Mercy Street by Mariah Stewart

Former police detective Mallory Russo is hired as a private investigator when two young people are killed in a city park and their two friends are missing. Mallory, working on a book since resigning her job with the city due to a smear campaign, finds publication doesn't look too promising, and she is anxious to get back into detective work. Her replacement in the Conroy police department, Charlie Wanamaker, is encouraged by police chief Joe Drabyak to assist her as the city has been short-handed due to a random sniper terrorizing the city. Charlie has his own baggage to deal with, nevertheless, he and Mallory click, discovering details that lead to an old, unsolved murder. Plenty of suspense and action. A really good read. Sandy P

Ride a Painted Pony by Kathleen Eagle

Lauren Davis, ex-jockey, mother to little Joey, and a life with dangerous Raymond Vargas finds herself brutally thrown from a car in another state in the rain. Her life threatened, her son stolen, she accepts a ride with Nick Red Shield who is on his way to pick up his dream stallion, a black and white Indian paint. This is a fast-paced, enthralling story whose author gets kudos for presenting a realistic and believable novel. I really liked it. Sandy P

Hunter's Moon by Karen Robards

Attractive Molly Ballard is the sole support of her younger brothers and sisters, struggling to make ends meet by grooming at a Kentucky stable. FBI agent Will Lyman, investigating a racehorse-fixing scheme, catches her stealing cash from the stable and realizes that Molly can help him catch the culprits he seeks. Molly feels she is trapped, but will do as Will asks in order to protect herself and her siblings. Sparks fly, as independent Molly struggles to maintain her dignity and independence in a "no-win" situation, with Will "pretending" to be her boyfriend in order to explain his presence in the area. This is a cohesive narrative that lives up to its promise of mystery, murder and romance. A good read. Sandy P

Secrets by Jude Deveraux

Cassandra Madden has a near drowning experience at age twelve and is saved by Jefferson Ames, a man at one of her mother's many meetings. Cassie grows up, goes to college and meets a man she plans to marry, even though she yearns for Jeff. In a decisive moment, she breaks the engagement and moves to Williamsburg, Virginia, where the now-widowed Jeff lives with his young daughter. Cassie becomes the child's nanny and general housekeeper, and dreams of becoming wife and mother to Jeff and his daughter. She begins to learn that those around her have many secrets and as she begins to unravel them, she fears that a life with Jeff is not to be. This is a simple love story with lots of twists and turns. Not too bad, but didn't excite me. Sandy P

Heart Breaker by Karen Robards

City bred Lynn Nelson, divorced, single mom, and her daughter Rory are on a wilderness trip in Utah. It's just the first day and she has two more weeks to go. Needless to say, roughing it is not the fun she has anticipated. Even the attention of Jess Feldman, hunky guide, is met with disdain. Meanwhile, murder and mayhem is occurring not too far from the trail and a series of misadventures has Lynn, Rory and Jess on their own, trekking through the scene, looking for help. Quite an adventure read, but entertaining. Sandy P

Superstition by Karen Robards

Nicole Sullivan, investigative reporter for television series Twenty-four Hour Investigates, decides to do a series on a cold case in her home town, Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Her mother, Leonora is a psychic and is going to help with the seance at the Taylor house where the murders of three young girls happened. Things go terribly wrong during the live segment when a young woman is murdered. Police Chief Joe Franconi is pressured by the Mayor who wants the television crew out of town and to let the old murder mystery alone. Karen Robards inserts some humor in this story by including some paranormal incidents and a wacky family for Nicole. I really liked this mystery. Sandy P

Obsession by Karen Robards

Katharine Lawrence survives a horrific attempt on her life, only to feel like a stranger in her own home. She's twenty-nine, the special assistant to the head of the CIA, and she can trust no one. Her neighbor, Dr Dan Howard, appears to be the only person she can trust, yet she feels that everything is a big lie, yet not and is disoriented and fearful. Robards spins a tale of suspense and terror that keeps you reading, turning each page to discover what happens next. Again, a good read. Sandy P

