Category: mystery

Author: Lis Wiehl
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-59554-903-7
Pages: 320
Price: $26.99

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Mia Quinn is on the phone with her friend and co-worker, Colleen Miller, when she hears a gunshot, and Colleen goes silent. In investigating Colleen’s murder, Mia and homicide detective Charlie Carlson begin to suspect that Colleen’s death could be linked to another prosecuting attorney’s murder five years ago.

In addition to this murder investigation, Mia and Charlie are looking into a cyber-bullying case involving a teen boy’s suicide. Mia’s personal life is a mess, as she struggles to make it as a working single mom, buried in debt. And now it looks as if Colleen’s murder investigation is putting Mia’s life at risk.

A Matter of Trust is a fast-paced murder mystery, pulling the reader in from the first page. Mia is someone women can look up to, as she attempts to raise her kids with honesty and integrity. She looks out for the underdog and tries to make sure justice is served. I highly recommend this well-written and engaging mystery.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Dennis Palumbo
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-4642-0131-8
Pages: 250
Price: $14.95

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Daniel Rinaldi has settled back into his psychotherapy practice after his last case with the Pittsburgh police department (Fever Dream). So he’s surprised when the FBI suddenly pulls him into a new case, this time involving a serial killer.

After a serial killer of prostitutes is killed in prison, those who had been directly associated with his arrest and murder are now being targeted by someone who calls himself “Your Biggest Fan.” But even though those suspected to be on his hit list are being held in protective custody by the FBI, someone seems to have immediate access to their wherabouts. A retired FBI profiling agent, Lyle Barnes, is high on the hit list, and Rinaldi is asked to help him deal with his night terrors. But Barnes isn’t interested in FBI protection, and quickly escapes.

Meanwhile, Rinaldi is also involved in another case involving the killing and brutal dismemberment of a businessman. A young man comes forth and confesses to the crime, but his mother insists he’s innocent. Something about the case bothers Rinaldi. Is it possible this murder is somehow linked to the serial killer?

Night Terrors is a fast-paced thriller with great action and drama, pulling the reader in from the first page. As I’ve gotten to know Daniel Rinaldi, I like him more and more. Great characters, a well-constructed mystery, and a little romance make this a really satisfying and enjoyable read.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Barbara Levenson
Publisher: CreateSpace
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1480093669
Pages: 306
Price: $11.99

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Mary Magruder Katz has just discovered her hot, Latin lover, Carlos, in a cozy restaurant booth with his ex-wife. After ending the relationship by mail, she packs up and heads to Vermont for a long stay at a friend’s vacation home.

As soon as she arrives, she discovers there was an unsolved murder a year ago in a neighboring home. Her client’s daughter disappears under mysterious circumstances. And a battle over property rights suddenly turns ugly, when one man’s hidden past is revealed.

Mary does everything she can do to forget Carlos, including allowing herself to become involved with Dash, the local attorney. Working for him, she settles into the small town lifestyle. Will she ever return to Miami, or is she destined to stay in Vermont forever?

Outrageous October is the third in this cozy mystery series. However, this story lacks the sizzle of the first two, with the absence of Carlos. Mary’s actions are also questionable and at times not very honorable. Numerous typographical errors are distracting, and the mysteries seem to solve themselves, with little input from Mary. I hope to see Mary back in Miami with Carlos in the next installment.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Authors: Rosemary and Larry Mild
Publisher: Magic Isle Literary Works
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-0-9838597-1-0
Pages: 316
Price: $14.95

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Dan and Rivka Sherman have just purchased the Olde Victorian Bookstore. Its prior owner received mysterious letters about a package being sent to her from overseas, and the Shermans must now try to figure out the hidden message in the letters. Unfortunately, Emil Kravitz was willing to commit murder for this package, and he’s still hot on its trail.

Newcomers to the bookstore’s mystery critique group are under suspicion, as all heard the store clerk, Liz, spill the secret about the letters. Which of these men is really Kravitz in disguise? And how can the Shermans find the package – while remaining safe – before Kravitz gets to it?

Death Goes Postal is a cozy mystery with a literary flair. The Shermans are a smart couple, intent on outwitting Kravitz. But Kravitz steals the show at times, when the authors focus quite a lot of attention on his thoughts and actions. I would have preferred if this mystery had stayed in either Dan or Rivka’s point-of-view for the whole story, and the secondary characters had been developed more fully.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Mitchell Scott Lewis
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-4642-0060-1
Pages: 250
Price: $14.95

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Freddie Finger is the third rock star in New York City who’s been murdered. Vivian Younger, Freddie’s daughter, wants answers to her father’s death, and the police need to catch the perpetrator before any more rockers are killed. David Lowell has had some success solving crimes like this, using his skill in astrology, and Vivian hires him to investigate.

