Fiction Review

If you’re one of those fans who waited four years for the next book in Spencer Quinn’s Chet and Bernie series, Heart of Barkness is here, and it’s already appearing on the USA Today bestsellers list. You can order copies of Quinn’s books, including signed copies of Heart of Barkness, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/32otBsk

Here’s the description of Heart of Barkness.

THE INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER

Spencer Quinn’s Heart of Barkness is the latest in the New York Timesbestselling series that the Los Angeles Times called “nothing short of masterful”…

Chet the dog, “the most lovable narrator in all of crime fiction” (Boston Globe) and P.I. Bernie encounter heartache and much worse in the world of country music. They’re both music lovers, so when Lotty Pilgrim, a country singer from long ago, turns up at a local bar, they drive out to catch her act. Bernie’s surprised to see someone who was once so big performing in such a dive, and drops a C-note the Little Detective Agency can’t afford to part with into the tip jar. The C-note is stolen right from under their noses ““ even from under Chet’s, the nose that misses nothing ““ and before the night is over, it’s stolen again. 

Soon they’re working the most puzzling case of their career, a case that takes them back in time in search of old border-town secrets, and into present-day danger where powerful people want those secrets to stay hidden. Chet and Bernie find themselves sucked into a real-life murder ballad where there is no one to trust but each other.

*****

You can watch Spencer Quinn’s conversation with Patrick Millikin from The Poisoned Pen here.

By now, many of you have probably heard the fairy tale story of Adrian McKinty, the award-winning author who couldn’t make a living with his books. The Chain changed all that. McKinty’s U.S. book tour consisted of appearances at just two bookstores. The Poisoned Pen hosted him on release date. You can still order copies of McKinty’s books, including The Chain, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2LnC0XM

Here’s the summary of The Chain.

VICTIM.
SURVIVOR.
ABDUCTOR.
CRIMINAL.
YOU WILL BECOME EACH ONE.

“This nightmarish story is incredibly propulsive and original. You won’t shake it for a long time.”
STEPHEN KING “McKinty is one of the most striking and most memorable crime voices to emerge on the scene in years. His plots tempt you to read at top speed, but don’t give in: this writing – sharply observant, intelligent and shot through with black humor – should be savored.”
TANA FRENCH“A masterpiece. You have never read anything quite like THE CHAIN and you will never be able to forget it.”
DON WINSLOW
* * * * *

YOUR PHONE RINGS.

A STRANGER HAS KIDNAPPED YOUR CHILD.

TO FREE THEM YOU MUST ABDUCT SOMEONE ELSE’S CHILD.

YOUR CHILD WILL BE RELEASED WHEN YOUR VICTIM’S PARENTS KIDNAP ANOTHER CHILD.

IF ANY OF THESE THINGS DON’T HAPPEN:
YOUR CHILD WILL BE KILLED.

YOU ARE NOW PART OF THE CHAIN

*****

If you don’t know Adrian McKinty’s story, check out earlier posts on this site. You might want to do that because McKinty’s conversation with Diana Gabaldon covers all kinds of subjects. You can eavesdrop here.

Are you a fan of Grantchester on PBS, or a fan of James Runcie’s books about Sydney Chambers? Season 4 starts on PBS on Sunday, July 14. And, of course, you can always pick up Runcie’s books through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2Gba9Wy

If you haven’t started the books, or need background to the PBS series, you might want to pick up The Road to Grantchester. It’s the prequel to the mystery series. Here’s the summary.

The captivating prequel to the treasured Grantchester series follows the life, loves, and losses of young Sidney Chambers in postwar London.

It is 1938, and eighteen-year-old Sidney Chambers is dancing the quickstep with Amanda Kendall at her brother Robert’s birthday party at the Caledonian Club. No one can believe, on this golden evening, that there could ever be another war. 

Returning to London seven years later, Sidney has gained a Military Cross and lost his best friend on the battlefields of Italy. The carefree youth that he and his friends were promised has been blown apart, just like the rest of the world–and Sidney, carrying a terrible, secret guilt, must decide what to do with the rest of his life. But he has heard a call: constant, though quiet, and growing ever more persistent. To the incredulity of his family and the derision of his friends–the irrepressible actor Freddie and the beautiful, vivacious Amanda–Sidney must now negotiate his path to God: the course of which, much like true love, never runs smooth. 

The Road to Grantchester will delight new and old fans alike and finally tell the touching, engaging, and surprising origin story of the Grantchester Mysteries’ beloved archdeacon.

