Crime Fiction | Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

THE DEAD GROUND by Claire McGowan

August 3, 2015

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Paula Maguire is a forensic psychologist working with the Missing Persons Response Unit in Ballyterrin, a small town in Northern Ireland’s border country. She usually investigates old cases, but when a newborn baby goes missing from a hospital, Paula is assigned the case.

To complicate things further, she is pregnant and not sure who the father is. Then a woman is ritualistically, brutally murdered, and the pressure becomes intense. Someone in this tight-knit community is taking very young babies and even cutting them, unborn, from their mothers.

Paula follows this bloody trail with little to go on, while she is agonizing over a deeply personal decision. The history and culture of Northern Ireland are explored, along with themes of religion and fanaticism, but at its soul, this is a tale of motherhood and loss. All of the victims are children and pregnant women, which makes for very dark reading.

This is the second book of the series (after The Lost,) and probably should be read in order. While not for the faint of heart, this compulsively readable thriller should appeal to Meg Gardiner or Val McDermid fans.

8/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE DEAD GROUND by Claire McGowan. Headline Book Publishing; First Edition edition (April 1, 2014). ISBN 978-1472218568. 400p.

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NAME OF THE DEVIL by Andrew Mayne

August 2, 2015

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A Jessica Blackwood Novel

A church explosion in Virginia has led some to theorize the devil could be at work. It’s true, there’s little evidence of the cause of the explosion. There’s also no sign of the reported victims. The latter is easily explained, though, as Jessica Blackwood can attest. Called in alongside Agent Knoll to assist in the investigation, Jessica quickly realizes that the search perimeter is too narrow. They find the first victim hanging upside down from a tree just outside their search field. Less easily explainable is the strange symbol etched in blood across the man’s chest.

In this follow up to Angel Killer, Andrew Mayne once again pits Blackwood against a criminal mastermind whose motives and methods are truly baffling and bizarre. But baffling and bizarre are exactly what Jessica Blackwood excels at.

There are just so many things Mayne does so perfectly here – the cases are super odd, Jessica Blackwood is completely unique and kick ass, and all of the weirdness is couched in a premise that ultimately comes across as believable.

As a second in a series, this is also a great follow up because we finally get to meet some of Jessica’s family and learn more about her background. As such, and due to the fact that there are some references to Angel Killer, I would suggest reading these in order. Trust me, they’re worth it.

8/15 Becky LeJeune

NAME OF THE DEVIL by Andrew Mayne. Bourbon Street Books; Uncorrected Proof edition (July 7, 2015). ISBN 978-0062348890. 432p.

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ANGEL KILLER by Andrew Mayne

July 29, 2015

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A Jessica Blackwood Novel

Jessica Blackwood is a Special Agent with a unique set of skills. As the youngest member of a well-known family of magicians, she cut her teeth on stage. But, after an incident left her dangerously close to dying, she gave up the limelight to join the police force and then the FBI. These days her job as a forensic accountant may not be all that exciting, but it’s a respectable one that won’t endanger her life. Yet.

Someone calling themself Warlock has hacked the FBI system, leaving behind a clue to a gruesome and bizarre crime scene. The grave of a murdered girl has been desecrated, the body left to appear as though it’s been digging itself out of the ground. But the grave is that of a girl who was murdered two years ago and the body looks impossibly fresh, leaving everyone completely stumped. Given the exceptional circumstances, Jessica’s mastery of illusion and misdirection makes her the perfect choice for the investigating team. And when the media catches wind of her involvement, Warlock notices.

Andrew Mayne kicks off a stand out new series with Angel Killer. Jessica is probably the first ex-magician lead I’ve ever seen in a mystery/thriller (outside of paranormal reads, that is). And while Mayne has certainly established her as the perfect investigator for a crime involving illusion, he does also develop her as an investigator who thinks beyond what those around her do – meaning the series is not boxed in by having to feature cases involving “magic” at all.

7/15 Becky LeJeune

ANGEL KILLER by Andrew Mayne. Bourbon Street Books; Original edition (September 23, 2014). ISBN 978-0062348876. 368p.

