About Book Marks
Recent Reviews
Beatriz Williams
Rave Library Journal [A] fun, dramatic mystery with an exotic setting and delightful characters. Readers who recognize and like satire will enjoy.
Dennis Lehane
Rave Library Journal Inspired by a childhood experience when his family was caught up in the violence of the anti-busing riots ... Powerful, unforgettable.
Tim Dorsey
Mixed Library Journal There’s an audience for Dorsey’s 26 Serge A. Storms novels, but this one is only for series fans. Coleman and the seniors are high throughout the book, and the combination of Honduras, bunnies, fake militia, and the CIA turn the story into a disorganized caper.
Margot Douaihy
Positive Library Journal The first book from suspense novelist Gillian Flynn’s imprint at Zando. Sister Holiday’s violent, sexually provocative past life and her current language and behavior might be too outrageous for some readers, but the series has already been acquired for a prestige-television adaptation.
Louise Penny
Rave Library Journal Penny’s 18th Gamache novel (after All the Devils Are Here) is intense ... The darkness in this intricately plotted story forces readers to search for contrasting moments of hope.
Richard Osman
Positive Library Journal Osman’s novel is a convoluted story with investigations into fraud, murder, and threats in a case that takes the group into prisons, TV studios, and danger; romance, humor, and a clever trap to catch a villain fill out the plot ... Although the third in Osman’s series is confusing at times, it’s a character-rich mystery that will be eagerly received by fans of the Thursday Murder Club.
Deanna Raybourn
Rave Library Journal Fans of Raybourn’s \'Veronica Speedwell\' historical mysteries will enjoy this well-plotted story, and a thriller featuring four skilled, well-trained women is a treat in a male-dominated genre...A fast-paced, explosive, fun novel, reminiscent of the 2010 movie RED.
Sarah Stewart Taylor
Positive Library Journal ... filled with stunning local color featuring Ireland. It combines a police procedural with family challenges. The large cast of characters and various crimes can be overwhelming, but fans of the series, and those who appreciate the setting, will welcome the return to Ireland.
Chris Offutt
Positive Library Journal Offutt follows the beautifully written The Killing Hills with another dark mystery featuring Mick Hardin. Fans of the author’s poetic writing, with moments of sly humor, will welcome this second compelling story of family, community, and grief.
Cherie Priest
Positive Library Journal Even someone who isn’t psychic can foresee that the killer will eventually focus on Leda, a constant worrier who finally refuses to be a victim ... [Priest\'s] witty mystery has a likable amateur sleuth and a strong supporting cast. For fans of Wendall Thomas’s offbeat travel agent Cyd Redondo.
Anthony Horowitz
Positive Library Journal Horowitz’s latest reveals vulnerability in the condescending Daniel. Fans of the series or and Agatha Christie will relish character-driven mystery set on an isolated island.
William McIlvanney
Positive Library Journal Set in 1972, this gritty crime novel probes the inner character of detective inspector Jack Laidlaw ... An essential purchase to complete crime fiction collections or where international police novels are popular.
Eva Dolan
Positive Library Journal ... this sixth police procedural in Dolan’s award-winning series combines current British social issues with a step-by-step investigation. Readers of Deborah Crombie’s Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James books may want to try this carefully plotted series.
Sarah Stewart Taylor
Positive Library Journal The second Maggie D’Arcy novel is as intricately plotted as The Mountains Wild. Clues from the past culminate in a tragic conclusion to this tense thriller.
Chris Offutt
Positive Library Journal Offutt...has a reflective voice and a spare use of language. Hardin is an unforgettable character trapped between his army life and the \'eye-for-an-eye\' culture of rural Kentucky. Readers of James Anderson will appreciate this thoughtful mystery with a strong sense of place.
Jonathan Ames
Mixed Library Journal ... recommended only for those who want to read a dark novel featuring the adventures of a messed-up PI, high on drugs, who endangers himself with every stupid action.
