HITMAN

ROBIN YOCUM

First-time novelist Robin Yocum hit the jackpot with his debut crime novel, The Last Hitman. At first blush, readers may shrug their shoulders and say, "Another mob novel." But within the first few pages, Yokum will prove that this is indeed much more than what the reader assumed. The protagonist, Angelo, is the victim of bad luck and his own poor judgment. He is working as a pool boy for the Fortunato crime family. His good work motivates him to accept a job offer from the family. As with any great novel, there are peaks and valleys, and at first, we see that Angelo is in trouble, to the point where he is contemplating being the stereotypical confidential informant willing to rat out the Fortunatos. Soon enough, Angelo straightens out and becomes an integral member of the clan. The reader learns Angelo's backstory and how he has now reached the zenith of his professional career.

The Last Hitman offers glimpses of a not-so-typical organized crime family and what it means to be part of "our thing. " After a few evenings, you too will feel like a part of a secure and tight-knit family, A.K.A. the Cosa Nostra.

WATCH US FALL

CHRISTINA KOVAC

Watch Us Fall, by thriller writer Christina Kovac, makes the reader feel as if they have just gone ten rounds with a heavyweight fighter. The beauty of Watch is that it appeals to both the large True Crime audience and well-established fans of these psychological mysteries. The novel begins with 100% optimism, glamour, and lifelong ambition, then delivers the hook: somebody disappears.

The story centres on Lucy and her pals, who live in Georgetown, one of the more tony areas of our capital. The problems begin when Josh, one of the members' exes, disappears.

As with any well-written psychological crime story, friendships decay, replaced by privilege, delusion, and other unattractive traits that have been hiding beneath this seemingly ideal group of friends. Lucy, the power behind the throne, becomes obsessed with finding Josh. The truth behind the disappearance is worth staying up all night to read this thriller that keeps on giving long into the night.

FUN CITY HEIST

MICHAEL KARDOS

Fun City Heist by Michael Kardos is just that—an entertaining and literary caper novel. Fun City is an amusement park reminiscent of past times when families and kids would walk the boardwalk near the ocean, eating junk food and playing games that were surely rigged.

Our heroes reunite for one last music performance. After being in a band for 10 or so years, the frontman has returned to the East Coast from Florida, begging the drummer and protagonist to perform one more gig. It takes a little while for the reader to find out precisely what is going on. But when that tidbit is exposed, the reader is in for a wild ride, as if getting on a Ferris wheel and never being able to get off.

Fun City Heist combines superior writing, a familiar yet well-executed plot, crystal-clear character portraits, and memorable dialogue.

Take a visit to an imaginary East Coast boardwalk, smell the cotton candy, and play a few rigged games. Maybe, if you’re lucky, you will run into some of the guys who make Fun City Heist what it is, a fun book, a sad book, but most of all a well-written book that readers will remember.

NYPD RED 8: THE 11:59 BOMBER (THE NYPD RED SERIES)

MARSHALL KARP

Writer Marshall Karp made his debut with his excellent book The Rabbit Factory. After five books featuring his well-crafted detectives, he went on to have an influential career, especially after sharing byline with uber-popular writer James Patterson. Together, they created what is now a longstanding and fascinating series entitled NYPD Red. This week brings back NYPD Red 8: The 11:59 Bomber, written solely by talented writer Marshall Karp. As the title implies, a deranged perpetrator is setting off bombs in and around the city of New York. What makes this unique is that the bombs detonate daily as 11:59 AM approaches. The NYPD Red unit, which is similar to a major Case Squad, has its hands full finding the perpetrator. There is also a nice backstory involving one of the detectives that makes solving the case more difficult.

Marshall Karp knows how to write an involving and exciting story, the format in and of itself consisting of short chapters, which makes it easy to put down and pick up, letting the reader consume as much or as little as they desire.

Karp is a writer who can be overlooked unless the reader is an observant, dedicated mystery fan. Pick up all of his books, starting with The Rabbit Factory and, at this point, ending with this wonderfully written book, NYPD Red 8: The 11:59 Bomber.

