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"The Case of the Elusive Bombay Duck" by Tarquin Hall is a witty mystery novel featuring Indian PI Vish Puri. Puri, named Private Detective of the Year, is tasked with finding fugitive Harilal Bhatt in London. The story balances humor with real stakes, making it a recommended read for fans of Alexander McCall Smith. [Extracted from the article]

"Twice as Dead" by Harry Turtledove is a sharp urban fantasy novel featuring biracial private eye Jack Mitchell in post-WWII Los Angeles. Mitchell tackles supernatural cases involving zombies and vampires while navigating the city's segregated streets and corrupt police force. While the mystery elements may feel lacking, Turtledove's focus on society's outcasts and resilience adheres to the noir aesthetic, making it a compelling read for fans of hard-boiled novels like those by Walter Mosley. [Extracted from the article]

Peter Lovesey, a renowned crime writer, discusses the evolution of his characters, Victorian-era Metropolitan Police sergeant Daniel Cribb and contemporary cop Peter Diamond, over the course of 22 novels. Originally envisioned as a "last detective," Diamond has mellowed and evolved, becoming more collaborative with his team. In his latest book, "Against the Grain," Diamond is placed in new environments and challenges, showcasing Lovesey's innovative approach to the fair-play mystery genre. [Extracted from the article]

Desert Reunion is a mystery novel set in Palm Springs, featuring the crime-solving duo Dante O'Donnell and Jazz Friendly. The story revolves around their efforts to help their friend Zola Lorinsky, a retired decorator who becomes a suspect in a murder case. The novel explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of truth. The Secrets of Millhaven is a small-town mystery set in Tennessee in the 1990s. Interim sheriff Kyle Lorne investigates a series of crimes, uncovering dark secrets about his hometown. The novel combines procedural suspense with local color and explores themes of small-town life, politics, and corruption. The Genesis Genes is a gripping debut novel that follows geneticist David Touster as he is recruited by the FBI to track down a group of teenage geniuses who have been weaponized. The story combines science, religion, and astrology and explores themes of unity, belief systems, and moral implications of advanced genetics. [Extracted from the article]

Alex Segura, a veteran of the comics industry, combines his childhood passions for comics and crime fiction in his novels. His latest book, "Alter Ego," is a sequel to "Secret Identity" and follows Annie Bustamante, a comics artist chosen to relaunch the Legendary Lynx for Triumph Comics. Segura draws on his Cuban American heritage and aims to create diverse characters and narratives in his work. The novel explores themes of creative ownership and the challenges faced by women in the industry. Segura's love for comics shines through in his writing. [Extracted from the article]

Alexander McCall Smith, the author of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, reflects on his unexpected success and the enduring popularity of his books. The series, centered around a Botswanan private eye named Precious Ramotswe, has sold over 20 million copies and been adapted into an HBO series. Smith's novels prioritize kindness and empathy over high-stakes plots, focusing on the healing power of love. He sets his stories in a slightly more sprightly universe than the real world, capturing the rhythms of life in Botswana while acknowledging the world's challenges. With over 100 novels to his name, Smith's meeting with Random House in the late 1990s proved to be a turning point in his career. [Extracted from the article]

"Blindspot" by Maggie Smith is a tense and twisty mystery novel that follows Assistant District Attorney Rachel Matthews as she navigates a dangerous situation. Rachel begins receiving threatening phone calls and is eventually stalked by an unknown person who demands $50,000 or else her daughter will be harmed. As the harassment escalates, Rachel must rely on the help of the police, a private investigator friend, and her own instincts to uncover the truth and clear her name. The novel offers an engaging cast of characters and keeps readers guessing until the end. [Extracted from the article]

"Tempered Illusions" is the sixth book in the "Shadows of Otherside" urban fantasy series by Whitney Hill. The story follows Arden Finch, a sylph and former private investigator who is now the High Queen of House Solari and Arbiter for the Carolinas demesne. Arden is determined to reform the brutal practices of the Elven Houses, but she must navigate both mundane and magical politics, including protecting her secret romance with an elven king. The book combines romance, magic, action, and political intrigue, and is recommended for fans of authors like Faith Hunter and Kim Harrison. [Extracted from the article]

