International espionage? Double agents? Been there, read that? I thought so too until I picked up THE TRINITY SIX by Charles Cumming. The present day happenings, centered in and around academic Dr. Sam Gaddis, concern the 1930's British Cambridge spy ring of five. BUT... could there have been a sixth member and if so, who and where is this person today? This thriller is a fast-paced, creative and exciting, well-worth-your-time jaunt for the reader with perhaps even a sequel to follow? Something devoutly to be wished, Charles Cumming!

I have wanted to read something by Charles Todd for some time and A LONELY DEATH was my start. I could not read it at a fast clip which was actually a good thing. The author presents the novel in a very methodical pace and a swift reading would be disrespectful both to the language utilized and the developing plot of this complicated mystery. I also was refreshed by the author's "everyman" approach to Inspector Rutledge. He is presented as wonderfully human, with warts and all, not a Jack Reacher or a Mitch Rapp both of whom always tie everything up nicely.Worth my time and worth yours as well. I recommend this book.

BEAUTIFUL ASSASSIN by Michael White is a gift that keeps giving. From page one, the reader is presented with a top-notch plot, a protagonist who strongly resonates and an insider's view of the historically gritty, grim and manipulative era of U.S.-Russia relations involving Stalin, FDR and his wife Eleanor. Finish the book and finish the gift? Not on your life. I have now a book reader's dream: the wonderful find of a previously unknown-to-me author. White has written 6 other books!! As I say...the gift that KEEPS giving.

The Last Bridge truly "had me at hello." The very first line of the book, "Two days after my father had a massive stroke, my mother shot herself in the head" begins a mesmerizing reading journey. While this opening line may affect some as garish, it is an all too real introduction to the author's masterful handling of this novels many levels of "bridge crossing." I was especially caught up with the narrator Alex whose sardonic wit gives honest witness to a life lived in turmoil.

This is a complex and compelling debut novel by Teri Coyne. While Tom Wolfe has told us that we can never go home again, it is also true that home starts your story and it is important to look back so that you can look ahead. Don't miss out on this one, Reader!

Killer Heat by Fairstein really stokes it up. A complicated, intriguing plot combines with the always entertaining repartee between ADA "Blondie" Cooper and NYPD Mike Chapman to create another sure Fairstein hit. The small islands in and around Manhatten almost become characters themselves as their histories play out in the search for the killer. This legal thriller does not disappoint as readers will be instantly caught up in the action packed story as well as in the balanced attention given to current, significant legal/crime issues. I had only read Entombed by Fairstein previously. With Killer Heat, I am now A FAN and I can't wait to read her other crime thrillers. Try this book and you will become a believer as well!