Do the clothes make the man? Or reveal a killer?
Victim or not
Thirteen year old Callum Hughes was the victim of relentless bullying. He decided to try to stop the attacks, so Callum bought a knife. The next time, the gang chased him he fought back and stabbed the ringleader of the group, Roger Gough. Callum claims he was the victim, but the press portrays Callum as a disturbed young man. While in custody, Callum is put in a cell with a much older boy that is known for being dangerous, and the next day Callum is found dead. It is assumed that he simply committed suicide, but for Coroner Martha Gunn something just doesn’t seem right. She and Detective Inspector Alex Randall investigate further into the case, but they begin to run into walls since the witnesses aren’t really talking. On top of that Martha’s life is in upheaval as her own 13 year old son is leaving home to attend a special school for promising young soccer players. Set in Shrewsbury, England, Slipknot by Priscilla Masters is a story that blurs the line between innocence and guilt and where intent can be as powerful as the deed itself.
Thoughts on Recent Reads
Here is another sampling of books I recently read and what I thought of them:
Straight Up by Lisa Sampson
This story switches back and forth between narrators who are cousins, one of whom married a guy many years her senior who has since died and is trying to cope with life without him. The other cousin has great musical talent but she is dealing with a husband who went off to join a monastary and lots of childhood trauma. She is squandering her life with drinking and her other relatives try to help her but she may be beyond help.
This is definitely a thinking book, one that sucks you in and makes you examine the characters. It was good but not a "light read" so I would say that you have to be in the mood for a book that requires more thinking and reflection to pick this one up.
In High Places by Tom Morrisey
Dead in the Snow
Appearances can be deceiving especially in murder, but as a member of the Shetland Islands Police Force, it’s Inspector Jimmy Perez’s job to find the truth. Catherine Ross is lying in the snow murdered. Soon neighbors point their fingers at the recluse, Magnus Tait, who was suspected in the disappearance of a young girl eight years before. Perez is in charge of the investigation and finds this teenage girl had a complicated life with her own agenda. Methodical and deliberate, Perez begins to piece together the facts, but the public is anxious for an arrest and right in their sights is Magnus. In Black Raven by Ann Cleeves the story intertwines the lives of the characters into a complex picture that blends the past and the present. This is an award winning novel that builds a mystery of a murder and disappearance into a climatic end of life and death.
Between the Numbers
I’m sure like me many of you follow Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. Do you know about her Between books for Stephanie and the gang? These holiday themed novellas begin with Christmas in Visions of Sugar Plums and introduce Diesel; a sexy, mysterious bounty hunter who is definitely more than he seems. It continues on with Plum Lovin’ set during Valentines Day, and the newest release Plum Lucky features a St. Patrick’s Day theme. These are all the same crazy fun with a little bit of supernatural thrown in for good measure. Diesel chases elves, cupid, and a leprechaun dragging all of the Plum followers along.
These are all quick satisfying reads; and a good way to fit in more Stephanie fun. We get a little bit of a break from Joe and Ranger while Diesel flirts his way into our hearts. And I feel Plum Lucky to have found a series that makes me laugh every time.
The Lone Game Warden
In an isolated wilderness it’s up to the game warden to uphold the laws, but there is no backup help just a minute away. With miles of land to oversee in the national parks, Game Warden Joe Pickett has got to make split second decisions that could mean the difference between life and death. Joe seems to have what it takes since he’s independent, resourceful, and honest, but sometimes he still makes mistakes. In the Joe Pickett Novels by C.J. Box it’s not only the wilderness that is dangerous, but the people who visit the parks. The series begins with Open Season where Joe as a new game warden discovers a body on his woodpile. This is murder that is too close to home since Joe knew the victim and it was not under the best of circumstances. Then there are two more murders, but Joe is suspicious of the verdict. As he digs deeper he must discover the truth before the murderer comes even closer to himself and his family. There are seven books featuring Joe, and the latest novel is Free Fire. This thriller begins with Clay McCann murdering four people, but because of a loophole in the law he walks away a free man. The murderer claims to have just lost it when he murdered the campers, but is it just a cover for something much more sinister? Joe is asked by the governor to investigate, but the motive behind the governor’s request is suspect as well. Now Joe enters a situation where more than his job may be endangered.
