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A barista on the case
Paul O’Connor recommends a debut mystery novel that should go well with your morning (or any time of day) cup of coffee. He hopes the author will keep writing. Reviewed by Paul T. O’Connor THE REGULARS OF AMANDA LEXIE. By J.J. Hanna. Torchflame Books. 161 pages. $16.99, softcover. Amanda Lexie is the star barista…
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The story of the Great Lakes’ most famous shipwreck
Last November was the 50th anniversary of a famous shipwreck you may be aware of because of a popular song. Paul O’Connor reviews a book written to mark that anniversary and tell more of the story of the doomed ship, the Edmund Fitzgerald. Reviewed by Paul T. O’Connor THE GALES OF NOVEMBER: The Untold Story…
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Solving crimes, taking vows
Bob Moyer loves good mystery novels, and he loves New Orleans, so it’s no surprise that he is reviewing the latest Sister Holiday mystery, No. 3 in the series. Reviewed by Robert P. Moyer DIVINE RUIN. A Sister Holiday Mystery. By Margot Douaihy. Gillian Flynn Books. 336 pages. $28, hardcover. A gold-toothed, tattooed ex-punk rocker…
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Something’s secret in the state of Denmark
Paul O’Connor takes a look a thriller rich in international politics and history. Reviewed by Paul T. O’Connor. REIGN OF SECRETS. By James P. Cain. Manhattan Book Group. 326 pages. $39.99, hardcover. For more than 1,000 years, Denmark’s royal family has guarded something that dates back to the days of Jesus Christ, something that has…
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Is there any reason for optimism?
Paul O’Connor takes a look at a book that is making him stop and think and might – just might – make him a bit optimistic. Reviewed by Paul T. O’Connor COMMON GROUND FOR US: Warning! This Book Makes Folks Optimistic. By Carl Nordgren. Torchflame Books. 112 pages. $19.99, softcover. Carl Nordgren is a creative…
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A detective who can’t let go
Bob Moyer has long been a fan of the Bosch detective world created by Michael Connelly. The recent spinoff Catalina series featuring Detective Sergeant Stilwell – known as Stil – is no exception. Reviewed by Robert P. Moyer IRONWOOD. By Michael Connelly. Little, Brown and Company. 336 pages. $32. How does this guy keep his…
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The Other World, in Ireland
We will forgive Paul O’Connor if he’s bit of a Hibernophile and that proclivity may have influenced his reaction to this historical novel. I am certain that if the book hadn’t been well written, he would have let us know in no uncertain terms. Reviewed by Paul T. O’Connor LAND. By Maggie O’Farrell. Alfred A.…