*****

And, here’s a sneak peek at Season 4.

Mark Greaney and Lt. Col. H. Ripley Rawlings IV have written a military novel of a possible future world war. The authors will be at The Poisoned Pen on Tuesday, July 16 at 7 PM to discuss Red Metal. You can order signed copies of Red Metal, or copies of Greaney’s other books, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2o92azg

Here’s the description of Red Metal.

A Russian military strike against Europe could change the balance of power in the West. A stunningly realistic view of modern warfare from a battlefield commander and the New York Times bestselling author of The Gray Man. 

The Russian bear has awakened. Their tanks race across Poland crushing all opposition on a headlong dash for the heart of Germany. Satellite killing missiles blind American forces while Spetznatz teams destroy Allied communications relays. It’s all part of a master plan to confuse and defeat America and her allies.

Ranged against the Russian attack are a Marine lieutenant colonel pulled out of a cushy job at the Pentagon and thrown into the fray, a French Special Forces captain and his intelligence operative father, a young Polish female partisan fighter, an A-10 Warthog pilot, and the captain of an American tank platoon who, along with a German sergeant, struggle to keep a small group of American and German tanks in the fight.

Operation Red Metal is a nightmare scenario made real but could it just be the first move on the Russian chessboard?

*****

If you’re looking for more detail, and a review, no one does them better than The Real Book Spy. Here’s his featured review of Red Metal. https://bit.ly/2RGeKV5

Paul Doiron was recently at The Poisoned Pen, on book tour for his tenth Mike Bowditch novel, Almost Midnight. As always, it was a wide-ranging discussion, but Doiron brought along photos of Maine, the setting for his mysteries. You can order Doiron’s books, including signed copies of Almost Midnight, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2KqPe53

Here’s the description of the latest in the series, Almost Midnight.

In this thrilling entry in Edgar Award finalist Paul Doiron’s bestselling series, a deadly attack on one of Maine’s last wild wolves leads Game Warden Mike Bowditchto an even bigger criminal conspiracy.

While on vacation, Warden Investigator Mike Bowditch receives a strange summons from Billy Cronk, one of his oldest friends and a man he had to reluctantly put behind bars for murder. Billy wants him to investigate a new female prison guard with a mysterious past, and Mike feels honor-bound to help his friend. But when the guard becomes the victim in a brutal attack at the prison, he realizes there may be a darker cover-up at play—and that Billy and his family might be at risk.

Then Mike receives a second call for help, this time from a distant mountain valley where Shadow, a wolf-hybrid he once cared for, has been found shot by an arrow and clinging to life. He searches for the identity of the bowman, but his investigation is blocked at every turn by the increasingly hostile community. And when Billy’s wife and children are threatened, Mike finds himself tested like never before. How can he possibly keep the family safe when he has enemies of his own on his trail? 

Torn between loyalties, Mike Bowditch must respond in the only way he knows how: by bending every law and breaking every rule to keep his loved ones safe and the true predators at bay.

*****

You can check out the discussion, along with glimpses of the photos from Maine, here.

Brad Thor, author of the nineteenth Scot Harvath novel, Backlash, was recently at The Poisoned Pen. That thriller is already number two on the New York Times Bestseller list. You can still order a signed copy of Backlash through the Web Store, as well as copies of Thor’s other books. https://bit.ly/2FFYbE8

Here’s the description of Backlash.

“Raw emotion, nonstop action, and relentless pacing makes Backlash another one-night read from Brad Thor, who delivers the book to beat in 2019.” —The Real Book Spy

#1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and #1 Publishers Weekly bestselling author Brad Thor is back with his most gripping thriller yet!

In ancient texts, there are stories about men who struck from the shadows, seemingly beyond the reach of death itself. These men were considered part angel, part demon. Their loyalty was to their families, their friends, and their kings. You crossed these men at your peril. And once crossed, there was no crossing back.

They were fearless; men of honor who have been known throughout history by different names: Spartan, Viking, Samurai.

Today, men like these still strike from the shadows. They are highly prized intelligence agents, military operatives, and assassins.

One man is all three.

Two days ago, that man was crossed—badly.

Now, far from home and surrounded by his enemy, Scot Harvath must battle his way out.

With no support, no cavalry coming, and no one even aware of where he is, it will take everything he has ever learned to survive.

But survival isn’t enough. Harvath wants revenge.

