The Last Call by Sheldon Siegel

First Sentence: At ten-thirty a.m. on Tuesday, December first, Judge Elizabeth McDaniel was running an hour behind schedule.

As every lawyer knows, representing a relative is a bad idea. But District Attorney Mike Daley finds this is a rule made to be broken when his nephew, Joey Dunleavy, is accused of killing a cop behind the family-named bar he manages. Joey is covered in Corcoran’s blood and a knife engraved with Joey’s name is found next to the body. When Joey is charged with first-degree murder, Mike and his PI brother Pete must find the real killer to clear Joey of the charges.

Siegel begins with a courtroom scene imbued with humor. This serves to introduce the protagonists as well as the author's use of Mike's internal dialogue. While some may find the inclusion of the latter to be distracting, it provides an honest look at the steps of the legal process. With Siegel's use of realistic dialogue, one always learns aspects of the law from his books. The author's summary of the characters is helpful to new readers and a nice reminder to followers of the series.

The author's love of San Francisco is apparent and presents an accurate picture of it being a town of multi-generational families, made of up neighborhoods and great places to eat. For the foodies, there's a temptation to make a list and eat their way around the City. And for locals, it's fun to see mentions of places one has been and learn of new places to go. The one thing of which one may be assured is the accuracy of Siegel's geographic representations. Although Mike's family plays a significant role, it is nicely balanced and doesn't overwhelm the plot. Even so, there is a wonderfully emotional scene toward the end and a nod to the impending pandemic.

The plot is interesting and informative. There is the usual frustration with the police and the realization that their rush to convict is politically motivated, rather than ensuring they have the real killer. The information as to what it takes for Mike to go from working for the DA's office to handling Joey's case pro bono is fascinating. The investigation is laid out step-by-step and filled with unique, fully-developed characters. The sense of working against the clock effectively heightens the suspense, and the twists are effective.

Last Call is a very good legal mystery without all the oft-times histrionics of other writers. Far from making it dull, the accurate depictions of an investigation and trial provide plenty of interest and excitement.

LAST CALL – VG+
LegalMyst-Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez-San Francisco-Contemp
Siegel, Sheldon – 13^th in series
Sheldon M. Siegel, Inc., Jan 2022, 306 pp.

Blood Moon by Alexandra Sokoloff

First Sentence:  Twenty-five years have passed since a savage killer terrorized California, massacring three ordinary families before disappearing without a trace. 

FBI Agent Matthew Roarke is conflicted.  As a child, Cara Lindstrom, was the only survivor of her family's massacre by a man known as The Reaper. Now, twenty-five years later, Cara kills those who prey on innocent girls. Knowing why she kills doesn't help; Roarke knows he must arrest her. After learning of the recent murder of a family with details very similar, too similar to that of Cara's family.  Could The Reaper be back?  Or has he been killing all along?

Sokoloff creates an excellent sense of place. Wherever Roarke is, one is right beside him. There is a tiny element of the supernatural in the plot, but more as an element of racing against the clock.  An effective dream sequence plays a part, as does the author's evocative descriptions—"Dawn is a curious shade of gray; the fog drifting outside the window above her is so thick it is nearly impossible to tell the time of day." 

The characters of Roarke and Cara support the theme of the moon; light versus dark.  Part of Cara's appeal is that there is something mercurial about her.  There is the sense of her being tuned in to an uncommon knowledge of the world.  One isn't certain as to whom they should support; Roarke on the side of the law, or Cara, knowing her past and present.  Although the story is told with alternating points of view between the two, it works well.  

The author brings Roake's team to life while providing a connection back to the series' first book, "The Huntress." Then there is Agent Epp, an interesting character perceptive of both Roarke and Cara.

Sokoloff creates effective and perfectly timed plot twists, constantly building the suspense.  On one hand, she thinks through the logic of situations, putting the pieces together. On the other, it is the forensics and following the clues, especially seeing what others should have seen, that gives genuine power to the story. Amazing the things to be learned.

"Blood Moon" is an exciting read and a wonderful addition to the "Huntress" saga.  Start at the beginning and prepare to become addicted.

BLOOD MOON – VG
PolProc-Agent Matthew Roarke-CA/Nev-Contemp
Sokoloff, Alexandra – 2nd in series
Thomas & Mercer, Feb 2015, 313 pp.

