Picks of the Week

THE MISSING, by Chris Mooney

(originally posted on January 27, 2007)

It's been a few years since Mooney's Edgar-nominated REMEMBERING SARAH came out, but the wait produced this excellent and scary thriller that fans out from the night a trio of faltering friends stumble across a rapidly developing nightmare. Left to pick up the pieces is Darby McCormick, now a crime lab tech with a case that will put her through newfound and shocking variations on her previous hell. Mooney surprises with unexpected plot twists and grabs the reader with empathy for his understandably guilt-ridden (but supremely capable) protagonist.

AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS, by Gennifer Choldenko

(originally posted on January 27, 2007)

How can you not love a book that's set in 1935 on the isle of Alcatraz with a slew of irrepressible young children guiding the action? Well, I found it impossible to resist, and Choldenko infuses this wonderful book with high spirits and much emotion, especially as twelve year old Moose Flannigan struggles to adapt to new surroundings, scheming locals and the sister he's trying desperately to protect. And yes, Al Capone plays a very important role in the story - but not what would be expected. Pick up a copy now. Hell, get a few and share them with friends.

A NORTHERN LIGHT, by Jennifer Donnelly

(originally posted on January 27, 2007)

This novel has won almost every award imaginable and I'd been waiting for the right time to read it. Not only did it not disappoint, but it paints a portrayal of how big dreams clash with expected decisions and often lead to great tragedy with tremendous subtlety and grace. Mattie Gokey's quest to make something of herself is one of the best depictions of a girl coming into her own I've read since cutting my teeth on Lucy Maud Montgomery. It's that good.

CHRISTINE FALLS, by Benjamin Black

(originally posted on January 27, 2007)

Is this the bridge book between literary and crime fiction? I'll debate that later, I suppose, but at the moment I'd rather wholeheartedly recommend Banville's maiden genre foray because he <i>gets it</i>: understands the Grand Guignol aspect of families with corrosive secrets, gets the genre conventions while developing characters in all their unholy motivations, and writes within conventions without looking down upon them. But I must say, I can't wait to see the reviews and reaction upon its publication in March...

THE WELSH GIRL, by Peter Ho Davies

(originally posted on January 27, 2007)

Davies' much-awaited debut novel is full of beauty and tricks of language and style, but what struck me was how readable the novel was at all times; but that's because I was so caught up in the title character's plight, forging some degree of independence as a war rages on and as enemy soldiers are held as POWs in her tiny Welsh town. This is an area of history little written or discussed, but Davies hasn't just placed a definitive stamp - he's written a standout literary effort.