Category: Detective fiction

  • Bruno, chief of police, is at it again

    Bob Moyer reviews the latest in a much loved series rich in with French history, culture, food and, oh yes, crime. Reviewed by Robert P. Moyer. A GRAVE IN THE WOODS. By Martin Walker. Knopf. 283 page. $29. The past is never past; it is always present. In this charming, slightly addictive (to some) series,…

  • Classic hard-boiled detective – deftly updated

    Like a fast-paced, atmospheric, well written detective story? Bob Moyer has found a series  that’s all that while adapted to our modern age. Reviewed by Robert P. Moyer BLIND TO MIDNIGHT. By Reed Farrell Coleman. Black Stone Publishing. 291 pages. $26.99 Back in the good old days, a hard-boiled detective wore a fedora, drank cheap…

  • Behind the glitter…

    Reviewed by Linda C. Brinson THE QUEEN CITY DETECTIVE AGENCY. By Snowden Wright. William Morrow. 260 pages. It’s 1985 in Meridian, Mississippi. It’s the Ronald Reagan era, morning in America, so they say. But in Meridian, once known as the Queen City but now more of a dump, there’s often more darkness than dawn, especially…

  • New crimes, old desires

    Reviewed by Robert P. Moyer FAREWELL, AMETHYSTINE. By Walter Mosley. Mulholland Books. 336 pages. $30. The title gives it away. In all previous 15 books about Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins, dozens of beautiful women pass through the pages. None of them get more than a few chapters, however, and few of them make it to the…

  • No rest for Sister Holiday

    Bob Moyer loves to visit New Orleans, whether in person or through the novels he reads. Here he takes a look at the second in a quirky new New Orleans-set mystery series by Margot Douaihy. Reviewed by Robert P. Moyer BLESSED WATER. By Margot Douaihy. Zando. 288 pages. $27.95 Fire first, then water. In her…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…