Wrath of Angels by John Connolly
Many of the characters and histories from several of the Charlie Parker novels, especially The Black Angel, culminate in this story involving a list of names of people who may have made a deal with the devil. Connolly has a way of weaving the supernatural with a private eye novel and making them both seem uniquely his own.
Hammett Unwritten by Owen Fitzstephen
I’m curious about this debut since it uses the life of my favorite writer, Dashiell Hammett, for a mystery that runs through his days as a Pinkerton detective, author, and member of the Hollywood Ten during the red scare, all linked to his book, The Maltese Falcon. It’s also from Seventh Street Books, who discovered author Mark Pryor who has become a store favorite with his debut, The Bookseller.
Penance by Dan O’Shea
Ever since I met Dan at a Bouchercon a few years ago, I’ve been following his short work and his career. This debut novel featuring a Chicago cop going up against political corruption and a deadly sniper could introduce him to a larger number of mystery readers
Evil In All It’s Disguises by Hilary Davidson
Davidson’s series with her heroine, travel writer Lily Moore, is fast making her one of my favorite thriller writers. Her latest, dealing with a missing colleague and friend in Acapulco, reinforces her strong heroine and strong narrative.
Donnybrook by Frank Bill
Every author I know has been raving about Donnybrook, Frank Bill’s first novel with characters who move in and out of a bare knuckles competition. His short story “Cold, Hard Love” in his collection Crimes In Southern Indiana serves as a prequel to the book.