Terry Jacobsen

Delaney's grim tale shouts Greek tragedy more than standard mystery fare. A blisteringly hot, strong second half compensates for an overlong beginning. Those who have grappled with serious illness will appreciate Delaney's devotion to the hero's fight, even if the development of secondary characters languishes. Delaney is a pseudonym for John R. Corrigan, author of golf mysteries (Bad Lie). For fans of Reed Farrel Coleman.

Hess's quiet debut will haunt and provoke discussion. Her detail-laden descriptions of postwar Germany—both setting and peoples—are especially fresh. Ursula Hegi's fiction comes to mind.

This potent thriller bubbles with bad blood and bad guys from page one. Every stock character from crooked politician to covert-op guy makes an appearance, yet the pace never lags, and readers won't sleep until the last villain is cuffed. Those who love brisk action and political intrigue will lap this up. Think John Sandford for intensity and Michael Harvey for setting and history. [Exhibit A is the new crime fiction imprint of Angry Robot Books.—Ed.]

This engrossing, thought-provoking entry by a Lambda and Minnesota Book Award winner proves that long-running series don't have to lose steam. Hart makes it easy for newcomers to jump in, and regular followers of this series will be glad to see what Jane decides to tell retired detective friend Nolan at the book's conclusion. Topically, consider pairing with Libby Fischer Hellmann's Set the Night on Fire.