Hillary Waugh
Rave Library Journal Author Leslie S. Klinger’s introduction and notes for this latest Library of Congress Crime Classic note that Waugh (1930–2008) wrote this first acclaimed police procedural, basing it on true crime cases and TV’s Dragnet. The methodical story follows the police investigation step by step. Students of the mystery genre will want to read this title, originally published in 1952, which appears on the Mystery Writers of America list of 100 Best Mysteries of All Time.
Elly Griffiths
Mixed Library Journal Readers of Griffiths’s Edgar Award–winning The Stranger Diaries, or her Ruth Galloway mysteries, will welcome this book with a diverse cast of well-developed characters. However, the story drags at times.
Russ Thomas
Pan Library Journal The sequel to Firewatching is a confusing, complex book that culminates in a cliff-hanger. Even readers of the previous book will have a difficult time connecting the story line from the previous novel.
Eva Gates
Positive Library Journal This follow-up to Read and Buried features a huge cast of librarians, and sometimes it’s difficult to keep everybody straight. Series fans will be excited to catch up with Lucy, her romantic partner, the mayor, and Lucy’s friends.
Chris Harding Thornton
Positive Library Journal Thornton’s debut rural noir is grim, with a foreboding atmosphere and a story that does not grow more hopeful. Fans of Laura McHugh’s The Wolf Wants In may appreciate this dark book.
Susan Cox
Rave Library Journal ... includes a delightful amateur sleuth and eccentric characters with appeal for fans of traditional mysteries. The intricate plotting will keep readers guessing.
Richard Osman
Rave Library Journal The character-driven mystery, featuring a group of sleuths all too aware of their own mortality, and a likable pair of cops, is suspenseful, funny, and poignant ... The delightful, spirited characters from this witty, sometimes bittersweet story deserve a return engagement.
Craig Johnson
Rave Library Journal Johnson lightens the atmosphere in this complex, thought-provoking mystery that highlights art and Western history, emphasizing the contrast between Native accounts and white history. The author’s poetic turns of phrase, witty dialog, and one of the funniest, most memorable chase scenes in a novel combine to make this a winner.
Sophie Hannah
Mixed Library Journal Hannah follows The Mystery of Three Quarters with a drawn-out story. Only Poirot’s fans and the author’s readers will appreciate this intricate, slow-moving book.
Sarah Stewart Taylor
Rave Library Journal The atmospheric, intricately plotted story builds to a stunning, unforgettable conclusion. This series starter by the Agatha-nominated author of O’ Artful Death introduces an intelligent detective caught up in a personal cold case ... Taylor skillfully switches time periods from 1993 to 2016 in an atmospheric mystery that blends the history and romance of Ireland with a contemporary police investigation. This outstanding book will please fans of mysteries set in Ireland and readers of police procedurals.
Sulari Gentill
Positive Library Journal This unconventional mystery is an open-ended puzzle that asks the reader to determine who is the writer and who is the character. What is reality? ... a twisted masterpiece about writing and the loss of identity while writing. The disturbing examination of obsession and loss will appeal to readers of literary novels and introspective books about the writing process.
Clarissa Goenawan
Positive Library Journal This haunting tale of grief and tragedy by the author of Rainbirds might appeal to new adults who remember John Green’s Looking for Alaska. The leisurely narrative uncovers a world of Japanese customs, ghosts, and grief.
Dennis E. Staples
Positive Library Journal This dreamlike debut reveals the memories and stories of Marion, Kaydan, and a number of women with legendary tales of losing the men in their lives. Those generational influences turn women into alcoholics and addicts who abandon their children in a haunted town ... With its multiple narrators and stories of ghosts, this debut will find its audience in those searching for #ownvoices authors with an authentic view of reservation life and the tragedies that haunt the communities.
Luanne Rice
Positive Library Journal Despite the atmospheric setting, and beautiful art in the story, there’s a bitterness and anger that pervades the book ... Strong love overcomes pain in this latest from Rice which combines suspense with stories of surviovors, sisterhood, best friends, and small communities shaken by violence or death.
Jess Lourey
Rave Library Journal The atmospheric suspense novel is haunting because it’s narrated from the point of view of a 13 year old, an age that should be more innocent but often isn’t. Even more chilling, it’s based on real-life incidents. Lourey may be known for comic capers, but this tense novel combines the best of a coming-of-age story with suspense, and an unforgettable young narrator.
