The Accident Man
Tom Cain
Viking, Feb 2008, $24.95
ISBN: 9780670018499
In 1997 free lance assassin Samuel Carver receives money and instructions to perform a hit on a dangerous terrorist that must look like an accident. On the night of 31 August he sets up his operation to occur in a Paris tunnel. A speeding black Mercedes enters the tunnel only to have the driver seemingly lose control and crash into a supporting pillar. A passenger dies in the wreckage.
Tom feels good not because of mission accomplished but a nasty killer is dead. However, his euphoria ends immediately when a Russian assassin tries to kill him. He escapes barely even as he knows those who hired him wanted him dead, but cannot fathom why until he learns the identity of the deadly terrorist he killed. Samuel murdered Princess Diana. Stunned by the set up and feeling remorse, he also knows they will keep coming after him to silence him because an accident not a homicide must be the official finding in the death of the Princess. Carver realizes how difficult it will prove to find out who wanted Diana dead and him out of the way as he works for several espionage agencies, but though they will cover their aholes, he vows to find and kill the mastermind.
This is a fascinating concept that works due to the lead protagonist who in spite of his occupation as a hit man feels remorse once he realizes who he killed; he only goes after killers. The story line is at its best when Samuel struggles with his efforts to investigate the top espionage agencies who hire him. A romantic subplot between the hit man and a Russian operative seems out of place, as the hero has enough to contend with. Still thriller readers will appreciate the exhilarating THE ACCIDENT MAN.
Harriet Klausner
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Three Bedrooms, One Corpse-Charlaine Harris
Three Bedrooms, One Corpse
Charlaine Harris
Berkley, March 2008, $7.99, 240 pp.
ISBN 9780425220528
After receiving a sizable inheritance from a library patron, Aurora “Roe” Teagarden quits her job and is helping her mother out at her real estate agency to see if that would interest her as a career. While at the bar waiting for the couple to sign the papers for a house they are buying, Roe’s mother sends her to the Anderson abode to show the home to Martin Bartell, the new plant manager of Pan-Am Agra, and his sister.
When they get there she takes them into the master bedroom; where to everyone’s horror Tonia Lee Green lies dead on the bed. The realtor is cut up and posed in a very lewd position. The police look at the husband because Tonia was constantly cheating on him but his alibi holds up. A second realtor Idella is found murdered in a house for sale and Roe who loves to investigate a mystery starts looking into the murders when she is not being courted by Martin. Roe and Martin fell in love at first sight even though Roe feels he is no stranger to violence and he affirms her belief when she is at the mercy of the killer.
This book was published fourteen years ago but remains a refreshing original regional cozy whose heroine won the hearts of the reader. This engaging southern cozy stands the test of time. Charlaine Harris scribes a well constructed mystery with a bit of romance to produce a memorable work.
Harriet Klausner
Charlaine Harris
Berkley, March 2008, $7.99, 240 pp.
ISBN 9780425220528
After receiving a sizable inheritance from a library patron, Aurora “Roe” Teagarden quits her job and is helping her mother out at her real estate agency to see if that would interest her as a career. While at the bar waiting for the couple to sign the papers for a house they are buying, Roe’s mother sends her to the Anderson abode to show the home to Martin Bartell, the new plant manager of Pan-Am Agra, and his sister.
When they get there she takes them into the master bedroom; where to everyone’s horror Tonia Lee Green lies dead on the bed. The realtor is cut up and posed in a very lewd position. The police look at the husband because Tonia was constantly cheating on him but his alibi holds up. A second realtor Idella is found murdered in a house for sale and Roe who loves to investigate a mystery starts looking into the murders when she is not being courted by Martin. Roe and Martin fell in love at first sight even though Roe feels he is no stranger to violence and he affirms her belief when she is at the mercy of the killer.
This book was published fourteen years ago but remains a refreshing original regional cozy whose heroine won the hearts of the reader. This engaging southern cozy stands the test of time. Charlaine Harris scribes a well constructed mystery with a bit of romance to produce a memorable work.
Harriet Klausner
Friday, January 4, 2008
Pavel & I-Dan Vyleta
Pavel & I
Dan Vyleta
Bloomsbury, Jan 22 2008, $24.95
ISBN: 9781596914513
Germany surrendered to the allies just over a year ago, but the occupation remains everywhere in the battered country divided up between America, France, England and Russia. Adding to the despondency is the weather is icy cold as 1946 turns into 1947.