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THE TOURNAMENT by Matthew Reilly

July 25, 2015

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Matthew Reilly sets up a unique novel with an unusual plot incorporating two different themes. The first subject is the use of Queen Elizabeth I as a young girl of 13 and the third in line for the crown when her father Henry VIII passes away. During this period of her life, possibly due to the small chance of becoming Queen, little was written about her and Reilly freely postulates her presence at the other event the book is concerned with.

The Sultan of Constantinople (now Istanbul) Suleiman, sends an invitation to rulers of several nations inviting them to send contestants to a Chess tournament to be held at his court. King Henry selects an individual to send and invites Roger Ascham, a noted scholar of the period and Elizabeth’s tutor, to accompany England’s contestant. Elizabeth begs for permission to travel with the group and goes along. While historical records seem to indicate that she never traveled very far from London during her lifetime, Reilly takes a long leap with literary license to chronicle her trip. The adventures the party encountered during the trip as well as those experienced during the visit to Constantinople, if really occurring, would have certainly contributed to Elizabeth’s worldly attitude towards her subsequent rule.

Elizabeth’s friend and companion Elyse goes with her and seems to be seeking sexual adventures at every turn. She manages to capture the imagination of the heir to the Russian throne and sleeps with him, imagining that he will select her as his bride. The unfortunate turn of events in Elyse’s adventure is suggested as being the reason for the later designation of Elizabeth as the virgin Queen.

The chess tournament is described in a way indicating the deep feelings adherents had about a game that mirrored battles and required skill and not luck. Murders of leading people occur during the tourney and Suleiman asks Roger Ascham to solve the mystery of who the murderers are. Ascham does so and introduces the probability of unethical and certainly evil conduct on the part of the sultan and members of his court.

Obviously there is a free use of literary license Reilly both in the events postulated as well as the interjection of world famous personages such as Michelangelo attending the tourney, but the novel is an entertaining read. It should be read as “possibly” occurring and providing a picture of events and action in 1546 with a young Elizabeth experiencing a set of circumstances which would have molded her later character and actions.

7/15 Paul Lane

THE TOURNAMENT by Matthew Reilly. Gallery Books (July 21, 2015). ISBN: 978-1476749549. 320p.

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WHO LET THE DOG OUT? by David Rosenfelt

July 22, 2015

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An Andy Carpenter Novel (Book 13)

Andy Carpenter is a very wealthy man due to a large inheritance and is also a lawyer. He works at the law as little as possible as his interests lie mainly in his partnership with Willie Miller. In a previous book, Andy had saved Willie from death row and proved his innocence. The two formed the Tara Foundation, which is involved with saving dogs.

Willie calls Andy and tells him that there has been a break in at the foundation. It turns out that the only thing missing is a rescue dog they named Cheyenne. With the help of a chip that is placed in the body of all dogs, they have Cheyenne traced to a location in downtown Paterson, New Jersey. When Willie and Andy go to that location they find the dog, and a dead body of someone obviously recently and brutally murdered.

The two notify the police and take Cheyenne back to the Tara Foundation thinking that their part is now over. But Andy’s curiosity keeps him looking at the case, and when the police arrest a man named Tommy Infante and charge him with the murder, Andy has his doubts. He takes Infante on as a client and in looking for evidence to clear him finds that the murder is just one cog in a much larger and more dangerous wheel.

The story is told in first person by Andy Carpenter and showcases the wise cracking personality he has. His wife Laurie helps with advice. The usual associates are there – his secretary who is practicing for a crossword puzzle tournament and Marcus, a man of very few words but the ability to take care of the physical work. He also has contacts that help him with the local police and the FBI.

Each of the Andy Carpenter books is an enjoyable treat into some brilliant legal work coupled with a lot of humor, and the presence of dogs. All are fast reading and keeps the reader awaiting the next one in the series.

7/15 Paul Lane

WHO LET THE DOG OUT? by David Rosenfelt. Minotaur Books (July 21, 2015). ISBN: 978-1250055330. 336p.

