These books are available from the Popular Reading Collection located next to the library circulation desk.  Any titles currently checked out can be placed on hold.  See a staff member at the circulation desk for assistance.

The Concubine's Tattoo, by Laura Joh Rowland

     This is the fourth book in a mystery series that is set in seventeenth century Japan. The books have introduced Sano Ichiro,
who works for the shogun as his "most honorable investigator of events, situations, and people."  Well, that certainly covers a
lot of ground!  And, so does Sano. In this latest installment he must investigate the death of Lady Harume, the shogun's favorite
concubine.  Was her death a suicide or was she killed by one of her rivals or secret lovers?  As samurai detective Sano goes
about finding the answer he must also cope with his new bride Reiko--who is anything but the traditional Japanese wife he had
expected.  This is a terrific series. Sano Ichiro is a winning character and Reiko is a welcome addition.  The mysteries have
been interesting on their own but what sets this series apart is how it plunges the reader into the utterly fascinating world of
feudal Japan.
 

East of the Mountains, by David Guterson

     OK, is it as good as Snow Falling on Cedars?  No.  Is it still worth reading?  Definitely.  Recently widowed Ben Givens
is a heart surgeon with terminal cancer.  Being a doctor, he is well aware of what awaits him.  The cancer has already started toslow him.  Instead of a long, painful death, Ben decides to go hunting one last time and stage his death so it looks like an
accident.  Ben's carefully planned scenario almost immediately goes awry, however, and his hunting trip becomes an adventure
he hadn't planned.  Along the way we get to know Ben and the life he has led. You'll enjoy the time you spend with him.
 

Billy Straight, by Jonathan Kellerman

     Jonathan Kellerman has written a number of books featuring the psychiatrist Alex Delaware but with this book he tries
something different.  It is unquestionably a nice departure for him--and his readers.  Twelve-year-old Billy Straight has run
away from home to escape being abused by his mother's lowlife biker boyfriend.  While Billy is camping out by himself in one
of LA's parks he witnesses a brutal murder.  He is the only witness but he's reluctant to go to the police--fearing he will also
have to answer questions about his own situation that will land him back at home.   Both the police and the murderer learn that
there is a witness and it's an exciting and suspenseful race to see which party will find Billy first.
 

THIS ISSUE'S OLDIE BUT GOODIE
 In the Presence of the Enemy, by Elizabeth George

     Is P.D. James not cranking out her patented English mysteries fast enough for you?  If not, then this book will help with yourwait.  It's the first book I read by Ms. George and she quickly became one of my favorite mystery/suspense writers.  I bet she'll be one of your favorites, too.  Charlotte Bowen is the ten-year-old secretly illegitimate daughter of tabloid editor Dennis
Luxford and Eve Bowen, a rising politician touted as the next Margaret Thatcher.  Charlotte is kidnapped and Luxford receives the kidnapper's demand that he publicly admit his paternity or Charlotte will be killed.  New Scotland Yard becomes involved
with Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers on the case.  The story is full of suspense and surprises but the best thing about it is the wonderful character of Barbara Havers--trying to prove herself in the male-dominated world of police work.  Terrific book.
 

RECENT ARRIVALS:
Turn of the Century, by Kurt Andersen
The Burglar in the Rye, by Lawrence Block
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J. K. Rowlings
The Breaker, by Minette Walters
Carnal Innocence, by Nora Roberts
White Oleander, by Janet Fitch
 
 

 Revised Aug. 9, 2000
Comments to Bill McCleary