Similar to the infamous Casey Anthony trial, Blood Money`s Jack Swyteck is the attorney for Sidney Bennett. Sidney has been charged with murdering her daughter, Emily, and is on trial for her life. The prosecution has painted a not so likeable image of Sidney because she`s been photographed drinking, dancing and showing absolutely no sorrow while others are frantically searching for Emily. Was she a party girl who felt her lifestyle was being cramped by her daughter? Could she have murdered Emily because of this? Good questions! Unfortunately, Emily`s body is not found for three years and a cause of death cannot be determined. Public opinion says `guilty,` but the verdict comes back as `not guilty.` This one`s a good read!

Reviewed by Barbara C., Morrison Regional

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When her best friend is murdered, Special Agent Jenna Taylor goes to Bridgewater, Texas to find out who did it. She first fights with; then assists Sheriff Matt Buchanan in his investigation. It becomes apparent they are dealing with a serial killer. It`s even more complicated when it also becomes apparent that Matt and Jenna have feelings for each other. Love and murder go hand in hand in this romance novel. A small town murder limits the suspect pool, but the love affair is big town hot. Will the FBI and the sheriff`s department join forces off and on the job? Read this fast paced novel to the end.

Reviewed by Thea J., South County Regional

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Sixteen year old Laurel Nicholson has spent a lazy morning dreaming in her tree house. A strange man comes up the path to her home. Her sweet mother Dolly, carrying her brother, two years old today, has come back to the house from a picnic to get the special cake knife used for family celebrations. A confrontation ensues, ending with the cake knife in the stranger’s chest. Laurel faints in terror, and when she awakens, she testifies to the police that the man had threatened her mother and she had acted in self defense. Years have passed and Dolly is dying. She confesses to Laurel that she regrets something in her past. Can Laurel solve the puzzle before it is too late? Readers will enjoy The Secret Keeper’s intriguing character development.

Reviewed by Annette N., Main Library

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Tetrodoxin is a neurotoxin, derived from the blowfish, that causes nervous system failure and death - - even from a dose as small as half a milligram. It wreaks havoc in the town of Holloman, Connecticut in the winter of 1969, when a forestry heir, a university head scholar, and a member of a prominent local family all succumb to its effects. Captain Carmine Delmonico begins the arduous investigation which soon has another murder added to the list - - an execution style bullet to the head. The trail leads to Dr. Jim Hunter, a scientist with access to the lab where the toxin was extracted. As the investigation ensues, the reader rides a tsunami of thrills and revelations. McCullough’s 4th novel in the Carmine Delmonico series delivers.

Reviewed by Susanne W., Steele Creek Branch

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A Norwegian crime novel set in Oslo, this first Hanne Wilhelmsen novel explores the fictional world of drugs, crime and corruption in Norway. When two men are found murdered and a Dutchman turns up covered in blood and with no communication, commercial lawyer Karen Borg is asked by the Dutchman to represent him. Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Hanne Wilhelmsen is appointed to investigate the Dutchman’s case and the investigation leads all the way up to the highest ranks of the Norwegian Ministry of Justice. While containing a formulaic plot similar to other crime novels, author Anne Holt sets herself apart by commanding excellent characterization, legal analysis and Norwegian personality. Readers of crime fiction will surely enjoy this addition with a Norwegian twist.

Reviewed by Cameron S., University City Regional

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In this second mystery featuring Icelandic lawyer Thora, an architect is murdered and Thora is asked to investigate. Although she is attempting to uncover paranormal activity at an old farmhouse, now Thora must investigate the murder instead. While exploring the farmhouse for possible clues, Thora becomes convinced that the farmhouse is indeed haunted. Thora’s love interest, Matthew, returns to help solve the murder. After a second murder, they must now try to solve the two murders and determine a possible connection. Could it be the heirs of the farmhouse, someone at the resort where Thora is staying, or were the murders politically motivated? It seems everywhere they turn there is a possible suspect. Fast paced and with a good dose of Icelandic history, this is a fun and thrilling read.

Reviewed by Cameron S., University City Regional

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Vita Berlin is a mean, malicious, unpleasant woman whose eviscerated remains are found in her apartment. Even those who disliked her agree that she didn`t deserve to die in such a horrific manner. Her killing is the first in what seems to be a series, but psychologist and consulting detective Alex Delaware and his friend, Detective Milo Sturgis cannot find anything concrete that links them. Their investigation into Vita`s murder finally reveals a connection to a state psychiatric hospital housing a special unit for the most disturbed patients. This book is not for the squeamish and definitely should not be read late at night or when alone. However, if you`re intrigued by cold and monstrous characters, then this one`s for you!

Reviewed by Barbara C., Morrison Regional

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Police Detective John Bekker had everything going for him until one fateful night when his wife was raped and murdered in front of their five-year-old daughter. Since that night his daughter hasn`t spoken a word and has spent the last twelve years in an institution while he`s spent his in the bottom of a bottle. Bekker always thought his involvement on a special task force investigating organized crime was the catalyst for this murder until mob boss, Eddie Crist, forces a face-to-face meeting. Crist insists he had nothing to do with this, but he`s not so sure his son didn`t. He sobers Bekker up and hires him to investigate this decade-old murder so he can die with a clear conscience. The outcome will absolutely leave you speechless.

Reviewed by Barbara C., Morrison Regional

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Touch & Go by Lisa Gardner is another top-notch psychological thriller involving Justin Denbe, his wife Libby, and their 15-year old daughter, Ashlyn, who are abducted from their home. The family is taken to a state-of-the-art penitentiary that Justin`s firm built, but it has never been put into operation. While waiting and wondering about their captor`s motivation, the family struggles to be civil to one another. Justin has cheated, Libby`s turned to prescription drugs to deal with the pain, and Ashlyn has a secret boyfriend. P.I. Tessa Leoni, haunted by her own past, has been hired by Denbe Construction to investigate the kidnapping but is surprised when there`s no ransom demand. This one will you keep you guessing until the very end!

Reviewed by Barbara C., Morrison Regional

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Knockdown is an entertaining story and part of the “home repair” mystery series. Jake Tiptree is living in Maine working on the rehabbing of her big, old house over the summer. While she’s scraping and priming her porch, an evil remnant from her past has arrived to celebrate the 4th in a way that will put Jake’s life at risk. She’s trying not to involve her family, but realizes she needs their help when the threats continue to increase. This is good for a quick read or a vacation book with lots of tension until the very end. Each chapter also includes “Tiptree`s Tips” to help your next DIY project.

Reviewed by Thea J., South County Regional

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