With mAY’S arrival the countdown to summer vacation begins. Before you hit the beaches or the mountains, start prepping with some crime fiction. This month, traditional mysteries take us from the Adirondacks (Jeanne Quigley’s Murder, by George) and the Blue Ridge Mountains (Carol Miller’s An Old Fashioned Murder) to the California coast (Linda O. Johnston’s To Catch a Treat). Police procedurals send us to rural Montana (Karin Salvalaggio’s Walleye Junction), the Pacific Northwest (Robert Dugoni’s In the Clearing), and steamy Louisiana (BJ Bourg’s Hollow Crib). Finally, take a trip back in time to the days of Reconstruction via M.J. Trow’s The Circle, which spotlights historical figures of the period. Doesn’t everyone plan their getaways around mystery locales? Happy traveling!

Check These Out

Bourg, BJ. Hollow Crib: A Magnolia Parish Mystery. Five Star: Gale Cengage. May 2016. 252p. ISBN 9781432831424. $25.95. M

Det. Brandon Berger wants to keep his promise, for once, and treat his wife to an anniversary dinner. Meanwhile, William Chandler is returning to Skybald National Park with his spouse and infant daughter to lay some ghosts to rest. Yet neither man gets his wish: Berger has to investigate the Magnolia Faith Church and its pastor; Chandler is accused of a heinous murder and even his family isn’t convinced of his innocence. Through the alternating viewpoints of his protagonists, police veteran Bourg (James 516) delivers a plot that is overly complicated with too little detail in places. If this Southern crime novel is to become a series, the author will have to flesh out his principal characters. VERDICT Louisiana has its share of secrets, and this atmospheric regional mystery, despite its flaws, will remind some of HBO’s True Detective.

Dugoni, Robert. In the Clearing. Thomas & Mercer: Amazon. May 2016. 373p. ISBN 9781503953574. pap. $15.95. M

Seattle homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite loves to tackle unsolved crimes, so when Klickitat County Sheriff Jenny ­Almond asks her to investigate a 40-year-old cold case that Jenny’s late father had handled, Tracy is intrigued. The murder of her sister years ago weighs on Tracy. The killing was not only unresolved, it was Jenny’s father’s first case, and the detective feels she owes Jenny. Meanwhile, Tracy’s team at the Seattle PD is also probing the death of Tim ­Collins, supposedly slain by his estranged wife when he broke into their house. But the inquiry keeps turning up inconsistencies in the allegedly straightforward incident. Dugoni’s third “Tracy Crosswhite” novel (after Her Final Breath) continues his series’s standard of excellence with superb plotting and skillful balancing of the two story lines. ­VERDICT New readers can enjoy this as a stand-alone; they and series fans will be captivated by the issues and foibles that drive Tracy and strengthen her resolve.

Griffiths, Elly. The Woman in Blue: A Ruth Galloway Mystery. Houghton Harcourt. May 2016. 368p. ISBN 9780544417854. $25; ebk. ISBN 9780544419322. M

Famous for religious sightings, the medieval town of Walsingham is a holy site in both the Catholic and Anglican traditions. So when Cathbad, a druid and a friend of forensic archaeologist Ruth ­Galloway, spots a lovely figure dressed in blue in the cemetery next to the house where he is cat-sitting, he is reminded of the Virgin Mary. The next day, the woman is discovered strangled in a ditch; she is identified as Chloe Jenkins, resident of a nearby rehab facility. Ruth becomes involved in the murder investigation when her friend Hilary Smithson, archaeologist-turned-priest, receives threatening letters. She and DCI Harry Nelson, the father of her child, are hard pressed to uncover the truth. ­VERDICT The eighth book in the series (after The Ghost Fields) does not disappoint. Griffiths’s well-crafted narrative and solid character development make for a gripping procedural. [See Prepub Alert, 11/16/15.]

