Back by popular demand, I decided to finish out the week with a few reading recommendations:
THE BLONDE by Duane Swierczynski had me at the opening line: "I poisoned your drink." The book starts at an airport bar when Jack, an unexpecting newsman hears those four words from the blond next to him. The book chronicles the 24-hours after, complete with over-the-top twists, unexpected turns, and pulse-pounding suspense. Told with fresh, cool that fans of Elmore Leonard will appreciate, THE BLONDE will suck you in and won't let you go until the very end.
BOCA MOURNINGS by Steve Forman is a light funny read told in the style of Carl Hiaasen. Although Jews and Baby Boomers will appreciate the writing style and dialogue more than others, P.I. Eddie Perlmutter is a memorable character who can be enjoyed by all. The aging detective sets up shop in a retirement community in Boca Raton. He thought his new life would be full of sunbathing and golf, but he quickly learns that even paradise isn't without its crime...
If you like humorous mysteries set in tropical locations, you can also try HEMINGWAY DEADLIGHTS by Mike Atkinson. This mystery series features Earnest Hemingway as an amateur sleuth. The next installment, HEMINGWAY CUTTHROAT, comes out in June, so you have a couple months to catch up on the first.
Next on my list is BURY ME DEEP by Megan Abbott. If you haven't read the queen of Noir, I highly recommend all her books. Haven't gotten to this one yet, but when I saw that it was nominated for an Edgar, I was reminded how much I enjoy her work.
Showing posts with label series character. Show all posts
Showing posts with label series character. Show all posts
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Friday, December 18, 2009
Weekend Reading
Wow, I actually managed to post on the correct day today! Since 2009 is coming to a close, this week's recommendations come from my "Best of 2009" reading list. I know I'm missing a few, and to be fair, I'm not including any of my publicity clients (sorry guys!). But don't head into the new year without reading these amazing novels:
IN THE DARK by Brian Freeman. I'm a big fan of the Stride/Dial series, and Freeman gets better with each book. He knows how to craft a story, create suspense, and write dark, beautiful prose.
LORDS OF CORRUPTION by Kyle Mills. If you enjoyed the movie, Blood Diamond, you'll love this book. Instead of exploring the diamond trade, Mills dives head first into the corruption of the NGO's in Africa. It's evident that he did his homework, but Mill's knowledge and research never slows down the action.
THE LAST CHILD by John Hart. This haunting cross between lit fic and genre pulled me in from page one. Hart expertly establishes the bond between twins, and one happens to one when the other goes missing.
THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE by Stieg Larsson. No summary necessary, by now I'm sure everyone is familiar with this amazing trilogy. I enjoyed the slow rhythm to this book and how the character development unfolded on the page. This novel is much different than American crime fiction and it read like a breath of fresh air.
THE WAY HOME by George Pelecanos. Another master at character development, Pelecanos explores the relationship between a boy and his father. While there is plenty of external conflict and tension, it's the internal conflict that's the most compelling as they search for redemption. The book is beautifully written and like its characters, impossible to turn your back on.
IN THE DARK by Brian Freeman. I'm a big fan of the Stride/Dial series, and Freeman gets better with each book. He knows how to craft a story, create suspense, and write dark, beautiful prose.
LORDS OF CORRUPTION by Kyle Mills. If you enjoyed the movie, Blood Diamond, you'll love this book. Instead of exploring the diamond trade, Mills dives head first into the corruption of the NGO's in Africa. It's evident that he did his homework, but Mill's knowledge and research never slows down the action.
THE LAST CHILD by John Hart. This haunting cross between lit fic and genre pulled me in from page one. Hart expertly establishes the bond between twins, and one happens to one when the other goes missing.
THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE by Stieg Larsson. No summary necessary, by now I'm sure everyone is familiar with this amazing trilogy. I enjoyed the slow rhythm to this book and how the character development unfolded on the page. This novel is much different than American crime fiction and it read like a breath of fresh air.
THE WAY HOME by George Pelecanos. Another master at character development, Pelecanos explores the relationship between a boy and his father. While there is plenty of external conflict and tension, it's the internal conflict that's the most compelling as they search for redemption. The book is beautifully written and like its characters, impossible to turn your back on.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Weekend Reading - The Holiday Gift Guide
Still haven't finished your holiday shopping? Not sure what to get your in-laws, siblings, or family friend? Instead of Weekend Reading, I'm giving you a holiday gift guide (but of course, you could read all the books here too!)
Mom or aunt: If she enjoys fun fiction, pick up Laura Caldwell's Red Hot Trilogy. The mass market paperbacks will fit perfectly in her purse. If she's into literary, Oprah's book club type books, give her THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett. Mom who doesn't read? Pick up Think Thin One-Pot Meals by Ruth Glick. This helpful cookbook is something every mom needs!
