Where Memories Lie, by Deborah Crombie

This 12th Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid mystery, by Texan and Anglophile Crombie, reveals the links between Jewish war refugees from 1930’s Berlin, a murder in post World War II Britain and crimes in present day London. I enjoyed the audio book version narrated by Jenny Sterlin who uses her vocal skills to create each individual character.

RATING: * * * * Very, very good
Reviewed by: kh

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The Levee: A Novel of Baton Rouge, by Malcolm Shuman

After many years away, true-crime author Colin Douglas returns home to Louisiana, to revisit both an unsolved murder and his childhood memories.  Based on a true story, this novel is a quick read with a moody sense of place.  The murder is the hook, but the exploration of how adults deal with their past is the real story here.  You don’t have to be a big mystery reader to enjoy this one.

RATING: * * * A good read
Reviewed by: stc

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Voices, by Arnaldur Indridason

This is the third noir mystery to feature Police Inspector Erlandur Sveinsson of Reykjavik, Iceland. I enjoyed the local details of the cold, dark Nordic winter. The characters are well developed, if a little depressed and morose as the detectives try to find the murderer of a hotel Santa, and Erlendur deals with family tragedies from his youth and the present including his daughter’s drug problems.

RATING: * * * * Very, very good
Reviewed by: kh

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Finding Nouf, by Zoe Ferraris

A mystery story, but more interesting was the author’s depiction of present day Saudi Arabian society. She has lived in Saudi Arabia. As portrayed in this novel, this country is not high on my must visit list with its brutally hot climate, constant threat of religious police intervention and strict segregation of men and women. Part of the plot turns on the extreme frustration felt by women due to the very limited lives they are forced to lead.

RATING: * * * A good read
Reviewed by: kh

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New England Crime Bake, 2008

Do you write mysteries?  Like to read mysteries?  There’s still time to sign up for the 2008 New England Crime Bake Conference, run by the New England Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America and the New England Chapter of Sisters in Crime.  The conference will be held this year in Dedham, MA, November 14, 15 and 16, and Harlan Coben is the guest of honor.  Registration closes November 7 (or when capacity is reached), and is $220 for non-members.

Love mysteries but can’t attend the conference?  Read the blog, with posts from well-known mystery writers, or look at the schedule here.  Or go hear one of your favorite authors at an upcoming New England event sponsored by the Speakers Bureau of the Sisters in Crime.

Death of a Travelling Man, by M. C. Beaton

Policeman Hamish Macbeth solves another murder in the tiny Scottish town of Lochdub. I especially enjoyed the variety of Scottish accents by narrator Davina Porter in the audio edition of this cozy mystery.

RATING: * * * A good read
Reviewed by: kh

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The Collectors, by David Baldacci

There are two plots in the action packed sequel to the Camel Club (2005). The murder that brings the characters together takes place at the Library of Congress. The world of rare books, spies, CIA assassins, and con artists merge and challenges the reader to figure out who did what, when and why. There are two more Camel Club sequels and one more to be published in the Fall 0f 2008.  You will find out what happens to Oliver Stone if you read on…

RATING: * * * * Very, very good
Reviewed by: klm

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Hide, by Lisa Gardner

When I read Lisa Gardner’s book Hide I was amazed. Once I finished, I wanted to read more. I highly recommend this book. The best book I’ve ever read, no doubt.

RATING: * * * * * One of the best books I’ve read
Reviewed by: Cassi

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(See an earlier review on the blog here.)

The Janissary Tree, by Jason Goodwin

 

This is a mystery thriller set in nineteenth century Istanbul. It is an exotic and intriguing setting.  The detective is a smart, resourceful eunuch who follows the clues of a series of murders.  He solves them through perseverance and a deductive process. This is a great read. 

A sequel has been published recently: “The Snake Stone,” which continues the adventures of this dectective in Isanbul.

RATING: * * * * Very, very good
Reviewed by: KLM

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Hide, by Lisa Gardner

The latest complex thriller by Lisa Gardner involves multiple bodies discovered underground on the property of a former Boston mental hospital.  Detective Bobby Dodge has his hands full trying to sort out the mystery as well as the true identity of a young woman who may have been an intended victim.  Local interest and fast-paced intrigue.

RATING: * * * A good read
Reviewed by: eh

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