Hill, Bonnie Hearn. Goodbye Forever: A Kit Doyle Mystery. Severn House. Jun. 2016. 192p. ISBN 9780727885869. $28.95; ebk. ISBN 9781780107493. M

Trying to rebuild her life after the shocking events recounted in If Anything Should Happen, Kit Doyle is determined to make her marriage work. When her husband’s 17-year-old niece Jessica disappears, leaving behind a cryptic note, Kit is compelled to dig deeper. She discovers other young people have gone missing in recent months, all penning the same memo. The youths are connected by their ties to a controversial psychologist who treated them at a camp when they were in their early teens. No one wants to believe children are capable of murder, but anyone can kill when pushed to the edge. VERDICT Kit is a flawed individual whose weak spots spur her to help others. Her determined pursuit of the culprit results in a roller-coaster ride of suspense that will attract Erin Hart enthusiasts.

MacDonald, Patricia. Don’t Believe a Word. Severn House. Jun. 2016. 240p. ISBN 9780727885876. $28.95; ebk. ISBN 9781780107509. M

Eden Radley works at a New York publishing house. She is close to her father because her mother, Tara, abandoned them years ago to live with a younger man who was her “soul mate.” When Eden learns that her mother committed suicide, after killing Eden’s disabled half brother, she heads to Cleveland for the funeral. To make matters worse, her publisher asks Eden to edit the new novel penned by her mother’s husband, the genius author Flynn Darby. As she works with Flynn, Eden soon learns how little she knew about Tara’s life. ­VERDICT MacDonald (I See You) has written another terrific novel of psychological suspense, marked by well-developed, sympathetic characters and excellent, tightly paced ­plotting. Tami Hoag and Francine Mathews fans will devour.

Salvalaggio, Karin. Walleye Junction. Minotaur: St. Martin’s. May 2016. 336p. ISBN 9781250078926. $26.99; ebk. ISBN 9781466891470. M

Montana state investigator Macy Greeley is racing to the site of a kidnapping in Walleye Junction when she hits talk radio host Philip Long, who had just escaped his captors, and crashes her patrol car. As she watches in horror from the side of the road, a motorcyclist pulls up and calmly shoots Long twice before riding away. Then two heroin addicts are found dead of an apparent overdose; evidence shows that they participated in the kidnapping. Greeley has doubts, however. Long had spoken out against militias in the state and had his share of enemies. Meanwhile, Long’s daughter returns home to help her mother after a 12-year absence in the wake of her best friend’s drug-related death. ­VERDICT Readers will sympathize with single mom Greeley’s guilt (well depicted here) for leaving her toddler son to work on her cases. Her third adventure, following Burnt River, will appeal to fans of mysteries with a Western setting as well as those who enjoy John Hart and Lisa Scottoline. [Library marketing.]

Trow, M.J. The Circle: A Grand & Batchelor Victorian Mystery. Crème de la Crime: Severn House. Jun. 2016. 240p. ISBN 9781780290836. $28.95; ebk. ISBN 9781780107554. M

In their second investigation (after The Blue and the Grey), American Matthew Grand and Englishman James Batchelor are hired by Matthew’s cousin Luther to investigate the death (or was it murder?) of Lafayette Baker. The enquiry agents arrive in Washington, DC, from London, and find a city still raw and on edge in the aftermath of the Civil War. The list of suspects on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line includes saloon owners, brothel keepers, and gamblers, not to mention members of the newly formed Ku Klux Klan. Belle Boyd, a former Confederate spy now called Mrs. Hardinge, knows more than she is willing to share with Grand and Batchelor, despite her history with Grand. Making cameo appearances are important figures of the Reconstruction era, such as Andrew Johnson, Nathan Bedford Forrest, and ­Edwin Stanton. Trow’s characters are fully realized and the relationship between Grand and Batchelor is humorous. VERDICT Trow’s absorbing historical will please Civil War buffs as well as readers who relish the mysteries of Will Thomas and Charles Finch.

cozy corner

Johnston, Linda O. To Catch a Treat: A Barkery and Biscuits Mystery. Midnight Ink. May 2012. 312p. ISBN 9780738746272. pap. $14.99; ebk. ISBN 9780738748115. M

Carrie Kennersly, part-time veterinary technician and owner of a dog biscuit bakery, is surprised when her gadabout brother, Neal, asks her to help his new friend. Janelle Blaystone moved to Knobcone Heights to escape the memories of her previous home in L.A., where her beloved dog, Go, was stolen. As Carrie delves into the disappearance, she realizes that Janelle believes wealthy Ada Arnist is responsible. Was Janelle angry enough to murder Ada? VERDICT This sophomore outing (after Bite the Biscuit) is as delightful as its predecessor. Blaize Clements and Clea Simons readers as well as canine lovers will want to try both the human and animal recipes included.