Top Reads of 2021

These are the books that made my list of Top Reads for 2021 with links to my full review:

C.J. Box - DARK SKY
Ann Cleeves - THE DARKEST EVENING
Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny - STATE OF TERROR
M.W. Craven - DEAD GROUND 
M.W. Craven - THE PUPPET SHOW 
Ashley Gardner - THE CUSTOM HOUSE MURDERS
Dennis Lehane -THE DROP 
Donna Leon - TRANSIENT DESIRES 
Andrew Mayne - BLACK CORAL
Chris Nickson - TO THE DARK
Sheldon Siegel - FINAL OUT 

There is also my group of HONORABLE MENTIONS; books I found close to excellent, but for one or two quibbles.  They are:

C.J. Cooke - THE NESTING
Charles Finch - AN EXTRAVAGANT DEATH
Kerry Greenwood - DEATH IN DAYLESFORD
David Housewright - WHAT DOESN'T KILL US 
Alexandria Sokoloff - HUNTRESS MOON
C.J. Tudor - THE BURNING GIRLS

May 2022 be a year of good books and good health.
Happy Reading,
LJ

The Nesting by C.J. Cooke

First Sentence: Aurelia sprints through the dark forest, her white nightdress billowing like a cloud, her strides long and swift across the carpet of bark and brambles.

Lexi Ellis has a troubled past but grabs an opportunity. She becomes Sophie Hallerton, nanny to the daughters of architect Tom Faraday on an isolated property in Norway. Far from an idyllic situation, there are things that can't be explained and the suspicion that Farraday's late wife didn't die by suicide after all.

This is one of the rare times the prologue actually works. Cooke's descriptions, metaphors, and inclusion of Norse folk tales add to the pleasure of the story. Tom is an annoying and perhaps inept architect, but his youngest daughter, Gaia is delightful. One appreciates how Lexi/Sophia grows through the story. She is strong; a survivor. When she commits acts traditionally thought of as "too stupid to live," it makes sense and is in keeping with her personality.

Cooke is very good at seeding doubt about the characters. While not a huge fan of unreliable characters, it works perfectly here. The story alternates between two time periods, but in a way that is clearly indicated and not at all confusing.

For those who enjoy a bit of paranormal mixed with suspense, this is very well done. Norse folktales, elk, spectral figures are a few of the bump-in-the-night elements. The story sends shivers up the spine without crossing into horror. Best of all, it serves a purpose to the plot.

There are inconsistencies and a questionable ending. There is quite a bit of foreshadowing, but it works. However, the twists, metaphors—"Grief is not a mere felling—it's an isotropic space.", pacing, characters, plot, concept and heart-pounding climax completely offset those issues. Her descriptions make both locations and emotions real.

The Nesting is far from the typical Scandinavian noir. It's a book one doesn't put down, and an author to be read again.

THE NESTING (Susp-Sophie-Norway-Contemp) – G+
Cooke, C.J. – Standalone
HarperCollins, Oct 2020

The Burning Girls by C.J. Tudor

First Sentence: "It's an unfortunate situation."

Reverend Jack Brooks and 14-year-old daughter Flo have been transferred to Chapel Croft in Sussex. A community with a very dark past, including the burning of martyrs, the disappearance of two girls, and the suicide of a priest. With no one being who they seem and not knowing who to trust, can Jack and Flo survive while exposing closely guarded secrets?

The best books grab you from page one and don't let go. This book does just that. One thing to know; there are a lot of bodies; new, old, spectral, and real. The story is more suspense than mystery, and never boring.

Tudor has a compelling voice. It's engaging and conversational in both outward dialogue and internal thoughts. Jack and daughter Flo hold one's attention and curiosity to know more. It's nice that Flo acts appropriately for her age. However, both occasionally suffer from going into danger alone, yet both are also smart, brave, and interesting.

Beyond the elements of voice and character, there is a plethora of memorable passages: another indication of a talented author. Tudor makes one stop and think—"We all have our hiding places. Not just physical ones. Places deep inside where we put away the things we don't want others to see."

Rather than having an unreliable narrator, this is the case of "trust no one" in the best possible way. No one is who they seem and everyone has secrets.

There is an abundance of very effective plot twists and revelations from beginning to end. Some of them scare, some cause one to gasp, all of them a surprise.

It's hard to say much about the plot without saying too much and spoiling the suspense and the fun of reading it. The only problems were a couple silly, editing issues. Ignore them.

"The Burning Girls" is a great, escapist read, especially for those who like a bit of dark, eepy-creepy. There is a supernatural element, but that only enhances this being an enjoyably engrossing, page-turning book that keeps one reading way too late into the night. One may, however, want to leave the light on. The story holds one's attention from the first page to last and makes one happy Tudor has more books to read.

