Fiction Follies: August 2006
Fiction Follies is a monthly newsletter containing a selection of NEW fiction added to the collection of the Sutherland Shire Libraries. Click on the book title to reserve your copy.New Mysteries
The dead hour by Denise Mina
Second instalment of the Paddy Meehan mysteries. For readers who like unusual female investigators, like Kinsey Malone and Fran Varady. Paddy is a 21 journalist working the grave shift for a Glasgow newspaper. Another mystery that brings in the colour and issues of 1980’s Britain.
The serpent on the crown by Elizabeth Peters
Cosy, archaeological mystery set in Egypt’s Valley of the kings. Mixes mystery and comedy. This is number 17 in the Amelia Peabody series so new readers should start with an earlier book. Worth reading also for the authors knowledge of Egyptology.
Never end by Ake Edwardson
Award winning Swedish author of dark and suspenseful police procedurals. For fans of Henning Mankell and readers interested mysteries set in a new environment, with a thoughtful and intelligent protagonist.
The coldest blood by Jim Kelly
Winner of the 2006 CWA dagger in the library for the writer whose work is currently giving the most enjoyment to readers. Judges described his books as “Treats – the characters are sympathetic and believable, their relationships with each other and that of the moody fen landscape Fen landscape developing in such a way that make the books special. The books are easy to read, yet not lightweight, with complex plots that engage the readers attention” For readers of Mark Billingham and Peter Robinson.
Other authors shortlisted for the 2006 dagger in the library award include:
Anthony Horowitz
Lesley Horton (Highly Commended)
Margaret Murphy
Danuta Reah
C. J. Sansom
Cath Staincliffe
A rare interest in corpses by Ann Granger
From synopsis “A gripping historical crime novel set in the heart of London by a well respected author. Lizzie Martin takes up the post of companion to a wealthy widow who is also a slum landlord. When the body of the previous companion is found Lizzie begins to wonder what exactly had been going on especially as her fate seems linked to that of the murdered girls.
Tarnished chalice by Susanna Gregory
Medieval mystery set in Lincoln of 1356. Matthew Bartholomew and Brother Michael are drawn into a web of murder, lies and intrigue surrounding a chalice with a bloody history.
New thrillers
Crisis by Robin Cook
Medical-legal thriller. Craig Bowman is being sued for malpractice after the death of a wealthy but irritating patient. However when the autopsy is performed the results are shocking.
The Poe Shadow by Matthew Pearl
A great mystery for history buffs. A young attorney, intrigued after the sight of Edgar Allan Poe’s funeral tries to unravel the final days before the authors mysterious death. This novel gained mixed reviews. Publishers Weekly described it as “compelling thriller” Bookmarks magazine “fusty and verbose”.
Secret asset by Stella Rimington
Espionage novel by the first woman to be appointed Director-General of MI5. While her colleagues try to avert a terrorist strike, Intelligence Officer Liz Carlyle must track down a mole within the organisation. A “thriller where no one can be trusted and nothing is what it seems”.
Traitor by Stephen Coonts
CIA agent Tommy Carmellini and Jake Grafton uncover a high level traitor and a terrorist conspiracy. But will their exposure also risk the identity of a top level agent who has managed to infiltrate Al Qaeda.
Last spymaster by Gayle Lynds
A classic espionage thriller. A Cold war traitor serving life in prison for selling secrets during the cold war escapes and Agent Elaine Cunningham must track him down. But is another, more explosive conspiracy afoot?
New Romance and Chicklit
Queen Mum by Kate Long
What happens when perfect wife and Mum, Juno signs up for the reality TV program “Queen Mum”. However the 2 weeks period spent with another family doesn’t go according to plan.
Blowing it by Judy Astley
You’re 30 and want to move up the property ladder with the inheritance you expect from the sale of your parents house. Then you find out that they plan to blow the whole proceeds of their house sale on growing old disgracefully.
Showdown by Tilly Bagshawe
Described by Publishers Weekly as “Horse Whisperer and National Velvet meet Jackie Collins in this libidinous fly on the stall peek at horse racing and Californian real estate chicanery.
The man from Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller
A romantic western set in Arizona told by the male character, ranger Sam O’Ballivan. This combines action and adventure as Same manages to thwart a gang of train robbers and cattle rustlers as well as a more old fashioned romance.
Megan of Merseyside by Rosie Harris
Megan Williams comes to Liverpool to escape after her heart has been broken. But further tragedy occurs when her sister is killed in a tragic accident and she finds out that her new love is not all he seems.
Room for a lodger by Sally Worboyes
East End saga set in the 1970s.
New fiction
Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda
English translation of the best selling French novel. This warm and funny work focuses on the life of four misfits living in Paris.
Sweet ruin by Cathi Hanauer
Compelling novel about a woman coming to terms with the death of her son.
Midnight cactus by Bella Pollen
A woman moves to the Arizona desert with her children to escape an unhappy marriage and life in London. While there she uncovers the secret of a brutal crime that occurred 20 years earlier.
New Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Supernatural
The night watch by Sergei Lukyanenko
Epic struggle between good and evil set in Moscow. In this imaginative yarn the balance held between supernatural beings called others who support either the dark or the light threatens to be thrown out of balance by the emergence of one supreme “other”.
Silver may tarnish by Andre Norton and Lyn McConchie
A new novel set in witch world. A land destroyed by war and disaster must be rebuilt.
The smile of a ghost by Phil Rickman
Seventh book to feature Merrily Watkins, the Priest who fights supernatural forces. Combines wit, engaging characters and an occult mystery.
New Western
Telegraph days by Larry McMurtry
The adventures of Nellie and orphan who rises from telegraph operator in a small western town in 1876 to Mayor while witnessing the gunfight at the OK Corral on the way.
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