Fiction Pick of the Week: The Beautiful Mystery

The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny 2012

Louise Penny is back with book eight in the Chief Inspector Gamache series (but a hint to readers, start at the beginning of this wonderful series with its recurring cast of characters).  In her appealing personalities and charming settings, she has created a unique and irresistible venue for a uniquely Canadian mystery series.  Add to that a sensitive exploration of our everyday strengths and failings, tempered by a sharp but affectionate sense of humour, and the world of Armand Gamache, Chief Inspector for the Surete du Quebec, becomes a sure-fire winner.   In this latest installment, a death at an isolated monastery takes Gamache out of his customary Montreal and into the backwoods of Quebec, where the monks have, for centuries, been custodians of the barely-surviving art of the Gregorian chant, known as The Beautiful Mystery.   But the tensions and controversies in this closed community make Gamache begin to wonder what really lies underneath the veneer of brotherhood, as long-buried secrets begin to emerge. In the process, Penny’s own fascination with plainchant has shed light on this little-known musical form, and she has done for Gregorian chant what Dorothy L. Sayers did for the art of English bell-ringing.

Friday at the Branches:Extensions

Extensions by Myrna Dey

A treasured old photograph was Arabella’s grandmother’s only memento of her long-dead twin. So why is there an exact copy of it in a garage sale in rural Saskatchewan? The many threads of the story are woven together in the alternating voices of Arabella, an RCMP constable, and her great-grandmother Jane, who came to Vancouver Island in the late 1800s with her Welsh mining family. There’s something for everyone here – a fascinating bit of Canadian history, a touching story of family relationships, and murder investigations that span more than a century. This is Saskatchewan author Myrna’s Dey’s first novel; it was the People’s Choice nominee for the 2011 Giller Prize longlist.

Fiction Pick of the Week: The Violets of March

The Violets of March by Susan Jio 2011

Those who enjoy the works of Rosamunde Pilcher or Nicholas Sparks might enjoy The Violets of March. This first novel by Susan Jio is a romance, mystery and historical novel all rolled into one. Writer Emily goes to Bainbridge Island to stay with her aunt after her husband leaves her for another woman. The discovery of a diary from the 1940s sets Emily on a path to unravel secrets of the past that ultimately concern her. Along the way, a couple of handsome men show interest in our heroine and help her move on from her heartbreaking divorce. Will Emily find the answer to this decades-old mystery? Will she find true love along the way? You’ll have to read The Violets of March to find out. Named a Library Journal Best Book of 2011 in the Women’s Lives category, this one will keep you guessing until the very end!

Fiction Pick of the Week: Elizabeth Hay

A Canadian book in honour of Canada Day!

Alone in the Classroom by Elizabeth Hay 2011

Alone in the Classroom is an interesting cross between a murder mystery and a relationship novel. The novel deals with the life of Connie Flood, an eighteen-year-old teacher who is working in a small town in Saskatchewan. While Connie is working in Saskatchewan a fifteen-year-old student, Susan, is sexually assaulted by the school principal. Connie develops a special relationship with one of her students, Michael, who is struggling in school. Seven years later in the Ottawa Valley an eight-year-old girl goes berry picking and is found murdered. The narrator, Ann Flood, effectively connects these two mysteries. The appeal factors of this novel are realistic and well-drawn characters.

Fiction Pick of the Week: I Am Half-Sick of Shadows

I Am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley

The fourth book in the Flavia de Luce series takes place in Buckshaw, the estate home where eleven-year-old Flavia lives with her irritating sisters and father. Due to suffering finances, Flavia’s father opens his estate to a film crew to film a movie on the premises. Being just a few days before Christmas, the vicar of the village Bishop’s Lacey has asked the famous star, Phyllis Wyvern to act out the famous Romeo and Juilet season at Buckshaw. Due to a terrible snow storm, those who came to watch the play had to spend the night. At some point, while everyone was asleep, Phyllis was murdered! Follow Flavia as she uncovers the truth behind this murder while keeping the police inspector on his toes.

