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Last Call by James Grippando

Publisher: Harper  ISBN-10: 0060831162

Reviewed by Stephanie Padilla, New Mystery Reader

Author of the legal thriller series featuring defense attorney Jack Swyteck returns with a new suspense novel that focuses on his best friend Theo Knight, the man he got off death row years ago, and who now might end up there again when the past comes back to haunt him.  It all begins when a fellow gang member from Theo's past escapes from prison and winds up on Theo's door asking for help, help that Theo has no intention of delivering.  But things change when the convict suggests that he might have the answers behind the death of Theo's mother, a prostitute found murdered on the street when Theo was just a teen. But what Jack and Theo don't know is that in confronting the past and revealing the answers long asked, they'll also uncover secrets that are deadly.

Fans of Grippando's legal thrillers might be disappointed that while this one returns with the engaging duo of Jack and Theo, there's not a single courtroom scene to be found.  Instead the reader is treated to more of an adventure buddy thriller, that while offering excitement, thrills, and revelations regarding Theo's past with the occasional poignant moment thrown in for good measure, is unable to compare to what has come before.  It seems much more could have been made of Theo's agonizing childhood in an emotional context, but instead Grippando chooses to go down the all too typical road of gangs, guns, and drugs - a road that many may find a bit tedious in its familiarity to what's out there already.  However, if one approaches this latest without expectations of something similar to former titles, this one will most likely do the job of entertaining.                

Twilight by Brendan DuBois

Publisher: St. Martin's Minotaur  ISBN-10: 0312361378

Reviewed by Harvey Lau and Geraldine Young, New Mystery Reader

Picture yourself in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia, around the early 1990s, after the break-up of Yugoslavia into separate entities, when Bosnian Serbs fought with Bosnian Muslims and Bosnian Croats for supremacy and for territory in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Picture the genocide or “ethnic cleansing” that resulted when Serbs tried to rid the land of Bosnian Muslims.

Then transfer this scenario to the United States, with the U.S. government powerless after nuclear attacks on its major cities, citizens at war with each other over scarce resources such as energy and food, and bands of armed and organized militia fighting the government to take control of the chaotic land, all the while getting rid of “undesirable” members of the population, in their own form of  “cleansing.”

Envisioning this scenario will put you right smack in the middle of the thriller, Twilight.  We view the situation in the U.S. through the eyes of Samuel Simpson, a young Canadian  photographer who has joined the UN organization trying to keep the peace in the embattled country. He is with UNFORUS and with a group of people whose goal is to find Site A, proof of genocide committed by the militia which will serve to convict U.S. war criminals being held in The Hague.

There is a time limit, as the criminals will be released if Site A and proof of mass murder is not found in time. Samuel and his group  have to tread carefully through dangerous situations involving the militia, who have murdered civilians as well as UN personnel.

There is definitely a lot of intrigue built into the plot of this novel, as the UN group literally treads on ground they have not seen before, in situations that are unpredictable and frightening. Written with gripping detail and description of countryside, surroundings, and events, the book presents a challenging situation that is gloomy in its forecast.

There is little sense of poignancy in the book, except for an old man who  puts his life at risk to help the UN group. The attempt at a love story between Samuel and team member essentially falls flat, thought it is meant to be a saving grace for Samuel in the middle of the turmoil. We are not caught up in his feelings. Indeed, his love interest is not a well developed character.

A good thriller, but don’t expect to be fully satisfied at the end of the book.

Third Strike by Phillip R. Craig and William G. Tapply

Publisher: Scribner  ISBN-10: 1416532560

Reviewed by Stephanie Padilla, New Mystery Reader

When Boston attorney Brady Coyne is called to Martha's Vineyard by a client he hasn't heard from in decades, and who is claiming to have seen some nefarious activities going on late at night at the docks, he's quick to offer his help.  But getting to the Vineyard won't be easy considering there's a major strike going on with the boatmen who transfer visitors back and forth to this idyllic island.  And so he calls on his old pal J.W. Jackson, a local of the island who is trying to solve his own mystery- that of the death of one of the strikers whose remains were found in the debris of a blown up boat - to give him a ride.  And before the happy reunion between these two old friends is over, they'll find their cases are connected by painful events from the past that have never been forgotten - nor forgiven. 

It's not the first time these two talented authors have combined their likable and engaging heroes in one solid mystery, but it is most likely the last (unless previously unpublished tomes should appear).  And with Craig having since passed, there's an added bittersweet tone to this story of mystery, loyalty, friendship, and family.  Yes, the action-paced ending and eventual solving of the cases are riddled with unconvincing detail, but who cares?  This remains an opportunity to read one of the last works by a man who loved his spot in this world, and who cherished his family and friends; the fictional portrayal of these elements more than strongly echoing what were once no doubt his own views, and so for that alone, this one comes highly recommended.    

Person of Interest by Theresa Schwegel

Publisher: St. Martin's Minotaur  ISBN-10: 0312364261

Reviewed by Stephanie Padilla, New Mystery Reader

When at last part-time florist Leslie McHugh wakes up and smells the roses, so to speak, that her undercover cop husband seems to be absent for long periods of time not only physically but emotionally, her first concern is that he's seeing somebody else.  And to make matters worse, not only is her marriage falling apart, but so is her relationship with her teenaged daughter, a girl who too seems to be hiding some pretty heavy secrets of her own.

