Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Mystery & Crime Book Reviews Coming Soon (page 2)


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Cover art for AS SHE LEFT IT
FICTION
Released: June 8, 2013

"The creator of Dandy Gilver (Dandy Gilver and an Unsuitable Day for a Murder, 2012, etc.) has produced a stand-alone that is worlds apart, a fascinating, mysterious ramble you can't put down."
A mystery a young woman finds in her childhood home leads her to revelations about her clouded past. Read full book review >
Cover art for DEATH RIDES AGAIN
FICTION
Released: June 18, 2013

"Jocelyn's third adventure (Death Makes the Cut, 2012, etc.) is a charming combination of humor and romance with a nice little mystery."
Only murder can top a large family gathering for Thanksgiving. Read full book review >
Cover art for DEATH OF A DYER
FICTION
Released: June 18, 2013

"Kuhns' follow-up to Will's debut (A Simple Murder, 2012) offers a sensitive look into matters of the heart woven into a nifty puzzle."
Weaver Will Rees copes with family woes while investigating the murder of his childhood friend Nate Bowditch. Read full book review >
Cover art for HER LAST BREATH
FICTION
Released: June 18, 2013

"The fifth in the series (Breaking Silence, 2011, etc.) continues to provide details on the Amish way of life along with a fast-paced mystery that will leave readers stunned."
A small-town Ohio chief of police is haunted by the past. Read full book review >
Cover art for AT THE DYING OF THE YEAR
FICTION
Released: July 1, 2013

"Despite the relative dearth of mystery, this case for Nottingham (Come the Fear, 2012, etc.) is a wicked good combination of history and social commentary."
The Constable of Leeds investigates the most horrifying case of his long career. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE RULES OF WOLFE
FICTION
Released: July 2, 2013

"Blake's customary zest for life and death makes his latest modern historical thriller violent, sexy and exciting."
A young man looking for adventure finds more than he bargained for. Read full book review >
Cover art for CLEVER FOX
FICTION
Released: July 2, 2013

"The latest from Pirro (Sly Fox, 2012, etc.), a judge and analyst with her own show on the Fox News Channel, showcases her knowledge. The writing may be slightly dry, but she provides lots of local color and insider dope."
The only female Assistant District Attorney in a men's world may be getting set up as a scapegoat. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CROCODILE
FICTION
Released: July 2, 2013

"In this crisply translated novel, de Giovanni explores Lojacono's loneliness and vulnerability while simultaneously revealing his brilliance as a detective."
A wonderfully suspenseful novel in which de Giovanni restores life to the cliché of the world-weary detective. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CAT SITTER'S CRADLE
FICTION
Released: July 9, 2013

"Clement, a veteran of seven pet sitter mysteries (The Cat Sitter's Pajamas, 2012, etc.), is joined by her son John for this eighth, which supplements its roster of suspects with animal lore and a touch of romance."
Who knew pet-sitting could be such a dangerous job? Read full book review >
Cover art for NEMESIS
FICTION
Released: July 9, 2013

"Smooth, readable, not top-notch Pronzini, but better than much of the noir material out there."
When a stalwart of the Nameless Detective Agency is jailed on homicide charges, his co-workers spring into action. Read full book review >
Cover art for DEATH AND THE OLIVE GROVE
FICTION
Released: July 15, 2013

"As the corpses pile up, Bordelli's ennui gets increasingly hard to sit through, even though it's only his second outing."
Inspector Franco Bordelli (Death in August, 2012) tracks a serial killer as only he can. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE PHILADELPHIA QUARRY
FICTION
Released: July 15, 2013

"A quick-flowing crime drama that will have fans eager for Willie Black to right another injustice."
Owen's (Oregon Hill, 2012, etc.) hard-drinking Richmond reporter Willie Black has an inside track on a blockbuster crime story that's "red meat for the on-the-airheads." Read full book review >