Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs
Molly Harper
Pocket, Apr 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 1416589422
It comes as a stunning blow to half Moon Hollow’s librarian Jane Jameson, who has the official title of Director of Juvenile Services, to be fired. Instead of severance pay, she receives a gift certificate at Shenanigans where she gets drunk. Her car breaks down in the woods near her home and she starts to walk home. A drunken driver thinks she is a deer, shoots her, and drives away. Jane knows she is dying, but when she awakens she finds herself in the bed of Gabriel whom she met at the bar.
He is a vampire and converted her so she would not die. It takes Jane a while to adapt to her new undead existence; she informs no one about her new lifestyle except her best friend Zeb. One of her new vampiric peers gives her a care package with a reference book, The Guide for the New Undead. Jane is brought before the Vampire Council on trial for killing the vampire Walter; she insists she did not do it. Rumors spread about her sexual practices even though she is chaste. Someone writes a horrible message on her car window and tries to kill her dog by putting antifreeze in his water bowl. She is framed for another homicide. That unknown adversary keeps stalking her, but Jane is confused as she has not had any time or incident to make such a persistent enemy willing to kill others to stake her.
As a somewhat reticent mortal Jane was prim and proper; but as a vampire she has a new sense of her sexuality especially when she is near Gabriel. She also communicates with the ghost of her Aunt Jettie; these dialogues are jocular yet poignant. Molly Harper has written a bloody good vampire tale with a touch of mystery and plenty of suspense that will enthrall romantic urban fantasy fans.
Harriet Klausner
Monday, February 2, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Illegal-Paul Levine
Illegal
Paul Levine
Bantam, Mar 31 2009, $22.00
ISBN: 9780553806731
One year has past since the illegal DUI killed his ten year old son Adam and consequently his marriage to former cop Sharon and even his law career defending the underdog. Jimmy "Royal" Payne could not sink any lower, but LAPD Public Integrity Unit Detective Eugene Rigney manages to help him do so. Rigney blackmails Payne with his handling of the Molly Kraft case which could lead to jail time; instead he tells Jimmy to offer a $50,000 bribe to Judge Rollins. Jimmy pockets $5,000 and bribes the Judge. When exposed Rollins commits suicide, Jimmy is ostracized at court and on the run from a contempt charge, and I.A. investigates Rigney.
In Mexico Marisol Perez knows that she and her son twelve years old Agustino “Tino” must flee their hometown. The mom arranges with coyote El Tigre to take them across to the States. Before they leave she gives her son a business card of J. Atticus Payne who helped a family friend in case they get separated. The kid makes it to L.A. on a donkey forced to carry drugs while the mom is stuck at the border. The bilingual foul mouthed Tino and the bitter cynic “Himmy” hook up searching for the lad’s undocumented mom while the law searches for Jimmy.
Payne is somewhat typical of a Paul Levine male protagonist (sort of a California version of Floridian Steve Solomon of Solomon and Lord), a hard shell containing a soft boiled hero. He and his sidekick keep the story line focused as they cause havoc on both sides of the border. The support cast brings the freshness to the plot and the illegal immigrant issue from kindhearted but kick butt Wanda the Whale to crazy sharpshooter Chitwood; but especially mega-farm owner Simeon Rutledge with his perspective on courage as a family carrying the young across a desert and a mountain while patriots take shots at them. Readers will appreciate this fine thriller as Payne obtains redemption with his need to help Tino at all cost.
Harriet Klausner
Paul Levine
Bantam, Mar 31 2009, $22.00
ISBN: 9780553806731
One year has past since the illegal DUI killed his ten year old son Adam and consequently his marriage to former cop Sharon and even his law career defending the underdog. Jimmy "Royal" Payne could not sink any lower, but LAPD Public Integrity Unit Detective Eugene Rigney manages to help him do so. Rigney blackmails Payne with his handling of the Molly Kraft case which could lead to jail time; instead he tells Jimmy to offer a $50,000 bribe to Judge Rollins. Jimmy pockets $5,000 and bribes the Judge. When exposed Rollins commits suicide, Jimmy is ostracized at court and on the run from a contempt charge, and I.A. investigates Rigney.
