Today, Hartford Books Examiner is pleased to present bite-sized book reviews, volume seven: the Murder 203 edition.
The authors of these featured titles will be appearing as guests of HBE next week, and will also be in attendance at Murder 203 the weekend of April 9th. (See event details below.)
Without further adieu, here’s a little dose of murder and mayhem…
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Posed for Murder by Meredith Cole (Minotaur Books) – Cole’s debut novel presents a case of life imitating art when photographer Lydia McKenzie’s models begin to be killed off in the same manner as the victims whose real-life crime scenes they reenacted. That intriguing premise coupled with some fascinating insights into the art world and a unique perspective on life in Manhattan makes this book about as close to picture perfect as one can get…
Winged Obsession: The Pursuit of the World’s Most Notorious Butterfly Smuggler by Jessica Speart (William Morrow) – A veteran mystery novelist with ten books to her name, Speart proves that truth is indeed stranger than fiction (and just as compelling) with this examination of a lucrative and cut-throat black market business that often flies under the radar. Wholly unforgettable characters, shocking revelations about the state of fish and wildlife law enforcement, and good old-fashioned storytelling make this one not to be missed… (Winged Obsession will be released on April 5th.)
The Borrowed and Blue Murders by Merry Jones (Minotaur Books) – The fourth (and presumable final) Zoe Hayes mystery showcases the many talents of its author. While Jones can craft a fine whodunit with the best of ‘em, it’s details such as the everyday domestic drama and near constant self-introspection that plague her protagonist which will immediately strike a chord of with readers. Not only does Zoe have to contend with a corpse showing up unexpectedly on her patio, but also with her impending nuptials, nursing a newborn, a house full of testosterone-charged guests, and the babysitter from hell. Somehow, it all works…
Pushing Up Daisies by Rosemary Harris (Minotaur Books) – Set in the fictitious town of Springfield, CT, Daisies introduces former media exec turned gardener Paula Holliday, who has the misfortune of unearthing mummified remains while on the job. Casual snooping turns personal when another body turns up and one of Paula’s acquaintances is accused of the crime. Harris has a green thumb herself, and that expertise (not to mention vivid secondary characters such as aging rocker Babe) serves as a fine foundation for this irrepressible series, which will see its next installment, Slug Fest, published in May.
Death on Demand by Carolyn G. Hart (Bantam Books) – This novel has spawned twenty follow-up installments to date, and it’s not difficult to discern why. Protagonist Annie Laurance Darling owns the Death on Demand mystery bookstore, and she, along with a colorful cast of companions and cohorts, must solve a murder in which suspect pool consists mainly of writers, all of whom have something to hide. Hart throws in genre trivia in abundance, which is sure to delight enthusiast. Curl up and get comfy, because this is a true “cozy” at heart…
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Murder 203: Connecticut’s Mystery Festival will take place on April 9th and 10th in Easton, with twenty mystery authors in attendance. The event fee is $75 (cash, check or Visa/Master Card/Discover) paid at the door on Saturday), and includes panel discussions, book signings, writing tips from the pros, opportunities to mingle with fellow crime fiction enthusiasts, raffles & auctions and a Cocktails and Crime party. Visit Murder 203’s official site to learn more. Update: Day passes will be available at the door for the Saturday session at a cost of $40.
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