Picks of the Week

PANIC, by Jeff Abbott

(originally posted on August 15, 2005)

Some might consider the term "textbook thriller" to be slightly demeaning, but here I mean it as a high compliment. Because PANIC ably demonstrates what happens when a writer is in full command of ability, craft and voice to put together a work that does exactly what it's supposed to do -- pick the book right back up and keep turning those pages. Add in some unexpected twists and believable characters and you get an early leader for the ITW's inaugural awards.

ANY WEDNESDAY I'M YOURS, by Mayra Santos-Febres

(originally posted on August 15, 2005)

In the first of her novels to be translated into English, Santos-Febres explores a moody, melancholic noir landscape while showcasing a place (San Juan) and an atmosphere that's rarely written about in crime fiction. Julian Castrodad -- failed journalist, failed novelist, failing at relationships -- lands at a seedy motel and is soon mixed up with mysterious women, cryptic letters and other people's drug money. When it was over, I wanted more. Translate the rest of her novels soon!

NINE WIVES, by Dan Elish

(originally posted on August 15, 2005)

Yeah, the official heday of "lad lit" is way over now, but Elish's first book for adult readers (after several for teens) hits the mark in a most entertaining way. In my case, probably because I know guys who think and behave exactly like Henry Mann does -- and hey, it's good to know it's not just girls who marry guys in their head 2 seconds after meeting them!

THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT, by Walter Tevis

(originally posted on August 5, 2005)

Can there be a more perfect suspense novel? It's hard to say, but considering how much I kept muttering to myself at how brilliant it was as I sped through the pages, I must wonder. Beth Harmon is a fabulous creation, and how Tevis wrung such tension from chess matches is something I may never know, but would love to emulate. There's only one thing to say: read this now.

DEAD AT DAYBREAK, by Deon Meyer

(originally posted on August 5, 2005)

After debuting on the US scene last year with the excellent HEART OF THE HUNTER, Meyer returns with an earlier novel that is just as good, featuring taciturn but only somewhat tortured criminal psychologist Zatopek Van Heerden investigating a murder that reaches deep into past grievances, personal and professional. What elevates this thriller above so many others is its intelligence and willingness to take structural risks (like using 1st person and 3rd person POV for the same character.) Look for it in stores by the end of the month.

RAYMOND AND HANNAH, by Stephen Marche

(originally posted on July 18, 2005)

There are so many reasons this book affected me so much: the absolute command Toronto-based writer Marche has over the story structure, which mixes academic jargon, email, marginalia and high emotion; the thoroughly modern love story between the title characters as they move from one-night stand to passionate affair to the slow wane of long-distance love; and Hannah's exploration of her Jewish identity, embracing a culture and religion she never knew before. Whatever it is, the book works and it bodes very well for a long-term career for this young writer.

FIRST DROP, by Zoe Sharp

(originally posted on July 18, 2005)

Female thriller writers are so rare these days that one has to embrace the new ones that come along. Fortunately, the debut US publication by Cumbria-based Sharp deserves all accolades as it combines relentless action and enough vulnerability to fully flesh out protagonist Charlie Fox. This installment (#4 in the series) is out in the US in September but #5's out in the UK at the end of the year, and I can't read it fast enough.

CLOSE CASE, by Alafair Burke

(originally posted on July 18, 2005)

There's a lot to be said for starting a series at the beginning because with each successive installment you can see just how much the writer improves. Such is the case with Burke, out with what's easily her best book yet as Samantha investigates the murder of a prominent journalist and faces difficult professional and personal choices. It may take a few more books, but I fully expect Burke's name to be on the bestseller lists soon.

THE MADONNA OF LAS VEGAS, by Gregory Blake Smith

(originally posted on July 12, 2005)

Some books defy description. Others are delightfully strange. And then there's this, Blake Smith's third effort, which manages to be about Las Vegas, cosmic real dolls, ersatz Sistine chapels, baby messiahs and oh yeah -- murder. It's a hodgepodge of quirky ideas that don't always mesh but lord, is it ever different -- and kudos to the author for messing with this reader's head. Out in August.