THE BURNING GIRLS (Thriller-Reverend Jack Brooks-Sussex, England-Contemp) – VG+
Tudor, C.J. – Standalone
Ballentine Books, Feb 2021, 352 pp

State of Terror by Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny

 

First Sentence: "Madame Secretary," said Charles Boynton, hurrying beside his boss as she rushed down Mahogany Row to her office in the State Department. "You have eight minutes to get to the Capitol."

Secretary of State Ellen Adams is flying back from the first diplomatic assignment of her term, a failed meeting in South Korea. Given no time to freshen up, she is summoned to the Office of the President of the United States, a man who would love to see her fail at her job. State Department employee Anahita Dahir receives a cryptic text which she originally dismisses as spam. A terrorist in London, suddenly makes the message clear to Anahita, which sends the Secretary on an international diplomatic mission to stop a monster from destroying cities, and lives, around the world.

What is the sign of a good book? Starting it, intending to read only the first two pages but ending up continuing past midnight. That is a good book. Waking up at 4 a.m. and reading for several more hours, that makes a winner. So it was with "State of Terror." The writing is wonderful in that one can hear the voices of both Clinton and Penny. There are classic touches of humor, and lines one wants to remember—"The true nature of terror is the unknown. The truly terrible thrives in silence."

How nice to have protagonists be women of a certain age who aren't young, gorgeous, and don't need a man to rescue them. They are strong, capable, smart, and very determined. At the same time, they are human; willing to question their own judgment, while trusting their own instincts and reason. In other words, these are women one would want to know and even better, be.

This is not a political book, but one of true suspense. It is a fascinating look at the role, albeit, we hope, somewhat exaggerated, of a Secretary of State. There is an excellent building of tension every step along the way. The inclusion of a family member in danger could be trite but was not. For fans of Louise Penny, there are clever Easter eggs scattered along the way and crossover references to her Three Pines series. With each chapter, there's a new twist; with each page, the tension mounts.

State of Terror is an exciting, suspenseful roller-coaster ride with wonderfully done twists and a compelling plot. Just when you think things may be okay, there is an intriguing hint of uncertainty and a possible hint to the next book. One certainly hopes there is a next book. One of the best reads of 2021, it is highly recommended.

STATE OF TERROR (Suspense-Ellen Adams-International-Contemp) – Ex
Clinton, Hillary / Louise Penny – Standalone
Simon & Schuster / St. Martin's Press, Oct 2021, 486 pp.

Dead Ground by M.W. Craven

First Sentence: The man wearing a Sean Connery mask said to the man wearing a Daniel Craig Mas, 'Bertrand the monkey and Raton the cat are sitting by the fire, watching chestnuts roast in the hearth.

Detective Sergeant Poe and analyst Matilda "Tilly" Bradshaw are part of Britian's Serious Crimes Analysis Section (SCAS). They hunt serial killers and serial rapists. Investigating the murder of a man found in a pop-up brothel is not their function, but the victim's connection to the US Secretary of State means MI5 and the FBI are involved, and Poe and Bradshaw are assigned to solve the murder.

Although it is always good to read a series from the beginning, Craven provides enough structure that, due to an effective opening that then takes one into the story where he introduces many of the major players along the way, one may jump straight in. He is also clever in making the victim someone other than the top official while making the importance of the summit clear and leaving the plot plenty of scope to travel down other paths. He writes very short chapters. Each is a scene that keeps the story moving forward.

Craven also understands that some of the major elements so critical to a good story are humor—"From Harry Potter to prostitutes in three easy moves—that was quite a turnaround."; dialogue which is quick and crisp; and relationships, not only is Poe protective of Tilly, but she is of him as well. The partnership is also an excellent way of including detailed information which is understood by Tilly and enables her to explain it to both Poe and to the reader. Where Tilly is logic, Poe is emotion and determination. While some of the technology is fascinating, it is also terrifying as some of it is real.

The plot is original and brilliant with an excellent flow that proceeds at breakneck speed still giving one time to take an occasional breath. This is not a story one can predict. Characters are often not who one thinks they are. The revelations are not only surprising but occasionally shocking and cleverly constructed. As each occurs, one feels they should have seen it but didn't because the story is so absorbing. The masterful twists and red herrings continue to the very end. The tension of the climax is gripping, the final resolution well done, and the very end a perfect lead-in to subsequent books.

"Dead Ground" is an excellent read. The depth and excitement of the rapid-paced plot causes non-stop reading and puts Craven's name on the list of "must-read" authors.

DEAD GROUND (Thriller/PolProc-Poe/Tilly-Cumbria, Lake District, England-Contemp) - Ex
Craven, M.W. – 4th in series
Constable, Jun 2021, 428 pp.

