Fall into a book...

Fall is here! You guys know what that means, right? It gets dark much earlier, there is a nice cool nip in the air, and suddenly pumpkin spice is being inserted into everything from coffee to pizza. Enough with the pumpkin spice already, it doesn't even have real pumpkin in it.

Sorry. I digress.

Fall also means a brand new crop of books! September and October bring tons of new titles, including new stuff from old favorites. To kick start your autumnal reading, I'm going to give you a quick list of a few of the books that have caught my eye recently...

Once A Rake - Eileen Dreyer
The fourth book in her amazing Drake's Rakes series.Those who are frequent visitors to the blog know that I love me some Eileen Dreyer romance! If you need a reminder of why I adore her stuff, you can find one here, and here, and here.

Through The Evil Days - Julia Spencer-Fleming
Number eight in the always excellent Claire Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne mystery series, I am alternately looking forward to and/or dreading this one. If you read this series you know that the last book ended with a big, super-duper, twist. I usually fear this sort of thing, but Spencer-Fleming is a very talented writer and I'm going to trust her to get her characters, as well as her fans, through this latest crisis.

Storm Front - John Sandford
The seventh book in Sandford's Virgil Flowers series. I've read Sandford's Lucas Davenport books for years, but just read my first Virgil book this summer. As soon as I finished the first book, I immediately raced through the next five. Sandford is so good, he makes it look effortless.  Can't wait to see what "that fucking Flowers" is up to next!

The Night Guest - Fiona McFarlane
From down under comes a title from a new author and it's getting crazy good reviews.  The Night Guest tells the story of an elderly woman, on the verge of dementia, living alone in an isolated beachfront area in Australia. One day a mysterious caregiver shows up and the developing relationship between the two women becomes the focus of a story that has been called "beautiful," hypnotic," and "creepy." I'm intrigued!

Johnny Cash: The Life - Robert Hilburn
Long time LA Times music critic, Hilburn brings us what is being called the "definitive" biography of the always fascinating Man in Black. I've been a Johnny Cash fan all of my life, so of course, this one is on the list.

The Thicket - Joe Lansdale
"I didn't suspect the day grandfather came out and got me and my sister, Lula, and hauled us off toward the ferry that I'd soon end up with worse things happening than had already come upon us or that I'd take up with a gun-shooting dwarf, the son of a slave, and a big angry hog, let alone find true love and kill someone, but that's exactly how it was." C'mon people, who can resist an opening like that? If you haven't read Joe Lansdale, then you have missed out on some very fine storytelling. Can't wait for this one!

So, there you go folks, some great new books to curl up with as the autumnal winds start blowing. I'd love to hear what you guys are eagerly anticipating.  What's on your fall reading list?

In The Bleak Midwinter...

My last post on Christmas romances brought about a few requests from you all asking for some Christmas mystery recommendations. While I am always thrilled that you think enough of my taste in books to make those sorts of requests, this one made me slightly queasy. It's truth time folks, while I am an avid reader of mysteries of all sorts, I don't really like Christmas mysteries. There.  I said it. Or rather, I wrote it, but you get the drift.

Perhaps it is just too difficult to mix murder and mayhem and making merry! Christmas is a time when we want to think about what is good and right with the world and crime and punishment do not happily blend with those sentiments. Another issue with holiday mysteries is that most tend to be found in cozy series and that is, frankly, my least favorite sub-genre. Oh, I read cozies, but I think we have established that I read almost everything including cereal boxes, so that alone doesn't mean much. Having stated the fact that I don't really care much for holiday mysteries, never let it be said that I can't offer up a few suggestions when I have loyal blog readers looking to mix some murder in with their holiday cheer.

In The Bleak Midwinter - Julia Spencer-Fleming
Rev. Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries 
The first book in this amazing series and it just happens to be set at Christmas!  I've raved about this series before and it is well-deserved. If someone had told me that one of my favorites would involve the exploits of a female, ex-chopper pilot, episcopal priest and an ex MP, current police chief in a small upstate NY town, I'd have been doubtful to say the least. Thanks to Ms. Spencer-Fleming's talent, I fell in love with these characters. The series is a strange mix of cozy elements with much more bleak and hard-boiled plotlines. The chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts and the setting in a small upstate New York town certainly provides plenty of winter charm!  If you have not tried this series, you really must, it is one of my favorites.