WILD INSTINCT

T. JEFFERSON PARKER

T. Jefferson Parker is a writer that I rank with Michael Connelly, Lee Child, John Sanford, and Robert Crais. Wild Instinct starts as many of Parker's books do with a homicide, or I should say death, of a wealthy Orange County businessman. The characters are fleshed out in a way that makes them feel legitimate, and the investigators doing the work are also painted realistically. The investigative techniques are well drawn, and a person interested in becoming a private investigator could use some of these procedures as a springboard.

Jefferson Parker does have his detective reading from an obscure book about native Indians who populated Southern California in the 19th century. Bravo for those who enjoy that subject matter. This reviewer found it tedious.

Nonetheless, Wild Instinct is another winner written by an outstanding writer who has dramatically progressed from his origins to become one of the most well-respected and talented procedural writers in the field.

THE KIDNAPPING OF ALICE INGOLD

CATE HOLAHAN

The Kidnapping of Alice Ingold, by veteran suspense writer Kate Holahan, lives up to its hype. A few have said that it could have been better. Still, the writer put her best foot forward in delivering a suspenseful novel with lifelike characters and a far-fetched but conceivable scenario.

Alice Ingold is a student at a California University and the daughter of wealthy parents whose dad spends more time in his ever-expanding tech business than with his daughter. As frequently happens 19 year 19-year-old college students have arguments with their parents. In this case, Allison has a blowout with her mother. Before the reader knows it, Alice is kidnapped. The readers may be led to believe that this is a typical kidnapping wherein the perpetrators want money in exchange for releasing their victim. However, this may or may not be the case as readers scratch their heads attempting to suss out the perpetrators' goal. The book examines artificial intelligence and modern technology as we know it, both the good and the bad. The book reads like a fast-paced crime novel, portraying characters as they might react to an egregious event like a kidnapped family member.

The story explores numerous facets of today's society while taking the reader on a wild ride into the minds of all involved. The Kidnapping of Alice Ingold is well worth reading for its insights into today's nonstop tech, human vulnerability, greed, and unpredictability.

COYOTE HILLS

JONATHAN & JESSE KELLERMAN

By father and son, Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman, Coyote Hills reads like two outstanding authors wrote it. Both Kellermans are outstanding at weaving an involving, twisting, and entertaining novel that keeps the reader's attention until the very last page.

At the outset of this outstanding novel, Clay Edison, a former coroner investigator and now private detective, has accepted a case from a wealthy resident in the Bay Area. Their son was found deceased in an area called Coyote Hills. Who is responsible for the death that is not yet determined. The reader meets the deceased, an all-American girlfriend, and soon the case grinds to a halt. As the book continues, the reader suspects that the girlfriend may or may not be telling the truth. The beauty of Coyote Hills is that the reader is compelled to speed through the book to get to the denouement.

The Kellermans are experts at their craft and weave a tale of mistrust, realistic investigative procedures, and protocols that smack of authenticity. Coyote Canyon is a wild ride through twisted motivations, unusual sexual proclivities, and insight into the criminal mind.

Readers unfamiliar with either of the Kellermans will have a field day reading all of the books written by these multitalented writers. Coyote Hills is a near-perfect example of what makes the mystery genre sparkle like a diamond.

RUMOURED

KELLY & KRISTINA MANCARUSO

Rumoured by Kelly and Christina Mancaruso is right on the nose. This is the book for readers interested in today's intense celebrity environment, consisting of social media posts, news articles, and other instantaneous communication. The author lays out a rapidly moving narrative that gives the reader different points of view, twists, and unpredictability. Rumored feels like a runaway freight train, leaving the reader excited, never knowing what is accurate or purposefully misleading. Rumored is a high-stakes crime drama, combined with continual exposure of privacy, thoughts, and emotions.

THE HAWK IS DEAD

PETER JAMES

With The Hawk Is Dead by Peter James, the reader goes on a long and satisfying journey into the workings of the royal family. The writer describes the royal palace’s staff, traditions, and what it’s like to observe the Royals. The author has done a superb job researching, and the reader realizes that from the very first page. The procedural aspect of the book is also well done, leaving the reader to imagine what it’s like to be a police officer in the UK. The story hops right along, and the intensity is palpable. Peter James is a perfectionist at what he does, and this reviewer would recommend that readers check out his comprehensive backlist.