Dad or uncle: My dad is into non-fiction, so this year, I'm giving him HEROES AND BALLYHOO: How the Golden Age of the 1920's Transformed American Sports by Mike Bohn. If he likes crime fiction, try THE AMATEURS by Marcus Sakey, GONE TOMORROW by Lee Child, or EVEN by Andrew Grant. For something high concept, try RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL by Jamie Freveletti.
Sister: A lot depends on what type of a sister she is and what you want your gift to say. For something meaningful and heartfelt, give her A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN by Betty Smith. My sister is into Victorian novels, so I'd give her TEARS OF PEARL by Tasha Alexander or Murder on Bank Street by Victoria Thompson. If she enjoys fun chick lit, GOOD IN BED by Jennifer Weiner. If she's the corporate type, stuff her stocking with CLIMBING THE CORPORATE LADDER IN HIGH HEELS by Kathleen Archambeau.
Brother: My brother doesn't read anything except the sports section, so I'm giving him THE BOOK OF BASKETBALL by Bill Simmons. If he's into shows like The Wire and Oz, try LUSH LIFE by Richard Price or THE SWEET FOREVER by George Pelecanos. If he's a music buff or tech geek, give him RIPPED by Greg Kot.
Mom or aunt: If she enjoys fun fiction, pick up Laura Caldwell's Red Hot Trilogy. The mass market paperbacks will fit perfectly in her purse. If she's into literary, Oprah's book club type books, give her THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett. Mom who doesn't read? Pick up Think Thin One-Pot Meals by Ruth Glick. This helpful cookbook is something every mom needs!
Dad or uncle: My dad is into non-fiction, so this year, I'm giving him HEROES AND BALLYHOO: How the Golden Age of the 1920's Transformed American Sports by Mike Bohn. If he likes crime fiction, try THE AMATEURS by Marcus Sakey, GONE TOMORROW by Lee Child, or EVEN by Andrew Grant. For something high concept, try RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL by Jamie Freveletti.
Sister: A lot depends on what type of a sister she is and what you want your gift to say. For something meaningful and heartfelt, give her A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN by Betty Smith. My sister is into Victorian novels, so I'd give her TEARS OF PEARL by Tasha Alexander or Murder on Bank Street by Victoria Thompson. If she enjoys fun chick lit, GOOD IN BED by Jennifer Weiner. If she's the corporate type, stuff her stocking with CLIMBING THE CORPORATE LADDER IN HIGH HEELS by Kathleen Archambeau.
Brother: My brother doesn't read anything except the sports section, so I'm giving him THE BOOK OF BASKETBALL by Bill Simmons. If he's into shows like The Wire and Oz, try LUSH LIFE by Richard Price or THE SWEET FOREVER by George Pelecanos. If he's a music buff or tech geek, give him RIPPED by Greg Kot.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Weekend Reading - Mass Market edition
The holidays mean traveling, which means airplane reading. No one likes to carry a huge hardcover on a plane, so mass market paperbacks are the perfect travel companion. Here are a few of my favorites:
Just out in paperback is Steven M. Forman's BOCA KNIGHTS. The first in a series, this debut novel features Eddie Perlmutter, a Jewish detective in Boston whose arthritic knees can't take the New England cold anymore. He retires down to Boca Raton, looking forward to a life of golf and sunbathing, but even paradise is not without its crime. It's a hilarious, fun read that, after dealing with security and airport hassles, is guaranteed to put the smile back on your face.
Another recent paperback release is THE DARKNESS by Jason Pinter. Selected for Indie's Next List, the fifth installment of the Henry Parker series opens with young man found murdered, his bones crushed nearly to dust before his body had been dumped in New York's East River. The suspenseful follow up to THE FURY will keep you hooked from take off to landing.
For another nail-biter, pick up Rebecca Drake's THE DEAD PLACE. This psychological thriller chronicles a serial killer who preys on college students in a small university town. As I said in my review of her first novel, DON'T BE AFRAID, don't let the soccer mom exterior fool you, Drake's writing is dark, twisted, and never lets up.
If you prefer pulp fiction for your holiday travels, pick up any of the mass markets published by Hard Case Crime. A few recent releases include THE CORPSE WORE PASTIES, QUARRY IN THE MIDDLE, and THE VALLEY OF FEAR.
Just out in paperback is Steven M. Forman's BOCA KNIGHTS. The first in a series, this debut novel features Eddie Perlmutter, a Jewish detective in Boston whose arthritic knees can't take the New England cold anymore. He retires down to Boca Raton, looking forward to a life of golf and sunbathing, but even paradise is not without its crime. It's a hilarious, fun read that, after dealing with security and airport hassles, is guaranteed to put the smile back on your face.
