Aubrey Nye Hamilton Reviews: Cold Tuscan Stone by David P. Wagner

Cold Tuscan Stone by David P. Wagner is the first of a series of what is now eight books. Originally published in 2013, Poisoned Pen Press re-issued it in 2021. Rick Montoya, son of an American Foreign Service father and a Roman mother, is comfortable in either of his parents’ worlds. He decides to move to Rome from his home in New Mexico and take up translating and interpreting to capitalize on his bilingual ability. He is settled in there when an old school friend, now an official in the Italian Ministry of Culture, suggests meeting. Rick quickly learns that more than a reunion is on his friend’s agenda. Since Rick is known as an American, he is well placed to make inquiries about sources of high-end Etruscan replica statuary and stoneware, ostensibly on behalf of a friend in New Mexico who runs an upscale gift shop. What he is really supposed to be seeking is information about the stolen burial artifacts that have entered the market around Tuscany.

He's given the names of three firms who have come to the attention of the authorities, and he seeks them out to drop hints about his willingness to purchase illegal artifacts. One of the employees dies from a fall soon after meeting with Rick, which brings Rick under suspicion by the local police, complicating Rick’s research and making a lot of people interested in Rick’s activities.

The resolution to the mystery is unexpectedly complicated, while the information about the food, architecture, and landscape of Tuscany and the illicit trade in valuable artifacts is seamlessly woven into a smoothly told introduction to an original amateur sleuth.

All eight of the books in the series are highly rated on Amazon by reviewers, which speaks volumes for their quality. Starred review from Library Journal.

 

·         Publisher: ‎Poisoned Pen Press (January 26, 2021)

·         Language: ‎English

·         Paperback: ‎288 pages

·         ISBN-10[KT1] : ‎1464214646

·         ISBN-13: ‎978-1464214646

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: ] https://amzn.to/3YqEFV0

Aubrey Nye Hamilton ©2024

Aubrey Hamilton is a former librarian who works on Federal It projects by day and reads mysteries at night.

Upcoming Dallas Noir at the Bar

In two weeks, I and a group of far more talented writers, will be reading at the Dallas Noir at the Bar at The Wild Detectives. Things kick off at 7 PM. If you are in the Dallas area, I hope you come on out and see us.

Kathleen Marple Kalb's Blog: So You Wrote the Book, Now What?: One Great Rule

Kathleen Marple Kalb's Blog: So You Wrote the Book, Now What?: One Great Rule 

Kathleen Marple Kalb's Blog: So You Wrote the Book, Now What?: Grandpa's Rules

 Kathleen Marple Kalb's Blog: So You Wrote the Book, Now What?: Grandpa's Rules

Thank You

Just wanted to say thank you for the donations and the support over the last few days. I'm stunned that anyone noticed or cared what I do and am going through these days. Heck, I am surprised I am still here as I never expected to still be around. I saw too many spouses get sick with their own cancer problem and pass a year or two after their spouse died. I always figured it was when, not if, and I was sure I was gone as it was just a matter of time.

Surprisingly,  I am still here. And a lot of you care about that fact and what I do from my small place in NE Dallas. Sandi would tell me not to question why and just be grateful. 

I certainly am. The new computer was covered. Now we are working towards paying the oh so many medical bills I have generated these last four months and will generate this week and next. 

Thank you. 

Wicked Authors: Waffle House Inspired Short Stories

 Wicked Authors: Waffle House Inspired Short Stories

Dru's Book Musings: New Releases ~ Week of October 20, 2024

 Dru's Book Musings: New Releases ~ Week of October 20, 2024 

KRL Update 10/19/2024

Up on KRL this week reviews and giveaways of 5 more cozies that are either set at Halloween or have a supernatural element that makes them perfect for your Halloween reading-"A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor" A Food and Spirits Mystery by Darci Hannah, "Booked on Murder" by Allison Brook, "Furever After" by Sofie Kelly, a Magical Cats Mystery, "Six Stunning Sirens "by Lynn Cahoon, and "Death and the Visitors" by Heather Redmond. https://kingsriverlife.com/10/19/more-cozies-perfect-for-halloween-reading/ 

We also have a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop" by Emmeline Duncan https://kingsriverlife.com/10/19/chaos-at-the-lazy-bones-bookshop-by-emmeline-duncan/

 

And a review and giveaway of "A Scandal in Mayfair" by Katharine Schellman, along with an interesting interview with Katharine https://kingsriverlife.com/10/19/a-scandal-in-mayfair-by-katharine-schellman/

