Vol. 4 Issue 2
In this issue I’m recommending the latest novels featuring iconic characters created by Michael Connelly and Janet Evanovich. Evanovich’s thirtieth Stephanie Plum novel is clever, engaging and humorous. Connelly’s Resurrection Walk treats us to his famous characters from two series, Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer and his half-brother Harry Bosch, a retired LAPD detective. The debut novel by Nina Simon, Mother Daughter Murder Night is a treat. Kirkus Review calls it a “feisty-female–driven whodunit,” and it doesn’t disappoint. I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of Simon’s work in the future.
Recommendations
Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly
Lincoln Lawyer Mickey Haller hires retired LAPD detective Harry Bosch to help him overturn the murder conviction of an innocent woman. Haller, aware of the roadblocks to challenging a conviction, proves he has the tenacity and legal skills to get the case into a courtroom. Connelly excels at creating courtroom drama and suspense. A veteran writer of thirty years, Connelly remains at the top of his game. The Lincoln Lawyer series, the basis for both a movie and a TV series, and the Bosch series are among the best in crime fiction today. Highly recommended.
Dirty Thirty by Janet Evanovich
Stephanie Plum, Evanovich’s protagonist, is sharp, resilient and wisecracking. As with all the novels in this series, the action and the humor are fast paced. In Dirty Thirty, a jewelry store owner hires Plum to find his former security guard, who he is convinced was responsible for the recent robbery of diamond stones. While Plum searches for the missing employee, she also uncovers the true motive for the robbery. At the same time, she must deal with her conflicting feelings about her relationship with the two men in her life. Overall, the intriguing plot and Plum’s smarts make this a fun read.
Mother Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon
In her debut novel, Simon delivers a unique take on family relationships in crisis, infusing the story with both humor and pathos. Grandmother, mother and daughter are thrown together when Lana, the grandmother, a successful Los Angeles real estate broker, comes to stay at her daughter Beth’s remote cottage while undergoing cancer treatment. At the same time, granddaughter Jack, who discovers a body while boating on the river, becomes a murder suspect. Lana, a larger-than-life personality, is undeterred by her illness or her fatigue from the treatment. She is determined to uncover the murderer and prove Jack’s innocence. Despite inevitable conflicts, the bond among the three women remains strong.
Updates
New Andrea Fabiano novel in development
For my newsletter subscribers, especially those of you who enjoyed my debut novel, Killer Deals, a second novel is coming. I’m busy writing a new novel featuring PI Andrea Fabiano. Its working title is “Hidden Identity.” I’ll keep you updated on the book’s progress toward publication. In the meantime, you might want to check out my Andrea Fabiano short stories, available as e-books on Amazon. Killer Deals remains available for sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org. If you’ve read the novel and liked it, I’d appreciate if you would consider contributing a review on Amazon, if you haven’t’ already. The reality is that Amazon sells the majority of published novels and your review will help get the word out about my book to a broad audience.
Readings
I’ll be reading my short story, Kill Fees at the March 19 meeting of the Brandywine Valley Writers’ Group in West Chester, PA. If you’re in the area, I’d love to see you there. Ryan’s Pub at 7 p.m.
Patronize Independent Booksellers
Whenever you buy books, please consider purchasing from independent booksellers who remain passionate about books, love to share their knowledge and provide a vital link between readers and authors. Bookshop.org contributes ten percent of its sales revenue to independent sellers.
Watch your inbox for my next newsletter out in May when I will feature crime novels with international settings. Perhaps whetting your appetite for travel abroad. In the meantime, please feel free to share your thoughts and recommendations with me. Email me at chrisquarembo@gmail.com or visit my website chrisquarembo.com.
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