The Siren's Song

For reasons best known to themselves (as my late British mother-in-law used to say), I've been asked by the Los Angeles Times to be a judge in the mystery/thriller category for their annual book awards. My fellow judges are the divine Sarah (Weinman) and the brilliant Oline (Cogdill). So here I sit, like a thorn between two roses, reading tons of stuff that comes in daily so as not to miss anything. Suggestions are welcome, and I'll do my beleagured best to pass on tips about great stuff coming up. Like Siren of the Waters, soon to be published by Soho.

Olen Steinhauer has written many fine books about the police in a country very much like Rumania. Now comes Michael Genelin, whose Jana Matinova has risen to the rank of Commander in the Slovak police in Bratislova. Her rise to her present position cost her a lot, and now she's in charge of an investigation into a deadly human trafficking ring. She's a tremendously interesting character, totally believable (and with the same aura of sad determination as the hero of Child 44), facing a truly frightening villain named Koba. Add this one to your must read list.

Taxi!

I've raved so often about Hard Case Crime and their superb, sexy-covered reviving of my past pulp life that people might think I'm related to editor/publisher/novelist Charles Ardai. But now Cousin Charles (just kidding) has rediscovered a Donald Westlake classic that hasn't been published in over 35 years, and it's a great read. I've never been a fan of comic crime capers, but this one has lots of noir elements. It's about a cabdriver who has to solve the murder of his bookie, and fast – before the cops or an angry beauty commit harm on his body.