 

We also have the latest Queer Mystery Coming Attractions from Matt Lubbers-Moore https://kingsriverlife.com/10/19/queer-mystery-coming-attractions-november-2024/

 

And an article about local horror/supernatural author James Garcia Jr., along with a review of his new book "The Color of Sound" and a giveaway https://kingsriverlife.com/10/19/local-horror-author-james-garcia-jr-has-new-book-this-halloween-season/

 

Up during the week we posted another special midweek guest post, this one by author Beth Castrodale--she talks about ghost stories and her new book "The Inhabitants" https://kingsriverlife.com/10/16/the-elements-of-good-ghost-stories/

 

And another special midweek guest post, this one by mystery author Misty Simon about Halloween and her new Steampunk Paranormal Mystery "Corpses & Corsets", a perfect read for Halloween season! https://kingsriverlife.com/10/16/happy-almost-halloween/

 

Up on KRL News and Reviews this week we have a review and giveaway of "Tunica" by Dp Lyle https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/tunica-by-dp-lyle-reviewgiveaway.html

 

And a review and giveaway of "Between a Flock and a Hard Place" by Donna Andrews https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/between-flock-and-hard-place-by-donna.html

 

And a review and giveaway of a signed copy of "Murder Under A Cold Moon" by Abigail Keam https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/murder-under-cold-moon-by-abigail-keam.html

 

Happy reading,

Lorie

_._,_._,_

Lesa's Book Critiques: Winners and No Contest

 Lesa's Book Critiques: Winners and No Contest

SleuthSayers: Adventures in Strandland

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Beneath the Stains of Time: The Creeping Jenny Mystery (1929) by Brian Flynn

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Bookblog of the Bristol Library: The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon

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Scott's Take: What if… Wanda Maximoff And Peter Parker were Siblings? A Scarlet Witch And Spider-Man Story by Seanan McGuire

What if… Wanda Maximoff And Peter Parker were Siblings? A Scarlet Witch And Spider-Man Story by Seanan McGuire is the second What If book in a loosely connected series. There is barely any connection to the first book,  What If… Loki Was Worthy? A Loki And Valkyrie Story. The narrator is supposed to be the same, but because this second book has a different author, this “The Watcher” is radically different.   There is also a background villain doing shenanigans, but not really that plot relevant. I enjoyed this book way more than the first one. This story was way more original and more comic book based. The MCU influence on the first one was very heavy and was telling yet another story about what could happen if Loki became worthy.

 

In this story, thanks to a series of events, the Scarlet Witch and Spider-Man grew up together. The cover plot synopsis and what the book is are not the same. The book blurb stuff does not happen until much later in the book. One has to be at least halfway through the read before one starts encountering any of the book blurb stuff.  The plot is actually more of a life story. It tells how they became a family, growing into their powers, losing Uncle Ben, and how they handle early adulthood and their college years.

 

There are a number of guest stars from the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Avengers. Spider-Man is a main character in this novel, but the focus is more on the Scarlet Witch as the main protagonist.  Despite being billed as a duo book, Scarlet Witch is favored more than Spider-man in this story, but he is very important to the plot. There are a number of adult mentor type supporting characters including Doctor Strange. In his case, he is depicted more like his early comic book appearance vs how he is written now. There is a clear sliver age influence to this read. 

 

I really enjoyed this novel, but I wish it was longer since there are events alluded to in this novel that are not fully fleshed out. Also, the ending is rather rushed. I felt like there was a lot more that could have been written.

 

There is a third book coming out in this series from yet another writer.  What If… Marc Spector was a host to Venom by Mike Chen is scheduled to be released on October 22nd.  Marc Spector is one of the personalities that make up Moon Knight. Somehow the dangling plot threads from the first two books are supposed to be connected in that read, but I don’t think they will matter that much.

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3Y57t53

 

My hardback reading copy came from the White Rock Hills Branch of the Dallas Public Library System.

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2024

Lesa's Book Critiques: What Are You Reading?

 Lesa's Book Critiques: What Are You Reading?

Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity: "Love and Russian Literature" by Somerset Maugham

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In Reference To Murder: Mystery Melange 10/17/2024

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Patricia Abbott: Short Story Wednesday, CHALLENGE THE IMPOSSIBLE: THE FINAL PROBLEMS OF DR. SAM HAWTHORNE, Edward D. Hoch

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George Kelly: WEDNESDAY’S SHORT STORIES #197: MURDER MOST CONFEDERATE Edited by Martin H. Greenberg

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Bitter Tea and Mystery: Short Story Wednesday: Shadow Voices, ed. by John Connolly

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Lesa's Book Critiques: Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise

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Beneath the Stains of Time: Murder Most Monstrous: Case Closed, vol. 91 by Gosho Aoyama

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SleuthSayers: Crimes Against Nature: The Anthology

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In Reference To Murder: Media Murder for Monday 10/14/2024

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Little Big Crimes: The Hanging Judge, by Dave Zeltserman

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Lesa's Book Critiques: Kevin’s Corner Annex – Ashes Never Lie by Lee Goldberg

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Lesa's Book Critiques: Kevin’s Corner Annex – It Happened One Knife by Jeffrey Cohen

 Lesa's Book Critiques: Kevin’s Corner Annex – It Happened One Knife by Jeffrey Cohen

Computer Died Yesterday

The old computer that I was using died yesterday just before noon. Scott spent much of the day working on it to no avail. I was going to close up shop and call it a day. He would not hear of it. 

He ordered a replacement  that is close to what I had and it should he here midweek. 600 bucks and change before tax and money I don’t have with all the medical stuff these past three months and yet mire medical stuff this week and next. But, we are  doing it to prevent my small circle from closing down even more. When your world is doctor office and the occasional foray to the library, one needs that online connection and this iPad isn’t going to get the job done. 

Now you know why things are so quiet here. 

Aubrey Nye Hamilton Reviews: The Confidence Games by Tess Amy

Tess Amy writes the popular Marion Lane historical mysteries under the name T. A. Wilberg. Her first contemporary crime fiction novel was released in July 2024. The Confidence Games highlights Emma Oxley and Nellie Yarrow, two school friends turned international con artists who specialize in stealing high-end jewelry and watches and then selling them to the highest bidder on the dark Web. Nellie comes by her tricks naturally, having been trained from a young age by her grandmother. Emma had to acquire pickpocket and scam artist skills as an adult but she managed. Together they are an unstoppable duo, until one night when Nellie is kidnapped and Emma is told that she has to steal a famous diamond necklace to ransom Nellie. Emma isn’t used to working alone but how she collects her self-confidence and rises to the occasion is witty and clever and makes for an amusing and absorbing read.

While the book starts off as a light-hearted caper and keeps the vestiges of a heist, the story soon veers into more serious territory, examining concepts of identity, self-discovery, and family. Hardly anyone in the book is who they say they are, contributing to the confusion and the surprises of the ultimate resolution.

The inventive cast of characters includes an 8-year-old girl who carries a book of advice with her everywhere and consults it on all occasions. I was especially amused by Dax Frederick, the duo’s so-called computer “expert”. While most fictional IT gurus know technology inside and out, Dax is apologetically ignorant of most of the conventions of breaking into a system. His apartment is full of textbooks about hacking as he tries to bring his skills up to the standard the two con artists need to function safely on the dark Web. Playing against type he is hopelessly inept.

The ending is immensely rewarding, as the bad guys get their comeuppance and Nellie and Emma are re-united in a suitably dramatic fashion. Highly readable, possible series potential. Recommended.

 

• Publisher: ‎Berkley (July 9, 2024)
• Language: ‎English
• Paperback: ‎288 pages
• ISBN-10: ‎0593642503
• ISBN-13: ‎978-0593642504

 

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3NHehQF 

 

Aubrey Nye Hamilton ©2024

Aubrey Hamilton is a former librarian who works on Federal It projects by day and reads mysteries at night.

Review: Death at a Scottish Christmas: A Scottish Isle Mystery by Lucy Connelly

Death at a Scottish Christmas: A Scottish Isle Mystery by Lucy Connelly is the third read in this highly entertaining cozy mystery series that began with An American in Scotland. A lot has happened since Doctor Emilia McRoy arrived in Sea Isle, Scotland, back in August. As we roll into December here in this new book, it is best to have read the preceding books in the series.

 

The doctor is supposed to be off for the month of December until January 3rd. She is a tad bored on this December 10th as she is ready with her gifts, reorganized a closet, and caught up with her medical journals. Mara, manager of the Pig & Whistle Pub well as being a good friend, has recruited her to help out with various things as holiday parties and celebrating various events are a big deal in Sea Isle as are the tourists. But, she is still at loose ends.