Blondie Street Publishing Keith Edward Vaughn,16.99 (278p) ISBN ISBN: 979-8-9865319-0-8 Set in the least glamorous locales of Los Angeles, this sun-kissed noir, Vaughn's debut, centers on Ellis Dunaway, disgraced screenwriter, reluctant private investigator, and a man who can't move on from his failures in love, business or sobriety. Ellis inherited the private investigation agency from his father, a fortuitous gift as Ellis's brief and slightly shining career as a screenwriter is in the rear view mirror of his 1987 Porsche, likewise inherited. The title suggests Dorothy B. Hughes's marvelous In a Lonely Place, but Vaughn's Los Angeles is less dreamy, its sunsets shining on dog waste. [Extracted from the article]

"Burn This Night" by Alex Kenna is a gripping PI mystery that follows Kate Myles, a former LAPD officer struggling with addiction and custody issues. When Kate's former colleague contacts her about a DNA match to a cold case murder suspect, she is drawn into a web of secrets and lies. As Kate investigates the case, alternating with flashbacks that reveal the backstory of a tragic fire, the two narratives converge in an unexpected way. Fans of Lisa Unger will find this novel captivating. [Extracted from the article]

"Boystown: A Jack Liffey Mystery" by John Shannon is a novel that follows private investigator Jack Liffey as he helps his daughter with a missing person case. The story takes a turn when a violent incident involving a racist thug and a Ukrainian butterfly collector sparks a war in West Hollywood. The novel explores the Ukrainian and Russian expat community in the neighborhood, but some reviewers feel that the plot becomes convoluted and relies too heavily on references to previous books in the series. [Extracted from the article]

"The Life and Death of Rose Doucette" by Harry Hunsicker is a gripping mystery novel about a private investigator, Dylan Fisher, who is asked by his ex-wife, Rose Doucette, to help investigate a murder. When Rose is later killed and Dylan becomes the prime suspect, he teams up with Rose's second husband, defense attorney Tito Mullins, to uncover the truth. The novel combines a punchy first-person narration with classic noir plot elements, resulting in an emotionally charged and satisfying mystery. [Extracted from the article]

"The Arizona Triangle: A Jo Bailen Detective Novel" by Sydney Graves is a series launch that follows Arizona private eye Justine "Jo" Bailen as she investigates the disappearance of her childhood best friend, Rose Delaney. Jo's inquiry takes her back to Delphi, the artists' colony where she and Rose grew up, and forces her to confront past traumas and a love triangle involving her high school boyfriend, Tyler. While the core mystery may not be the main focus, Graves skillfully depicts the desert setting and offers insights into Jo's struggles with aging. The novel is recommended for genre readers interested in character development and atmosphere. [Extracted from the article]

"Desert Reunion: A Dante & Jazz Mystery" is a quick-witted Palm Springs mystery that features an unlikely crime-solving duo, Dante O'Donnell and Jazz Friendly. Dante, a white gay man, works as a concierge at a vacation rental agency, while Jazz, a Black ex-cop turned private investigator, brings her specialized skills to the table. In this third installment of the series, the pair comes to the aid of their friend Zola Lorinsky, a retired decorator who becomes a suspect in a murder case. The book combines intrigue, suspense, and local color to create a gripping whodunnit that explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of truth. While the story can be enjoyed as a standalone, new readers may benefit from starting with the first book in the series, "Desert Getaway." [Extracted from the article]

"Cornero's Gold" by Larry O'Brien is a seventies-era California noir mystery novel that combines genre staples like blackmail and murder with the allure of a lost treasure. The story follows Kit O'Banion, a carefree golden boy who works at a bank but moonlights at his father's detective agency. When a simple job turns deadly, Kit and his father embark on a trail of secrets and double-crosses that could lead them to a fortune in stolen gold. While the mystery elements take a backseat to Kit's social life and sunny disposition, readers who enjoy a laid-back, low-stakes adventure will appreciate this fun 1970s L.A. crime adventure. [Extracted from the article]

"Buns Gone Bad (Fluffle Bunnies #1)" is a children's graphic novel written by Anna Humphrey and illustrated by Irma Kniivila. The story follows three bunny siblings, Biggie, Boingy, and Flop, who venture out of their burrow in search of food and encounter various challenges in the park. With the help of a pair of raccoons, the rabbits must navigate the scary parts of the park to survive. The book features dialogue that swiftly establishes each character's personality and expressive illustrations that capture the emotions of the characters. Aimed at children aged 6-9, this graphic novel serves as a clever and compact origin story for the series. [Extracted from the article]