Also available on audiobook

Fiction Pick of the Week: Tampered

Tampered by Ross Pennie 2011

Hamilton, Ontario public health officer Dr. Zol Szabo returns, this time investigating the food related deaths of residents at an upscale retirement residence. Somehow the deaths don’t seem either natural or accidental -- and as Zol digs deeper, he discovers that the victims were political and technological movers and shakers decades before. Could the deaths be murder? And if so, why now? Zol’s investigation is complicated by political pressures, extending right up to the Prime Minister’s office. With a colourful cast of characters, a brisk and complex plot and fascinating insights into our health and food protection systems, the Zol Szabo books are a particular treat for Burlington and Hamilton readers, with lots of local colour and locations, and some clever observations on politics and public service both locally and beyond.

Fiction Pick of the Week: The Hanging Shed

The Hanging Shed by Gordon Ferris 2011

Douglas Brodie, a former officer in the British 51^st Highland Division, is contacted by an old school friend, Hugh Donovan, to save him from the gallows. Donovan has been convicted for the rape and murder of a young boy. Donovan claims he is innocent but the mountain of evidence against him makes his claim questionable. Brodie only has 14 days to clear his friend before he is hung for the crime.

A fast-paced plot, a bunch of tough IRA gangsters, and a pretty blond Scottish advocate make for a thrilling read. Fans of Ian Rankin won’t be disappointed in this action-packed tale.

For your consideration: sexual content and many violent scenes

Fiction Pick of the Week: The Guilty Plea

The Guilty Plea by Robert Rotenberg

Following on the success of his debut Old City Hall, Toronto criminal lawyer and novelist Robert Rotenberg uses his inside knowledge to bring us a Toronto legal scene as exciting as anything on Law and Order. On the eve of his tabloid-fodder divorce trial, grocery heir Terry Wyler is found brutally murdered in his kitchen -- his estranged wife Samantha is found in possession of the murder weapon and makes no attempt to provide an alibi. But if it’s an open-and-shut case, why is she still hiding something? Is she really guilty, or protecting someone else? Detective Ari Greene tries to untangle the complex secrets of the Wyler clan, while treading carefully through the backroom deals and plea bargaining tactics of high-powered Toronto lawyers, whose personal relationships might just make all the difference to whether a case is won or lost.

Fiction Pick of the Week: Heads You Lose

Heads You Lose by Lisa Lutz 2011

In her first novel since the Spellman Files mysteries, Lisa Lutz teams up with her ex-boyfriend, editor-poet David Hayward. The concept - write alternating chapters without a pre-determined storyline or the ability to change what was written. The result – a fun, fast read that will leave a smile on your face. The antics of the main characters and their supporting cast are in competition for laughs with the flippant notes written back and forth between Lutz and Hayward.

In this comical tale, pot growing siblings Lacey and Paul, share a house - in a small town that Lacey cannot wait to leave - but little else. When a headless body, identified as Lacey’s ex-fiancé, shows up in their yard the amateur sleuthing begins – so does the climbing body count! If you like Janet Evanovich, you will enjoy Lisa Lutz.

Fiction Pick of the Week: THE CITY & YTIƆ ƎHT

THE CITY & YTIƆ ƎHT by China Miéville 2009

How do you solve a murder in a city that you’re not allowed to see? A women’s body is discovered in a children’s playground. Inspector Tyador Borlú, of the Extreme Crime Squad for the city of Besźel is assigned to find the killer. When he discovers that she was a resident of Ul Qoma he knows he has a problem. Besźel and Ul Qoma are two cities on the other edge of Europe, somewhere between Budapest and the Urals. These rivals are not adjacent, but geographically superimposed, with shared streets and buildings. All citizens learn to “unsee” those in the other city. All visitors must be trained in unseeing. The mysterious but powerful Breach enforce this ancient separation.

It is a treat to read the matter-of-fact way in which Miéville reveals the intricacies of the accommodations that the Besź and Ul Qoman must make every day.