WILD ANIMAL

JOEL DICKER

Joel Dicker is one of my favorite mystery and thriller writers. To make this statement even more remarkable, Mr. Dicker is Swiss and has to rely on a translator to convey his stories.

Wild Animal is a mystery that grabs you and never lets you go. The book is outstanding and takes place in Geneva and other cities in France. The characters are multidimensional, with family, emotional, and financial problems and motivations that propel the book from page to page until it ends. Wild Animal is perfectly named as it is unpredictable and dangerous yet compelling, as if the reader is facing a lion on the Savannah. You will remember this book for weeks after you read it. It is a great mystery that contains procedural elements, and as a bonus, takes place in Europe, which gives the characters glamour similar to Formula One. Wild Animal is simply a great book. I recommend that the reader make every effort to purchase Mr. Dicker's backlist and be prepared for outstanding entertainment.

Tokyo Express

Seicho Matsumoto

Tokyo Express by seasoned Japanese mystery writer Seicho Matsumoto is a brilliant reminder that mysteries and thrillers are not unique to the Western world. Initially published in 1958, Tokyo Express is a well-thought-out procedural featuring a double homicide. The local cops find the bodies, and when they find out that the two were romantically involved, they write it off as a suicide/homicide.

The detective assigned to the case doesn’t buy the scenario that would lead one to think that he is investigating a suicide; he ends up being partnered with a detective from the Tokyo police, and together they start building a murder book that reveals much more than an argument gone bad. Japanese crime fiction fans will especially like Tokyo Express. Nonetheless, this book is perfect for all dedicated to crime investigations and the entire gamut of personnel found once a crime has been committed.

WHAT A WAY TO GO

BELLA MACKIE

Bella Mackie's twisting yet satisfying novel, What a Way To Go, proves that money can’t buy love, or can it? The story uses the view of the deceased husband and the sanguine wife. The details and circumstances around Anthony’s death are also revealed in painful detail in a crystal clear focus. Anthony was a wealthy gentleman, but a financial risk taker; he had all of the accouterments that one would expect, including a beautiful home in the country. However, he’s also unfaithful to his wife and believes, like many rich and powerful, that he can do whatever he wants without consequences. This proves the case until his last financial adventure. What’s interesting about the book is that most, if not all, of the characters are not pleasant and people that you might not want to be friends with; however, What A Way To Go has outstanding comedic elements which make the book well worth reading and will keep the reader staring at each page laughing with a healthy dose of sympathy and fervor. 

KEEP THIS FOR ME

Jennifer Fawcett

Once again, creative writer Jennifer Fawcett has written a frightening and unpredictable mystery. Keep This For Me centers around a convicted serial killer and the victim's daughter, whose life understandably has been irreparably damaged. To make matters worse, when the victim's daughter hears that the perpetrator is dying, for whatever reason, she returns to the town where the homicide occurred. One would suppose she wanted to obtain closure by meeting and talking to the killer. Unfortunately, she faces an unbelievable situation.  For whatever reason, she returns to the town where the homicide occurred; one would suppose she wanted to obtain closure by meeting and talking to the killer. Unfortunately, she faces an unbelievable surprise that the reader must discover for themself. Needless to say, this discovery exacerbates the daughter's mental instability. As the story unfolds, the daughter contacts people she thought she could trust. Keep This For Me is a brilliant and satisfying tale of a serial killer and the ramifications that lie beneath, not only the heinous crime but how the crime affects the many people around it like a stone thrown into a lake, creating ripples that seemingly go on forever. 

A MURDER IN PARIS

MATTHEW BLAKE

A Murder in Paris, by upcoming and exciting writer Matthew Blake, has everything mystery readers desire. The story involves a woman named Olivia living in the UK. She finds out that her grandmother is living in Paris, which is generally lovely. Here, however, the grandmother confesses to committing a homicide during World War II. The grandmother, named Josephine, is elderly and somewhat confused, but she is sure that this happened. Needless to say, the granddaughter, Olivia, can’t believe it, and to make matters worse, the homicide occurred in the same room where her grandmother is now living. The writer takes us to the present day, and other homicides start to happen in the same room. A Murder In Paris is unpredictable, twisting, and has all the components a mystery reader looks for.