American G.I. Pavel Richter remains in brutally freezing Berlin. His friend Boyd White arrives at his home asking for help as he has the corpse of a local midget to dispose of. Getting over his initial shock, Pavel agrees to help conceal the body in his place for now. However soon afterward Boyd is killed and Pavel learns the body living with him is a Russian double agent Suldmann whose delivery package is missing. Pavel’s neighbors British Colonel Fosko and his prostitute Sonia along with German and Russian agents seek whatever Suldmann was carrying while Pavel just wants to get out of the mess he inadvertently finds himself in although he is in love with Sonia.
This is a fabulous historical mystery in which the atmosphere of Berlin just after WWI owns the well written story line. The prime players especially Pavel seem genuine. However the cast of a zillion support characters bring alive the war battered residents struggling with sustenance in any way possible as any pre war ethics mean nothing on an empty stomach; but intrudes on the main plot of deadly rivals competing to find Suldmann’s cache.
Harriet Klausner
Dan Vyleta
Bloomsbury, Jan 22 2008, $24.95
ISBN: 9781596914513
Germany surrendered to the allies just over a year ago, but the occupation remains everywhere in the battered country divided up between America, France, England and Russia. Adding to the despondency is the weather is icy cold as 1946 turns into 1947.
American G.I. Pavel Richter remains in brutally freezing Berlin. His friend Boyd White arrives at his home asking for help as he has the corpse of a local midget to dispose of. Getting over his initial shock, Pavel agrees to help conceal the body in his place for now. However soon afterward Boyd is killed and Pavel learns the body living with him is a Russian double agent Suldmann whose delivery package is missing. Pavel’s neighbors British Colonel Fosko and his prostitute Sonia along with German and Russian agents seek whatever Suldmann was carrying while Pavel just wants to get out of the mess he inadvertently finds himself in although he is in love with Sonia.
This is a fabulous historical mystery in which the atmosphere of Berlin just after WWI owns the well written story line. The prime players especially Pavel seem genuine. However the cast of a zillion support characters bring alive the war battered residents struggling with sustenance in any way possible as any pre war ethics mean nothing on an empty stomach; but intrudes on the main plot of deadly rivals competing to find Suldmann’s cache.
Harriet Klausner
Symphony of Secrets-Sharon Hinck
Symphony of Secrets
Sharon Hinck
Bethany House, Feb 2008
ISBN: 9780764202827
When Amy Johnson became pregnant she dropped out Julliard to raise her child; her daughter’s father wanted nothing to do with either her or Clara. Amy moved to Minneapolis to raise her daughter, taking music teaching jobs to feed them. Her dreams of being a concert flutist are gone with some lingering regret, but her love for her now fifteen year old Clara makes it worth it.
Amy’s best friend harpist Lena tells her the Minneapolis Symphony is seeking a second seat flutist. Though extremely nervous she tries out and gets the position. As she rehearses and performs under the guidance of new conductor Peter Wilson, someone seems to be sabotaging the symphony targeting concertmaster Stefan Kronenberg. As she investigates because she loves solving a whodunit even when there are none, Amy has concerns with Clara who has committed two faux pas in her mom’s mind; she has become a cheerleader and is going to church.
Combining music with an amateur sleuth investigation and a light welcoming inspirational religious touch, readers will want to attend the symphony. The story line opens with Clara debunking her mother’s latest criminal solution and shocking her with her being a cheerleader mom. Sharon Hinck conducts a wonderful tale starring a terrific heroine, who does not want to be a cheerleader mom or attend church, but for Clara will try both.
Harriet Klausner
Sharon Hinck
Bethany House, Feb 2008
ISBN: 9780764202827
When Amy Johnson became pregnant she dropped out Julliard to raise her child; her daughter’s father wanted nothing to do with either her or Clara. Amy moved to Minneapolis to raise her daughter, taking music teaching jobs to feed them. Her dreams of being a concert flutist are gone with some lingering regret, but her love for her now fifteen year old Clara makes it worth it.
Amy’s best friend harpist Lena tells her the Minneapolis Symphony is seeking a second seat flutist. Though extremely nervous she tries out and gets the position. As she rehearses and performs under the guidance of new conductor Peter Wilson, someone seems to be sabotaging the symphony targeting concertmaster Stefan Kronenberg. As she investigates because she loves solving a whodunit even when there are none, Amy has concerns with Clara who has committed two faux pas in her mom’s mind; she has become a cheerleader and is going to church.
Combining music with an amateur sleuth investigation and a light welcoming inspirational religious touch, readers will want to attend the symphony. The story line opens with Clara debunking her mother’s latest criminal solution and shocking her with her being a cheerleader mom. Sharon Hinck conducts a wonderful tale starring a terrific heroine, who does not want to be a cheerleader mom or attend church, but for Clara will try both.
