Carolyn Haley

Cozy mysteries come in all stripes and appeal to a variety of readers.

It’s always risky for readers to enter a series late in its development—in this instance, book 24 in the Andy Carpenter mystery series.

“romantic novels exist not just to sustain a fantasy, but also to help people learn how to love and celebrate it.”

“The way Mattie handles her service dog, the logistics of his training, his canine personality, the important evidence he believably uncovers, and their warm yet disciplined interaction rem

There are many, many cozy mysteries out there, more than any fan can read in a decade. This new entry into the genre doesn’t rank among the best, though it will satisfy undemanding readers.

“the story holds together and delivers a fast, intense, thought-provoking read.”

It’s uncommon for a debut novel to make a splash like this one: massive publicity campaign, huge advance, millions worth of foreign and film rights, laudatory reviews and testimonials from top name

The subtitle for this book says it all: Deadly Dogfights, Blistering Bombing Raids, and Other War Stories from the Great American Air Heroes of World War II, in Their Own Words.

This book is a good example of how packaging and promotion can hit or miss with an audience.

“the core nature of maleness and femaleness—the universality of humanness—shines through and reinvents itself to adapt to change in reality.”

As an old saying goes: “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

Welcome back Liam Campbell, Alaska State Trooper. This fifth book of his adventures comes as the first since 2002.

Spin is an appropriate name for this techno-thriller because it can make your head spin.

“whether you approach this novel as a fable or an allegory or a light adventure or a study in kindness, even just a magical profile of Paris, you’ll find top-level writing and storytelling.

“The story should suit fans of romance, historical fiction, westerns, and anyone who loves a straightforward adventure tale about decent people striving together to overcome hardship.”

As with every novel in the universe, whether it works for you or not depends on your tastes and frame of reference.

Each volume in this long-running series is titled [Something] in Death, with that something representing the volume’s theme. In this case, shadows.

“Several doors are opened in The Darkest Evening to launch more stories.

“Like with the best plot-driven novels, you need to know what happens at the end. Like with the best character-driven novels, you bleed with them along the way.”

“Read Roker’s new book in chapter chunks or in one sitting, and be assured you’ll be a bit wiser and feel better because of it.”

“This simple book serves the schoolroom for all ages, the coffee table of any household, the shelf in any library, and a font of wonderfulness for any trivia gamer.”

Although this is the fifth volume in the Dr. Zol Szabo Medical Mystery series, Zol steps out of the spotlight in order to feature Dr.

“the underlying message of the book is that no matter how well loved and well supported you are, bad things can happen that aren’t your fault, and they can mess you up no matter what you do

Surely, Alexander McCall Smith isn’t the only philosopher in the world who writes novels. But he’s probably the best known and one of the most commercially successful.

You know you’ve got a great book in your hands when you update your partner on the story at each meal and follow them around the house during the day reading out special passages.

Hopefully your life is so good that the word “diabolical” never need enter your mind or cross your lips.

“All this gives the story a nail-biting quality on top of great characterization, a gripping plot, and clean, vivid writing.”

“This book is slated as the start of a new series and holds great promise to be a good one.”

Amid the screaming, bloody chaos of war, what’s one more dead body?

“the narrative passages and direct character actions give the rest of us better understanding of what U.S.

Sheila Connolly has been a busy writer, cranking out five series since 2008, along with novels and short stories. This new book is volume 8 in her County Cork Mysteries.

"There are enough red herrings and all-too-human flubs in the detecting to keep suspense high and resolution impossible to the very end.

“not only informative and insightful; it’s also satisfying, entertaining, and makes you wish there were more farms like it where we can all get our food.”

“Bomber’s Moon delivers action and adventure, passion and compassion, philosophy and pathos, deft characterization across diverse personalities and backgrounds, description of plac

“a big brava! to Sara Donati for giving us this novel. It shows a writer who never stops improving technically while still burning with passion for her subject.

For a small town on the northern tip of Ireland, there are an awful lot of suspects for multiple types of crime.

Well-researched historical fiction takes readers to new (old) places and brings the time and people alive. That is, if the story works as a story.