Thoughts on Recent Reads from our Staff
Here's what our staffer's had to say about some of their recent reads:
An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor--"James Herriotesque, but with cruder language"
Rhett Butler's People by Donald McCraig--"Better than Scarlett, but no Gone With the Wind"
Black Monday by R. Scott Reiss (the audiobook version)--" a far fetched story that was thrilling to listen to and thought provoking"
Pontoon by Garrison Keillor--"Funny"
Before I Die by Jenny Downham--"One of the best I've read in a long time"
Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfield--"Really good, kid friendly, and easy"
World Without End by Ken Follet--"Liking it"
Dexter in the Dark by Jeff Lindsay--"Disappointed"
the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher--"Great!"
Star of the Sea by Joseph O'Connor--"a really good historical"
Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson--"very good, a compulsive read, the Vietnam novel to end all Vietnam novels"
The Concrete Blonde by Michael Connely--"good for a fast read"
the Close to Home cartoon collections by John McPherson--"like Gary Larsen"
And from someone who had seen the recently released movie adaptation of No Country for Old Men--"Fabulous! Go See it!"
A Murder to Tempt Fate
It’s a stormy night and perfect for murder. Twelve people would discover the danger of tempting fate at a séance when one of them is strangled; the murderer, however is not of the next world but very human. The Russian Clairvoyant Madame Olga Karpova and her family are quickly put under close scrutiny after the incident and it seems that life can return to normal for the rest of the guests at the séance. Attorney Sarah Woolson isn’t quite so sure that everything is as straightforward as it seems, and when the clairvoyant comes to her for help it becomes Sarah’s job to find the truth. Besides this pressing case another woman has sought help in seeking a divorce against her husband, and of course there is Sarah’s struggling law practice and some disapproving family members. Difficulties are to be expected since it’s the 1880’s in San Francisco, and Sarah is striking out against convention. In The Cliff House Strangler by Shirley Tallman, Sarah must match wits with a killer that may kill again to protect his or her secrets. This is the latest in the Sarah Woolson Mystery series.
Another Chance at Life and Murder
Stoney Calhoun wants a simple life where he can just be a fishing guide and run his bait shop on the Casco Bay in Maine, but during one of his fishing trips a gruesome discovery is made. When a client wants to make an unexpected stop on a solitary island, they find a body burned beyond recognition. Then a few days later that same client is found shot to death on Stoney’s front porch. The present is becoming more complicated, but the past may also be part of the problem. A lightning strike seven years ago caused Stoney to lose his memory. Even though it seems like Stoney left his previous life behind, somehow bits and pieces continue to tease his memory, along with the man from the government who wants to know what Stoney remembers. With more bodies sure to follow, Stoney finds himself drawn into something that could end his new life. In Gray Ghost by William G. Tapply, Stoney wants nothing to do with his old life but finds that the past can resurface at any time…just like murder.
Murder Under a Hunter’s Moon
The wealthiest man in the parish is murdered and Adele, the woman standing by his body, is covered in blood, growling, and howling. The legend of the loup-garou, a shape-shifting monster, has resurfaced in this small Louisiana community. It is a time of trouble as the Second World War rages, and people must cope with the fears of such turbulent times. In Fever Moon by Carolyn Haines, Deputy Raymond Thibodeaux has his hands full trying to find the truth and at the same time calm the community. This is an atmospheric novel that creates a mystery full of darkness and suspense with a detective with his own past to haunt him. Haines is also the author of the Mississippi Delta Mystery Series and many other mysteries.
A Murder That Takes Nerve
It’s finally time for a vacation and Sheriff Milt Kovak of Prophesy County Oklahoma is heading for Vegas. He’s ready to head to the casinos but he gets a call from his cousin, Maida. She and her husband, Burl, are in Las Vegas visiting their daughter. Burl has been arresting for beating up his abusive son-in-law and now is in jail. Milt postpones his plans of rest and relaxation to help out his cousin. The son-in-law is from a wealthy family so it’s not going to be easy, but Milt finally gets Burl released under his supervision. Things become worse when Burl disappears and the son-in-law is found murdered. Then Burl’s sons show up to help, but they might be more trouble than they’re worth. Vegas Nerve by Susan Rogers Cooper is the eighth adventure for the Sheriff with the added twist of Sin City. A flavorful mystery with murder and family all rolled into one and that asks the question when will Milt finally get a real vacation.