Harriet Klausner
Killing Fear-Allison Brennan
Killing Fear
Allison Brennan
Ballantine, Feb 2008, $6.99
ISBN: 9780345502711
Seven years ago club owner and exotic dancer Robin McKenna’s testimony somewhat helped convict serial killer Theodore Glenn, who defended himself but could not overcome the DNA evidence at the murder scene. He and one other person know the forensic proof that caught him was not left at the scene by him; someone probably the dumb detective framed him. That is if you can call a frame when he did commit the homicides. She assumed she would never see the vile psychopath who killed her roommate Anna ever again though he vowed vengeance against those who sent him to prison.
An earthquake shakes the Bay area damaging San Quentin. During the turmoil, Glenn escapes. He plans to kill those who convicted him. At the top of his list is Detective Will Hooper. Not only did the cop arrest him and probably framed him, he had the gall to have a tryst with Robin who Glenn believes belongs to the perfect man: him. In fact he considers each new homicide as a gift to Robin. . Glenn is obsessed with Robin and thrills to the pain each new murder causes her. Glenn even leaves several hints that Anna still lives after all this time. Robin and Will relook the evidence though they doubt Anna survived her ordeal, but they begin to think the possibility exists. Will knows that Robin is on Glenn’s list so he must stop this maniac before anyone else dies.
This is an exciting serial killer cat and mouse game in which Glenn is as brilliant and amoral as a person can become as he only feels pleasure when he provides immense pain climaxing in the death of others. The story line is fast-paced once the triangle is set with his escape and never slows down as readers anticipate a final “perfect” confrontation. However before getting there Allison Brennan takes her audience through spins and twists that add tension to the strong suspense storyline.
Harriet Klausner
Allison Brennan
Ballantine, Feb 2008, $6.99
ISBN: 9780345502711
Seven years ago club owner and exotic dancer Robin McKenna’s testimony somewhat helped convict serial killer Theodore Glenn, who defended himself but could not overcome the DNA evidence at the murder scene. He and one other person know the forensic proof that caught him was not left at the scene by him; someone probably the dumb detective framed him. That is if you can call a frame when he did commit the homicides. She assumed she would never see the vile psychopath who killed her roommate Anna ever again though he vowed vengeance against those who sent him to prison.
An earthquake shakes the Bay area damaging San Quentin. During the turmoil, Glenn escapes. He plans to kill those who convicted him. At the top of his list is Detective Will Hooper. Not only did the cop arrest him and probably framed him, he had the gall to have a tryst with Robin who Glenn believes belongs to the perfect man: him. In fact he considers each new homicide as a gift to Robin. . Glenn is obsessed with Robin and thrills to the pain each new murder causes her. Glenn even leaves several hints that Anna still lives after all this time. Robin and Will relook the evidence though they doubt Anna survived her ordeal, but they begin to think the possibility exists. Will knows that Robin is on Glenn’s list so he must stop this maniac before anyone else dies.
This is an exciting serial killer cat and mouse game in which Glenn is as brilliant and amoral as a person can become as he only feels pleasure when he provides immense pain climaxing in the death of others. The story line is fast-paced once the triangle is set with his escape and never slows down as readers anticipate a final “perfect” confrontation. However before getting there Allison Brennan takes her audience through spins and twists that add tension to the strong suspense storyline.
Harriet Klausner
Calumet City-Charlie Newton
Calumet City
Charlie Newton
Touchstone, Mar 2008, $14.00
ISBN: 9781416533221
It has been almost two decades since Patti Black ran from her foster home in Calumet City. Her life with her foster parents was torturous, a chamber of horrors; that led to her drinking as a teen to forget the atrocities. After running away she eventually got her act together and has been a Chicago police officer. She is the most decorated cop in the city and in line to a promotion to detective. Her world starts to implode when she and her crew enter a gasoline soaked apartment where she finds walled inside the ruins the remains of her foster mother.
State Assistant District Attorney Richard Rhodes is a former foster child raised in that nightmarish home. Soon it is discovered that the mayor’s wife owned the house where Patti’s foster mom was “buried”. Too many clues lead back to Patti. CPD crime investigators and Internal Affairs, and the FBI want to interrogate Patti, but she is not talking to anyone. Instead she is on the road seeking her foster father who she thought was dead before he can find their son.
This is a dark gritty police procedural in which the protagonist is haunted by demons from her past despite putting on a tough presence in front of her peers or gangbangers. There are plenty of action and chase scenes, but the tale is owned by the fully developed Patti. Readers feel as if they know her yet lingering doubts persist re her innocence while also rooting for her to finally confront the demons that are devouring her mind.