Killer Tracks: A Misty Pines Mystery

Mary Keliikoa

Accomplished mystery author Mary Keliikoa has written another entry in her Misty Pines series. Jax Turner is the sheriff and wants to reconnect with his wife, an F.B.I. agent. They head to the mountains, hoping for peace, quiet, and time to reconcile. Strangely enough, a random woman shows up at their campsite while camping, and things start to unwind. Another deputy is in charge of a homicide when her cadaver dog discovers a dead body. Is it possible that this homicide has something to do with a homicide years ago?

Killer Tracks is a book that can be read independently or as part of the series. The book has twists and turns and leaves the reader with a stomach full of tension. The reader looking for a series with well-defined characters and investigative protocol will find that Killer Tracks and the writer's previous entries are just the ticket.

THE KILLER QUESTION

JANICE HALLETT

The Killer Question by veteran mystery writer Janice Hallett appeals on multiple levels. Her unique style of using emails, phone messages, and other correspondence makes for an engaging style that moves the book along rapidly.

The author uses a divided timeline, and she does it well. At present, we find out that an unknown man is trying to launch an idea for a true crime documentary about his missing relatives. Then we go back to 2019 to a pub or bar, as it's known in the UK. And last, the reader lands in 2014 amid an ambitious police investigation. What makes the book a steamroller is that all of the timelines come together nicely, and each timeline presents questions that the reader will be unable to solve until the end of the book. The law enforcement investigation that interweaves all of the events and presents unknowns that the reader will be compelled to explore while turning the pages rapidly. The author has presented crime and its victims and imbued the characters with a sense of humor, which is refreshing. The investigation interweaves all the events and presents unknowns that the reader will be compelled to explore while rapidly turning the pages. The author has presented crime and its victims and imbued the characters with a sense of humor, which is refreshing.

The book moves along rapidly as the reader gets used to the writer's use of emails, text messages, and WhatsApp messages, which is a lovely reflection of where we are in society. Hallett has written numerous books, and I advise the reader to check out all of them, especially The Appeal, The Examiner, and The Alperton Angels.

KAPLAN’S PLOT

JASON DIAMOND

Veteran novelist Jason Diamond has written a book with multiple timelines. A concept that many authors do not do well. In this instance. Kaplan's Plot exceeds the reader's expectations. The writer takes us through multiple decades, starting from pre-World War I, all through modern times, in Chicago, Illinois. This part of the story is interesting and helps the reader get involved in what turns out to be a most captivating historical criminal procedure novel. The reader is brought back to Chicago, the current day, and Elijah, the protagonist, has returned to help his mother, but his business has gone bankrupt. The two don't get along; however, like most families, they pull together to tolerate each other while Elijah takes care of his mom. He goes through some of his mother's keepsakes and finds old correspondence about secrets in a Family cemetery. As we swing back to 1909, the reader is introduced to Eve's father, Yitz, a Jewish immigrant from Europe who has recently arrived in the United States. As was common during that time, he became involved in Jewish organized crime, which set a precedent for Jewish organized crime during the 50s and 60s, predominantly in Miami and Los Angeles. Kaplan's Plot is a historical novel that the reader cannot put down. I highly recommend it and suggest the reader check out Jason Diamond's backlist.

RULE ONE

MICHAEL LUCKER

By first-time novelist Michael Lucker, Rule One reads like a story by a veteran mystery and suspense author. The story moves along like an ambulance with lights and sirens. The terrific tale focuses on an atypical F.B.I. agent, Dent McCreary. Dent is a unique F.B.I. agent because he is street smart and makes felony arrests. And, the crimes he solves deal with serial killers. We follow him and his partner, who adds all the opposite characteristics that Dent lacks: charm, subtlety, and the willingness to follow F.B.I. protocol on their search for a serial killer. The killer has no pattern, leaves no forensics, and kills for no reason, at least at first blush. Rule One is a tremendously entertaining novel that readers will not be able to put down.