Another recent paperback release is THE DARKNESS by Jason Pinter. Selected for Indie's Next List, the fifth installment of the Henry Parker series opens with young man found murdered, his bones crushed nearly to dust before his body had been dumped in New York's East River. The suspenseful follow up to THE FURY will keep you hooked from take off to landing.
For another nail-biter, pick up Rebecca Drake's THE DEAD PLACE. This psychological thriller chronicles a serial killer who preys on college students in a small university town. As I said in my review of her first novel, DON'T BE AFRAID, don't let the soccer mom exterior fool you, Drake's writing is dark, twisted, and never lets up.
If you prefer pulp fiction for your holiday travels, pick up any of the mass markets published by Hard Case Crime. A few recent releases include THE CORPSE WORE PASTIES, QUARRY IN THE MIDDLE, and THE VALLEY OF FEAR.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Weekend Reading
This weekend I'll be inundated with upcoming releases (STEIN STONED by Hal Ackerman, THE DARKNESS by Jason Pinter, WHY MY THIRD HUSBAND WILL BE A DOG by Lisa Scottoline), but there are still plenty of great books out on the shelves now:
Michael Connelly finally did what his fans (and publisher) have always wanted him to do: write 2 books in a year. Detective Harry Bosch returns in NINE DRAGONS, and Connelly explores the world of Asian gangs. When the most important person in Bosch's life is taken from him, he's forced to do something he seldom does: leave LA.
If you ask Andrew Grant which book made him want to become a writer, he'll tell you it's ICE STATION ZEBRA by Alistair Maclean. It was published before I was born, so the book was never on my radar. But after Andrew's recommendation, I picked it up and couldn't put it down. If you like Espionage or Action/Adventure, ICE STATION ZEBRA is right up your alley. And if you want to write crime fiction, it's a necessary read.
Last weekend, I was up all night reading THE JOKER by Brian Azzarello. Even if you're not a graphic novel fan, it's impossible not to get sucked in to the gripping story, spot-on dialogue, and impressive illustrations. THE JOKER was published prior to The Dark Night's release, but judging by the similarities in illustrations, it's clear where the Hollywood guys got their image.
Michael Connelly finally did what his fans (and publisher) have always wanted him to do: write 2 books in a year. Detective Harry Bosch returns in NINE DRAGONS, and Connelly explores the world of Asian gangs. When the most important person in Bosch's life is taken from him, he's forced to do something he seldom does: leave LA.
If you ask Andrew Grant which book made him want to become a writer, he'll tell you it's ICE STATION ZEBRA by Alistair Maclean. It was published before I was born, so the book was never on my radar. But after Andrew's recommendation, I picked it up and couldn't put it down. If you like Espionage or Action/Adventure, ICE STATION ZEBRA is right up your alley. And if you want to write crime fiction, it's a necessary read.
Last weekend, I was up all night reading THE JOKER by Brian Azzarello. Even if you're not a graphic novel fan, it's impossible not to get sucked in to the gripping story, spot-on dialogue, and impressive illustrations. THE JOKER was published prior to The Dark Night's release, but judging by the similarities in illustrations, it's clear where the Hollywood guys got their image.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Weekend Reading
This weekend, I hope to read CHRONIC CITY by Jonathan Lethem, which was recently chosen for Indie Next List. For this book, he moves the setting to Manhattan, but hopefully it will be just as gripping as MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN.
Another one in my To Be Read pile is Martin Limon's G.I. BONES. Part of the Sueno/Bascom series, this military novel is set during 1970's Korea. Limon is a master at setting the scene and transporting readers into his world. If you're not familiar with the series, I encourage you to start from the beginning with JADE LADY BURNING.
If you're a sports fan or a history buff, pick up Mike Bohn's HEROES AND BALLYHOO: How the Golden Age of the 1920s Transformed American Sports. This nonfiction book profiles the great American sports heroes of that era , including Babe Ruth, Red Grange, and Bobby Jones. He goes further to explore those behind the scenes: sports writers, press agents, etc. Bohn is a knowledgeable storyteller and his book is a fascinating read.
Another one in my To Be Read pile is Martin Limon's G.I. BONES. Part of the Sueno/Bascom series, this military novel is set during 1970's Korea. Limon is a master at setting the scene and transporting readers into his world. If you're not familiar with the series, I encourage you to start from the beginning with JADE LADY BURNING.