In the most explosive novel Brad Thor has ever written, page after captivating page of action, intrigue, loyalty, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very last sentence.

*****

Of course, when I say the author is in conversation, that means you can eavesdrop on the event. Barbara Peters, owner of The Poisoned Pen, and Brad Thor had a wide-ranging conversation.

Tonight’s the night! Adrian McKinty will be at The Poisoned Pen, in conversation with Diana Gabaldon, at 7 PM, Tuesday, July 9. Release date is today. McKinty will be discussing his hot new standalone novel, The Chain. If you’re coming to the bookstore, come early because space is limited. However, you can still order a copy of the book through the Web Store. The Chain is the Hot Book of the Week at the bookstore, and one of People magazine’s top picks for the week. You’ll want to order a copy now. https://bit.ly/2L8YDza

Here’s the description of The Chain.

VICTIM.
SURVIVOR.
ABDUCTOR.
CRIMINAL.
YOU WILL BECOME EACH ONE.

“This nightmarish story is incredibly propulsive and original. You won’t shake it for a long time.”
STEPHEN KING“McKinty is one of the most striking and most memorable crime voices to emerge on the scene in years. His plots tempt you to read at top speed, but don’t give in: this writing – sharply observant, intelligent and shot through with black humor – should be savored.”
TANA FRENCH“A masterpiece. You have never read anything quite like THE CHAIN and you will never be able to forget it.”
DON WINSLOW
* * * * *

YOUR PHONE RINGS.

A STRANGER HAS KIDNAPPED YOUR CHILD.

TO FREE THEM YOU MUST ABDUCT SOMEONE ELSE’S CHILD.

YOUR CHILD WILL BE RELEASED WHEN YOUR VICTIM’S PARENTS KIDNAP ANOTHER CHILD.

IF ANY OF THESE THINGS DON’T HAPPEN:
YOUR CHILD WILL BE KILLED.

YOU ARE NOW PART OF THE CHAIN

*****

While you’re waiting to read your copy, you can read Alison Flood’s interview with Adrian McKinty in The Guardian. https://bit.ly/2JkLfFQ

Maggie Robinson’s second historical Lady Adelaide Mystery, Who’s Sorry Now?, came out in June from Sourcebooks/Poisoned Pen Press. Miranda Owen’s review in Fresh Fiction was so good we’d like to share it. You can order Who’s Sorry Now?, and Robinson’s other books, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2r5nvfa

Here’s the review as it appears at Fresh Fiction, reprinted with permission.

Who’s Sorry Now?
Maggie Robinson

Reviewed by Miranda Owen
Posted July 3, 2019

Mystery Historical

WHO’S SORRY NOW? is the second book in Maggie Robinson’s “Lady Adelaide” mystery series. Although this is the second book in this series, I was able to follow along and enjoy the story without having read the previous book. This is a historical mystery, set in 1920s England, but with a paranormal twist. Lady Adelaide Compton keeps getting embroiled in murder investigations and her late unlamented husband Rupert is her guardian angel. This story is told from alternating perspectives ““ Adelaide’s and the charming and determined Scotland Yard Detective Inspector Dev Hunter’s. The way Dev and Adelaide are so smitten with each other, but resolved to hide their true feelings, is adorable and I look forward to seeing their relationship evolve in future books. Maggie Robinson helpfully includes a breakdown of who’s who in the front of the book for readers to refer to.

Various young people are being picked off around town. Addie only gets involved because her sister has the misfortune of being the victim of an unsuccessful poisoning. I like the chemistry between Addie and Dev. While Dev is protective of Addie, and is naturally against civilians getting involved in a police investigation, he is pragmatic and accepts the help that Addie brings. Likewise, while she is occasionally annoyed with Dev in his professional capacity, she understands his perspective and respects his judgment and deductive reasoning. As Addie and Dev work together to figure out who’s behind the killings, there are a multitude of likely suspects ““ from shady characters like Freddy Rinaldi the manager of a local den of iniquity and favorite bad girl at large Mary Harmon to more aristocratic types like the debonair Prince Alexei. Rupert’s running commentary on the suspects and his amusing bickering with Addie adds humor and breaks up the tension when things look particularly dark.

WHO’S SORRY NOW is a book to relish with characters and a story that will capture your imagination. Maggie Robinson is now one of my favorite authors of historical mysteries, along with Ashley Weaver and Sara Rosett. I can’t wait to read the next “Lady Adelaide” mystery!