Winner of the Hugo, Arthur C. Clarke and World Fantasy Awards for Science Fiction.

For Your Consideration: “Cops & Robbers Violence”

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.

Fiction Pick of the Week: New Tricks

New Tricks by David Rosenfelt 2010

New Tricks is the 7th book in Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series. I just discovered this author, and in fact this is the first book in the series that I have read. I just couldn’t resist the adorable puppy on the cover. When I picked up the book I didn’t know it was part of a series, although it can certainly be read as a standalone title. But as I love reading mystery series, now I will be able to go back and start the story at the beginning.

Andy Carpenter, a lawyer, is fortunate that he doesn’t have to work much, thanks to a large inheritance from his father. As part of his pro bono work he is given the job to look after a 7-month-old Bernese mountain dog puppy. The puppy is the center of a custody battle between the late owner’s wife and stepson. Before Andy even has a chance to get the dog home, the wife, Diana Timmerman, is killed when her house blows up moments after Andy takes “Waggy” outside. The number one suspect is Diana’s stepson Steven. He is the other person seeking custody of Waggy. After he is arrested for the murder of his stepmother Andy agrees to represent him. As Andy begins investigating to help his client he falls into some dangerous situations.

Fiction Pick of the Week: Wicked Appetite

Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich 2010

Lorelei King reads the first in the series of the “Seven Deadly Sins” in which Evanovich brings back the hunky and unmentionable Diesel from the Stephanie Plum Novels. This time Diesel is paired with pastry chef Elizabeth Tucker whose character is reminiscent of the infamous bounty hunter Plum. Set in Salem, Massachusetts, this duo has to track down the gluttonous stone of power before Wulf (Gerwulf Grimoire) gets his hands on it. Sure to please Evanvovich fans who like her fun romps and simple writing style. Familiar and new eccentric characters make this tale different but similar to her more famous series.

Fiction Pick of the Week:When will there be good news?

When will there be Good News? by Kate Atkinson

This is a fantastic read – complex plot, interesting characters and a lot of insight into the human mind and relationships. Thirty years after a small child escapes the crime that destroys her family, the man convicted of the crime is released from prison. Soon after, a young doctor and her baby seem to have gone missing – or perhaps not. When the 16-year-old nanny insists that all is not right, Detective Chief Inspector Louise Monroe and former detective Jackson Brodie have to put their own demons aside to put together the pieces. This will be a popular read with those who love mysteries and suspense.

Fiction Pick of the Week: Secrets of Eden

Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian 2010

Bohjalian’s latest book could be easily classified as a murder mystery. A husband and wife are found dead—murder/suicide-- in a small Vermont town. In the quaint, rustic town, the locals begin to learn why Alice was murdered, but why on that day? What caused George to strangle her on the day of her baptism? Did he commit suicide? Some of the main characters: Reverend Stephen Drew; Ginny, the devoted friend; the visiting author, Heather Laurent, who writes about angels; the Deputy State’s Attorney, Catherine Benincasa and the townspeople explore many stories while guarding many secrets. The crime scene, however, is not the real focus, but the means to explore the subject of spousal abuse, childhood victims, and family secrets. What is the difference between grief and mourning? Why is it that a sudden family tragedy leaves no time “to build that seawall…having no time even for sandbags.” This is a masterful tale of intrigue, and just when you think you know these characters, they say: “Believe no one. Assume all of our stories are suspect”.

Fiction Pick of the Week: Among the Mad

Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear (2009)

This installment in the Post-World War I mystery series finds female psychologist and investigator Maisie Dobbs witnessing a suicide on the streets of London. After being questioned by Scotland Yard, she’s recalled a few days later when her name is mentioned in a letter threatening escalating acts of terror if the government doesn’t extend help to veterans psychologically damaged during the war. Maisie faces her greatest challenge yet as she assists Scotland Yard in the investigation and comes face to face with the plight of those victimized by shell-shock (what we now call Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). At the same time, a friend is experiencing depression, and Maisie intervenes to save her from the outdated and barbaric treatments often prescribed in the early 1930s.