This article is a review of the book "Life and Death of the American Worker: The Immigrants Taking on America's Largest Meatpacking Company" by Alice Driver. The book exposes the labor violations of Tyson, a major meatpacking company, and focuses on the experiences of undocumented immigrant workers who fought back against the company's mistreatment. The author highlights unsafe working conditions, including a toxic gas leak that resulted in the hospitalization of workers. The book also explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these workers and their efforts to organize and seek justice. The review praises Driver's investigative journalism and empathetic writing style. [Extracted from the article]

"Alone Together" is a collection of essays that explores the special relationship between authors and readers. The author, who grew up in Haiti, describes how reading a book creates an intimate connection between the reader and the author. The essays in the collection flow into one another, creating an ongoing conversation about exploring and thinking about the world. The author finds that essays allow them to push past their comfort zone and dig deep, even though they consider themselves a private person. The collection also touches on the challenge of balancing artistic aims with the wishes of others, particularly when writing about family members. [Extracted from the article]

In Victoria Gilbert's novel, "A Killer Clue: A Hunter and Clewe Mystery," book collector Cam Clewe and librarian Jane Hunter find themselves investigating two murder cases. When Eloise Anderson asks for their help in clearing her mother's name, who died in prison for her husband's murder, Cam and Jane agree to assist. However, things become more complicated when Eloise is arrested for the murder of a former police detective. As they delve into the case, their knowledge of vintage books becomes crucial in solving the mystery. Gilbert's book offers a satisfying read for fans of Golden Age whodunits. [Extracted from the article]

"A Study in Garnet (Ladies of Baker Street #1)" by Meredith Rose is an intriguing variation on the Holmes and Watson story. The novel follows Dr. Siân Watson, the first woman to receive a medical degree from the University of London, who disguises herself as a man to serve in the British Army in Afghanistan. After returning to London, she becomes roommates with Sherlyn Holmes, a female private investigator. When they are asked to help solve a series of murders, they uncover a reemerged German gang as the potential culprits. The story combines a romantic tension between the two main characters with a thrilling mystery, making it a unique take on the Holmes genre. Fans of Laurie R. King's Marry Russell series may find this book appealing. [Extracted from the article]

Regina Porter's novel, "The Rich People Have Gone Away," tells the story of a woman's disappearance during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic. Theo Harper and his pregnant wife, Darla Jacobson, travel to Upstate New York from their Brooklyn condo in March 2020. During an argument on a hike, Darla runs into the woods and disappears. The novel explores themes of generational and racial privilege, as well as the fragile bonds within a community. [Extracted from the article]

Jacqueline Winspear's book, "The Comfort of Ghosts," is the 18th and final installment in the Maisie Dobbs series. The story is set in postwar London in 1945 and explores the challenges and chaos of that time. Winspear's writing sensitively portrays the physical and emotional aftermath of the war, although some readers may find the narrative occasionally weighed down by references to previous books in the series. Overall, it is a heartwarming and fitting conclusion to a beloved series. [Extracted from the article]

"Blindspot" by Maggie Smith is a tense and twisty mystery novel that follows Assistant District Attorney Rachel Matthews as she navigates a dangerous situation. Rachel begins receiving threatening phone calls and is eventually stalked, with the perpetrator demanding $50,000 or else harm will come to her daughter. When Rachel shows up to make the payment, a shot is fired and she becomes the prime suspect in a murder. With the clock ticking, Rachel must rely on the help of the police, a private investigator friend, and her own instincts to uncover the truth and clear her name. The novel offers an engaging cast of characters and keeps readers guessing until the end. [Extracted from the article]

"Tempered Illusions: Shadows of Otherside, Book 6" by Whitney Hill is a brisk and surprising urban fantasy novel that continues the story of Arden Finch, the High Queen of House Solari and Arbiter for the Carolinas demesne. Arden is eager to reform the brutal practices of the Elven Houses but must navigate tricky politics and protect her secret romance with Troy, an elven king. The novel is filled with romance, magic, action, and complex diplomatic situations, making it a thrilling read for fans of the genre. [Extracted from the article]

Still, amidst the seeminglyintractable Mideast politics, Charag allows a welcome note of hopeand redemption for the families involved, and for Mark himself. N. Charag, 3.49 (306p)ISBN 978-965-931-001-2 American private eye Mark Ash is brought to Israel by crusadingattorney Tova Hirschfeld, who's defending a young Muslim manwho may have murdered his sister in an honor killing, and findshimself mired in the region's ethnic and religious strife. In a heartrending scene, Funkenstein comestogether with his Muslim employee Abu Mahmoud to discuss theproblems each is having with his children, an engagingly humaninteraction that plays out as normal until Charag jolts readers witha horrific conclusion. [Extracted from the article]