A Mortician on the Case
It’s a busy night at the mortuary. There’s a viewing of a departed doctor but the big surprise is the murdered waitress left on the front steps. Needless to say, this is a night to remember and Hitchcock Sewell, mortician and sometimes curious detective, finds himself involved with the case. His girlfriend, Bonnie, hates being a meteorologist and wants to become a serious reporter and this case might just be her break. So Hitchcock and Bonnie begin to investigate but it’s not as simple as it seems. Helen, the murdered woman, has a past and secrets with the list of suspects that continues to grow. Then there are the risks of getting involved with a murder, since there is rarely just one. Hearse of a Different Color by Tim Cockey is a funny, quick mystery full of surprises. Humor abounds from Hitchcock’s commentaries to a colorful cast of characters which includes an artist ex-wife with an obsessive following of Scandinavian admirers.
Making Eye Contact
I have to admit- I'm not a fan of mysteries. I don't go in for surprise endings, waiting breathlessly through twists and turns and I never skip ahead to see who-done-it. Yet, a friend of mine challenged me to read something outside of my comfort zone and highly recommended Eye Contact by Cammie McGovern. Wary of this choice, I checked it out but had it piled on my desk hidden under a bunch of other things I wanted to read first. Finally, after I could ignore it no longer, I cracked the cover and vowed only to give it 50 pages to impress me. 200+ pages later I'm done and very glad I dabbled in this genre!Life hasn't been easy for Cara. First she gets pregnant and isn't sure who the father is, nor does she really want to find out. Then she loses her best friend after a nasty fight. Shortly after Adam is born, Cara notices that he isn't like the other babies she sees at the park. Diagnosed with autism, Cara gives up everything to take care of her young son. It isn't until her parents die in a nasty car accident that she finally hits rock bottom. Still, despite all the turmoil and bad luck, Cara climbs her way back up. Afterall, she still has to take care of her son!
A decade later, Adam is in school and doing well with the help of special classes, tutors and Cara's unflagging energy to help her son. He's even managed to make friends with a young girl in his class, surprising everyone. It isn't until Adam and the girl disappear during recess that Cara starts to worry for the first time in many years. It only gets worse once Adam is found, but the girl ends up dead. With Adam as the only witness to the murder and very little evidence found at the crime scene, the police follow wild leads that ultimately end up as dead ends. If only Adam could tell them what happened...
With flashbacks to Cara's past and glimpses into the minds of different characters directly related to the murder, Eye Contact slowly unravels the mystery behind the murder as well as Cara's life. Grab a copy today!
Thoughts on Recent Reads
I have a very eclectic list of books I've just finished reading that I really enjoyed:
The Mercy Seller by Brenda Vantrease: Anna grew up as the granddaughter of an illuminator in Prague--an illuminator who practices the dangerous act of copying the Bible into English. Anna is devastated when a wave of persecution breaks out against those who dare to oppose the church in this way, and several of her friends--including the man she was to marry--are killed.
Fleeing Prague, Anna has many adventures on her way to England, where she believes she will find safety with Sir John Oldcastle. But church officials suspect Oldcastle of being in league with the heresy, and they send a priest named Gabriel to collect evidence against him.
I enjoyed this look at an intriguing time in history, when people were persecuted for practices that seem so innocent today. The characters seemed real, though the circumstances they encounter sometimes have a hint of the miraculous to them. I loved the suspense that arose not only from the persecution but also the complex relationships. Those with an interest in religious history will 
especially enjoy this one, which by the way is a follow up to Vantrease's earlier novel, The Illuminator.
Monday Morning Faith by Lori Copeland: Librarian Johanna Holland thinks she is content with her life, she enjoys her work and taking care of her parents. But her life gets shaken up when her parents decide to move and she meets a man who takes an interest in her.
Someone Wants This Diva Dead
The tabloids have been cruel to Dona Papalardo, a star once known for her good looks but who in recent years gained some weight. The photos were merciless and after she has gastric bypass surgery the stories leave no horrible detail out in describing her difficult recovery. Now poised for a comeback, her personal assistant is killed while wearing Dona’s clothes and in Dona’s driveway. Detective Dirk Coulter is called in and Savannah Reid, former police officer, is soon to follow. It looks like the star might be the target so Savannah has been hired to be her bodyguard. Even with the investigators on the case, the gardener is shot dead with Dona standing nearby. Unfortunately there is a list of suspects but no one stands out as the culprit. Savannah has her hands full dealing with the moods of her new starlet boss and finding the killer in Fat Free and Fatal: A Savannah Reid Mystery by G.A. McKevett. Besides the case, Savannah has a surprise visit from her younger sister and her new husband who both have an obsession with dead bodies. Savannah’s relationship with Dirk is a complicated mixture of insults and possibilities. Entertaining and funny, this is a mystery worth reading.