 

That is until Mara calls with a request to help transport some members of the rock brand, Bram and the Strokers. Highly popular in the United Kingdom, they are to play in town to kick off the holidays. Their bus broke down shortly after leaving Edinburgh. Mara needs help getting the members and their equipment to town and the doctor has a SUV. She agrees helps ferry band members to town, and is there at the party/concert that evening. It was a great night. Though things got awkward several times between various people.

 

It was also the last time folks heard Bram sing. It was the doctor herself who found him sitting on a chair on the beach in very cold weather. The sun was up, but it was a cold morning, and he wasn’t dressed for it. As if he sat down to look at the sea and just went to permanent sleep.

 

Doctor Emilia McRoy also serves as the coroner and that means she has a joint investigation with Ewan Campbell, the town constable and much more. It also means that there is huge media publicity regarding Bram’s death. That publicity brings in Evan’s bosses, the media, and a lot more complications.

 

What follows is another twisty mystery that further solidifies many of the existing characters and brings in a couple of other new characters who might be around in subsequent books. Author Lucy Connelly continues to bring a very special place alive for readers while providing a lot of entertainment and mystery. This book, and the series as a whole, are well worth your time.

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3YmkDLe

 

My reading copy came by way of the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. 

 

Kevin R. Tipple ©2024 

Lesa's Book Critiques: Kevin’s Corner Annex – Mystery Magazine: August 2024

 Lesa's Book Critiques: Kevin’s Corner Annex – Mystery Magazine: August 2024

Dru's Book Musings: New Releases ~ Week of October 13, 2024

 Dru's Book Musings: New Releases ~ Week of October 13, 2024 

KRL Update 10/12/2024

Up on KRL this week a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "A Dark and Stormy Knit" by Peggy Ehrhart, along with a fun Halloween craft from Peggy https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/a-dark-and-stormy-knit-by-peggy-ehrhart/

And a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "Death Scene" by Carol J. Perry https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/death-scene-a-witch-city-mystery-by-carol-j-perry/

 

And a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "Sunflowers, Scarecrows, and Scandal" by Erica Wynters, along with an interesting interview with Erica https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/sunflowers-scarecrows-and-scandal-by-erica-wynters/

 

We also have another spooky short story perfect for Halloween, this one is "Clown-O-Phobia" by Bobbi Chukran https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/clown-o-phobia-a-spooky-short-story-by-bobbi-a-chukran-for-halloween/

 

For those who prefer to listen to Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast directly on KRL, here is the player for the latest episode which features the ghostly mystery short story "The Codicil" by Shannon Taft and read by local actor Sean Hopper. Perfect for your Halloween listening https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/new-mysteryrats-maze-podcast-featuring-the-codicil/

 

Up during the week we posted another special midweek guest post, this one by mystery author Margaret Fenton about how she became a mystery writer and her new book "Little Boy Blue" https://kingsriverlife.com/10/09/how-i-became-a-mystery-writer-my-little-series/

 

Up on KRL News and Reviews this week we have a review and giveaway of "The Damages" by Shelley Costa https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/the-damages-by-shelley-costa.html

 

And if you are looking for something a little scarier for your Halloween reading, we also have a review and ebook giveaway of "Harrigan's Price and Other Stories" an anthology with tales of mystery, intrigue and horror by Christian Bauer https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/harrigans-price-by-christian-bauer.html

 

Happy Halloween season!

Lorie

Beneath the Stains of Time: The Killer Everyone Knew and Other Captain Leopold Stories (2023) by Edward D. Hoch

Beneath the Stains of Time: The Killer Everyone Knew and Other Captain Leopold...: The Killer Everyone Knew and Other Captain Leopold Stories (2023) is the thirteenth volume of Edward D. Hoch 's fiction, published by C...

Scott's Take: Batman: City of Madness by Christian Ward

Batman: City of Madness by Christian Ward, who also illustrated it, is the first book I have read by him. He does a really good job on both aspects. This is another standalone elseworlds Batman book. In this comic, Batman of the surface teams up with The Court Of Owls to stop the Batman Below. Secretly, there is another Gotham city below the main Gotham. This dark mirror world’s Batman has left his city to train a Robin in the above. He seeks to merge these two Gotham into one. Doing that would damage reality for all and cause widespread insanity in both levels. Batman of the surface and the Court of Owls will attempt to stop him.

 

This graphic novel is an atmospheric read featuring a decent number of characters. Several characters play a bigger role than the synopsis implies.  Unfortunately, because it is only three issues, there is not a lot of time to go into much detail in this fast paced read. I am a little disappointed that the Gotham Below is not explored as much as it could be.

