Fiction Pick of the Week: Time's Legacy

Time's Legacy by Barbara Erskine 2010

This prolific author is adept at using polarizing themes in her latest book: history and the supernatural, Christian and pagan legends, present day and Druidian suspense. Two simultaneous stories form the plot. Abi Rutherford is the new assistant priest in the English town of Cambridge. She quickly is in trouble with the minister who fears her visions of ghosts are the work of the devil. Her ghosts are actually a replay of a long ago happening when a healer from Galilee was a visitor among the Druids at Glastonbury. There is enough history to bring the Celtic tale alive, exploring the historical legends of pre-Arthurian Glastonbury, one of Britain’s most sacred places.

As Abi follows the story in broken psychic visions, her own safety is at issue. Her boss, Kieran Scott, becomes increasingly deranged in his effort to save her. Abi is an endearing character, intelligent and even with her theological training, open-minded.

The author is very skilled at keeping both stories at equal levels of suspense so the reader willingly leaves off one to join the other. This tactic actually heightens the suspense and once in mid-story, this book is hard to put down.

Fiction Pick of the Week: In the Guise of Mercy

In the Guise of Mercy by Wendy Hornsby 2009

Maggie MacGowen, documentary filmmaker/sleuth agrees to take on a 10-year-old cold case that her late husband, LAPD Detective , Mike Flint, was not able to solve. Jesus Ramon was a young gang member and a police informant who went missing in 1999 when he left Mike’s car to meet up with his aunt. Mike left Maggie his old files and contacts for the case. One of the original witnesses, Nelda Ruiz has just been paroled, and Mike had hoped to speak with her to try and get more information.

Mike’s former colleagues are eager to help but warn Maggie to “watch six” (watch her back). Whenever Maggie tries to connect the Ramon case with the death of a well-known drug king, she is told not to go there as her life will be in danger. As Maggie continues to find connections, she finds out about a vigilante group of cops that were operating during that period. Once Maggie discovers this, her life is in danger and she narrowly escapes. This fast-paced mystery has many twists and turns in a complex plot. The author covers gangs, barrios, the homeless, cops and filmmaking in spinning this mystery.

Happy Birthday James Patterson!

One of the library's most popular authors turns 64 today! For a list of what BPL has by James Patterson, please click here.


Be prepared to be hooked, but never fear, this prolific writer has several series to keep you turning pages until his next birthday-- and beyond!

Fiction Pick of the Week: Sweet Mary

Sweet Mary by Liz Balmaseda 2009

Mistaken for a notorious cocaine queen, single mom and successful real estate agent Mary Guevara is desperate to clear her name and regain custody of her son. Even though the charges against her are eventually dropped, suspicion remains. So, feisty Mary learns how to fire a Glock, infiltrates the drug world and enlists the aid of an old lover to hunt the drug queen down. With fast paced action, smart dialogue and strong female characters, this debut novel would appeal to those who like Janet Evanovich’s heroine, Stephanie Plum.

Fiction Pick of the Week: Prospect Park West

Prospect Park West
by Amy Sohn 2009
In a recent article I read, Prospect Park West was given as an example as chick-lit “grown up”. Indeed, that seems to be the case! As chick lit often does, this novel tackles the lives of women in New York who battle their own obsessions, insecurities and loneliness as they adapt to their new roles as mothers. Prospect Park West differs from typical chick lit in that it is far more graphic than standard fare… as one reviewer commented, “I started blushing on the first page and didn’t ever stop”. I can’t help but think this book was heavily influenced by the Sex and the City series – no topic seems to be off limits and in fact, Amy Sohn also wrote a behind the scenes account of the series called Sex in the City: Kiss and Tell. The book would appeal to those who like strong characters and a plot that moves along quickly as the women get themselves into humourous and often embarrassing situations. If you prefer more left to the imagination, this may not be the book for you!