See Upcoming Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy Releases

See Upcoming Mystery Releases

Staff Picks for October

Due to Hurricane Isabel, the CNC Books staff has been really busy. Webmaster Beth, a voracious reader in her own right, stepped up with her own staff picks for October.

Beth's Staff Picks

No Way Back by Rick Mofina

Journalist Mofina has a way of telling a story without getting in its way. Action-oriented, his books have a fast pace to them. He doesn't stint on characters, though, as we get to know more about reporter Tom Reed and homicide cop Walt Sydowski in this 4th book in the series. Set in San Francisco. Reed and Sydowski cross paths and tempers on the latest case, one in which Reed's wife has been taken hostage. Who will solve the case first?

Every Secret Thing by Laura Lippman

The Last Place knocked my socks off as the best Lippman book yet. In comparison to Every Secret Thing, it's Lippman's second best book (and best Tess). Every Secret Thing is a whole new level of writing for Lippman. Every Secret Thing is dark, exploring, questioning, and powerful. Some Tess fans may be disappointed by the tone of this book -- it may be darker than they prefer -- but they won't be disappointed by the quality of writing or the story. It's not Tess, *and* it is still very, very good. I thought about this book for a long time after I read it.

A Faint Cold Fear by Karin Slaughter

Slaughter's 3rd Grant County book continues to explore her main characters' lives in an intimate way. We learn even more about Sara, Jeffrey and Lena in this book -- including things they are just learning about themselves. Slaughter balances character studies and thriller-level-action with a deft hand. The book is descriptive about trauma, and may not appeal to those who primarily read cozies. It's not really noir or hard-boiled, either. It IS a good read.

A Stain Upon the Robe by Terry Devane

Mairead O'Clare and Sheldon Gold are back in a new legal thriller by "Terry Devane," the pseudonym of Jeremiah Healy. New lawyer O'Clare has teamed up with experienced and quirky Gould to take on various legal cases. Their newest one involves a judge who is hearing a case involving Catholic priests and sexual abuse. The books are set in Boston, this is the 3rd in the series. Solid legal thriller.

Fortune of the Dead by Lynn Hightower

A new Lena Padgett book (Sonora Blair is her other series). Lena and her lover are at odds over a case involving a missing woman. Her lover is a cop assigned the case, and Lena is a private detective hired to work on the case. Set in Lexington, KY, and thereabouts. Hightower takes an unblinking look at all of her characters. There were some twists I didn't see coming, but that totally played fair with the reader. A good quality Hightower book.

The Bone Orchard by Daniel Judson

Main character "Mac" is a mess, and his life is too. Luckily, he has some good friends to help him through it all. He witnesses a car sink in water, and wants to know what happened and why. Set in the Hamptons. Balances character studies and action well. Oddly addictive. Strangely fascinating. Creepily voyeuristic in an un-put-down-able way. Different, very different. In a good way. I think.