FORTH DOWN AND OUT

ANDREW WELSH-HUGGINS

Fourth Down and Out by Andrew Welsh - Huggins grabs the reader from the first page and doesn’t let go until the ball has crossed the goal line. The P.I. story features Andy Hayes, a somewhat infamous and reviled private eye in Columbus, Ohio, and the reader doesn’t know why. However, it has something to do with football, a massive deal in Ohio. Fourth Down and Out involves a missing laptop and 4 or 5 people looking for it for various reasons ranging from marital infidelity to financial shenanigans. The book moves quickly as the writer paints a vivid picture of Columbus and its distinctive characters. Welsh-Huggins has written many Andy Hayes mysteries, and I recommend that readers start with Fourth Down and Out and continue until the end of his back list.

THE CLOSE UP

PIP DRYSDALE

The Close-up by talented writer Pip Drysdale delivers a punchy, twisty, and fun story about unrequited love, blind ambition, and coincidence, all placed in Los Angeles, a city of dreams. The major player is Zoe, who moved to L.A. to become the next great American novelist. Her book sells very little, and she is forced to work at a flower shop where she reunites with a previous friend, Zach, who is now a movie star. Zoe and Zach put their heads together, looking for creative inspiration.

Zoe attracts a stalker who uses scenes from her first book to terrify her and keeps her from working on her second book despite her agent's criticism and her publisher's lack of concern and interest. Zoe's life is turned upside down as her stalker continues to harass her and wreak havoc.

The Close-Up is a superior thriller that offers a glimpse at "Hollywood" and the ambition required to make it.

ECHO

TRACY CLARK

Talented procedural writer Tracy Clark's Echo is the conclusion to her Harriet Foster series. To enjoy Echo to its fullest, the reader should read the first two of the series; however, it is a superb standalone. The dialogue and the multi-layered characters evidence the subtlety and depth of the story. The heroin is well-written, and the plot is thought-provoking. Additionally, the genre is made all the richer by featuring a female law enforcement officer, which is still rare in this traditionally male-dominated subject.

DEADBEAT

ADAM HAMDY

Deadbeat, by superior author Adam Hamdy, is a must-read novel. What happens when an ordinary guy has personal, financial, and legal trouble? Read Deadbeat and find out. Peyton is a regular guy except when he receives a thought-provoking offer- Kill somebody and get paid a lot of money. He listens to the offer, and the moral and ethical battle commences. If Peyton accepts the offer, does that make him a bad guy? Or just somebody without another avenue of escape.

The tension is never-ending, as the internal conflict threatens to spin out of control. Add a cast of shady characters and a healthy dose of desperation, and you will quickly see why Deadbeat is one of my favorites.

TIME WILL TELL

RITA MAE BROWN

Rita May Brown, the well-established mystery writer, loves and is knowledgeable about fox hunting. Time Will Tell draws readers into that world that serves to embellish this outstanding novel. Sister Jane Arnold finds a watch, enough for her to wonder how it got there and whose it is. A body is found, and of course, the sister is compelled to find out the owner of the watch and if the owner is the dead body in the field. Time Will Tell is populated with numerous characters as well as animals. Fox hunting is part of the story, and at times, readers 'heads will be dizzy by the terminology and the numerous characters in this beautiful mystery. Time Will Tell is a book I recommend for anybody, especially people who like fox hunting, a sport that is uncommon in the United States.

ONE OF US IS DEAD

PETER JAMES

The long-time British mystery and procedural writer Peter James has done it again with his newest novel, One Of Us Is Dead. The book starts with James Taylor attending the funeral of a friend. But weirdly enough, he recognizes a man in the front row of the church, and this man also happens to be Taylor's friend. But Taylor eulogized his friend two years ago, so how can this be? That anomaly is enough for Detective Roy Grace of Brighton; his curiosity is peaked while, at the same time, he's working several homicides as any police detective does. , A pattern develops, which is fascinating and delicately connects the deaths. Peter James is a solid procedure writer; I recommend One Of Us Is Dead. And I also suggest you check out his long and well-written backlist.

JOHNNY-BOY

A.F. CARTER

Johnny-Boy by super-talented crime writer A.F. Carter is another superior entry into his scary, violent, and realistic Baxter novels. Baxter is an imaginary rust-belt town struggling to recover as a new auto plant is being constructed, bringing with it jobs, drugs, sex workers, and overall malaise.

Johnny Boy is unoriginal, a hitman with a job(s) to do. And he excels at it. You do not want to meet him, period. But the beauty of the writer's prose is that you meet Johnny, nonetheless. He is the center of the wheel that drives this terrifying but realistic story because you realize that the world is filled with Johnny Boys.

Delia Mariola is the C of D, a.k.a. the Chief of Detectives in Baxter. Her interactions with Johnny are fraught with danger and unbearable tension. Good versus evil. The writer portrays grey areas of life, justice, and crime realistically, making this novel memorable, scary, and thought-provoking—a 100 percent winner.

