Pat's Picks 2015
September 2015
This month’s BCCLSVisor highlights Mystery and Suspense—two top popular genres by our reading public. And who better than Pat Loughnane, BCCLS Executive Secretary and Office Manager, to share her favorites since she’s been creating ‘Pat’s Picks’ since September 2003.
Some of her recommendations are stand-alone novels and some the latest in a favorite character’s adventures. Give them a try. You might find a new series to entertain you.
After the Storm by Linda Castillo
Attempting to identify human remains that are uncovered by a tornado, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder discovers that the person had been murdered and was tied to a family's long-hidden secrets. This is the 7th book in the Kate Burkholder series that takes place in the Amish community of Painters Mill, Ohio.
Atonement of Blood by Peter Tremayne
When her brother, the king, barely survives an assassination attempt, Fidelma, her companion Eadulf, and bodyguard Gormâan journey into dangerous enemy territory to discover who is behind the plot and why in the 24th book in the series of Sister Fidelma, a legally trained scholar and brilliant sleuth in seventh-century Ireland, who has given up her clerical cress but continues to solve crimes.
Broken Promise by Linwood Barclay
After his wife's death and the collapse of his business, David Harwood moves back home to Promise Falls, New York, with his young son, where he comes upon a family secret of epic proportions which results in murder as well as other strange occurrences, including the ritual slaughtering of animals.
Cold Cold Heart by Tami Hoag
Struggling with PTSD a year after escaping a serial killer, television reporter Dana Nolan uses her investigative skills to reclaim the missing pieces of her life and take another look at the case of her best friend's disappearance after high school graduation.
Cop Town by Karin Slaughter
Atlanta,1974. It's Kate Murphy's first day on the job and the Atlanta Police Department is seething after the murder of an officer. Before the day has barely begun, she already suspects she's not cut out for the job as a cop. Her male uniform is too big, she can't handle a gun, and she's rapidly learning that the APD is hardly a place that welcomes women. Worse still, in the ensuing manhunt, she'll be partnered with Maggie Lawson, a cop with her own ax to grind (and a brother and uncle already on the force)--a strategy meant to isolate Kate and Maggie from the action. But the move will backfire, putting them right at the heart of it.
A Dangerous Place by Jacqueline Winspear
Arriving in turbulent 1937 Gibraltar in the aftermath of a tragedy, Maisie Dobbs raises the British Secret Service's suspicions because of her involvement in the case of the murder of a Sephardic Jewish photographer.
Dry Bones by Craig Johnson
In the latest installment of the Longmire series Wyoming sheriff Walt Longmire recruits a team of helpers to investigate the murder of a rancher whose body has been found near a T. Rex fossil that is claimed by multiple parties.
The English Spy by Daniel Silva
Art restorer, assassin and spy Gabriel Allon investigates the murder of the former princess of England and enlists the help of Christopher Keller, a British commando turned professional assassin, to track down Irish master bomb maker Eamon Quinn.
A Fine Summer’s Day by Charles Todd
The nuptial hopes of Inspector Rutledge are overshadowed by a series of seemingly unrelated murders throughout 1914 England and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which leads to World War I.
The Forgotten Room by Lincoln Child
Investigating a baffling murder-suicide at a Newport mansion that houses a respected think tank, Jeremy Logan discovers a secret room in the mansion filled with obscure scientific equipment related to a dangerous top-secret project.
Ghost Image by Ellen Crosby
When her friend, Franciscan friar and controversial environmentalist Brother Kevin Boyle, who uncovered a botanic discovery potentially worth millions of dollars, is murdered, freelance photojournalist Sophie Medina embarks on an international treasure hunt to find Kevin's killer.
The Harvest Man by Alex Grecian
With Jack the Ripper on the loose and the emergence of a new serial killer called the Harvest Man, who carves people's faces off their skulls, Sergeant Nevil Hammersmith enlists the help of a criminal network to stop them, while Inspector Walter Day goes by the book until the Ripper begins toying with them both.
Hush, Hush by Laura Lippman
Taking a case that challenges her busy childcare schedule, Tess Monaghan and new partner, Sandy Sanchez, assess the security needs of an imperious Baltimore woman whose family reunion is overshadowed by a violent stalker.
The Iris Fan by Laura Joh Rowland
In 1709 Japan, Sano Ichiråo is restored to the rank of chief investigator when the shogun is stabbed with a fan made of painted silk with sharp-pointed iron ribs--a case that, if the shogun's heir is displeased with the outcome, will result in Sano’s death.
Lies That Bind by Maggie Barbieri
Devastated by the death of her beloved single father, Maeve Conlon learns that she may have a sister she never knew about at the same time her bakery is targeted by a sinister vandal.
Memory Man by David Baldacci
The author introduces a new lead character, Amos Decker, whose hyperthymesia causes him to remember everything. More than a year after the most tragic event in Amos Decker's life, a man confesses to murdering his family and Amos, called to help with the investigation, struggles with the memories.
One Kick by Chelsea Cain
Meet Kick Lannigan, a famous child kidnapping survivor who, as an adult, uses her martial-arts mastery and affiliation with a wealthy patron to find and rescue missing children.
The Reckoning by Rennie Airth
Investigating two murders linked by a common weapon, Scotland Yard Detective Inspector Billy Styles and local detective Vic Chivers trace one of the victims to retired legend John Madden, who joins them in a race against time to prevent further killings.
Runner by Patrick Lee
Retired Special Forces operative Sam Dryden saves the life of an eleven-year-old girl with no memory of her past who possesses a dangerous skill that is highly sought by violent government forces.
The Secret Place by Tana French
Investigating a photograph of a boy whose murder was never solved, aspiring Murder Squad member Stephen Moran partners with detective Antoinette Conway to search for answers in the cliques and rivalries at a Dublin boarding school.
Sleep in Peace Tonight by James MacManus
Harry Hopkins, a trusted advisor of President Roosevelt, arrives in Blitz-torn London to negotiate with Winston Churchill and becomes romantically involved with a young woman who works as a British spy.
List created by:
Pat Loughnane
Executive Secretary & Office Manager, BCCLS