In Mexico Marisol Perez knows that she and her son twelve years old Agustino “Tino” must flee their hometown. The mom arranges with coyote El Tigre to take them across to the States. Before they leave she gives her son a business card of J. Atticus Payne who helped a family friend in case they get separated. The kid makes it to L.A. on a donkey forced to carry drugs while the mom is stuck at the border. The bilingual foul mouthed Tino and the bitter cynic “Himmy” hook up searching for the lad’s undocumented mom while the law searches for Jimmy.
Payne is somewhat typical of a Paul Levine male protagonist (sort of a California version of Floridian Steve Solomon of Solomon and Lord), a hard shell containing a soft boiled hero. He and his sidekick keep the story line focused as they cause havoc on both sides of the border. The support cast brings the freshness to the plot and the illegal immigrant issue from kindhearted but kick butt Wanda the Whale to crazy sharpshooter Chitwood; but especially mega-farm owner Simeon Rutledge with his perspective on courage as a family carrying the young across a desert and a mountain while patriots take shots at them. Readers will appreciate this fine thriller as Payne obtains redemption with his need to help Tino at all cost.
Harriet Klausner
Murder of a Royal Pain-Denise Swanson
Murder of a Royal Pain
Denise Swanson
Obsidian, Apr 7 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 9780451226587
Scrumble River school psychologist Skye Denison is not having an easy time of it. After several years of pleading and nagging the local Illinois school board to hire a sociologist, they employ Jackie Jennings. From the very start, Skye has a bad feeling about the newcomer who says and does things that put her in a bad light. Jackie also is territorial; sitting in Ske’s chair and moving furniture without checking. She also volunteers to help with the Halloween fundraiser for Promfest.
Jackie’s volunteering forces Skye to agree to help too. Skye becomes one of the three witches who in costume look alike. She hates funhouses having been left alone in one as a child. While performing her role, Skye runs across the body of one of the other witches, "Promfest" chairperson Annette Paine. While Deputy police officer Quirk quickly rules it an accident, Skye disagrees as the victim lived up to her surname. With Police Chief Wally out of town, Skye enlists coroner Simon and news reporter Kurt to team up with her to investigate the “promicide.” When someone tries to run Skye over, she reconsiders her hypothesis and wonders if the culprit intended to kill a different witch.
Denise Swanson’s Scrumble River mysteries are always fun to read and her eleventh “Murder of …” is as enjoyable as the previous ones (see MURDER OF A CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY). Readers obtain a look at small-town Midwest living through a solid realistic cast especially the recurring characters, the students and their parents. The investigation is clever as Skye initially planned to stay out of it; gets involved; and changes her premise a couple of times leading to a strong whodunit with solid twists.
Harriet Klausner
Denise Swanson
Obsidian, Apr 7 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 9780451226587
Scrumble River school psychologist Skye Denison is not having an easy time of it. After several years of pleading and nagging the local Illinois school board to hire a sociologist, they employ Jackie Jennings. From the very start, Skye has a bad feeling about the newcomer who says and does things that put her in a bad light. Jackie also is territorial; sitting in Ske’s chair and moving furniture without checking. She also volunteers to help with the Halloween fundraiser for Promfest.
Jackie’s volunteering forces Skye to agree to help too. Skye becomes one of the three witches who in costume look alike. She hates funhouses having been left alone in one as a child. While performing her role, Skye runs across the body of one of the other witches, "Promfest" chairperson Annette Paine. While Deputy police officer Quirk quickly rules it an accident, Skye disagrees as the victim lived up to her surname. With Police Chief Wally out of town, Skye enlists coroner Simon and news reporter Kurt to team up with her to investigate the “promicide.” When someone tries to run Skye over, she reconsiders her hypothesis and wonders if the culprit intended to kill a different witch.
Denise Swanson’s Scrumble River mysteries are always fun to read and her eleventh “Murder of …” is as enjoyable as the previous ones (see MURDER OF A CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY). Readers obtain a look at small-town Midwest living through a solid realistic cast especially the recurring characters, the students and their parents. The investigation is clever as Skye initially planned to stay out of it; gets involved; and changes her premise a couple of times leading to a strong whodunit with solid twists.
Harriet Klausner
One Hot Mess-Lois Greiman
One Hot Mess
Lois Greiman
Dell, Mar 24 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 9780440244776
Los Angeles psychologist Christina McMullen has a thriving practice with eccentric patients, but it is her on again and off again relationship with LAPD lieutenant Jack Rivera that drives her crazy. Christina is surprised when Jack’s estranged father former Senator Miguel calls her. He asks her to investigate the death of Kathleen Baltimore to learn if it was accidental. Miguel bribes Christina with the money to purchase a desperately needed new septic tank.