But what Leslie doesn't know is that her husband Craig has been working a dangerous sting operation, one so deadly that its propensity to completely destroy what's left of her family is almost inevitable. And so as this family of wounded souls fights their individual battles, unaware of the deadly secrets that bind them, they'll plunge faster and faster down a collision course fated to end in disaster unless they can face and reveal these very secrets that might be their only salvation.

It must be said that Schwegel is a more than talented author; her ability to shine the light into the darkest corners of the heart is both fearless and provocative.  Ironically, it's also this very talent that makes this a difficult read that almost in its entirety is distressing and heart-wrenching.  These are sad and despairing characters living desperate and lonely lives, and while ultimately there is hope that redemption might be found in the end, getting there is far from enchanting.  But, still, this comes recommended; not for its ability to entertain, but instead for the opportunity it provides to read an author who knows her craft and is not afraid to take it where it needs to go.

Watchman by Ian Rankin

Publishers: Little, Brown,  ISBN-10: 031600913X (Reissue)

Reviewed by Narayan Radhakrishnan, New Mystery Reader

It is so easy to become type cast. Think James Patterson and immediately detective Alex Cross rushes to mind; think Reginald Hill and hey you get the image of  policemen Andy Dalziel and Peter Pascoe…and when you talk about Ian Rankin, who else but Inspector Rebus comes to mind. And with about twenty or so Rebus works in print, can anyone blame the reader.

It is in this context I read the Introduction to this novel, the “new novel” from Ian Rankin, written in 1986. Rankin had just finished his first Rebus novel, and was itching to write another one. Should he write a second rebus novel, or create an entirely new fictional creation? Rankin opted to create Miles Flint (admittedly inspired by the James Coburn movies In Like Flint and Our Man Flint). Character wise- Flint would be the exact opposite of Rebus. While Rebus was robust and action oriented- Flint was a laidback, passive veteran spy. Possibly the author had plans to make him a series character, but the plans were shelved because the book vanished without causing much of a ripple in 1988.

Soon afterwards the next book in the Rebus series was published and it catapulted Rankin to international fame. 18 Rebus works soon followed thereafter. The Rebus works won for Rankin Edgar Award, Gold Dagger award, Chandler- Fulbright award and is now one of the most respected popular fiction writers from United Kingdom today.

So the reprint of this novel WATCHMAN after 20 years, and for the first time in United States will be eagerly awaited by Rankin fans the world over. This I suppose is a novel which can only be considered as a collector’s item. The plotline is nothing much to speak about- it is the story of a down-out-of- luck spy, Miles Flint whose latest assignment has led to the death of a foreign official in London. But Miles has a feeling that the suspect knew more about Miles’ investigation than he himself had. And Miles also has an uncanny feeling that someone is selling him out at the Intelligence Agency. How Miles tackles the issue, without becoming a victim himself is the theme of the novel.

As said earlier, the plot is not much to say about, but the book will be welcomed by Rankin fan’s as a lost classic. And judging by the Introduction the author gives in this new edition- I have an uncanny feeling that Rankin’s next novel will be another unpublished novel (written in 1988) by name Westwind. Watch this space.

Hand of Evil by J.A. Jance

Publisher: Touchstone Books  ISBN-10: 1416537538

Reviewed by Stephanie Padilla, New Mystery Reader

Jance returns with her second outing featuring the interesting and chaotic life of 40-something Sedona resident Ali Reynolds; a woman who is not only still getting over the recent loss of her career in broadcasting, the death of her philandering ex-husband and a dear old friend, but also her own brush with danger while trying to solve the murders.

This time out, once again there's a couple of interesting mysteries for Ali to distract herself with - including the sudden disappearance of her father's handy man, the unrelated disappearance of her handsome detective friend's young daughter, and the mysterious summoning from a wealthy old woman who wishes to share some very dirty family secrets with her.  And as Ali jumps from puzzle to puzzle, she'll find herself once more facing danger as she attempts to find the answers to all the mysterious happenings that surround her.

No doubt many readers are familiar with J.A. Jance's two other successful serials - one featuring an older male Seattle detective, and the other featuring an indomitable female Arizona sheriff.  So it should come as no surprise that she's garnering her fair share of attention with this third series; its own success most likely guaranteed as well.  And indeed, in many ways, there is just cause for this to be just as appreciated - with its emphasis on some of the changes that woman of a particular age might realistically face.  However, that being said, as in her Seattle series, this one too has the proclivity of having too much going on to keep the reader entirely focused and convinced throughout, sometimes going in so many directions at once that the switching back and forth is more of a distraction than anything.  But as this latest is a big improvement from the first, there is plenty of promise to be had for the third.   