Donna Andrews has done it again: served up another amusing and intelligent adventure in her Meg Langslow cozy mystery series—now up to volume 25.

“Given the timeliness of this novel vis-à-vis our current era, along with how well it’s written, there would be no surprise if it garnered an award.

“The crafting . . . is superb . . .”

Sentient animals are tricky to characterize in novels without making them cartoonish.

This book, final volume of a trilogy, has been hailed as “hilarious” and “comedic” and similar terms.

The appeal of this series is its utter straightforwardness. No “stylin’.” Sheriff Dave Cubiak goes about his business, is confronted by a crime, and steps right in to solve it.

“Serious Moonlight succeeds in its story mission.”

“if you like learning about what makes people tick, and you appreciate the underlying absurdity and pathos of life, then Department of Sensitive Crimes will tickle your funny bone

“Marc Cameron is a crackerjack writer who knows how to evoke character, place, and action.”

“Louis L’Amour fans and potential fans, hit the bookstores! This is one of his novels not to miss.”

“Kudos to Kate Morton for spinning such a tale.”

In the first three volumes of this sturdy series, K-9 officer Mattie Cobb proves that both she and her scent-tracking German shepherd partner, Robo, are an asset to the Timber Creek, Colorado, poli

By the time a series has reached 47 volumes, its loyal readers have fallen into two camps.

“The idea at the story’s core—death by butterfly—is fascinating from start to finish.”

Open the cover on this one, and off you go to the races. Instant action, instant menace, instant character introductions in deft sketches that don’t hold things up for a second.

World War II is well covered in literature and history, but in The Great Darkness, first volume in the new Nighthawks series, Jim Kelly comes up with a fresh take—at least for historical f

When you have an imagination like Gareth Powell’s, you must write or paint or otherwise vent that imagination through art so your head won’t explode.

Many young adult novels can be enjoyed by readers from 8 to 88. Others are tightly aimed at teenagers.

“an entertaining escape that showcases the virtues of logical thinking, along with a toe dip into a bygone industrial age.”

If you like your crime novels as thick as stew and as twisty as spaghetti, this tenth volume of the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series will satisfy your appetite—with gravy and whipped cream on top.

“gripping and entertaining, and suitable for both its teenage target audience and adults.”

". . . the nonlinear narrative style takes a long time to arrive at whodunit, howdunit, and why."

One expects Western adventures to be set against magnificent scenery and driven by wilderness experiences.

“In This Grave Hour is lucky number 13, and there’s no sign the series will stop showing how individual acts of heart can do much to counter collective tragedy.”

“In Farleigh Field delivers the same entertainment mixed with intellectual intrigue and realistic setting for which Bowen has earned awards . . .”

“The story setting and historical era are well researched and believably conveyed in a coming-of-age romance that presents the lessons of war and peace, love and hate, in bold block letters

“Readers may be moved to stand up and cheer.”

There’s a reason some bestselling authors are so popular: They deliver stories that pull you right into a realistic world peopled with characters you love, or love to hate, in interesting scenarios

“Practical Sins for Cold Climates is an unusual and refreshing take on the 'transformed by the wilderness' theme.”

This story is not as bleak as the title suggests.

It’s said that people go to Alaska to start new lives, or at least to forget an unsuccessful past.

“a satisfying coming-of-age story via a fantastical adventure.”

Number two in a series is always a challenge for an author, especially after a successful launch. Sharon St.

“Once readers have gobbled up The Company She Kept, there are 25 other volumes to discover or reread until the next one comes out.”

Poor ex-Chief Inspector Gamache.

“The craftsmanship is so good, it’s hard to believe this is a first novel.”

Practice makes perfect, as evidenced by the latest by Peter Lovesey novel—number 15 in the Peter Diamond crime series, and more than 30 books altogether.

“the Thunder Road series . . . [is] off to an engine-revving start . . .”

“Readers who like classic whodunits immersed in location, along with development of complex characters, will enjoy this story.”

Nora Roberts delivers yet another solid entry into the romantic suspense category with this tale of recovery from betrayal.