The Thin Man -Dashiell Hammett

Nick and Nora Charles

There are worse ways to spend Christmas than hanging with the ever urbane and witty Nick and Nora Charles in NYC. One of my favorite classic mysteries and even though the Christmas setting isn't a major component, you really can't lose with this one.  

Midnight Clear - Kathy Hogan Trocheck

Callahan Garrity series

Before she hit it big writing hilarious southern chick lit mysteries Mary Kay Andrews was Kathy Hogan Trocheck and she wrote a couple of really excellent mystery series including the Callahan Garrity books.  The House Mouse mysteries featured an ex Atlanta cop turned house cleaning service owner. Callahan was a charming and capable woman and I loved the secondary characters in the books as well.  It pains me that this series is no more, I miss Callahan and the gang at the House Mouse.  Oddly enough, some of the books in this series don't seem to be in print, but others, including Midnight Clear are available on kindle and in print.  Take advantage of the ones that you can find, you won't be sorry.

The Body in the Sleigh - Katherine Hall Page

Faith Fairchild series

While I haven't read all of the books in this cozy series set in Massachusetts, I've enjoyed the ones that I have read including The Body in the Sleigh. This book finds the Fairchild family taking a holiday vacation in Maine and I love Maine almost as much as I love mysteries, so this really worked for me. I like the characters in this series and I really need to get back to it and get caught up.

So, my dears, there you have it. A few suggestions for those who wish to lose themselves in a mystery during their holiday break. I hope you enjoy them and I also beg of you to leave your suggestions in the comments area.  I'd love to hear about your favorite holiday book, no matter the genre, so c'mon, it's the season for giving...

a quick succession of busy nothings...

I'm back!  Seems forever and a day since I revved up the old blogger engine. Per usual, I'm blaming the hustle and bustle of life for the delay. Since last we visited, I managed to fit in a couple of author events/book signings, a trip to NYC, a chance to see Alan Rickman on stage, a very busy bout at work and dealing with the day to day stuff, like buying a new car and playing with my new Kindle Fire!  See? Busy. Doing stuff. Of course, some of that stuff is book related and I've managed to fit in a good bit of reading while I've been mucking about, so I thought I'd ease back into the blogging routine by sharing some tidbits with you guys.

First, Alan Rickman. I had the chance to see him on Broadway in his new play, Seminar and it was amazing!  I should say Rickman was amazing, the play was OK. Seminar featured AR as a successful novelist who terrorizes four younger writers during a writing seminar. It was a bit cliched and full of too many writing/publishing in jokes, but Alan was brilliant! Of course, to me, he is always Col. Brandon, but take any opportunity you get to see Mr. Rickman up close and personal. He rocks!

While in NYC, I also had the opportunity to visit with some writers that I've mentioned often on the blog, Tasha Alexander, Deanna Raybourn and Lauren Willig.  These three lovely ladies did a talk/signing at the Mysterious Bookshop in Manhattan. Great fun to see these masters of historical mysteries interact with their fans and each other. I read and enjoy all three of these writers and I know that many of you do as well. If you have the chance to meet up with any of them as they travel around, take it. They are very warm and friendly and seem to genuinely enjoy meeting their readers. Check out their perspective websites to get updates on their work and travels.

Tasha Alexander
Deanna Raybourn
Lauren Willig

Also, if you get the chance to visit NYC, don't miss a stop off at The Mysterious Bookshop. This place is a mystery lovers heaven!

Back in the ATL just in time to get the opportunity to hear writer John Connolly speak about his work at The Peerless Bookstore.  Connolly is the author of one of my favorite mystery series featuring the brilliant and tortured detective, Charlie Parker.  I have read his stuff forever, but never managed to hear him speak about his work. It was a wonderful evening. Connolly is an articulate, opinionated and energetic speaker and a warm, gracious individual. The Peerless is a find.  If you are in the ATL and looking for a really active independent bookstore, this is the place!  They offer tons of author visits, writing workshops and a really lovely spirit of community for both readers and writers.  Good stuff!

I'll be posting my review of the latest Charlie Parker book, The Burning Soul in the next week or so, so be sure and check back.

As I mentioned above, I also found the time to do some shopping, purchasing both a new car and a new Kindle!  The car is a Rogue, appropriately dubbed Sebastian, after many of my fave rogues in romance novels. And no, I did not buy the car just because of the name, but it certainly didn't hurt. Take note, car namers!  And as to the new Kindle Fire, I've only had it a day or two, but I am loving the size of the thing.  It handles media and internet stuff really well and can be very comfortably held in one hand. Flove that. Much of what i was looking for in the iPad, in a much more compact form. And cheaper. Yay Amazon! Nice job!