Hunting down birth charts the way most detectives find clues, Lowell tries to piece the puzzle together. Who wanted Freddie dead? And how is he connected to the other two rockers who have been killed? Vivian offers her support, and soon becomes a pleasant distraction from the case.

Those of us who can remember the earlier days of rock and roll will find Death in the 12th House to be a fun trip down memory lane. But at times Lowell himself seems more of an aloof superhero than a man, as everything comes too easily to him. Overall, though, this is an intriguing mystery with a surprising and satisfying conclusion.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Mary Jane Clark
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-0-06-213544-5
Pages: 384
Price: $25.99

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Piper Donovan is happy to be joining her beloved cousin in Florida to celebrate her upcoming wedding. But a shadow lingers over the joyous event when one of the bridesmaids mysteriously disappears, and her body later turns up, buried in the sand. After it is revealed that she had been involved in some shady business regarding a large real estate transaction, many suspects emerge.

Piper is naturally curious, and soon immerses herself in the investigation, making some questionable moves along the way. Her propensity to blurt out information regarding the murder, and her desire to post her thoughts on Facebook, make her an easy target for the murderer.

Footprints in the Sand is a fun cozy mystery, with an interesting cast of characters and intriguing motives. But Piper’s extraordinarily dangerous behavior is over the top at the times, and made me question her intelligence. Overall, though, I enjoyed this mystery.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Jane Tesh
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-4642-0061-8
Pages: 250
Price: $24.95

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When David Randall, private investigator, and his psychic friend, Camden, visit Jared Hunter’s house for a little construction work, they are surprised to find him brutally murdered in his garage. But even more disturbing is the way Camden is emotionally connected with Jared’s killer. Only two suspects are being considered, but Camden knows both are innocent. Randall is determined to find the killer and make sure the police don’t arrest the wrong person.

As the he gets more involved in the investigation, Randall explores the circumstances surrounding the case. Several crimes in the downtown area, which may or may not have been thwarted by the amateur superhero, the Parkland Avenger, may be connected. A museum break-in that Jared had participated in may shed some light. And what, if anything, does the Parkland Herald have to do with the murder?

Mixed Signals is a nice cozy mystery with some great characters. However, since this is the sequel to Stolen Hearts, it may be wise to read this series in order to fully understand and appreciate the interactions between them. Quirky and amusing scenes make this a fun read with a satisfying conclusion.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Dennis Palumbo
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-59058-959-5
Pages: 250
Price: $14.95

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Psychologist and trauma expert, Daniel Rinaldi, has already gotten mixed up in a police investigation once before, so it’s only natural that officer Eleanor Lowrey turns to him during a botched bank robbery. The only survivor, Treva Williams, could be the link the police need to catch the perpetrators. But Treva is suffering from post traumatic shock, and Rinaldi will need to gently coax the information out of her.

As the investigation develops, he also finds himself caught up in the gubernatorial race, with one candidate heavily seeking his favor. Incriminating evidence is revealed, leading Rinaldi to question the ethics of this popular man. Is he really as corrupt as he seems, or is someone else pulling the strings? And how far is someone willing to go to be sure the new governor will give in to his demands?

In this sequel to Mirror Image, Rinaldi must use his wits to save himself from those who want him dead. Working in close proximity with the police, he relies heavily on his psychological skills in reading people’s motives. What appears to be real is only an illusion, and plot twists abound. I highly recommend this thrilling mystery.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Simon Brett
Publisher: Felony & Mayhem Press
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-934609-92-7
Pages: 224
Price: $14.95

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In this second volume in the Blotto and Twinks mystery series, one of their mother’s acquaintances – a member of the aristocracy – is murdered. Although the brother and sister don’t miss the woman much, they are greatly disturbed by the fact their chauffeur is accused of the murder and will hang for a crime he didn’t commit. It’s the 1920’s in Britain, and the lower classes have few rights. So, determined to clear his name, they set off to catch the real murderer, whom the brilliant Twinks has already determined.

This search takes them into the dark recesses of London, where they have to come in close contact with the “oikish” folks they normally avoid associating with. They determine their suspect is a member of the League of the Crimson Hand, and each new clue leads them closer to the Crimson Thumb – the ringleader of this evil group.

A good British murder mystery is made even better by the comedy of a pair of aristocrats running around London in evening dress, while dealing with a difficult stowaway passenger, a stolen car, and endless suitors willing to die for the beautiful Twinks. And the authentic British dialogue is pure “creamy éclair.” Fans of British mysteries will love Blotto, Twinks and the Dead Dowager Duchess.

Reviewer: Alice Berger