Miller, Carol. An Old Fashioned Murder: A Moonshine Mystery. Minotaur: St. Martin’s. May 2016. 304p. ISBN 9781250077257. $25.99; ebk. ISBN 9781466889156. M

Daisy McGovern and her invalid mother reside at the Tosh Inn in southwestern Virginia. Newly restored after a flood, the hotel is due for a grand reopening. Proprietor Aunt Emily (who is really no one’s aunt) has invited several folks to celebrate: Henry Brett, an antiques dealer; Edna and May Fowler, Emily’s dear friends; Drew Alcott, Daisy’s beau; Lillian and Parker McGovern, ­Daisy’s former in-laws, and bootlegger Rick Balsam. When an heirloom bookshelf falls and kills Henry, and the house is cut off from the outside world by a sudden snowstorm, the guests are, rightfully, agitated. VERDICT In her third series outing (after A Nip of Murder), Miller adds an alluring Southern flavor to the classic country house whodunit. Her characters are lighthearted, and the dialog is quite clever. Recommend for anyone who misses Anne George’s “Southern Sisters” mysteries.

Quigley, Jeanne. Murder, by George: A Veronica Walsh Mystery. Five Star: Gale Cengage. May 2016. 268p. ISBN 9781432831431. $25.95. M

Retired soap star Veronica (All Things Murder) appreciates her new life in her hometown of Barton, NY. She keeps busy running her boutique and romancing Prof. Mark Burke. Her tranquility is disturbed when local architect Scott Culverson is stabbed to death after a dispute over a valuable painting by community artist George ­Bradshaw that he had purchased at a flea market. The potential killers are many, ­including the painter’s hot-tempered daughter, Leona Bradshaw Kendall. Veronica is asked by Leona’s aunts to clear her name. Despite her contentment, Veronica finds that the thrill of the case fuels her latent dismay over giving up her former life. VERDICT Ann B. Ross and Jill Churchill devotees will take pleasure in Quigley’s engrossing cozy, with its quirky characters and ­charming small-town setting.

Tesh, Jane. Evil Turns: A Madeline Maclin Mystery. Poisoned Pen. May 2016. 236p. ISBN 9781464205217. $26.95; pap. ISBN 9781464205231. $15.95; ebk. ISBN 9781464205248. M

Madeline, a beauty queen–turned–PI, lives happily with husband (and ex-con man) Jerry Fairweather in Celosia, NC. Life turns interesting when a body covered in arcane symbols turns up in a village vineyard. Is there a coven operating in Celosia? The tattooed followers of the Darkrose assembly claim only to be big fans of the popular “Pagan Desires” franchise. Maddy is hired by wealthy Amanda Price after she is accused of murdering city councilman Harold Stover, who had opposed her plans to stage a play celebrating the state’s first female vintner. Is Harold’s killing connected to the initial crime? VERDICT Lots of suspects keep Maddy busy in her fifth adventure (after A Bad Reputation). This immersive and picturesque cozy is a great choice for Joan Hess and Denise Swanson fans.

QUOTABLE “You know what it’s like to be a parent, Mr. Coe.” Coe stepped to the next plant without responding. “You know that sometimes kids don’t always do the right thing.” The watering wand hovered over the same tree before Coe directed it to the next tree in the row. “But we forgive them. If they come to us and tell us they’ve done something wrong, we forgive them. We all make mistakes.” It was a speech Tracy had given to many suspects.—Robert Dugoni, In the Clearing

Additional Mystery

Downie, Ruth. Vita Brevis. Bloomsbury USA. Jul. 2016. 384p. ISBN 9781620409589. $26; ebk. ISBN 9781494552794. M

