Dark of the Moon - John Sandford

I have been hoping that John Sandford would write another Kidd novel. When I saw that the title did not include the word "Prey" I thought my hopes were realized. While Lucas Davenport was not the central character in this work, neither was Kidd. Instead Sandford has started another series. This one featuring a supporting character in many of the Prey novels.

Virgil Flowers is a cop. He is a good cop but, he moves to the beat of his own drum. Working for Lucas Davenport, he gets the freedom live his life and work the job on his terms. All Lucas cares about is results.

When Virgil finds himself in the boonies investigating the death of a rich, elderly and not well liked member of a small community he feels the pressure on his shoulders. Not enough pressure to prevent him taking time to romance the communities most eligible bachelorette. Still, Virgil manages to push the right buttons and draws out the killer.

Virgil is a distinctly unique character from Lucas Davenport. This is truly a testament to the skill of John Sandford. Far to often, the spin off character is a cookie cutter of the original. I don't know if I like Virgil yet. I will have to give him one or two more novels before I can decide.

Phantom Prey - John Sandford

Lucas Davenport gets thrust into the middle of series of murders he would rather have nothing to do with. At the same time he is on the team trying to get the Twin Cities ready for the republican convention. Preparing for security of the participants and crowd control with a limited police staff is quite a daunting task in and of itself.

The daughter of a wealthy entrepreneur goes missing and presumed dead. Shortly afterward, her friends begin to show up murdered. After Weather runs into the mother at their gym, she convinces Lucas to get involved in the investigation.

Sandford uses this story to explore the world of Goth. Lucas meets and talks with a number of different people within this subculture and we get some insight into who they are and how they think. And just like most groups, they have their factions and clicks and competing philosophies. Sandford is taking his art to a new level. He is no longer just telling a suspenseful tale. He exploring the sociological aspects of society. In the decades to come, Sandford may well be required reading in many universities and high schools.

Absolute Certainty - Rose Connors

There is always a bit of risk when a lawyer writes a crime novel. Especially when the protagonist happens to be a lawyer. The level of detail that goes into the lawyerly aspects of the story can easily get out of control. Fortunately, Rose is able to balance the plot and the law fairly.

This is a modern story told in an innocuous setting. Marty Nickerson is district attorney for Barnstable county MA and a divorced mother of a teenage son. In this tight-knit community on Cape Cod, she finds herself arguing a string of murder cases while trying to raise her son and take care of family and friends directly impacted by loss of loved ones.

The story is filled with a rich and diverse cast of characters. She endeavors to develop each character fully even when they have a fairly minor role. For a first novel, this is exceptional work. I am looking forward to reading her future efforts.

I say reading but, I listened to this one. Bernadette Dune read the book. She makes a good effort to keep the voices of the characters distinct. Sometimes though, she struggles with the males and they all seem to be the voice of retirees who smoke 2 packs a day and have for the past 50 years. She does, however, do an excellent job of pacing. The story is compelling and moves at a brisk pace.

Rose Connors is an up and coming author. I recommend you start reading her now rather than waiting until she has 15 or 20 novels on the shelves.

Chameleon - Mark Burnell

Here is the plot. Woman quits her job and runs away from herself and everyone who knew her. She is found by her former employer who convinces her to take one more assignment. Of course her line of work is not nursing or teaching but killing.

OK. So this is a pretty popular plot line told by numerous different authors and retold in any number of movies. The real question is, can Mark retell this story in a unique and compelling way? The short answer is no.

The cold war produced a thriving market for the spy and assasin thriller genre. In the post cold war writings in this vein are struggling. The KGB are all now powerful criminals and businessmen. MI-6 is still doing their thing but, it just doesn't have the glamour it used to. The CIA? Chasing drug lords and terrorists now that the Soviet Union has crumbled. Never-the-less, Burnell tries to keep suspense alive with an smart, attractive and recently scrupled heroine.

Stephanie is trying to live a simple life on a farm in France. She has been on the run for several years now. Initially she went indipendant. Taking the same jobs that used be assignments. Eventually the killing became to much for her and she stopped. Found a boyfriend and lived a simple life.

Until her former employer paid her a visit. And thus we begin the predictable adventure. Reacquainting with former co-workers. A few months spent training. Getting back into shape and enjoying some sexual tension with the trainer. Agreeing to complete one last assignment in order to be free forever.

If this is your niche, you may want to pick this book up. If you are just passing through, there are better told stories invest your time in. I recomend The Teeth of the Tiger by Tom Clancy for good post cold war spy reading.

Invisible Prey - John Sandford

Lucas Davenport has to balance the political whims of his superiors against the rights of children. And that is just the subplot.

In the 17th installment of the Prey series, Lucas has 2 major cases on his plate. One the suspected statutory rape of a 16 year old by a State Senator. The second, the brutal murder of 2 elderly women in one of the richest neighborhoods in St. Paul.

John Sandford has done a masterful job of weaving together a complex storyline with a familiar cast of characters. Sandford has always said Kidd is one of his favorite characters to write and with Kidd making a cameo appearance, one has to wonder if another Kidd novel isn't in the back of his mind. I, for one, would welcome it with open arms.

Sandford injects his sense of humor into the story which makes this all the more engaging a read. His transitions have taken on a flair not seen in his previous installments and it is quite refreshing.

Despite being a very well read and respected author, he continues to refine and develop his skills as an artist. Truly a master of his craft. I highly recommend Invisible Prey to anyone who enjoys contemporary crime fiction.

The Girl with the Long Green Heart - Lawrence Block

Johnny Hayden was living the simple life. Dreaming of the day he could purchase a little no-tel motel just down the road. It wasn't a bad existence; assistant manager of a bowling alley in Boulder Colorado, living in a stark one-bedroom with no windows. It was a far sight better than the last 7 years. Years spent in San Quintin. Until he was visited by a face from the past.

Doug Rance had a plan. It was the perfect confidence scheme. And when it was over, Johnny would have all the money he needed to make his dream a reality.

Lawrence snaps a vivid picture of a grifter's life. He takes the time to educate the reader about the art and the eloquence of the long con. And he does it without sacrificing story or pace.

Take an afternoon at the beach or in your living room on a rainy day and enjoy this little page turner. It is a fast read that will not disappoint.