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FLASK OF THE DRUNKEN MASTER by Susan Spann

July 20, 2015

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Shinobi Mysteries (Book 3)

The morning starts out regular enough as Hiro and Father Mateo make their way for their favorite noodle vendor, but the day takes a turn when they witness Ginjiro the brewer being arrested for murder.

A fellow brewer has been found dead in Ginjiro’s alley, apparently beaten with one of Ginjiro’s own flasks. Just hours before, patrons at Ginjiro’s brewery witnessed the two of them arguing and overheard Ginjiro threaten the dead man. With such damning evidence, Ginjiro’s guilt is the simplest conclusion. But Hiro and Father Mateo aren’t so certain. The two are given just a few days to try and find the real killer before Ginjiro is put to trial and almost certainly hanged, but will it be enough time to prove their friend’s innocence?

Susan Spann’s Shinobi series is an excellent blend of history and mystery. With feudal Japan as the backdrop, Spann explores the intricacies and politics of the era, weaving those details into well-conceived plots of murder and more.

Though Flask is technically the third in the series, it does stand quite well on its own. There are a few mentions of previous investigations on the part of our heroes, but nothing that would ruin Claws of the Cat or Blade of the Samurai should you decide to go back to those later.

7/15 Becky LeJeune

FLASK OF THE DRUNKEN MASTER by Susan Spann. Minotaur Books (July 14, 2015). ISBN 978-1250027061. 304p.

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SECRETS OF THE LAST NAZI by Iain King

July 17, 2015

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Myles Munro Action Thriller Series

The story opens with the discovery of a well connected Nazi SS commander dead in Berlin in 2015. Werner Stolz guarded the last secret of Hitler and the Nazis for 70 years. A secret so deadly that if discovered could plunge the world into a fight for power because of it. Military historian Myles Munro and an international team he leads are tasked with piecing together the complex puzzle left by Stolz.

When one of his team is killed, Myles realizes that the stakes are much higher than originally perceived and quite possibly his group includes a traitor. The hunt for the secret and its ramifications broadens all across Europe. What comes out are factors that might be useful in predicting future events. It appears that the Nazis had used the secret to try and ascertain major future happenings. King indicates in an afterwards that the ingredients of the secret were used successfully in the real world for much of recorded history and have applications for our future.

What the secret is and where and when it originated comprise one of the most original and carefully thought out stories that have yet to appear in print. King introduces facts and dates to substantiate his thesis making this a mesmerizing novel with the distinct possibility that it introduces new truths in a world of science previously debunked as fakery. Great thinkers out of the past are introduced as discovering and using these ideas.

Not only a better than average conspiracy book, but one also backed up by research that brings new ideas into the possibility of reality. A book that will thrill and one already followed by another Iain King novel featuring Myles Munro and delving into further proof of the ideas that he espouses.

7/15 Paul Lane

SECRETS OF THE LAST NAZI by Iain King. Bookouture (July 14, 2015). ISBN: 978-1910751107. 454p.

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THE ASSASSINS by Gayle Lynds

July 10, 2015

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The Judd Ryder Books

After a time away from writing for personal reasons Gayle Lynds returns with an intricate story about six assassins seeking a prize worth many millions of dollars. The six found a common ground when they did a job for Saddam Hussein and were not paid half of the agreed upon fee due to his death. They settled upon stealing an ancient tablet with cuneiform symbols upon it valued at millions of dollars that is being exhibited at a museum in Baghdad. The theft was successful but the tablet accidentally dropped and broken into pieces while the six flee the scene.

Years later when Judd Ryder, formerly a spy for the U.S. is walking home from work he spots a man that looks exactly like him coming from Judd’s house. As Ryder approaches him the man is killed by a hit and run accident.