The resort is murder
What luck! - Sheriff Bo Tully is stranded at a winter resort. After a report that the owner of the resort is missing, Tully and his father, Pap, the former sheriff, go to investigate. On their way to the lodge, an avalanche almost kills them and blocks any exit from their future of free meals, hot tubs, and single-malt scotch. The visit doesn’t turn out to be quite the working vacation Tully had envisioned. Instead, the search is on for the owner with a strong hint of murder. The other trapped guests, including college boys and an old flame of Tully’s, are getting restless and are complicating matters. In Avalanche: A Sheriff Bo Tully Mystery by Patrick F. McManus, the Sheriff must find the guilty party before the road is cleared and the guests leave. This is a fun mystery with a good sense of humor and a complicated case to solve.
Murders old and new
Chasing fleeing carjackers David Mapstone stumbles onto human skeletons. It is soon discovered that the remains are from a 1941 kidnapping case. David is a history professor who works for the sheriff’s office in solving cold case files and is put on this case immediately. The investigation may seem straightforward but the case involves a powerful family that has its own secrets. At the same time, investigators are trying to track down a serial killer but have no leads. Cactus Heart by John Talton actually takes place in 1999 and is a hardboiled story that pulls no punches. This is the latest book in the David Mapstone mystery series.
Stephanie Plum is at it again!
Once more I follow the intrepid Stephanie Plum on her adventures in the world of New Jersey bounty hunting. It is no secret why. She makes me laugh; I wish every ‘funny’ book could give me the lol moments I get with each one of Janet Evanovich’s installments. Will Stephanie fend off her feelings for Ranger one more time, or what about Joe? What crazy thing is Grandma going to do next? Who is Stephanie after, and more importantly who is after Stephanie?
At number 13 the series is exciting, funny, and unequaled in the realm of bounty hunter fiction. If you haven’t had the pleasure yet, take a look at the series from the beginning with One for the Money. If you are like me and were waiting for this one, come on in and grab a copy of Lean Mean 13 from our Express shelves or get on the list today!
In pursuit of the truth
A brutally murdered nursemaid is left in the woods and the baby boy she was caring for has disappeared. When Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf return home, they learn of the crime, but this time it’s more personal since it’s their son that was taken. It’s 667 in Ireland, and this is the latest case for Fidelma who is advocate of the courts, as well as the sister of the King of Cashell. To complicate matters the relationship between Fidelma and Eadulf is strained and needs resolving, but time is of the essence and they must find their baby boy before it’s too late. The Leper’s Bell by Peter Tremayne is a complex puzzle that must be put together before the case is finally solved. This is the 15th book in an entertaining series that brings 7th century Ireland to life.
What's Better Than Chocolate?
Though it takes off with a bang, Better Than Chocolate, at first, may seem a bit hackneyed. But keep reading and you’ll see it’s the understated satirical tone of the book which makes it anything but a cliché. There’s more going on here than just a search for a cop-killer, and the discovery of a conspiracy that threatens all humanity. There’s a subtle undertone of gonzo social commentary.
The book’s vibrant characters are both larger-than-life and true to it. Golden seems to populate his tale with stereotypes, but then breathes new life into them by turning those stereotypes on their ear. Some of the characters may seem whimsical at times, but their actions are always plausible. It’s a delicate balance of parody and punchy realism, but one which Golden pulls off.
There’s the celebrity talk show host known as “America’s Favorite Virgin,” a lusty, hard-nosed San Francisco police inspector, and his new crime-fighting partner, a Marilyn Monroe celebudroid. Yes, the film icon comes to life in Better Than Chocolate as one of several celebrity androids created for commercial purposes, to look and act like their originals. Comic juxtaposition often ensues when Marilyn’s original programming seeps into her police work. And, as with most artificial intelligences, Marilyn begins to evolve beyond what her creators intended. Though along the way, she proves an annoyance to Inspector Noah Dane, their relationship evolves as well.