THE PARIS ESCAPE

JAMES TUCKER

I am not usually a fan of historical fiction, but James Tucker's The Paris Escape has convinced me that I have been short-sighted. The book takes place in the U.S. and pre-war Paris as our two protagonists find themselves in transit to Paris via steamship. While on board, Henry and Laura meet David, a stowaway child, and the three instantly become family. The three arrive in the City of Light, and the reader hopes all will work out in these treacherous times. The story combines history, well-written fiction, and illustrative development of the characters, Paris, and the tumultuous times that they are experiencing. The Paris Escape is perfect for veterans and new fans of historical fiction.

DARK SPACE

ROB HART & ALEX SEGURA

Dark Space is a superior blend of suspense, mystery, and light sci-fi. Who could ask for more? Authors Rob Hart and Alex Segura combine their prolific talents to produce a book that keeps you up all night and the next day.

From the jump, we know something is wrong aboard the colonizing spaceship, The Mosaic. Its pilot is profoundly concerned, but paradoxically, the captain and the chief engineer are weirdly apathetic. Communication with the planate is spotty and unreliable. Colonist Timony receives a message from the Mosaic but is then ordered to delete it until a politician asks her to find out what is happening, mainly because the only other to read the message is dead. The action is fast, and the plot endures throughout the book. Readers who like Space Opera and mystery will jump on this book and never let it go until the last page.

TWO GOOD MEN

S.E. REDFEARN

Two Good Men by accomplished writer S.E. Redfearn has everything a mystery/procedural reader could wish for. A convicted sex offender moves next door to Dee and her eleven-year-old son. Nervous and anxious, Dee calls her brother for advice and peace of mind.

Flash forward, and the sex offender is dead. Even sex offenders deserve justice, and F.B.I. agent Patterson is assigned the case. Patterson questions Dee, but without results, the interview goes nowhere. Does Patterson bring on the good fight, or does he let it go because, as the saying goes, N.H.I. or "No humans involved?" Two Good Men explores right and wrong and whether it applies to heinous criminals and crimes, mainly sex-based offenses often victimizing the more vulnerable in our society.

THE SLATE

MATTHEW FITZSIMMONS

The Slate by veteran political novelist Matthew Fitzsimmons contains the topical drama of today's and the past: political machinations, misery, and corruption. Twenty years ago, Agatha C. was told by her boss to eradicate and make a typical Washington, D.C. scandal disappear. She does so successfully, and all is quiet until now when blackmail rears its inevitable ugly head. The Slate is an exciting and realistic story of politics, greed, lust, and temptation. The novel is for all, especially political junkies who will eagerly immerse themselves in this fascinating and true-to-life story of what makes the wheels go around in the U.S.A.

YOU BETTER WATCH OUT

JAMES MURRAY & DARREN WEARMOUTH

You Better Watch Out by authors James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth is an absorbing hybrid of the typical holiday adventure and chilling horror story that keeps you reading all day and night. Supposedly rehabilitated but still bad, Eddie Parker finds his victims while taking a rest before continuing his road trip. He comes upon an elderly couple and steals their money, or at least that is the plan. He wakes up along with other strangers in the town of Old Forge, where Christmas appears to be eternal, decorations and all.

Soon, these random strangers are being hunted and killed, with little hope of survival. The book reads like a horror story but has all the components that make a riveting mystery. With the holidays fast approaching, You Better Watch Out may not be the ideal read, but it is undoubtedly a great gift.

PALM BEACH PSYCHO

TOM TURNER

Turner's latest procedural, once again in Palm Beach and its environs, lives up to reader expectations. It does that and is also vastly entertaining and cinematic, providing the reader with many hours of diversion. Our detectives, Charlie Crawford, ex-NY.P.D., and Mort Ott, his plain vanilla but outstanding partner, have been given a seemingly unsolvable assignment. Somebody is killing rich people in Palm Beach. That means there are thousands and thousands of potential victims, as Palm Beach is the Mecca for the numerous uber-wealthy. What makes Palm Beach Psycho distinctive? This time, Turner, the author, decides to bring to play two cops from the wrong side of the tracks, West Palm Beach, home of the not-so-nearly wealthy. However, Crawford and Ott get along famously with their counterparts and eventually find the suspect who has been murdering people based on their net worth.

Palm Beach Psycho is another hugely captivating novel from the assured hand of one of the field's most talented writers. Pick up any of the Palm Beach procedurals—there are many—and then immerse yourself in witty dialogue, casual romance, and police drama. Tom Turner is one of my favorite writers, and this reviewer assures you that after reading Palm Beach Psycho and more, you will also consider Turner one of your favorite writers.

CHRISTMAS AT GLITTER PEAK LODGE

KJERSTI HERLAND JOHNSEN

Christmas at Glitter Peak Lodge by Kjersti HerlandJohnsen is an intriguing story in a foreign location. The novel centers around a woman named Ingrid and her grandmother, both in the present day and in the past. In the present day, a young woman learns to deal with life and how difficult it can be. What I found interesting about this book was that each chapter was written as if it were a day in December leading up to Christmas, along with the unique customs of a foreign country in Northern Europe. We come across a mystery about a missing girl from the 1960s and criminal activity at a lodge called Glitter Peak. Ingrid, the lodge proprietor, is trying to stay in business while keeping the bankruptcy attorneys away from her door. And preserve her proud family heritage. During the book, we learn about the accident that brought Ingrid back home to Norway and Glitter Peak. The story is a fascinating mystery, offering a look inside a country unfamiliar to most.

