Mysterious Reviews

The Fear Index by Robert Harris

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:24:00 EDT

Review of The Fear Index by Robert Harris. Non-series.

Some elements of this financial thriller work far better than others. The helpless fear the main character feels is well developed, but the storyline is so weak that it fails to generate any real suspense. A perfectly adequate book for that lost afternoon, though not nearly as clever as it purports to be.

Four Below by Peter Helton

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:24:00 EDT

Review of Four Below by Peter Helton. A Liam McLusky Mystery.

This fast-paced mystery is centered on a terrific series character, a Detective Inspector new to a station that would rather not have him. There's quite a bit of humor here to balance the seriousness of the drug crimes plaguing the city.

Those Who Love Night by Wessel Ebersohn

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:45:00 EDT

Review of Those Who Love Night by Wessel Ebersohn. An Abigail Bukula Mystery.

This thinly plotted mystery � and disappointing sequel to the far superior The October Killings � spends much of its first half dealing with interpersonal relationships, doing little to draw readers into the storyline of a man, purportedly Abigail's cousin, wrongfully imprisoned in Zimbabwe and her efforts to free him.

Mr. Kill by Martin Lim�n

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:53:00 EDT

Review of Mr. Kill by Martin Lim�n. A George Sue�o and Ernie Bascom Mystery.

One of the primary reasons these mysteries are so enjoyable is the exceptional team of US Army investigators Sue�o and Bascom. Individually they have their own appeal but together they are a dynamic force that earns the respect of the reader. This is a terrific addition to the series.

Guilt by Ferdinand von Schirach

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:00:02 EDT

Review of Guilt by Ferdinand von Schirach. A Short Story Collection.

Ordinary people reacting to extraordinary situations is a common thread in this somewhat unusual collection of short stories, one that clearly won't be to everyone's liking, but one that might cause readers to think a bit more about what the word "guilt" means in a broader context.

The Silent Oligarch by Chris Morgan Jones

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:38:00 EDT

Review of The Silent Oligarch by Chris Morgan Jones. Non-series.

This remarkably effective novel of suspense is also a character study of two men, adversaries in a world of financial intrigue. Readers may find the ending bittersweet as they realize they have become so drawn into the lives of these characters that there's an unexpected sense of loss at how their story plays out.

Murder in the Irish Channel by Greg Herren

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:04:00 EDT

Review of Murder in the Irish Channel by Greg Herren. A Chanse MacLeod Mystery.

There is nothing unusual about the list of suspects in this murder mystery, most of which are stock New Orleans characters, especially post-Katrina: the Catholic Church, shady real estate developers, insurance companies, government officials and the mob � but they are creatively used here. Indeed, most readers will likely not be able to identify whodunit � and why � much before Chanse figures it out.

Stealing Magic by Marianne Malone

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:00:03 EDT

Review of Stealing Magic by Marianne Malone. A Sixty-Eight Rooms Adventure.

The whodunit aspect to this mystery/adventure story doesn't kick in until relatively late, but the journey of Ruthie and Jack before that is not without plenty of excitement. The target audience of middle-school readers will likely enjoy this book and their parents may find themselves "stealing" it to read as escapist entertainment.

Behind the Redwood Door by John M. Daniel

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:29:00 EDT

Review of Behind the Redwood Door by John M. Daniel. A Guy Mallon Mystery.

As much history as mystery, fans of either � or both � genres will enjoy the storyline here. The history is a clever blending of generally known facts from the region and a fictional recreation of roots of a small California coastal town. The whodunit element is nicely constructed, the murder mystery peppered with plenty of red herrings.

A Corpse's Nightmare by Phillip DePoy

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:15:00 EDT

Review of A Corpse's Nightmare by Phillip DePoy. A Fever Devilin Mystery.

This mystery is a nicely balanced combination of humor and suspense, populated with an incredible cast of characters and a fascinating backstory. The storyline itself is well-crafted, and will keep readers curious and interested right up to the very end.