Lori Rader-Day
Positive Library Journal The award-winning author of Under a Dark Sky puts a new spin on unreliable narrators in a suspense novel with protagonists struggling to find answers. Fans of Rader-Day’s other compelling stand-alones will savor this riveting mystery.
Victoria Gilbert
Positive Library Journal The story\'s menacing tone is alleviated by the antics of some kittens, but the past causes troubles for the town\'s residents ... The well-developed characters and complex issues will appeal to fans of Jenn McKinlay and Miranda James.
C. M. Gleason
Rave Library Journal ... a riveting historical mystery set on the eve of the first major battle of the Civil War. Fans of descriptive historical mysteries will appreciate the mix of real people and intriguing fictional characters.
Andy Weinberger
Positive Library Journal While the mystery is intriguing, the thoughtful, retired Jewish PI is the draw for this debut mystery. As he and his wife age, he deals with her onset of dementia with love and patience, that patience being a part of his nature as an inquisitive PI ... The character of the unassuming retired PI will appeal to fans of Naomi Hirahara’s Mas Arai mysteries, another series with an elderly investigator. The quiet story puts an interesting spin on Jewish history.
Paige Shelton
Rave Library Journal Known for her cozy mysteries, Shelton turns thriller author for this riveting story with an unusual setting and cast of characters. Fans of strong amateur sleuths will admire Beth’s struggle to build a new future in a remote location. Readers of Vicki Delany’s Molly Smith books, set in British Columbia, will also enjoy.
Jessica Fletcher and Jon Land
Positive Library Journal The combination of Fletcher’s first case with a contemporary one is perfect for the 50th book in the popular series. Characters from Jessica’s past, including retired sheriff Tupper, return to add a nostalgic element to the story ... Although there are so many implausible elements, including the startling climax with a freighter and a lighthouse, fans of the cozy mystery series will be eager to pick up this latest book.
Naomi Hirahara
Positive Library Journal Hirahara emphasizes Hawaiian culture while shedding light on native Hawaiian issues with land. It takes time to adjust to the pidgin, Hawaiian, and Japanese words, but, fortunately, the author of the \'Mas Arai\' mysteries provides a glossary ... Featuring family loyalties, surfing, and a distinct lifestyle, this character-driven, atmospheric mystery may appeal to new adults and those readers interested in Hawaiian culture.
Marty Wingate
Pan Library Journal The heroine of this new series from Wingate is a pushover for anyone with more confidence, including her daughter, her boyfriend, the secretary at the library, and the writers. Owing to her lack of knowledge and insecurity, the book feels too long. Fans of Golden Age mysteries would do better to read the authors themselves.
Charles Todd
Mixed Library Journal ... will appeal to readers of the series and possibly fans of Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs books. However, most readers will find it slow going and plodding with little mystery.
Gar Anthony Haywood
Positive Library Journal Haywood reminds readers of our complex motives and the possibility of violence always present in noir books. Tracy Clark’s readers will want to rediscover a master.
James Sallis
Positive Library Journal Sallis...has a quiet way of narrating a powerful story of accidents and death. The lyrical language and ambiguous ending is reminiscent of the best of Craig Johnson’s Longmire stories.
John Sandford
Positive Library Journal There are too many suspects and numerous angles in this fast-paced, intensifying adventure. As always, the investigation is intricately plotted, while details of Flowers\'s family life are included for fans of the character ... The irreverent humor and language is perfect for the unconventional law officer in the darkly entertaining series.
Ellie Alexander
Positive Library Journal Family is an essential element in this character-driven cozy series following The Pint of No Return. While the primary mystery is solved in each book, the ongoing story line of Sloan’s search for her own family story draws readers back. Fans of Ellery Adams’s Books by the Bay mysteries will recognize Sloan’s need for answers.
Susan Isaacs
Positive Library Journal ... starts out as a low-key story of a wife looking for a diversionary project for herself and her father, a retired cop, then escalates into action requiring all of her skills as a trained FBI agent. For fans of Kate White and the movie True Lies.