 

The art is excellent and depicts the cosmic horror really well. There are several disturbing scenes for some readers in regards to body horror. There is a clear setup for a sequel. That setup causes the read to abruptly end. I hate this trend of teasing a sequel that may not even happen.

 

I enjoyed this read despite its flaws. It really needed a longer time to explore the ideas presented, but it is worth reading. 

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4gv1RIE

 

My reading copy came from Hoopla through the Dallas Public Library System. 

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2024 

Lesa's Book Critiques: Winners and Off to Europe Giveaway

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Happiness Is A Book: Friday’s Forgotten Book: The Case of the Advertised Murders by Minna Bardon

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Patricia Abbott: FFB BRIARPATCH, Ross Thomas

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FFB Review: It Happened One Knife: A Comedy Tonight Mystery by Jeffrey Cohen

 

From the massive archive…. 

 

It has been four months since patrons darkened the comedy tonight movie theater in New Jersey. The balcony has been fixed, the snacks are in a new display case, there are new seats in the theater and all is right with the world. In fact, Elliot Freed, owner and occasional investigator, is allowing his projectionist to screen his violent western “Killin' Time.”

 

Elliot made a promise and Anthony did his part so the movie is playing to a large crowd. A movie that Elliot pretty much doesn't like and not just because it isn't a comedy. Despite Eliot's opinion and probably because it is excessively violent and graphic, the movie is a sure hit according to the rep for the comedy film distributor.

 

"'It’s got blood!' Vic held up a finger. 'It's got cursing.' Another finger. 'Killing, sex, cruelty, character's nobody could like.' Finger, finger, finger, thumb on the other hand. It can't miss.'" (Page 4)

 

Vic wants the movie and plans to work a deal with a studio for Anthony and take a piece of the money along the way. The idea that this gruesome movie could be a hit appalls Elliot who is a fan of the classic comedy. Almost as appalling is the fact that when Anthony's one print of the film turns up missing minutes later, Anthony accuses Elliot of taking it over jealousy and a need to keep Anthony in his place. Something a number of other folks seem to believe as well.

 

That storyline becomes secondary to the main point of the book which is Elliot's opportunity to show as part of his double feature the legendary comedy movie "Cracked Ice." Starring a famous comedy team of Harry Lillis and Les Townes who ruled the mid 1950's to early 1960's, the movie is a personal favorite of Elliot's. Even better, Vic knows where Harry Lillis is living these days and that location isn't too far away giving Elliot a chance to meet one of his idols and have him come to the theater.

 

The problem with idols is that too often they are merely mortal men with feet of clay. The image on screen is far different than the reality and before long Elliot finds himself in a multi decade's old murder case involving the comedic duo. A case that, while it was hushed up back in the powerful movie studio days, once again may cause more death.

 

And if that isn't enough, Sharon, Elliot's ex-wife, just might want to get back together again.

 

Released last July, this sequel to the comedic mystery Some Like It Hot Buttered brings everyone back for another mystery that contains elements of humor and romance. Elliot Freed has a sarcastic streak that comes out under pressure and frequently comes out once this slow to get going novel moves into gear.

 

The mysteries are secondary to the character relationships which have driven both books. Family is important and that means much more than simple blood connections. For Elliot Freed, just about everyone involved in his life on a steady basis is family and his bike just might be as well.

 

Filled with references to comedy movies and other trivia, Jeff Cohen has created another enjoyable tale of romance, crime, and comedy. It may not split your sides with laughter, like the Aaron Tucker series frequently will, but you will get plenty of chuckles along the way.  

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4gZ0zpC 

 

This book was provided by the Allen Public Library of Allen, Texas by way of the Plano, Texas Public Library System. 

 

Kevin R. Tipple © 2009, 2017, 2024

The Short Mystery Fiction Society Blog: SMFS Member Guest Post: IF YOU JUST HANG ON… by Ni...

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Lesa's Book Critiques: What Are You Reading?

