Category: Mysteries

  • In the eye of the beholder

    One of Bob Moyer’s favorite detective series has a notable change in offering No 24, and Bob approaches the new twist with an 0pen — maybe even eager — mind. Reviewed by Robert P. Moyer CLETE. A Dave Robicheaux Novel. By James Lee Burke. Atlantic Monthly Press. 336 pages. $28. He’s a mess, but he’s…

  • Sailing toward death, in fine style

    Reviewed by Linda C. Brinson DEATH ON THE LUSITANIA. By R.L. Graham. Macmillan. 381 pages. $18.99. On May 1, 1915, the RMS Lusitania, one of the most luxurious ocean liners then sailing the seas, left New York City, bound for Liverpool, England. Six days later, on the afternoon of May 7, as the Lusitania was…

  • Coben and Bolivar, at it again

    Bob Moyer had this review ready to go on the book’s publication date, but his editor (me) was off living the high life in Sin City at that time. I’ve now unpacked, done laundry and caught up on my sleep, so here it is. Reviewed by Robert P. Moyer THINK TWICE. By Harlan Coben. Grand…

  • A runaway wife, intrigue and secrets in a Depression-era tale

    Paul O’Connor reviews the latest novel – the fifth –  by North Carolina author Charles Frazier.  He finds a lot to like. Reviewed by Paul T. O’Connor THE TRACKERS. By Charles Frazier. Harper Collins. 320 pages. $19.99, softcover. In 1937, a young artist has landed his dream job. Val Welch, with the help of a…

  • The last book by one of the greats

    Reviewed by Robert P. Moyer Bob Moyer reviews the final book by one of the best mystery novelists of the late 20th century. ANOTHER DAY’S PAIN. By K.C. Constantine. Mysterious Press. 232 pages. $26.95 With the posthumous publication of his 18th Rocksburg novel, K.C. Constantine deserves more than a review, he deserves an homage. He was…

  • Murder and philosophy on a Greek isle

    Need an entertaining mystery to read? Bob Moyer has another suggestion, this one set on one of the isles of Greece. Reviewed by Robert P. Moyer THE FURY. By Alex Michaelides. Celadon Press. 320 pages. $28.99. “Character is Fate.” That’s a heady premise behind a classic mystery novel with seven people trapped on a Greek island. Does…

  • Murder, mystery and wit in the Australian wilds

    Reviewed by Linda C. Brinson EVERYONE ON THIS TRAIN IS A SUSPECT. By Benjamin Stevenson. Mariner Books. 336 pages. $30. Benjamin Stevenson has a lot of nerve. It’s not every writer who would be so bold as to produce a modern spin on Murder on the Orient Express, Agatha Christie’s masterpiece starring the inimitable Hercule…

  • News, intrigue, mystery and wit

    Bob Moyer reviews the sixth in a series of mysteries starring a woman TV news reporter. Don’t worry: He says you don’t have to read the other five before trying this one. But at some point, you might want to try those too. Reviewed by Robert P. Moyer BROADCAST BLUES. By R.G. Belsky. Oceanview Publishing.…

  • Mystery and suspense, with a bow and a cup of tea

    Bob Moyer reviews something that is new to me: I’ve never read a Japanese police procedural. It sounds as though it’s worth a try. Reviewed by Robert P. Moyer THE FINAL CURTAIN: A Mystery (The Kyoichiro Kaga Series, Book 4). By Keigo Higashino. Minotaur. 400 pages. $29. Don’t worry. It will all become clear. The reader…

  • A gift for mystery lovers: Hercule Poirot, on the case

    HERCULE POIROT’S SILENT NIGHT.  By Sophie Hannah. William Morrow. 362 pages. $30. Reviewed by Linda C. Brinson Yes, that’s right. Just in time for Christmas, there’s a new mystery out starring Agatha Christie’s inimitable Hercule Poirot, the eccentric, dandified little Belgian detective with the egg-shaped head, turned-up moustache and busy “little grey cells” that solve…