If you're a sports fan or a history buff, pick up Mike Bohn's HEROES AND BALLYHOO: How the Golden Age of the 1920s Transformed American Sports. This nonfiction book profiles the great American sports heroes of that era , including Babe Ruth, Red Grange, and Bobby Jones. He goes further to explore those behind the scenes: sports writers, press agents, etc. Bohn is a knowledgeable storyteller and his book is a fascinating read.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Weekend Reading
For something new this weekend, check out THE HIDDEN MAN by David Ellis. He's a Chicago author and a newer member of The Outfit Collective. THE HIDDEN MAN is the first in a series featuring attorney Jason Kolarich and has already received much critical acclaim. Also, be on the lookout for Ellis's signings in next week's Must-See Monday.
Another new release is TOWER by Ken Bruen and Reed Farrell Coleman. When you combine two noir masters with cult followings, the product is nothing short of brilliant.
After watching the first season of True Blood all week, I'm feeling compelled to go back and re-read some Charlaine Harris. If you like the show but haven't read the books, pick up DEAD UNTIL DARK and LIVING DEAD IN DALLAS to see where the hit HBO series got its start.
Another new release is TOWER by Ken Bruen and Reed Farrell Coleman. When you combine two noir masters with cult followings, the product is nothing short of brilliant.
After watching the first season of True Blood all week, I'm feeling compelled to go back and re-read some Charlaine Harris. If you like the show but haven't read the books, pick up DEAD UNTIL DARK and LIVING DEAD IN DALLAS to see where the hit HBO series got its start.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Labor Day Weekend Reading
In honor of the holiday weekend, this week's selections are dedicated to the working man, specifically, police officers. Here are a few of my books featuring my favorite overworked and underpaid detectives.
One of the most famous fictional detectives is Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch. There are a lot of great books featuring the LA detective, but my two favorites are THE LAST COYOTE and THE NARROWS.
Kate Gillespie is Robin Burcell's hard working San Francisco Police Officer. With this series, start at the beginning with COLD CASE. Three more follow.
Another favorite series detective is Brian Freeman's Jonathan Stride. Often teamed up with female counterpart Serena Dial, Stride is a compelling character who throws himself head-first into every investigation. IMMORAL is the first in the series, followed by STRIPPED, STALKED, and IN THE DARK.
For a non-series detective, and one of my top ten favorite books, check out CLOCKERS by Richard Price. Rocco Klein is the definition of overworked and underpaid, and is one bad shift away from burnout. At times you hate him, others you feel sorry for him, changes scene by scene. But his character has depth and is extremely well written, which is compelling no matter how you feel about the guy.
One of the most famous fictional detectives is Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch. There are a lot of great books featuring the LA detective, but my two favorites are THE LAST COYOTE and THE NARROWS.
Kate Gillespie is Robin Burcell's hard working San Francisco Police Officer. With this series, start at the beginning with COLD CASE. Three more follow.
Another favorite series detective is Brian Freeman's Jonathan Stride. Often teamed up with female counterpart Serena Dial, Stride is a compelling character who throws himself head-first into every investigation. IMMORAL is the first in the series, followed by STRIPPED, STALKED, and IN THE DARK.
For a non-series detective, and one of my top ten favorite books, check out CLOCKERS by Richard Price. Rocco Klein is the definition of overworked and underpaid, and is one bad shift away from burnout. At times you hate him, others you feel sorry for him, changes scene by scene. But his character has depth and is extremely well written, which is compelling no matter how you feel about the guy.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Weekend Reading
Lots of new releases this week which means you'll have plenty to read over the weekend!
Check out Theresa Schwegel's LAST KNOWN ADDRESS. She's a Chicago author and writes wonderful, hard boiled police procedurals.
Also out this week is SHADOW OF BETRAYAL by Brett Battles. Brett is another talented writer and this is the third book in the Jonathan Quinn Series. Want to catch up? Check out THE CLEANER and THE DECEIVED.
I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I can't wait to pick up the first of Karen E. Olson's new series THE MISSING INK. Protagonist Brett Kavanaugh is the owner of an elite tattoo shop in Vegas. With all the story possibilities, I anticipate a long, entertaining series.
Check out Theresa Schwegel's LAST KNOWN ADDRESS. She's a Chicago author and writes wonderful, hard boiled police procedurals.
Also out this week is SHADOW OF BETRAYAL by Brett Battles. Brett is another talented writer and this is the third book in the Jonathan Quinn Series. Want to catch up? Check out THE CLEANER and THE DECEIVED.
I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I can't wait to pick up the first of Karen E. Olson's new series THE MISSING INK. Protagonist Brett Kavanaugh is the owner of an elite tattoo shop in Vegas. With all the story possibilities, I anticipate a long, entertaining series.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Top Ten Tuesday
I'm sure I will have missed one or two on this list, so feel free to comment and make additions. Remember, these are in alphabetical order by last name, not ranked, and that contemporary means the author must still be alive and writing the series:
Top Ten Contemporary Series Characters
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