This book is a lively, fun read—it keeps you turning pages and wanting more. Its tone reminds me of David Brin’s Kiln People, but, unlike that novel, Better Than Chocolate is more people-driven than plot-driven. However, the plot is there, and it’s a dastardly one that strikes at the heart of mankind. And, if you don’t already know what’s better than chocolate, you’ll find out as Golden’s quirky cast of characters leads you through this science fiction who-dunnit (or, more accurately, who’s gonna do it) towards a comically sexy climax.
Request this item for the library or request it through interlibrary loan!
Secrets that bind
Andreas has disappeared. He was last seen following an older woman, Irma, and Zipp, Andreas’s friend will not tell anyone what he has seen. Irma is an older woman who lives by herself and spends most of her time alone. The two young men are bored and in need of money. Seemingly unrelated the three all have secrets that lead to greater consequences. Inspector Sejer must find the truth despite all the silence in When the Devil Holds the Candle by Karin Fossum. Sejer discovers that a purse snatching case he is also working on may have a connection to Andreas. This is a psychological mystery that draws the reader deep into the minds of the characters. In this story what is unsaid is as important as what is said.
In case you missed it: Susan Wittig Albert
Susan Wittig Albert gave a wonderful talk at lunch today about how she started writing mysteries. The title of her talk was Prime Thyme Crime: An Author Talks about Writing and Reading Mysteries. She is the author of the China Bayles mystery series as well as the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter. Susan started her career with writing many young adult books including a stint at writing Nancy Drew books as Carolyn Keene.She is currently on a national book tour promoting her current mystery, Spanish Dagger. To read Susan’s blog and find out more information about her books visit her website and check out some of her books from the library!
Thanks to staffers Marta and Susan for hosting this event!
A prickly end
Covered in burrs from head to toe the burry man walks through Queensferry during the annual fair where he is given pennies and drinks of whiskey for luck. It’s not an easy thing to do. The burry man must stand all day long and accept the tokens of good luck while in a suit of prickly burrs. In all the past years there hasn’t been a problem until this year. The night before the important day, the burry man says he isn’t able to play the part but changes his mind and then the next day he’s poisoned. Dandy Gilver may not be a professional investigator but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have ideas. She’s visiting Buttercup, a friend who’s in charge of the fair at Queensferry, who needs Dandy’s help with the events. The death has put a damper on the festival, but the events continue. Because of Dandy’s reputation for solving crimes, she is asked to investigate by Buttercup’s husband. This is a complicated case that involves everyone from the servants to the village priest and will take all of her reasoning power to get to the answers. The Burry Man’s Day by Catriona McPherson takes place in Scotland soon after the war in 1923 and is an engrossing mystery with twists that make this a difficult case to crack. This is the second book in the Dandy Gilver Murder Mystery Series.
Intrigue along the Rails
There was no way to identify the body. After being stabbed in the heart, he was thrown from a train going over a viaduct. His face was disfigured, his papers were gone, and the only clue was the cut of his coat. His clothes were definitely not British and the railway detective Inspector Robert Colbeck and Sergeant Victor Leeming must travel to France in hopes of finding the murdered man’s identity. It’s 1852 and the relations between the two countries had not been good. The memory of Napoleon is still fresh and the potential unrest in France creates suspicion among many in England. Colbeck has his hands full maneuvering between cultures and trying to find the killer before his reputation is destroyed or worse he ends up dead. The Railway Viaduct by Edward Marston is the third installment in The Robert Colbeck series. Marston is the author of other historical series including the very popular Nicholas Bracewell series set in Elizabethan England.
Lightning strikes
It’s only the last moments she experiences: the fear, dismay, pain, or even the cries for their mothers before they die. Harper Connelly has been blessed or cursed with this skill after being hit by lightning when she was fifteen. Now, as an adult she makes her living finding the lost loved ones that are presumed dead. Her stepbrother Tolliver is her agent and protector. Most assume she’s a fake and that she takes advantage of desperate people. Professor, Clyde Nunley decides to debunk Harper and invites her to an old cemetery where she can describe the dead and their deaths. At the last grave she finds two bodies, not one. One is supposed to be there but the other is a young girl, Tabitha, who Harper had looked for months before. The police don’t believe in her talent or the coincidence of finding Tabitha. This moves Harper and her brother onto the suspects list and they can’t leave town. Unfortunately, Harper’s next visit to the cemetery turns up another murder victim and this one is still fresh. In Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris, Harper must solve the case before they end up in jail. This is the second book about her adventures, and the first book is Grave Sight. Harris has other mystery series and is the author of the Southern Vampire Series with Sookie Stackhouse. Grave Surprise has a darker tone than some of her other books but is still just as entertaining.