Yours truly with John Connolly at his recent signing in Atlanta.

The City of New Orleans...

Lucky me. Next week finds me headed to one of my favorite places to visit, New Orleans, LA. It has been a very long time since I visited the city, long before the tragedy of Katrina and I'm looking forward to going back. I'll be there for the ALA Annual conference and it looks like it will be a good one. It's always crazy busy, but incredibly productive and even quite a bit of fun.  Since I have a few librarian friends who read the blog, I thought I'd share some of my favorite books that are set in NOLA.  Reading any of these titles should help you get in the mood to enjoy the Big Easy...

First and foremost, anything in the Dave Robicheaux mystery series by the amazing James Lee Burke. For my money, JLB is not only the best living mystery writer, but he is one of the best writers writing, period. Dave Robicheaux is a complex character, the likes of which we rarely see in the genre anymore. If you haven't experienced the wonder of JLB, I suggest beginning with Heaven's Prisoners, the book that started my love affair with Robicheaux. The descriptions of New Orleans are incredibly vivid and will be the perfect introduction to this complex and beautiful city.

For the historical romance lovers out there, I highly recommend Candice Proctor's atmospheric and suspenseful, Midnight Confessions. Proctor is one of the best and the NOLA setting, combined with a dash of suspense and a passionate romance combine to make reading this book an enjoyable visit to New  Orleans in the late 1800s. 

My favorite romantic suspense writer, Linda Howard has two books that feature New Orleans and both are well worth a visit. After the Night is one of Howard's most popular books and features a rather remarkeable Alpha male hero.  We all know that no one writes an Alpha like Linda Howard and Gray Rouillard is one of her most memorable.   After the Night has an incredibly steamy gothic tone and features some of the hottest love scenes LH has ever penned. Kill and Tell is also an excellent read, with more of a nod toward the espionage aspects of Howard's  suspense writing.  Both are a whole lot of fun.

So, there are a few titles to get you in the mood for a NOLA visit.  I could go on and on with this list since writers have found New Orleans to be a fascinating setting for their novels, no matter what their genre might be.  Since very few places have the complexity, history, beauty and just sheer quirkiness of NOLA, I'm sure it will continue to serve those writers well, 

Where Shadows Dance...

I was thrilled to get the latest title in the wonderful Sebastian St. Cyr historical mystery series this week.  Penned by the talented C.S. Harris, Shadows Dance is the sixth book featuring Sebastian St. Cyr, a sort of Regency era James Bond. St. Cyr, or Viscount Devlin, as he is also known, is an intriguing character and Harris is a marvelous writer. I was very excited to find a historical mystery series set in the regency era, as it is probably my favorite historical period.

Overall, this has been a really solid and enjoyable series.  Sebastian is an intriguing character with a wonderful wit and style.  In the early going, he was deeply involved with an actress, Kat Boleyn. I never really enjoyed the pairing because Sebastian seemed like a whiny child when he was around Kat. He seemed to use her as a threat and a wedge with his estranged family and it just got tiresome. As the books progressed, it became very clear that the mysteries involved were somewhat secondary to the familial secrets that Sebastian is constantly uncovering. This ongoing storyline lets the reader get to know more about Sebastian and his family with each book and a fascinating family it is. One of these family secrets eventually brings an end to the romantic relationship between Sebastian and Kat and while I felt for them, I was actually pretty thrilled about this development as I hoped it meant less of the petulant, emo Sebastian and more of the witty, mystery solving, urbane Sebastian.

Throughout the series Sebastian's nemesis is the wonderfully villainous, Lord Jarvis. Jarvis is the power behind the throne and  perhaps my favorite character in the books. If I loved Jarvis for no other reason, I would love him for fathering his daughter, Hero Jarvis. Hero is an amazing character. She is a 25 year old bluestocking, with a love for all things intellectual as well as a highly developed social concious.  Her ability to stand up to Sebastian as an equal made their relationship interesting to me from the start. As the series progressed, I hoped for a relationship between these two, but didn't see how Harris could pull this off since Sebastian is so sure that he can never love anyone but Kat. I should not have underestimated Harris's abilities, since she has indeed managed to build a unique and complex storyline for these two.