*****

Here’s the summary of Who’s Sorry Now?

If you like a clever mystery, a handsome ghost, and the far-from-bereaved widow who can’t find the elusive killer without Rupert’s help, Who’s Sorry Now? is just your cup of English murder.“—Charles Todd, author of the Inspector Ian Rutledge mysteries and the Bess Crawford mysteries

London, England 1925

A Russian prince. A wealthy heir. An impoverished earl’s daughter. Which one will make an untimely exit from the London social scene?

Scotland Yard Detective Inspector Devenand Hunter finds himself in the middle of a series of upper-class deaths in London. Bright Young People are being extinguished in their favorite night spots, from a sleazy private jazz club to the Savoy ballroom. Dev knows just the person to help him navigate the treacherous society waters: Lady Adelaide Compton, a marquess’ daughter and widow of a Great War hero. Unfortunately, he has put her in jeopardy once before, nearly leading him to turn in his warrant card.

But when her sister Cee is nearly one of the victims, Addie turns to Mr. Hunter, offering her help… and it soon becomes clear that the two of them working together again could lead to much more than merely solving crime.

The Lady Adelaide Mysteries:
Nobody’s Sweetheart Now (Book 1)
Who’s Sorry Now? (Book 2)

If you’re a mystery reader, and see “Chet”, do you think of Spencer Quinn’s Chet and Bernie mysteries? The Boston Globe called Chet the dog, “the most memorable narrator in all of crime fiction”. Quinn will be at The Poisoned Pen on Wednesday, July 10 at 7 PM to talk about the latest book in the series, Heart of Barkness. You can order copies of Spencer Quinn’s books, including signed copies of Heart of Barkness, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2XKLNgf

Here’s the description of Heart of Barkness.

Spencer Quinn’s Heart of Barkness is the latest in the New York Timesbestselling series that the Los Angeles Times called “nothing short of masterful”…

Chet the dog, “the most lovable narrator in all of crime fiction” (Boston Globe) and P.I. Bernie encounter heartache and much worse in the world of country music. They’re both music lovers, so when Lotty Pilgrim, a country singer from long ago, turns up at a local bar, they drive out to catch her act. Bernie’s surprised to see someone who was once so big performing in such a dive, and drops a C-note the Little Detective Agency can’t afford to part with into the tip jar. The C-note is stolen right from under their noses ““ even from under Chet’s, the nose that misses nothing ““ and before the night is over, it’s stolen again. 

Soon they’re working the most puzzling case of their career, a case that takes them back in time in search of old border-town secrets, and into present-day danger where powerful people want those secrets to stay hidden. Chet and Bernie find themselves sucked into a real-life murder ballad where there is no one to trust but each other.

*****

The following video is for everyone who loves Chet, or anyone who loves a dog. It’s called “Song for Chet”.

Adrian McKinty, author of the standalone thriller, The Chain, will be at The Poisoned Pen Tuesday, July 9 at 7 PM, in conversation with Diana Gabaldon. Copies of The Chain can be ordered through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2XrbcMJ

Barbara Peters, owner of The Poisoned Pen, recently discussed The Chain in an article for Forbes. Rachel Kramer Bussell asked independent bookstores for their recommendations for Summer Reading. Peters suggested The Chain. You can read the Forbes article here. https://bit.ly/2FVt1Zr

Here’s the summary of The Chain.

VICTIM.
SURVIVOR.
ABDUCTOR.
CRIMINAL.
YOU WILL BECOME EACH ONE.

“This nightmarish story is incredibly propulsive and original. You won’t shake it for a long time.”
STEPHEN KING “McKinty is one of the most striking and most memorable crime voices to emerge on the scene in years. His plots tempt you to read at top speed, but don’t give in: this writing – sharply observant, intelligent and shot through with black humor – should be savored.”
TANA FRENCH“A masterpiece. You have never read anything quite like THE CHAIN and you will never be able to forget it.”
DON WINSLOW
* * * * *

YOUR PHONE RINGS.

A STRANGER HAS KIDNAPPED YOUR CHILD.

TO FREE THEM YOU MUST ABDUCT SOMEONE ELSE’S CHILD.

YOUR CHILD WILL BE RELEASED WHEN YOUR VICTIM’S PARENTS KIDNAP ANOTHER CHILD.

IF ANY OF THESE THINGS DON’T HAPPEN:
YOUR CHILD WILL BE KILLED.

YOU ARE NOW PART OF THE CHAIN