Investigating the incident Judd learns that the key to his doubles killing and to the events surrounding the theft of the tablet from the Baghdad museum lies with an assassin active during the cold war known as the Carnivore. He was one of the six killers that stole the tablet, and the other five are seeking him in order to finally put the pieces together and possibly sell it for the money Saddam owed them. Judd and a CIA trainee, Eva Blake were known to have seen the Carnivore a short while ago and are sought in order to get the information needed to catch him.

The chase pitting the assassins against each other and seeking Judd and Eva is played out on an international stage going from Washington D.C., Marrakech and Baghdad and is explosive in the speed of the action. The many details are held together neatly by Gayle and make for a very welcome return to the literary world for her.

7/14 Paul Lane

THE ASSASSINS by Gayle Lynds. St. Martin’s Press (June 30, 2015). ISBN: 978-0312380908. 416p.

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SOMEBODY I USED TO KNOW by David Bell

July 7, 2015

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A combination love story and mystery spanning 20 years. Nick Hansen fell in love with a girl named Marissa Minor while both were in college. To get married was definitely in the cards for them when a horrible accident, a house fire, killed four girls, including Marissa. Nick, devastated, was forced to go on with his life and eventually marries another woman who has a boy from a previous marriage. Nick was crazy about the boy, but unfortunately the couple divorced.

After the divorce Nick continues working at a dead end job and trying to continue seeing Andrew, his ex-wife’s son. One day while in the grocery he is stopped in his tracks by a girl that is the exact image of his dead girlfriend Marissa. Nick attempts to speak to her but the girl runs off.

The next day the police come to his house and indicate that the girl he tried to speak to was found dead in her hotel room with Nick’s address in her possession. Convinced that there has to be a connection between the dead girl and his old girlfriend, Marissa, Nick asks for help from an old friend of his, Laurel Davidson, who works in the D.A.’s office.

Bell is tossing a lot of people at us during the course of the book but does succeed in tying all pieces together at the end to come up with a logical conclusion to what is happening. A fast read, keeping the reader’s interest, and possibly a little reminiscent of Harlan Coben’s novel Six Years, it does stand on its own as well done.

7/15 Paul Lane

SOMEBODY I USED TO KNOW by David Bell. NAL (July 7, 2015). ISBN: 978-0451474209. 432p.

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THE INSIDER THREAT by Brad Taylor

July 3, 2015

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A Pike Logan Thriller (Book 8)

This is the eighth entry in the Pike Logan action series by Brad Taylor, whose real life activities included years of experience with covert operations. Pike is the leader of a group of undercover soldiers, part of a secret US government sanctioned organization known only as the Task Force, devoted to taking down America’s enemies wherever they may be. His cover is a business he has in partnership with his girlfriend, lover and member of his elite team – Jennifer Cahill. Jennifer has a degree in Archaeological studies, and the business is to seek artifacts of scientific and historical value.

The Insider Threat is Col. Taylor’s first novel concerning the horrific threat of Isis and its complete disregard for any feelings of humanity towards the people it conquers. Rumors of an attack in Europe bring Pike and his group to Italy to seek out the Isis group the “Lost Boys,” and prevent them from carrying out their assignment. Coincidentally, they again meet characters from a previous novel who had been working for the Mossad; Shosanha and her partner Aaron Bergman. The two had left the Mossad and were handling independent contracts for other Israeli interests, and were tasked with killing one of the Isis members. The two join with the Task force group agreeing to cooperate as necessary to accomplish both missions.

The book, as all other Pike Logan novels, is filled with action, military strategy and an attention to logical plot and follow through. Shosanha and Aaron fit in with the Task Force operation and surely will take part in further actions. An emphasis is placed on Jennifer’s growth in knowledge of what the group does and her contribution with ideas and methods towards the ultimate success of the mission at hand. Although she indicates at the end of the book that she is tired of the killing and fighting involved with the group’s missions it is very likely that she will continue to work with Pike in future adventures.

A novel moving with lightning speed and action guaranteed to maintain the reader’s attention and set the pace for the next Pike Logan adventure.

7/14 Paul Lane

THE INSIDER THREAT by Brad Taylor. Dutton (June 30, 2015). ISBN: 978-0525954903. 432p.

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