Where Shadows Dance is, I think, a pivotal book in this series. It felt like Sebastian was finally growing up. When a low level but well liked young diplomat is murdered, Sebastian steps in to investigate. The investigation uncovers an incredibly complex situation involving politicians and diplomats from many countries and almost more twists and turns than the reader can keep up with. Almost. Harris outlines the many players and elements of the storyline very carefully and I had no trouble following the action. The plot of this book serves to remind one just how volatile the world was in the early 1800s. There were so many powerful players on the world's political stage and all were seeking to build and strengthen alliances. As Sebastian works to unravel the puzzle surrounding the young diplomat's death, he also works to convince Hero to become his wife. Thanks to an unplanned episode in their recent past, Hero and Sebastian find themselves facing a difficult situation and both seem to be trying desperately to behave honorably. As they agree to marry, Hero steps in to aid Sebastian in his investigation. This development gives me great pleasure as well as real hope that this trend will continue in future books.  Sebastian and Hero are an amazingly well-matched couple and when they join forces they are indeed a force of nature!

A word here about romances in historical mysteries.  I am in favor of them. Really. That said, I think that writers of historical mysterys have to tread a bit lightly to keep the fine line between mystery and romance in place. Harris has always done an excellent job with this and I am truly grateful that she didn't try to keep some sort of love triangle going between Kat, Sebastian and Hero. When Sebastian makes his decision, he definitely mourns for what he might have had with Kat, but he makes it clear that he is going to be a faithful husband to Hero. He and Kat have a couple of lovely moments and I'm sure that she will continue to be featured in the series, but I felt like Harris effectively ended the concept of any sort of sordid triangle. I also worried about Sebastian and Hero being trapped in a stuffy marriage of convenience. These two have enormous chemistry and a strong physical attraction, but I was concerned that they would refrain from attempting a real relationship due to the circumstances of their marriage.  I would like to cheer C.S. Harris for not going that very tired route. The last few pages of this books are quite possibly the most romantic I have ever read in any genre. The writing is truly beautiful and I am reminded that Harris, under her real name, Candace Proctor, wrote several excellent historical romances earlier in her career. She even quotes one of my favorite poets, Sir Thomas Wyatt. Sigh!

So, strong mystery, swoony romance, great attention to historical detail, interesting familial situations, intriguing characters, both main and supporting, along with some truly fine writing combine to make the latest entry in this series one of the best.  If you haven't read this one, do so.  At the first opportunity.  Number seven in the series is due next March and believe me I expect that they will only get better and better! Harris is a worthy successor to the late, great Kate Ross and while Julian Kestral remains number one in my heart, Sebastian is certainly a close second.

Titles in the Sebastian St. Cyr series:
What Angels Fear: A Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery, Book 1
When Gods Die: A Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery
Why Mermaids Sing: A Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery
Where Serpents Sleep: A Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery, Book 4
What Remains of Heaven: A Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery, Book 5
Where Shadows Dance: A Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery, Book 6

Singing the Winter Blues...

OK, let me just say that January was not my favorite month ever. Besides being busy, traveling across country for work and dealing with Atlanta's Snowapalooza 2011, I have been dealing with some health issues which don't seem to want to go away. All my way of apologizing for the lack of posts lately.  Time and energy have been in equally short supply.

That said, I have certainly been reading more than ever. I started the In Death series by JD Robb while winging my way to Cali and I am currently up to 24. I have decided to go ahead and read the entire series before reviewing, but I will say that I am surprised by how much I'm enjoying these books.

My trip to California was to attend the ALA Midwinter conference in San Diego and I was thrilled to get to meet many amazing writers, including several personal faves. Is it any wonder that I love my job?  The faves I mentioned include Neil Gaiman, T. Jefferson Parker and Stewart O'Nan! They were all crazy smart and funny and very gracious to their fans.  I managed to grab some great ARCs and I am still making my way through this sea of great writing, but here are a few I want to recommend:

If you haven't read something by these three, do so immediately.  They are all fantastic writers and truly cool people as well.  

Also want to give a quick thanks to Beth for her review of the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning.  I started this series last week because I felt like I owed Beth one and I basically devoured it and finished  it on Friday night! You all know that I'm not a fan of paranormals, but this was quite a wild ride and so much fun.  I'm going to give it a while to simmer and then post a longer piece on this one, but if you all are looking for something cleverly written, with interesting characters and one of the hottest male leads ever, then get started on this series now.  And, oh yeah, Ms. Beth, here's my vote for the TV Barrons...