The Empty Chair by Jeffery Deaver

Published in 2000, still a great read. Criminalist Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs are caught up in a crisis situation when Lincoln and Amelia arrive at the University of North Carolina Medical Center for some high-risk experimental surgery. In a 24 hour period, the sleepy town of Tanner's Corner has seen a local teen murdered and two young women abducted. The prime suspect, a strange teenage truant known at the Insect Boy, so nicknamed because of his obsession with insects. County Sheriff Jim Bell enlists Lincoln to help in the search for the women. Forensic mystery readers will love this one. I had read it before but couldn't remember the outcome. Was worth the re-read. Sandy P

Guilty by Karen Robards

Kate White, a single mom and a prosecutor in the Philadelphia DA's office, is devastated when a nightmare of thirteen years ago is renewed. Kate is in a bind. If the truth about her past is revealed, her future with her 9 year old son will be threatened. Kate turns to police detective Tom Braga for help, but he can't help her if she doesn't tell him the truth. And she is afraid to tell him. This suspense thriller is great reading. I recommend it and want to read some of Robards past books. Sandy P

The Front by Patricia Cornwell

This story was quite disappointing for all the fanfare given it. Massachusetts state investigator Win Garano and DA Monique Lamont are thrown together in an investigation of a murder committed in 1962. Doesn't compare to the Kay Scarpetta novels. Sandy P

Santa Fe Dead by Stuart Woods

Santa Fe trial lawyer, Ed Eagle finds the tables turned when he testifies as a witness for the prosecution in the trial of his ex-wife, Barbara Eagle, who has been a very, very bad girl. I was disappointed in this action novel, seemed very contrived. Sandy P

Killer Heat by Linda Fairstein

District Attorney Alex Cooper of New York City is sweating it out in August heat, prosecuting a rapist who was imprisoned 36 years ago. The victim is willing to undergo the stress and fear of facing her attacker to prove through DNA that he is indeed the rapist. Hold on, a body is discovered, a young woman brutally murdered and then a second body, beaten and disposed of in the same manner. Does the city have a serial killer on the loose? Then a third body is found and Alex pushes forward, realizing time is not on their side. This is a well written mystery with a bit of early American history thrown in. Well worth the read. Sandy P

Light from Heaven by Jan Karon

Father Timothy Kavanaugh and wife Cynthia are farm sitting about fifteen miles out from Mitford. Dooley and Lace are off to school. Father Tim is restless, wanting something to do with his time, after all Cynthia had her work! All of a sudden, he finds himself busier than ever. Tim is charged with the revival of Holy Trinity, a closed mountain church; Sammy Barlowe, Dooley's brother is on the scene ; Louella sends Tim on a wild goose chase, looking for Sadie's long-hidden cash. Most importantly, Father Tim reaches out to the flock on the mountain, drawing them closer to the church and each other. A fine story of faith and blessings. I recommend the whole series of books. Sandy P

Hostage by Robert Crais

Chief of Police Jeff Talley, a stressed-out former LAPD SWAT negotiator, is forced to face reality when an ex-con, his brother and a psychopath rob a mini-market, kill the attendant and take Walter Smith and his two children hostage. The hostages are not who they seem, the home contains secrets about a lethal and volatile crime lord, Sonny Benza.

Talley tries to hold himself together and save the hostages inside, putting himself and his own family at risk. This was a real page turner. Couldn't put it down. Robert Crais is a master of thrills and suspense. He doesn't disappoint. Sandy P

In This Mountain by Jan Karon

The seventh book in the Mitford series, Father Timothy Kavanaugh and wife Cynthia deal with the intricacies of retirement, his, not hers, and the Man in the Attic returns to Mitford. Dooley is still looking for a couple of brothers that he has lost touch with and his estrangement with Lace seems ongoing. This series of stories hits the spot, seeming to tell the readers things they need to know to get along in life and keeps one in touch with close friends and neighbors. Jan Karon does a great job. Sandy P

Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles

Heroine Adair Colley is thrust into the midst of the War Between the States in southern Missouri when the Union Militia arrive, set the house on fire and brutally attack and carry off her father, and avowed neutralist. Her mother being dead, Adair collects her younger siblings and start out on foot into the winter mountains in search of a safe haven. Author Jiles begins each chapter with historical excerpts relating information recorded at that time. I think this sets her story off quite well, and though I feel this is a sad story, it is very well written and quite believable. I would recommend this as historical fiction. Sandy P

A Common Life by Jan Karon

Flash back to Father Timothy Kavanaugh's proposal to Cynthia Coppersmith. We are given a closer look at the parish as they move forward to the wedding of Tim and Cynthia and the changes it will bring to the lives of everyone. A sweet story. Sandy P

VooDoo River by Robert Crais

LA private investigator Elvis Cole is hired by popular TV star Jodie Taylor to find out about her biological parents. He goes to Louisiana to team up with lawyer Lucille Chenier and uncovers secrets and murder. Great read. I really like this author. Sandy P

A New Song by Jan Karon

Father Timothy Kavanaugh has been assigned as an interim priest at a small parish off the Atlantic coast in Whitecap. Regretting leaving Mitford, but looking forward to the new adventure, Tim and Cynthia take off in his gift from her, a red mustang convertible with the dog Barnabas and cat Violet. An auspicious beginning, the bridge is out, it has been pouring rain and the ferry doesn't want to take one more trip to the island. This, the fifth in a series, characterizes the life of an interim pastor, the politics, the agony and ecstasy of forming new friendships. The characters are just as real and endearing as the townspeople of Mitford. I like Jan Karon's easy style and comforting words. Sandy P

The Two Minute Rule by Robert Crais

Ex-con Max Holman is released from prison for bank robbery only to find out his son, a policeman, has been murdered and the boy's mother has died. When he can't get any answers, he turns to FBI agent (retired) Katherine Pollard, an arresting officer in his last robbery, for help. The reader has compassion for Max, trying so hard to turn over a new leaf and being stone walled from every angle. I thought this was a great read. Loved it. Would like to see a sequel. Sandy P

Out to Canaan by Jan Karon

Father Tim and his wife Cynthia are pondering the uncertainties of retirement. They are also trying to find the siblings of Dooley Barlowe and discover his mother, victim of burns in a hospital bed. Things are happening in Mitford, a mayoral race, rumors of property selling, a new book for Cynthia, all the elements for change are in the mix. Dooley wants to learn to drive; well he already has been behind the wheel, he just wants Father Tim to let him drive the Buick. They have house guests in the basement and in the guest room. Another good read. Sandy P

These High Green Hills by Jan Karon

Third of the Mitford Years series, Father Timothy Kavanaugh and his new wife Cynthia are keeping house(s) and doing the Lord's work. Dooley Barlowe is growing and off to school. Miss Sadie has a set back and Tim and Cynthia go camping with a youth group. Father Tim faces a lot of fears in this volume - giving us lots of wisdom and teaches us to cherish those we love and those we don't love. A really good series. Looking forward to book four. Sandy P

Lady Killer by Lisa Scottoline

This is the first time that I've read Lisa Scottoline. I thought it was a good read. The story is about Mary Dinunzio who is an attorney at Rosato & Associates. Her clients are mostly from her home neighborhood in South Philly. Trish Gambone, her high school rival, comes in for her help. She is terrified of her live-in boyfriend, who was tutored by Mary while they were in high school. The boyfriend is part of the mob now. Then Trish vanishes, a dead body turns up in an alley, and Mary is plunged into a nightmare, one that threaten her job, her family, and even her life. The story will keep you reading. I will read more of her books. Pat M

Demolition Angel by Robert Crais

Carol Starkey struggles to pick up the pieces of her former life as a bomb squad technician. When a bomb call turns into a murder scene, Carol is in charge of the case and deals with her inner demons while trying to function on a "normal" level on her job. Robert Crais is a great author. He has written for "L A Law" and "Hill Street Blues" as well as other books. I really like his work. I had to borrow this book from another library, but our library is happy to borrow the book for you to read also. Sandy P