Mysteries Galore.com

Reviewed by Nancy Eaton

In most novels, you don’t know who the killer is until the very end of the book. The Scarecrow is just the opposite. You know whom the killer is from very early on. Michael Connelly then takes the reader on a very thrilling ride as newspaper reporter, Jack McEvoy, tries to catch the killer.

Things have been going downhill for Jack lately. His marriage did not last very long and now he is told that the newspaper is cutting back and he would no longer have a job. As Jack stated, it is not called getting a pink slip anymore but a reduction in force. To make matters worse, Jack is asked to train his own replacement.

Jack is working on his last story involving a sixteen-year-old drug dealer who confesses to the murder of an exotic dancer. Her body was found in the trunk of a car. Jack receives a call from the young man’s mother telling him that her boy is not guilty. Jack soon realizes that the young man could very well be innocent. He then makes a connection between this murder and another one in Las Vegas. This could be one of Jack’s most sensational stories. He heads for Las Vegas. He also has the help of Rachael Walling, an FBI investigator.

There is a problem. What Jack does not realize is that the killer is always one step ahead of him!

Will Jack and Rachael find the killer before it is too late?

Michael Connelly is one of the best at writing mystery novels. With the Scarecrow, he is at the top of his game. I have read many of his books and this one is the best yet. I really liked the character of Jack McEvoy who really fits in so well with the sharp storyline. Michael Connelly is a master at taking the reader back and forth from McEvoy’s thoughts to the killer’s. Don’t pass on The Scarecrow. Read it and you will see why Michael Connelly is one of the greatest writers around today!

Afraid means filled with fear or apprehension and is much too mild a word to describe the feelings of the residents of Safe Haven, Wisconsin when five men invade the town. These five men are members of a Red-Ops group. The five all have backgrounds of violent behavior. The group have been specially trained and programmed to kill. Now the five want an answer to one question.

No one in the town seems to be able to answer the question so the residents die and no one dies an easy death. Safe Haven is shortly reduced to a ghost town.

Fran Stauffer, a single mother, who has just had an encounter with one of the group and escaped, has one thought only. That thought is to reach her son Duncan and take him to safety.

Sheriff Ace Streng knows that the group is looking for his brother but he doesn’t know why. Sheriff Streng is getting old and ready for retirement but all of his training kicks in and he puts up a good fight against the group.

Josh Van Camp is a fire fighter who joins Fran and the Sheriff in an attempt to destroy the five. How can one aging Sheriff, a young fire fighter and a single mom ever hope to survive against such odds? Fran’s son Duncan and his dog Woof help the group more than you would think.

Afraid is not a book for the faint-hearted. It is full of evil and violent acts. Afraid also reveals how ordinary people faced with extraordinary circumstances can find strength they did not know they possessed.

Afraid is definitely not a cozy but if you aren’t afraid pick up a copy for an excellent read. Before you begin to read, be sure your doors are locked and you have candles ready in case the lights go out.

REVIEWED BY PATRICIA REID

The Crimes of Paris is a book about several crimes that took place in and near Paris. As I started to read this book I thought the total story was based on the theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre. It does start out that way but the theft is just a short section of the book. I must admit, however, that the theft of the Mona Lisa was enough to capture my attention and make me want to continue on with the rest of the book. The remainder of the book describes other crimes that took place during this time and introduces the reader to many historical figures like the first real detective in France, Bertillon.

It is very obvious that the authors did much research for this book in order to be able to point out many interesting historical facts to the attention of the reader. This book does an excellent job of covering Paris during a time when many things were going on in the country. The descriptions will make the reader feel like they are right there on the streets of Paris.

I really enjoyed The Crimes of Paris although I really wish the story continued on more along the lines about the theft of the Mona Lisa. All in all, this is an intriguing read.

REVIEWED BY NANCY EATON

Thora receives a phone call from one of her clients, Jonas, who just recently purchased some property. The property is an old converted farmhouse that has a very lengthy history. Jonas informs Thora that the sellers did not divulge some information to him and he wants to take action against them. Thora was startled to find out that Jonas believed his new place was haunted.

Thora really did not believe what Jonas was saying but in order to accommodate him she flew to the new property and assured Jonas that she would investigate. Once Thora starts her investigation, she finds some secrets that change her mind about not believing Jonas.

The corpse of a young woman is discovered. She was badly beaten and had pins inserted into her feet. It does not take long for Jonas to become the main suspect. Then another murder occurs. Is Jonas guilty or is something else going on?

Fearing danger is present, her new romantic interest, Matthew, informs Thora that he will arrive soon to be with her.

Does Thora find out the truth about what is going on?

This is the second novel by Yrsa Sigurdardottir and I can honestly say that she is quickly becoming one of my favorite sleuths. What really makes this author’s novels so special is the way she includes the intriguing folklore and beauty of Iceland as part of her stories. The author has created a lead character in Thora who manages to take the reader through all kinds of happenings in her life - from juggling her law practice to caring for her teen-age son, dealing with an ex-husband and getting involved in a new romance which is enough to make anyone’s head spin. My Soul to Take is fast paced and well-written so be sure to add it to your reading list.

REVIEWED BY NANCY EATON