WILLIAM

MASON COILE

William, by Mason Collie, is an intriguing book that deals with topical issues in a fascinating and somewhat horrifying way. The main character, Henry, is a brilliant Agoraphobic who has rigged his home to be controlled by devices standard on the market. William is the robot that Henry created, and unfortunately, this turns into a story like Mary Shelley‘s Frankenstein. As time passes, William, the robot, becomes more robust, intuitive, intelligent, and evil, which results in a fight for control over the house and life itself. This book is one of the most spooky and tense books I have encountered recently. The characters are well-developed, and the idea of a robot controlled by AI makes the reader wonder how close we are to that reality. The book ends with a tremendous twist that is unpredictable and terrifying.

78 DEGREES AND BLOODY

GEORGE PRIOR

George Prior, a new novelist, has accomplished something with 78 Degrees And Bloody that even veteran mystery and procedure writers don't. Degrees And Bloody is a well-written, exceptionally well-researched, and fun read. The terminology for readers unfamiliar with law enforcement jargon flows smoothly because of the contextual clues surrounding the writer's law enforcement vocabulary. The story starts with a simple theft of gold bars and spirals out of control until the reader is immersed in drugs, gangs, violence, kidnapping, and almost any other felonious crime. The dialogue is realistic, and the writer knows this from extensive consultation with law enforcement personnel. The locations are aptly described and convey the grit and grime that make up a large portion of the city of Angels. 78 Degrees And Bloody starts with a bang and never lets up. My only concern is that I will have to wait until Mr. Prior writes another book, which I am sure will be even better than his first. My advice is to find this book anywhere you can and stake out a two- or three-day period to familiarize yourself with the real-life violence that takes place in the parts of Los Angeles that the media and the politicians want to obscure. This is no trip down Rodeo Drive or the hills of Bel-Air. 78 Degrees And Bloody is a slap in the face and will make readers aware of precisely what happens in the nation's second or third-largest city.

THE ALASKA SANDERS AFFAIR

JOEL DICKER

The Alaska Sanders Affair by superior novelist Joel Dicker is just that. This far-flung, twisty, unpredictable, and fascinating novel is outrageously excellent. The writing is superb. The characters are vividly drawn. The procedural aspects are true to life, and the settings abound with cinematic imagery. Joe Dicker is one of my top three novelists. This book is stunning and wonderful, and, most of all, it is a book that begs to be read over an extremely short period. That says a lot because the book is lengthy, but every page is a delight. I recommend that readers finish this outstanding novel and check the writer's backlist. My only concern is that I must wait for Mr Dicker to write another book. This is one of the best mysteries I have read, and I am sure that after you read the Alaska Sanders Affair, you will agree with me wholeheartedly.

TALKING TO STRANGERS

FIONA BARTON

Talking to Strangers by master crime writer Fiona Barton is another winner. This time, Barton combines past and present timelines to investigate two deaths occurring at the same place. In addition to a problematic investigation that entrances readers, Barton’s characters are realistic as they share common feelings and thoughts.

Social media, especially online dating apps, can be rife with excitement and danger of the unknown. Detective King and a curious reporter are trying to solve a current homicide and the death of a child years ago. Talking to Strangers illustrates realistic women in law enforcement and the danger they face daily. Note that this is a continuation of the detective Elsie King series, but readers are advised that this superb book carries its weight as a stand-alone and continuing story.

HOUSE GUESTS

MIKE FARICY

House Guests by prolific and highly skilled mystery writer Mark Faricy continues the ever-entertaining exploits of protagonist private eye Dev Haskell. Faricy readers enjoy the original plotting, entertaining dialogue, and continued familiarity with the good and bad guys. Reading Houseguests is pure pleasure. It reminds the reader that there is more to life than TikTok and other forms of social media.

Local crime boss Tubby Gustafson orders our protagonist, private eye Dev Haskell to find out all there is to know about a newly arrived criminal who may be trying to infringe on Gustafson's many business ventures. The story plays out nicely as Haskell uncovers wrongdoing where it should be and where it shouldn't. Houseguests is another of author Mike Faricy's continuing and entertaining series featuring characters we have grown to like and would even share our homes with.

FATAL INTRUSION

JEFFERY DEAVER & ISABELLA MALDONADO

Fatal Intrusion by two superb writers, Jeffrey Deaver and Isabella Maldonado, reflects each author's excellence. The story bobs and weaves throughout 420 outrageously well-plotted and thoroughly executed pages. The two investigators, one working for Homeland Security and the other as a government consultant mesh together, lending their respective talents. Think of a superior gumbo made up of genuinely outstanding ingredients. The action never interferes with the characters, as Fatal Intrusion revolves around the hunt for a serial killer extraordinarily well-versed in today's technology. The book is one of this year's best, and I urge all mystery and thriller readers to quickly go to their local bookstore and buy this tremendous novel by outrageously excellent writers at the top of their game.