Life is short and sometimes ends violently, as medical doctor Gaius Ruso knows full well. In this seventh installment (after Tabula Rasa) of the “Medicus” series, Ruso, wife Tilla, and baby Mara have journeyed to Rome, at the invitation of Accius, a former legionary tribune. Yet all they discover is a stuffy room in a roach-infested tenement. Through a series of dubious events, Ruso obtains employment and much better living conditions—if he can keep his employer alive, solve the mystery of where the previous doctor has gone, and protect his family. The plot of this mystery has so many twists and turns that sometimes it’s as difficult for readers to keep events straight as for Ruso; in the end, not every question gets a satisfactory answer. Ruso keeps moving forward, though—and so will the reader. VERDICT Series fans will enjoy this title, but new readers and devotees of historical fiction about the Roman Empire are well advised to start with the first book, ­Medicus. [See Prepub Alert, 2/1/16.]—­Pamela O’Sullivan, Coll. at Brockport Lib., SUNY

Honda, Tetsuya. The Silent Dead. Minotaur: St. Martin’s. May 2016. 304p. tr. from Japanese by Giles Murray. ISBN 9781250061591. $25.99; ebk. ISBN 9781466867314. M

Reiko Himekawa, a 29-year-old police lieutenant in the Tokyo Metro Police Homicide Unit, takes on a strange case when a body, carefully wrapped in plastic, is discovered near a local park pond. The victim was tortured before he was brutally murdered. Gathering clues, Reiko concludes that the killer has embarked on a crime spree. The discovery of more corpses expands her investigation. Inspired to become a police officer after she was attacked as a teenager in the park, Reiko has vowed to prove her worth and her skills to her peers. As she pursues the case relentlessly, exploring a cult Internet phenomenon called Strawberry Night, it soon becomes clear that she is being hunted. VERDICT Making its U.S. debut, this Japanese best seller is finely tuned, with extreme twists and surprises. Honda has created a powerful protagonist in Lt. Himekawa, who will leave readers wanting more. This fun summer escapade will be savored by mystery and suspense readers.—Ron Samul, New London, CT

Lovesey, Peter. Another One Goes Tonight: A Peter Diamond Investigation. Soho Crime. Jul. 2016. 400p. ISBN 9781616957582. $27.95; ebk. ISBN 9781616957599. M

Lovesey’s latest Peter Diamond procedural (after Down Among the Dead Men) has the Bath detective outside of his normal purview when he is asked to conduct an internal investigation into a fatal crash involving two officers responding to a call at the end of their shift. To Diamond’s horror and astonishment, he finds an almost lifeless pensioner who must have been involved in the accident and resuscitates him using CPR. However, as he looks further into what the elderly man was doing out late at night on a motorized tricycle, he begins to wonder if he might have saved the life of a serial killer. In tracing the events of that evening, Diamond stumbles onto something larger and deadlier than the original investigation warranted. VERDICT Lovesey delivers a page-turner complete with a likable protagonist whose encounters with authority bring humor to a whodunit with an amazing conclusion. [See Prepub Alert, 2/1/16.]—Lisa O’Hara, Univ. of Manitoba Libs., Winnipeg

Runcie, James. Sidney Chambers and the Dangers of Temptation. Bloomsbury USA. Jun. 2016. 336p. ISBN 9781632866196. $27; pap. ISBN 9781632865663. $17; ebk. ISBN 9781632865670. M

Runcie’s latest story collection is the fifth in his clerical series (Sidney Chambers and the Forgiveness of Sins) that forms the basis of the popular PBS program Grantchester. In the title story, our Anglican vicar falls under the influence of an attractive divorcée Barbara Wilkinson, who needs Sidney’s help in getting her son out of a cult run by awareness guru Fraser Pascoe. Pascoe turns up dead with no lack of suspects. “Grantchester Meadows” is the setting where unruly Cambridge students set off a stampede by normally placid cows during May Week and an heirloom necklace goes missing in the melee. “Love and Duty” places Sidney at a Pink Floyd concert at Royal Albert Hall with friend Amanda, who reveals her affair with Leonard Finch, Sidney’s curate. Sidney then connects this information to an arson case. Chambers tends his flock and his jazz collection, all while coaxing clues from individuals under questioning. VERDICT Runcie’s gently paced stories, now set in the nostalgic 1960s, will appeal to cozy fans who want less blood and more village shenanigans.—Donna Bettencourt, Mesa Cty. P.L., Grand Junction, CO

Viccy Kemp is the Technical Services Manager, Flower Mound Public Library, TX, where she buys the books and deals with library technology. Reading mysteries is her passion because it’s only between the pages of a book that justice can really be done