Jack and Christina are going at it hot and heavy when the doorbell intercedes; Miguel enters. Jack knows his father is a womanizer and walks out of the room livid. Christina asks Miguel to explain why he is not going to the police; he explains he needs to avoid a scandal as he plans to run for president. The shrink does an internet run on recent odd deaths and finds a picture of Carnell Ortez with Miguel. Three more are found all on different days of the week. The psychologist wonders if someone with a grudge against Miguel is taking it out on his women. Trying to uncover who the killer is could get Christina killed unless Jack gets to her first.
Lois Greiman provides her fans with a breezy amateur sleuth mystery filled with humor, intrigue and interesting characters all wrapped inside a solid whodunit. Christina takes on the inquiry though she knows it will probably turn her relationship switch with Jack to the off position. As with her “Un” cases (see UNMANNED, UNSCREWED, and UNPLUGGED), the heroine is determined to identify the killer; in this case because she took cash from the senator. Although the senator’s motive for choosing an amateur, even a successful sleuth, of avoiding a scandal with the stakes so high does not cut it; fans will enjoy the latest Christina caper as the sparks with Jack seem real enhancing a fun investigative tale.
Harriet Klausner
Lois Greiman
Dell, Mar 24 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 9780440244776
Los Angeles psychologist Christina McMullen has a thriving practice with eccentric patients, but it is her on again and off again relationship with LAPD lieutenant Jack Rivera that drives her crazy. Christina is surprised when Jack’s estranged father former Senator Miguel calls her. He asks her to investigate the death of Kathleen Baltimore to learn if it was accidental. Miguel bribes Christina with the money to purchase a desperately needed new septic tank.
Jack and Christina are going at it hot and heavy when the doorbell intercedes; Miguel enters. Jack knows his father is a womanizer and walks out of the room livid. Christina asks Miguel to explain why he is not going to the police; he explains he needs to avoid a scandal as he plans to run for president. The shrink does an internet run on recent odd deaths and finds a picture of Carnell Ortez with Miguel. Three more are found all on different days of the week. The psychologist wonders if someone with a grudge against Miguel is taking it out on his women. Trying to uncover who the killer is could get Christina killed unless Jack gets to her first.
Lois Greiman provides her fans with a breezy amateur sleuth mystery filled with humor, intrigue and interesting characters all wrapped inside a solid whodunit. Christina takes on the inquiry though she knows it will probably turn her relationship switch with Jack to the off position. As with her “Un” cases (see UNMANNED, UNSCREWED, and UNPLUGGED), the heroine is determined to identify the killer; in this case because she took cash from the senator. Although the senator’s motive for choosing an amateur, even a successful sleuth, of avoiding a scandal with the stakes so high does not cut it; fans will enjoy the latest Christina caper as the sparks with Jack seem real enhancing a fun investigative tale.
Harriet Klausner
The After Wife-Lexi Davis
The After Wife
Lexi Davis
Pocket, Mar 31 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 1416505261
Los Angeles prosecutor Malcolm Smalls and Nia Youngblood have tried twenty-eight times to make love, but somehow something always happens to intercede. The twenty-four years old beauty is a virgin, but this time Malcolm expects the charm as they are in Vegas. However, once again her unknown protector intercedes and gifts Nia with a cell phone containing a video of Malcolm with Judge Victoria Bowden.
At a teenage trial presided by Judge Bowden, Nia offers defense attorney David Wrightwood the video of his opponent Malcolm with Vicky. He rejects her offer insisting he will win the case anyway and asks her out instead. As they fall in love, her protector will do what it takes to eliminate the competition even killing the persistent David if need be. Demon Lord Rephaim has waited patiently for two and a half decades for Nia to become twenty-five so he can make her his queen; no mortal regardless of his courage will prevent their destiny.
Inane title word play aside, this is a terific urban romantic fantasy built on the premise of demonic destiny vs. mortal love. The story line is fast-paced with a whimsical underside as Nia wonders if her unseen protector will ever step forward and explain his intentions. Nia accepts the mystic easily; which logically makes sense since she has lived with the paranormal as normal all her life, but a bit more back story beyond mom the witch would have anchored her disposition. Still this is an excellent romantic fantasy as the date of reckoning approaches.