The Mortal Groove by Ellen Hart

Publisher: St. Martin's Minotaur  ISBN-10: 0312349459

Reviewed by Stephanie Padilla, New Mystery Reader

When during a New Year's Eve party, the father of Minneapolis restaurant owner Jane Lawless is approached by a group of the city's most wealthy and influential to run for governor, she couldn't be more proud.  But what neither of them is aware of is that some of the men closest to the campaign are hiding a deadly secret, one that involves the death of an innocent young girl years before, her mysterious demise occurring during a night of partying between these just returned soldiers from Vietnam.  But which one of these now upstanding citizens did it and why are the main questions, not to mention who amongst the bunch is now killing those who are still living who know the truth.

Those who enjoy the Jane Lawless series, with its creative and unique narrative approach, its remarkable and engrossing characters, and its dead-on setting, will no doubt love this latest.  And although Jane and her indomitable side-kick Cordrlia play second fiddle to an almost stand alone cast and their tale of mystery, have no fear, Hart comes through with another compelling story that is as good as any before.  An exciting and provocative story of the past, of the bonding between those involved in shared tragedies, and the surviving secrets some might kill for all combine to make this an outstanding read that proves yet again that this talented author has what it takes to satisfy.     

The Deadly Neighbors by Merry Jones

Publisher: St. Martin's Minotaur  ISBN-10: 0312356218

Reviewed by Stephanie Padilla, New Mystery Reader

When 40 something Zoe Hayes gets a call from a concerned neighbor of her long estranged father, she warily agrees to check in on him.  So, while in the midst of a high risk pregnancy and with her young daughter in hand, she returns to her childhood home knowing it won't be easy to face the man who always seemed to choose gambling over her.  But nothing could have prepared her to walk into a scene where her father is holding a bloody knife over a dying woman.  And so what follows, as Zoe prepares for the birth of her child, her impending marriage to an NYPD detective, the end of her career, her father's loss of sanity, and a couple of more murders in the old neighborhood, might just all prove to be her downfall.  Especially when she begins to confront the secrets of her past that she's long kept hidden, even from herself. 

Having loved Jones' previous novels featuring Zoe Hayes, this latest was jumped upon with great anticipation.  Unfortunately, it didn't take long for discontent to settle in.  Whereas, previously, Zoe presented as an intelligent and insightful heroine, this time around her lack of judgment (hello, you're pregnant and have a young child), her self-absorption, and her inability to make sense of the simplest clues all combine to create a disagreeable mix of frustration and annoyance.  Here's to hoping that once Zoe has the baby she'll revert back to the sensible and compassionate character previously depicted in the first two excellent stories from this talented author.

Chillwater Cove by Thomas Lakeman

Publisher: St. Martin's Minotaur  ISBN-10: 0312348002

Reviewed by Stephanie Padilla, New Mystery Reader

Decades ago, FBI agent Peggy Weaver witnessed her best friend Samantha's abduction from their small home town in Tennessee.  And while she has little memory of the crime, when photographs of the terror her friend went through make their way to her, what she does remember attacks with a ferocity she never expected.  And so when Sam contacts her with the news that she too has received the same alarming photos, Sam returns back home in the hope that as an FBI agent she can once and for all solve the biggest mystery of her life.  But, she gets more than she bargained for when after her arrival, not only does Sam go missing, but as she begins to put the pieces together of then and now, she discovers that her very own father may hold the key to the very deadly secrets she must reveal to save her friend's life and her own.

After his last successful outing in which he focused on the other half of the dynamic FBI duo of Mike Yeager and Peggy Weaver, Lakeman now turns his attention to Peggy Weaver's personal and mysterious past.  Combining a tale of the South and its disturbing past of prejudice and hate that still lingers, dark family secrets, and a not so subtle reminder that the only way to dispel the ugliness of it all is to confront it head-on, mix together effortlessly to make this an entirely engrossing thriller.  Provocative and compelling throughout, Lakeman shines again, and we look forward to his next.         

Extracurricular Activities by Maggie Barbieri

Publisher: St. Martin's Minotaur ISBN-10: 0312355386

Reviewed by Stephanie Padilla, New Mystery Reader

After her most recent bout with crime in which she was faced with helping to prove her ex-husband innocent of his young lover's murder, English Professor Allison Bergeron is more than happy to leave the crime-solving to the hunky but married NYPD detective Bobby Crawford.  But when the very same ex husband she saved from a lifetime of jail is found murdered, she once again finds herself entangled up in a mystery that will prove to be just as dangerous as the first. 

Is there a connection between that mystery and this?  Could it be that the father of the first victim, a mob boss who shows her a bit too much attention, has finally wreaked his revenge?  Or could it be the fallout of an entirely different lover's tryst?  With no shortage of suspects, it's going to be a battle to reveal just which one was angry enough to kill, and one who no doubt is willing to do it again to keep it all quiet.

This latest, while still charming and humorous, never did quite manage to live up to that promise put forth in the first.  Maybe it was the sense that Allison took so many emotionally conflicting and distressing events much too lightly, her tendency to deflect sorrow, confusion, or pain with humor a bit over the top at times.  That being said, of course, is what paradoxically makes this the perfect read when all you're really looking for is a light and cozy story that will entertain you with little effort or emotional investment.  So, when those times hit, give this one a read, it hits the spot easily.

New Mystery Reader Magazine  editor@newmysteryreader.com