The Queen is not amused
Royal tombs have been plundered, temple girls are missing, and General Suten has died mysteriously on his roof by a sackful of vipers. Pharaoh Queen Hatusu will not tolerate the insults and threats so she has put her Chief Judge, Lord Amerotke, in pursuit of the truth. The stakes are high. The guilty will die because of their crimes and, in their attempt to escape justice, have sent assassins after the judge. The Assassins of Isis by P.C. Doherty is the fifth book in an exciting series set in ancient Egypt. Doherty is a prolific author of numerous historical mystery series that range from ancient times to the Renaissance and includes the very popular Hugh Corbett Medieval Mysteries.
Move over Sam Spade
What’s a dame to do? Faye Quick’s boss is off to war so it’s up to her to take his place in the detective agency. Of course, she’s pretty good at it too. Private Charles Ladd has disappeared while on leave and his girlfriend is desperate to find him. Faye is in for a big surprise when she goes to find him, only to discover a dead body. The problem is it may not be Charlie. In Too Darn Hot by Sandra Scoppettone, it’s the 1940’s and the war is going strong. This is Faye’s latest case and is it a doozy. Complications continue to mount and the puzzle keeps having pieces added. Faye’s got to hurry and solve the case before anyone else ends up dead. This is a story with a strong flavor for the time and lots of slang with a detective reminiscent of Sam Spade himself.
Coming home can be deadly
A murdered man is on the front porch when Fever Devilin returns to his parent’s cabin in Georgian Appalachians for the first time in years. When he was younger, Fever left as soon as he could and went to school where he became an authority on the folklore of his home. The victim is a stranger but the dead man turns out to be his half brother who had been living in the supposedly empty cabin. Fever’s troubled past is intertwined in the crime, and he must face his haunting memories before the truth can be found. The Devil’s Hearth is the first book in the Fever Devilin Mystery Series by Phillip DePoy. This is an atmospheric story that is a mixture of folklore, Fever’s life, and murder. There are two other books in the series: The Witch’s Grave and the latest one is A Ministers Ghost.
A Magnet for Murder
No matter what or where, she is near someone being murdered. Daisy is on assignment for a magazine article about a 400 year old celebration of Guy Fawkes at the estate of the Tyndall family. Guy Fawkes is an English holiday in November with lots of fireworks. The evening begins with the guests arriving and the wonderful display of the fireworks but it ends with a murder suicide. The Lord of the Manor appears to have shot a woman from Australia and then turned the gun on himself. Daisy’s husband, Alec Fletcher, is a Scotland Yard Detective and called in on the case. Gunpowder Plot by Carola Dunn is the latest installment of the Daisy Dalrymple Mystery Series. Daisy, a modern British woman in the 1920’s, is the daughter of a Viscount but that didn’t stop her from going out on her own. A likeable, cheerful character, she must navigate between the older Victorian generation and her own freer ideas. This series is a delightful account of Daisy’s entanglements with many different murders, and this latest adventure is fun and enjoyable.
A Holiday Shattered by Murder
On Christmas Eve, Eduardo Martinez collapses at the local motel and his car is stolen, but moments before he had called Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman. The next day a body is found. For a small town all this is quite a busy holiday and this murder hits close to home for the Sheriff’s department. The victim was the fiancée of one of the deputies and then Bill Gastner, the former sheriff is attacked. Is it someone within the department, a cover up, or even someone outside the department trying to silence them? Estelle has to find the answers even over the holidays and she must work fast before anyone else is killed. Statute of Limitations by Steven F. Havill is a fast-paced mystery that takes place in New Mexico with wonderful descriptions and details about the characters. This is the latest book in the Posadas County Mystery Series.
She's a fake, a fraud, a front...
Call her what you want but she’s tired of lying. Cora is not the real puzzle lady just someone who looks the part. In reality, her niece is the mind behind the crossword and Cora is not really like a stereotypical grandmother. Instead, she excels at trouble and solving murder. In