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Lesa's Book Critiques: The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose

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Beneath the Stains of Time: Death Croons the Blues (1934) by James Ronald

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Patricia Abbott: Short Story Wednesday "Hi, Daddy," Matthew Klam, THE NEW YORKER

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Lesa's Book Critiques: Kevin’s Corner Annex – Some Like It Hot-Buttered by Jeff Cohen

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Art Taylor: The First Two Pages: “The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion” by David Avallone

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SleuthSayers: If You Think Your Life is Going to Pot, Call Annabelle ... by Barb Goffman

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Review: The Troubling Death of Maddy Benson: A Samuel Craddock Mystery by Terry Shames

The Troubling Death of Maddy Benson: A Samuel Craddock Mystery by Terry Shames opens with a phone call. Mrs. Jack Currey is worried about her sister and Chief of Police Samuel Craddock just happened to be the one answering the phone. Jarrett Creek, Texas, is a very small town and he pretty much either knows everyone or knows of them. He has no idea who Maddy Benson is, but her sister is insistent she lives in the area.

 

She also reports that her sister seemed to be out of breath and said something about needing to get away before saying she would call back and hung up. Mrs. Jack Curry is rattled and clearly is concerned about her sister. She finally explains she has not lived there long which is why Chief Craddock does not know her. Mrs. Jack Curry provides the address and Sheriff Craddock realizes that the location is out in a relatively new development north of town.

 

Chief Craddock and Deputy Maria Trevino go looking in the area and eventually spot an open gate at Tom Gainer’s property. His gate is always closed during the week as he only comes around on weekends. Further investigation deeper into the property yields a body.

 

The body is female and she has been shot in the middle of the back.

 

It does not take long at all to determine that the deceased woman is Maddy Benson. Her murder unleashes a complicated tale that had stirred up quite a few members of the local citizenry. People who had found out what she was doing and objected. Threats had been made. The suspect list is a long one and it is not helped by the fact that her family is beset by their own internal grievances and relationship drama.

 

Much is going on in The Troubling Death of Maddy Benson: A Samuel Craddock Mystery by Terry Shames. While it is a good mystery/police procedural read, this is a book that is not for everyone.

 

A major aspect of the read is what is happening in Texas with abortion and reproductive health care rights. Author Terry Shames deftly encapsulates the fear on one side and the outright anger and hostility shown by some on the other side. It is a deeply felt issue for many people. Therefore, some readers may have a hard time with this read.

 

The latest in the series, The Troubling Death of Maddy Benson: A Samuel Craddock Mystery by Terry Shames deftly deals with a hard subject while entertaining readers with a complicated mystery. Simply put, it is a good read.

 

Make sure you read Lesa Holstine’s review as well as her author spotlight on author Terry Shames. 

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3ZLGs8a

My reading copy was an ARC from the publisher, Severn House, through NetGalley. 

 

 

Kevin R. Tipple ©2024

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Aubrey Nye Hamilton Reviews: The 7th Canon by Robert Dugoni

Robert Dugoni has been on my to-read list for awhile. He is a productive and creative author, nominated for every major crime fiction award and winner of several. He is most known for his Tracy Crosswhite police series set in Seattle; the 11^th book will be published in 2025. His first series was a set of legal thrillers with David Sloane and then he dipped into espionage with his Charles Jenkins books. Most recently he has begun a series about Seattle defense attorney Keera Duggan. He has also written several stand-alone thrillers.

The 7^th Canon (Thomas & Mercer, 2016) is one of his stand-alones. It features San Francisco defense attorney Peter Donley, who is suddenly pinch-hitting for his uncle in a murder trial. Not just any murder trial, the priest who set up and ran a controversial shelter for street youths in the sordid Tenderloin district has been accused of killing one of his inmates days before Christmas. The prosecuting attorney is campaigning for the governor’s chair and has a lot riding on a successful conviction. Donley is inexperienced but not so naïve that he doesn’t recognize when the evidence does not add up.

Donley is another fictional lawyer who believes in doing his own research. Most of the book centers on his investigation and his hunt for witnesses and crucial documentation, little of it takes place in a courtroom. The plot is a bit predictable but the characters are outstanding, original and well-rounded. Set in late 1980s San Francisco, not all that long ago, the places and streets mentioned remind the reader that things have changed in the intervening 35 years, as does the lack of references to cell phones and laptop computers. Fans of Dugoni’s other books should not overlook this one. Followers of legal thrillers in general should add it to their reading lists.

·       Publisher: ‎Thomas & Mercer (September 27, 2016)

·       Language: ‎English

·       Paperback: ‎333 pages

·       ISBN-10: ‎1503939421

·       ISBN-13: ‎978-1503939424

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link:  https://amzn.to/4evYbov

  

Aubrey Nye Hamilton ©2024 

Aubrey Hamilton is a former librarian who works on Federal It projects by day and reads mysteries at night.