Harriet Klausner
Lexi Davis
Pocket, Mar 31 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 1416505261
Los Angeles prosecutor Malcolm Smalls and Nia Youngblood have tried twenty-eight times to make love, but somehow something always happens to intercede. The twenty-four years old beauty is a virgin, but this time Malcolm expects the charm as they are in Vegas. However, once again her unknown protector intercedes and gifts Nia with a cell phone containing a video of Malcolm with Judge Victoria Bowden.
At a teenage trial presided by Judge Bowden, Nia offers defense attorney David Wrightwood the video of his opponent Malcolm with Vicky. He rejects her offer insisting he will win the case anyway and asks her out instead. As they fall in love, her protector will do what it takes to eliminate the competition even killing the persistent David if need be. Demon Lord Rephaim has waited patiently for two and a half decades for Nia to become twenty-five so he can make her his queen; no mortal regardless of his courage will prevent their destiny.
Inane title word play aside, this is a terific urban romantic fantasy built on the premise of demonic destiny vs. mortal love. The story line is fast-paced with a whimsical underside as Nia wonders if her unseen protector will ever step forward and explain his intentions. Nia accepts the mystic easily; which logically makes sense since she has lived with the paranormal as normal all her life, but a bit more back story beyond mom the witch would have anchored her disposition. Still this is an excellent romantic fantasy as the date of reckoning approaches.
Harriet Klausner
Blood Groove-Alex Bledsoe
Blood Groove
Alex Bledsoe
Tor, Apr 2009, $24.95
ISBN: 9780765321961
In 1915 in Passelwaithe Wales, Judge Sir Francis Colby agreed with the villagers’ claim that Baron Rudolfo Zginski was a vampire since the accused did not breathe or have a pulse. Although some of the myths re vampires proved false, a crucifix was thrust into the heart of Rudolfo. The Judge buried the corpse where he felt no one would find it in his home state of Tennessee.
Six decades later, Tennessee pathologist Dr. Rosberry performs an autopsy on a man with a crucifix sticking out of his remains. When she removes the stake, Zginski awakens but is crazed with a need for blood; he drains the doctor. To survive in this modern world, Zginski must learn the common technological advances; when he finds a vampire nest living in the shadows, he knows who will teach him. He selects Fauvette turned at fourteen years old as his guide to 1975 America. Soon Zginski is shocked with what the young vamps believe is deadly as the Lugosi-Lee legends (after his first time) has become the fact. He offers to train them in remedial and advanced vampirism, but they must become his loyal subjects. Most refuse as products of the social unrest of the times make "slavery" unacceptable. However, Zginski will soon be tested when Fauvette is snatched.
The time and place are keys to this unique vampire thriller as Zginski who was an egomaniac for centuries in his previous existence has to adapt to the radical changes WWI and WWII brought and more so to the strong civil rights movement (just a few years after the assassination of Dr. King). Thus Zginski instead of being a king of the local vampires as he expects becomes more of a fatherly mentor to the ignorant brood. Alex Bledsoe has written a terrific unique urban historical fantasy as the aristocratic displaced lead character finds life in 1975 Tennessee is not simple or anything like his past and has a major impact on how the newbies think especially the innocent the charmer Fauvette.
Harrier Klausner
Alex Bledsoe
Tor, Apr 2009, $24.95
ISBN: 9780765321961
In 1915 in Passelwaithe Wales, Judge Sir Francis Colby agreed with the villagers’ claim that Baron Rudolfo Zginski was a vampire since the accused did not breathe or have a pulse. Although some of the myths re vampires proved false, a crucifix was thrust into the heart of Rudolfo. The Judge buried the corpse where he felt no one would find it in his home state of Tennessee.
Six decades later, Tennessee pathologist Dr. Rosberry performs an autopsy on a man with a crucifix sticking out of his remains. When she removes the stake, Zginski awakens but is crazed with a need for blood; he drains the doctor. To survive in this modern world, Zginski must learn the common technological advances; when he finds a vampire nest living in the shadows, he knows who will teach him. He selects Fauvette turned at fourteen years old as his guide to 1975 America. Soon Zginski is shocked with what the young vamps believe is deadly as the Lugosi-Lee legends (after his first time) has become the fact. He offers to train them in remedial and advanced vampirism, but they must become his loyal subjects. Most refuse as products of the social unrest of the times make "slavery" unacceptable. However, Zginski will soon be tested when Fauvette is snatched.