The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny

First Sentence:  "This doesn't feel right, patron." 

Having discovered Louise from the beginning, she has always been a "must-read" author. Still, every author has an "off" book, and this was one.

From the first page, there was a feeling of "Too soon, it's too soon." The pandemic is far from over; it may never be. The controversial character is one some may recognize. The themes focused more on practices from the past, which were truly appalling, and their possible application in the present, an equally appalling thought.  While those issues deserved to be highlighted, there was a heavy-handedness that rather overtook the mystery itself.

On the positive side, it was nice going back to the beginning of Armand's relationship with a young Jean-Guy, including the four sentences of wisdom, as well as the quote from "The Little Prince"--"And now here is my secret, a very simple secret.  It is only with the heart that one can see rightly:  what is essential is invisible to the eye."  The use of profane nicknames was initially amusing. Now, they feel overused.  There must be a better way to exemplify the complexity of Ruth.

The biggest issue was the need for serious editing; two-hundred fewer pages would have been a significant improvement.   There is much that is profound and important here, and Louise remains one of the most quotable authors to be found. Unfortunately, it becomes lost in redundancy.  As with fine cooking, the best dishes are made with only a few ingredients but made perfectly. 

Not that there weren't high points. The best was the scene between Armand and Jean-Guy in the pub. It was powerful and emotional; something at which Louise is particularly skilled. 

"The Madness of Crowds" is only one of three, out of 17 books, which was disappointing.  All-in-all, that's not bad and many will disagree with that assessment.  Here's hoping Louise's next book goes back to the basics of character and mystery, and less focus on social issues.  

THE MADNESS OF CROWDS (PolProc-Armand Gamache-Three Pines, Canada-Contemp)- Okay
Penny, Louise - 17th in series
Minotaur Books - 2021 - 432 pp.

The Sleeping Nymph by Ilaria Tuti

First Sentence: Teresa often thinks of death.

A 70-year-old painting, "The Sleeping Nymph," has become a case for Superintendent Teresa Battaglia when testing discovers it was painted in blood and contains small matter of a human heart. The subject was a real woman who died in 1945. The artist is still alive but hasn't spoken a word in decades. But who was this mystery woman? Who killed her? It is up to Teresa to find out.

The opening is more than just a hook, it is emotion at its most raw. Tutti doesn't write with words, she writes with images. She doesn't just show places, she takes one there, engaging all the senses. She is an author who makes one think and feel and underlining passages to be remembered—"Teresa was aware that memory was not a process of reproduction, but of reconstruction.", and "A memory is nothing more than a single clear moment recorded fortuitously by the mind and surrounded by many others, all out of focus." There are so many such moments--"Tempus valet, volat, velat." Time is valuable, it flees and it conceals.

The description of Superintendent Teresa Battilana gives one the sense of the energy which emanates from her. The relationship between Teresa and her second, Insp. Massimo Marini, is more than batman to boss but less than parent to child. There is respect, caution, a bit of fear, and distance yet caring. The banter and teasing between them is delightful. Both are complicated characters with very real fears about which one learns as the story progresses. At a point of crisis for Teresa, Tuti makes palpable Teresa's fear and confusion. The character of Blanco Zago and her human detection dog Smoky are wonderful and unexpected, but Tutti specializes in the unexpected. Blanco's explanation as to how a sniffer dog works is educational, as is the information about the partisans.

The plot deals with a murder, both during WWII and in the present, yet each element is critical to the story. The history one learns is important, as it looks at a very different culture and beliefs within a country. It is refreshing to have a book set in a less-familiar location and the Resia Valley is certainly that. It is a place where the residents live in an isolated, genetically pure commune, speak an archaic dialect, and where mysticism still lives.

As wonderful as is the writing, and as interesting as is some of the extraneous information, the plot is convoluted. The story would be much better and more suspenseful, not to mention shorter, with a strong editor at hand. The middle section is a bit of a slog, and Massimo's personal struggles do become tiresome. Even so, there is good suspense. One can't help but admire and feel the same loyalty to Teresa as does her team. She lets nothing stand in the way of solving the mystery.

"The Sleeping Nymph" is not a slam-bang type of book, and not up to the standard of Tutti's first book, "Flowers Over the Inferno." However, it is a progressive journey through history and pain, both past and present. It is self-realization and hope. It requires patience, and it is worth the journey.

THE SLEEPING NYMPH (PolProc-Sup. Teresa Battaglia, No. Italy-Contemp) - Good
Tuti, Ilaria – 2nd of trilogy
Soho Crime, Sep 2020, 458 pp.