Anticipation...

It's a quick top 5 Tuesday list today since I'm trying to get ready to dash off to California for a conference. I'm hoping now that the Holidays are over, I'll have a bit more time to update the blog.  Thanks to those of you have continued to read, comment and email to let me know you're visiting. I truly appreciate your support.

I thought we'd start off the New Year with a list of five of the genre books that I'm most looking forward to in 2011. Most of these don't have covers yet, so no pretty artwork. They are all available for pre-order though, so keep an eye on Amazon.

The Dark Enquiry - Deanna Raybourn - pub date: June 21, 2011

Fifth book in her amazing Julia Grey series. Brisbane is back! Yay!

Cold Vengeance - Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child - pub date: August 2, 2011

Latest in the newly re-energized Agent Pendergast series.  Looks like a good one!

One Was A Soldier - Julia Spencer Fleming - pub date: April 26, 2011

I've been waiting for this one. Seems like forever since the last Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne book.  

Fallen - Karin Slaughter - pub date: May 31, 2011 

I never know what to expect from Slaughter, but this title is supposed to mingle characters from her Grant County and Atlanta series, so it should be interesting.  

Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart - Sarah Maclean - pub date: May 1, 2011

I have enjoyed this historical romance trilogy by new writer, Maclean, but I'll be happy to finish it up just so I never have to type these silly titles again.

The Dark Enquiry (A Lady Julia Grey Novel)
Cold Vengeance
One Was a Soldier: A Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery
Fallen: A Novel
Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart

Building a Mystery...

Since last week's top 5 Tuesday list included my favorite historical mystery series, I thought this week we would give equal time to my favorite contemporary series.  I think that I look for very different things from contemporary series, for example, a good plot matters much more when I don't have all that delicious historical detail distracting me.  Setting is important.  I like to read about places that are interesting and that add to the story in some way.  That said, it still comes down to authors who create memorable characters. Every series on this list features at least one, if not several truly amazing characters and I'm grateful to have had a chance to meet them.

Rev. Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries - Julia Spencer- Fleming
If someone had told me that one of my favorites would involve the exploits of a female, ex-chopper pilot, episcopal priest and an ex MP, current police chief in a small upstate NY town, I'd have been doubtful to say the least. Thanks to Ms. Spencer-Fleming's talent, I fell in love with these characters. The series is a strange mix of cozy elements with much more bleak and hard-boiled plotlines. The chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts and I cannot wait to find out where the author takes them next.

Pendergast Series - Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
It took two very fine mystery writers to come up with a character as intriguing as the complex and mysterious FBI Agent Pendergast. He is a suave southern gentleman, who seems to have an almost encyclopedic knowledge of everything from fine dining to eastern religion. He is urbane and witty and fabulous and I hope that Preston and Childs never get bored with him. I know I won't. The first book in this series, Relic, remains one of my favorites.

Travis McGee Series - John D. MacDonald
In my opinion, one of the very best series detectives ever. Travis McGee was a knight errant, beach bum who lived on his yacht, The Busted Flush in Bahia Mar in Ft. Lauderdale. He was the prototype for many who would follow, but nobody has ever done this sort of mystery better. MacDonald's astute observations on the environment, development and culture, continue to be as meaningful as when he wrote them in the late 60s and 70s.  I re-read this series annually just to remind myself how good a series mystery can be.

Charlie Parker Mysteries - John Connolly

Perhaps the darkest of all of the series I've listed, the protagonist of this series has lost everything and had to fight to hang on to both his sanity and his humanity. This series deals with some very disturbing themes, but Connolly always manages to allow Charlie some shred of hope and decency. The supporting characters are memorable and the setting in Maine fits the mood of the series well. Even the occasional dip into the paranormal world doesn't bother me, because Connolly's writing is so strong and poetic. If you don't mind occasionally visiting the dark side, this is one of the best series going.

Adam Dalgliesh Series - PD James
You all didn't really think I was going to make it through an entire list without including a Brit did you?  PD James is a master and Adam Dalgliesh is one of the best characters in contemporary mystery writing.  Dalgliesh is an intellectual and honorable man and his methodic approach to solving complex crimes is as enjoyable today as is was in 1962 when the first Dalgliesh, Cover Her Face was published.