Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Mystery & Crime Book Reviews Available Now


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Cover art for HIS MAJESTY'S HOPE
FICTION
Released: May 21, 2013

"Maggie continues her winning ways with more thrills and romantic problems, but this time, the horrors of her experiences add depth to the already pleasing adventures."
A dangerous trip to Berlin becomes a life-altering experience for a British spy. Read full book review >
Cover art for REQUIEM MASS
FICTION
Released: May 21, 2013

"An interminable slog with pauses for Fenwick (Innocent Blood, 2008, etc.) to reconnect with his kids, lust over Octavia and bicker with police superiors."
If you receive three dozen roses, should you be charmed or alarmed? Read full book review >
Cover art for COLD KILLING
FICTION
Released: May 21, 2013

"A plodding debut with lip-smacking, bloody reminiscences from the perp and dreary foul-ups from the cops."
A serial killer stalks London. Read full book review >
Cover art for FREE FALL
FICTION
Released: May 15, 2013

"Ceepak and Boyle's eighth blasts the energy of a tilt-a-whirl into an offbeat procedural."
Sea Haven detectives Ceepak and Boyle (Fun House, 2012, etc.) investigate the murder of a 94-year-old dentist who has a very pretty nurse. Read full book review >
Cover art for ODD MAN OUT
FICTION
Released: May 15, 2013

"The follow-up to Hebert's bright debut (My Own Worst Enemy, 2009) features so many casual double crosses that it would be foolish to take any of them personally."
A federal agent and a petty criminal team up, sort of, to break up a hydra-headed drug ring. Read full book review >
Cover art for CUTS THROUGH BONE
FICTION
Released: May 14, 2013

"Despite its modern touches, Hunt's down-and-dirty debut harkens back to Sam Spade and other classic private eyes. It may be a little rough around the edges, but it drags you in and keeps you reading."
The murder of a wealthy Columbia University student provides a steep learning curve for the pair investigating her death. Read full book review >
Cover art for LUCKY BASTARD
FICTION
Released: May 14, 2013

"If you're entertained by sex, innuendo and a few fantasies you'd like to see played out--and who isn't?--you ought to have Lucky and her extended Vegas family (So Damn Lucky, 2012, etc.) on speed dial."
Like everything else in Vegas, the corpse is displayed extravagantly, draped over the hood of a candy apple red Ferrari, the heel of a Jimmy Choo stiletto embedded in her neck. Read full book review >
Cover art for CLOSE TO THE BONE
FICTION
Released: May 14, 2013

"MacBride's gritty prose and righteous, reckless hero (Birthdays for the Dead, 2013, etc.) improve his overstuffed, overheated plot."
A full plate of grisly and baffling crimes challenges Aberdeen DI Logan McRae and his contentious colleagues. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE REDEEMER
FICTION
Released: May 10, 2013

"Perhaps not the best novel for a Nesbø initiate, but those with an affinity for the darkest and most literary crime fiction will want to get here as soon as they can."
Rarely does a mystery novel succeed on so many levels, as the intricate plotting explores psychological and theological dimensions that go deeper than standard notions of good and evil. Read full book review >
Cover art for BRUSH WITH DEATH
FICTION
Released: May 8, 2013

"The fifth Gray Whale adventure provides complex characters, stunning scenery and many recipes. There's also an easily solved mystery."
An innkeeper's efforts to help her artistic niece prove almost the death of her. Read full book review >
Cover art for SILENT VOICES
FICTION
Released: May 7, 2013

The U.S. introduction to that scruffy, tactless, unloved loner, middle-aged Inspector Vera Stanhope. Read full book review >
Cover art for DEAD, WHITE, AND BLUE
FICTION
Released: May 7, 2013

"Annie and Max (Death Comes Silently, 2012, etc.) tackle multiple suspects and clues reminiscent of the classic mysteries offered at their bookstore. Their fans will enjoy rooting among the suspects in preparation for a denouement straight out of Agatha Christie."
A sexy homewrecker gets hers. Read full book review >