Harriet Klausner
Charlie Newton
Touchstone, Mar 2008, $14.00
ISBN: 9781416533221
It has been almost two decades since Patti Black ran from her foster home in Calumet City. Her life with her foster parents was torturous, a chamber of horrors; that led to her drinking as a teen to forget the atrocities. After running away she eventually got her act together and has been a Chicago police officer. She is the most decorated cop in the city and in line to a promotion to detective. Her world starts to implode when she and her crew enter a gasoline soaked apartment where she finds walled inside the ruins the remains of her foster mother.
State Assistant District Attorney Richard Rhodes is a former foster child raised in that nightmarish home. Soon it is discovered that the mayor’s wife owned the house where Patti’s foster mom was “buried”. Too many clues lead back to Patti. CPD crime investigators and Internal Affairs, and the FBI want to interrogate Patti, but she is not talking to anyone. Instead she is on the road seeking her foster father who she thought was dead before he can find their son.
This is a dark gritty police procedural in which the protagonist is haunted by demons from her past despite putting on a tough presence in front of her peers or gangbangers. There are plenty of action and chase scenes, but the tale is owned by the fully developed Patti. Readers feel as if they know her yet lingering doubts persist re her innocence while also rooting for her to finally confront the demons that are devouring her mind.
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Blind Fall-Christopher Rice
Blind Fall
Christopher Rice
Scribner, March 2008, $26.00
ISBN: 9780743293990
In Iraq, John Houck of the Force Recon Company learned about the suicide of his brother shortly before they were to go out on a mission. During their mission, John missed some signs and a car blew up injuring his commanding officer Mike Bowers who jumped on John saving his life but lost an eye in the process. His body will have scars from the injury and it is John’s guilt that doesn’t allow him to pay Mike a visit until long after Johm returns to the states.
When a gift he ordered for Mike arrives he has the excuse to finally see his savior. Entering his home, he finds Mike tied to his bed by both arms, several wounds in his chest. He finds Alex outside and learns they are lovers living together. John takes Alex to see the body, but there is no corpse and the room is clean. When they report it to the police captain Ray Duncan, he makes it plain he thinks that John is suffering from PTSD. Joh takes Alex to his home and when Duncan arrives saying Mike is nowhere to be found and that perhaps Alex is the killer. John notices the handprint he makes is the same as the one in Mike’s room. John feels an affinity to Alex because of what he was to Mike. John teaches Alex how to defend himself but when Duncan does something that enrages Alex, John is afraid he is going to kill the cop and he takes desperate measures to stop him.
This novel packs a powerful emotional punch as it examines the psyches of two damaged individuals who don’t even realize the truth about themselves. John is an interesting complex character, whose brother was gay and Alex a gay man o was afraid of the relationship that existed between Mike and John even though Mike never came out of the closet to John.. This is a great work of psychological suspense but it is also a work that explores the damage people do in the name of love.
Harriet Klausner
Christopher Rice
Scribner, March 2008, $26.00
ISBN: 9780743293990
In Iraq, John Houck of the Force Recon Company learned about the suicide of his brother shortly before they were to go out on a mission. During their mission, John missed some signs and a car blew up injuring his commanding officer Mike Bowers who jumped on John saving his life but lost an eye in the process. His body will have scars from the injury and it is John’s guilt that doesn’t allow him to pay Mike a visit until long after Johm returns to the states.
When a gift he ordered for Mike arrives he has the excuse to finally see his savior. Entering his home, he finds Mike tied to his bed by both arms, several wounds in his chest. He finds Alex outside and learns they are lovers living together. John takes Alex to see the body, but there is no corpse and the room is clean. When they report it to the police captain Ray Duncan, he makes it plain he thinks that John is suffering from PTSD. Joh takes Alex to his home and when Duncan arrives saying Mike is nowhere to be found and that perhaps Alex is the killer. John notices the handprint he makes is the same as the one in Mike’s room. John feels an affinity to Alex because of what he was to Mike. John teaches Alex how to defend himself but when Duncan does something that enrages Alex, John is afraid he is going to kill the cop and he takes desperate measures to stop him.
This novel packs a powerful emotional punch as it examines the psyches of two damaged individuals who don’t even realize the truth about themselves. John is an interesting complex character, whose brother was gay and Alex a gay man o was afraid of the relationship that existed between Mike and John even though Mike never came out of the closet to John.. This is a great work of psychological suspense but it is also a work that explores the damage people do in the name of love.
Harriet Klausner
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