Peter Steiner
Rave Library Journal In a disturbing, menacing novel featuring courageous, believable characters, Steiner tells a thought-provoking story of the importance of a free press when a country and its justice system are in upheaval ... Strongly recommended for all readers interested in this era or in a free press. Fans of Rebecca Cantrell’s Hannah Vogel series will recognize the bleak atmosphere.
Matt Goldman
Rave Library Journal Bodies pile up in this gritty, ripped-from-the headlines page-turner ... Fans of classic hard-boiled crime novels of the 1930s and 1940s will appreciate Nils\'s intelligence and likable coworkers, who star in a novel that is timely, not old-fashioned, and featuring a riveting story.
Rhys Bowen
Mixed Library Journal Fans who read the books for the light humor may be disappointed, but those who appreciate Bowen\'s knowledge of the pre- and postwar years...will be receptive to the atmospheric historical details.
Sara Lövestam , Trans. by Laura A. Wildeburg
Rave Library Journal The suspenseful tale slowly unfolds ... Each character reveals pieces of the truth, bit by bit, until the stunning final sentence turns readers’ beliefs upside down ... Swedish author Lövestam’s...pitch-perfect book is a character study of two needy people who find unusual strength in each other, despite their secrets. Readers who appreciate complex Nordic mysteries that unfold ­carefully will ­appreciate the twists in this story.
Laura McHugh
Positive Library Journal McHugh delivers a disturbing story of an entire dysfunctional community affected by opioids. Fans of Julia Keller’s Bell Elkins books will appreciate this sobering, hard-hitting mystery.
Cate Holahan
Positive Library Journal This unconventional psychological thriller alternates between views of the day of the murder and the day after to reveal secrets that could destroy marriages and lives ... Holahan’s latest stand-alone is a great beach read for those with a penchant for scandalous secrets and gossipy, suspenseful mysteries.
Kristen Lepionka
Positive Library Journal Building to a chilling and surprising conclusion, the third book in Lepionka\'s Shamus Award-winning series...is both intricately plotted and character-driven, with a complicated protagonist. Suggest for fans of detective novels with unconventional sleuths.
Lori Roy
Rave Library Journal This compelling, issue-oriented story by Edgar Award-winning author Roy is a creepy, eerie account of a young girl and a community held hostage by the Klan.
Andrea Camilleri, Trans. by Stephen Sartarelli
Positive Library Journal Camilleri\'s sequel to The Pyramid of Mud, with its descriptions of Sicilian politics, customs, and food, has enough humor involving the office staff at the police department to be a Sicilian cousin of Bill Crider\'s \'Sheriff Dan Rhodes\' mysteries ... Armchair travelers who enjoy Cay Rademacher\'s police procedurals set in Provence, France, or Jeffrey Siger\'s Greece-set crime novels may want to venture to Sicily.
Bryan Gruley
Positive Library Journal The tension mounts to a startling conclusion featuring an unconventional, intricate plot by a mastermind aware of the flawed individuals involved with the Peters family ... another grim tale of dysfunctional people. Recommended for fans of domestic suspense.
Rita Mae Brown
Pan Library Journal The list of characters in the front of the book is essential for keeping straight the names of hunters, horses, hounds, and foxes in this latest \'Sister Jane\' entry from best-selling author Brown ... Only fans of Sister and the series will care enough to pick up this mystery.
Sherry Thomas
Mixed Library Journal This third book in the series picks up exactly where A Conspiracy in Belgravia ended, which may be confusing to readers who have not read the earlier entries. Atmospheric and leisurely paced, with careful development of an elaborate story line, the title also offers a thought-provoking view of the expectations and roles of women in Victorian England ... Thomas\'s fans and readers of the Conan Doyle canon, especially The Valley of Fear, will appreciate the intricately crafted mystery, although others may find it difficult to follow.
Julia Keller
Rave Library Journal Award-winning author Keller...focuses on what we do for the people we love. However, the atmosphere of desperation overrides that theme in this issue-oriented, gripping novel ... This haunting, thought-provoking story proves Keller is one of a kind. Readers of Julia Spencer-Fleming\'s mysteries of communities torn apart by crime may also want to try.