The Rio Affair na Micah Barnett, 4.99 (358p) ISBN B0BJGZ7VMG In his work as an FBI Hostage Negotiator, Miles Ronan has never been to Brazil until his estranged father, wanted by the FBI for stealing $50 million, dies, with both the remainder of his fortune and his daughter, Leticia, missing. With a billion dollars in Bitcoin in play and the FBI disengaged, Miles's only allies are a former telenovela star and a BOPE officer, and they're going to need more than a little luck to save Leticia before it's too late. As he falls for Vivian Liu, a member of Cash's team with an agenda of her own, Anthony realizes that Cash holds explosive secrets that could incriminate bigwigs in the Chinese bureaucracy. [Extracted from the article]

Tracy O'Neill's memoir, "Woman of Interest," recounts her personal journey to find her birth mother. After a breakup in 2020, O'Neill, who was adopted and raised in New England, became curious about her origins and enlisted the help of a private investigator. When the investigator disappeared, O'Neill used a DNA database to connect with a blood relative in South Korea, who introduced her to her mother's siblings. Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, O'Neill traveled to Korea and eventually met her mother at a tense dinner party. The memoir explores O'Neill's reflections on motherhood and leaves readers with lingering questions about her adoption. [Extracted from the article]

In "Don't Let the Devil Ride" by Ace Atkins, Addison McKellar hires private investigator Porter Hayes when her husband Dean goes missing. As Hayes investigates, he discovers that Dean is not who he claims to be, leading to a thrilling adventure involving Russian mobsters, a B-movie actress, and a French criminal, all searching for a mysterious cache of holy relics. Atkins skillfully combines classic PI sleuthing with international intrigue, creating a complex and entertaining thriller. This book is likely to attract new fans to Atkins' work. [Extracted from the article]

"Rednecks" by Taylor Brown is a fictional novel that tells the story of a violent uprising by West Virginia coalminers in 1920. The miners are evicted from their homes after joining a labor union, leading to a strike and escalating violence between the miners, state police, and deputized civilians. The novel explores the frustrations of workers with large corporations and the politicians they influence, through multiple perspectives including a local physician, a labor organizer, and a Black miner and war veteran. The book offers a sobering portrayal of the events and their historical context. [Extracted from the article]

"Under the Paper Moon" by Shaina Steinberg is a fast-paced debut novel that combines romance and action. Set in 1948 Los Angeles, the story follows Evelyn Bishop, a former spy who becomes a private eye. When her first client's husband is found dead, Evelyn teams up with a fellow spy from her past to investigate the murder. The plot unfolds predictably but is executed with flair and wit. Steinberg's background in screenwriting shines through in the narrative. Overall, "Under the Paper Moon" is an enjoyable read that will leave readers eager for more from the author. [Extracted from the article]

In Jaclyn Goldis' novel "The Main Character," bestselling author Ginerva Ex pays ordinary people to serve as the inspiration for her protagonists. In exchange for $100,000, individuals undergo personal questioning, psychological evaluations, and investigations into their lives. The latest main character, Rory, is a fired news anchor who is invited on an extravagant train trip across Italy. As secrets are gradually revealed, the sinister nature of Ginerva's writing methods becomes apparent. The novel, however, falls short due to an excessive use of red herrings and clumsy phrasing. [Extracted from the article]

But the FBI's trying to tie the murders to her, and her hometown stirs complex feelings, complications that enrich a narrative that truly earns the description "breathless." Makenna "Kenna" Banbury, an ex-FBI agent turned P.I., must unravel a string of puzzling deaths in Salt Lake City, right after she closes the deadly case that originally brought her back home. Two Dogs Publishing, LLC Lisa Phillips, 4.99 (422p) ISBN 9798885521369 Phillips hits the ground running with this gripping mystery, the start of a promising new series. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the influence of the work of the author Robert B. Parker on detective and crime novels. Authors including Harlan Coben, Harry Hunsicker, and Loren D. Estleman say that Parker's books have had an impact on both publishers and authors, examining the development of regional private investigator (PI) novels, social commentary in mystery books, and morality in detective stories. The works of authors including Steve Hamilton, Peter Spiegelman, and Bruce DeSilva are examined.