The time and place are keys to this unique vampire thriller as Zginski who was an egomaniac for centuries in his previous existence has to adapt to the radical changes WWI and WWII brought and more so to the strong civil rights movement (just a few years after the assassination of Dr. King). Thus Zginski instead of being a king of the local vampires as he expects becomes more of a fatherly mentor to the ignorant brood. Alex Bledsoe has written a terrific unique urban historical fantasy as the aristocratic displaced lead character finds life in 1975 Tennessee is not simple or anything like his past and has a major impact on how the newbies think especially the innocent the charmer Fauvette.
Harrier Klausner
The Rainbow Connection-Ian Harac
The Rainbow Connection
Ian Harac
Black Wyrm, Feb 1 2009, $11.95
ISBN: 9780982006719
10307 Chimney Ridge Ct
Louisville, KY 40299
www.blackwyrm.com
FBI Agent Matt Anders is part o the nerd patrol keeping illegal fiction from coming to Prime earth from other dimensions. He is currently undercover investigating a tip he received from Bobbie Sinderman claiming Comics and More owner Big Frank Brummerman is an illegal bootlegger of merchandise from alternate universes. At a convention, he asks Big Frank if he has any copies of classic Star Trek fourth season; never produced on Prime. Big Frank tells him to meet him later.
He and his partner Brian Friedman arrive at the meeting point when they see a munchkin obviously from Oz. Although they are not supposed to carry weapons, Brian pulls out a gun and kills the alien. Matt is stunned with the outcome of the unnecessary shooting death. His boss Julius Glen informs him nothing will happen to Brian. He also learns that Frank was killed in prison after his arrest for smuggling in the munchkin. Julius assigns Matt to investigate serendipitously Brummerman’s illegal business trafficking. He starts with Bobbie and soon they are fleeing for their lives from cops in a part of Oz Baum failed to imagine and on the censored world of Kansas as well as being charged with murder on Prime for accident killing Brian.
With a nod to Butcher’s Thursday Next, this is a wild satire that lampoons the INS, other Federal law enforcement agencies and Kansas. The story line is fast-paced and descriptive whether it is flying monkeys or munchkins as the key on Oz or the ban on books not pertaining to black and white “Kansas” (think of the opening sequence of the Garland movie). Fans will want to accompany Matt and Bobbie as they dodge cops on three worlds while trying to stay alive and uncover an illegal bootlegging slavery conspiracy.
Harriet Klausner
Ian Harac
Black Wyrm, Feb 1 2009, $11.95
ISBN: 9780982006719
10307 Chimney Ridge Ct
Louisville, KY 40299
www.blackwyrm.com
FBI Agent Matt Anders is part o the nerd patrol keeping illegal fiction from coming to Prime earth from other dimensions. He is currently undercover investigating a tip he received from Bobbie Sinderman claiming Comics and More owner Big Frank Brummerman is an illegal bootlegger of merchandise from alternate universes. At a convention, he asks Big Frank if he has any copies of classic Star Trek fourth season; never produced on Prime. Big Frank tells him to meet him later.
He and his partner Brian Friedman arrive at the meeting point when they see a munchkin obviously from Oz. Although they are not supposed to carry weapons, Brian pulls out a gun and kills the alien. Matt is stunned with the outcome of the unnecessary shooting death. His boss Julius Glen informs him nothing will happen to Brian. He also learns that Frank was killed in prison after his arrest for smuggling in the munchkin. Julius assigns Matt to investigate serendipitously Brummerman’s illegal business trafficking. He starts with Bobbie and soon they are fleeing for their lives from cops in a part of Oz Baum failed to imagine and on the censored world of Kansas as well as being charged with murder on Prime for accident killing Brian.
With a nod to Butcher’s Thursday Next, this is a wild satire that lampoons the INS, other Federal law enforcement agencies and Kansas. The story line is fast-paced and descriptive whether it is flying monkeys or munchkins as the key on Oz or the ban on books not pertaining to black and white “Kansas” (think of the opening sequence of the Garland movie). Fans will want to accompany Matt and Bobbie as they dodge cops on three worlds while trying to stay alive and uncover an illegal bootlegging slavery conspiracy.
Harriet Klausner
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