Jacqueline Winspear’s exhaustive research brings the period to life, and along with delivering a good, complex plot and richly drawn characters, she sheds light on issues we still struggle with today. Each of her novels focuses on a particular aspect of the aftermath of war (the changing role of women, poverty and unemployment in the wake of conflict, or the impact on family members left behind), an approach that will appeal to fans of the Second World War television series Foyle’s War or the mysteries of Charles Todd.

Fiction Pick of the Week: Old City Hall

Old City Hall Old City Hall by Robert Rotenberg 2009

Toronto lawyer and former magazine editor, Rotenberg, has written an engaging police procedural/courtroom drama set in Toronto. As he always does, Gurdial Singh arrives at the 12th floor suite of radio personality, Kevin Brace at 5:30 in the morning to deliver the Globe & Mail. Unlike other mornings, the door is not open with Mr. Brace ready to receive his newspaper and exchange a few words with Mr. Singh. His routine disrupted, Mr. Singh waits tentatively in the doorway until Mr. Brace appears with blood on his hands and announces “I killed her”. After this, Brace refuses to utter a word to anyone, including his defense lawyer and his family, setting in motion the complex investigation and trial for first degree murder.

Toronto and its multicultural residents provide a rich and complex background for this first mystery. There is even added hockey interest as the Maple Leafs make an unlikely run for the Stanley Cup. Given starred reviews in Booklist and Library Journal and shortlisted for the 2010 Evergreen award, Rotenberg is off to an auspicious beginning. I, for one, hope this is the beginning of a new Canadian mystery series. Old City Hall would be enjoyed by fans of Grisham, Turow, Wilhelms, or Farstein.

Fiction Pick of the Week: Long Lost

Long Lost by Harlan Coben 2010

Myron Bolitar is back! After a long hiatus while Coben was busy writing other things, anxious readers will be glad to see Myron Bolitar again. This is Coben’s
9th thriller featuring the former basketball phenom and current agent for professional athletes.

Myron gets a phone call from Paris. Terese, his long lost love (and former CNN anchor woman) is in trouble and has reached out to Myron for help. The game is on. Far from Myron’s usual New York and New Jersey haunts, Myron delves deep into the arcane world of international intrigue.

This one is a MUST.

Fiction Pick of the Week: Apple Turnover Murder

Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke 2010

Apple Turnover Murder is the 13th book in the Hannah Swenson mystery series and Fluke is brilliant yet again! This is a great cozy mystery series set in Lake Eden, Minnesota. Hannah is the owner of The Cookie Jar, a cookie bakery, and seems to always stumble across a dead body somewhere in town. As an amateur detective she is on the case with her sisters Andrea and Michelle. This time they are trying to solve the murder of college professor and womanizer Bradford Ramsey. As well her ongoing romances with both the town dentist Norman and one of the town’s police officers, Mike, seem to be running into some difficulties. As in all her books there is the added bonus of the wonderful recipes included in the book. After reading Apple Turnover Murder last weekend we made Wacky Cake and it was delicious. Although this book is part of a series, it is not necessary to read the books in order, but if you want a real treat start with Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder and read your way through the entire series, you won’t be disappointed!

Fiction Pick of the Week: Dare to Die

Dare to Die: a Death on Demand Mystery
by Carolyn G. Hart 2009

In Agatha-winner Hart's 19th Death on Demand mystery set in Broward's Rock, one of the idyllic South Carolina Sea Islands, Annie Darling and her husband invite a troubled young woman, who used to live in the island community and has recently returned, to a party they're giving. The party ends in tragedy with the discovery of her strangled body in the surrounding woods. Annie owns a mystery bookstore and readers will enjoy the many allusions to actual mystery authors. My discovery of this book began with reaching for the most enticing cover, too serene and perfect to pass up! It was a perfectly satisfying read!