Drive Time
When everyone has a secret, the real mystery is knowing when to tell.
Investigative reporter Charlotte McNally is an expert at keeping things confidential, but suddenly everyone has something to hide—and even Charlie realizes it's possible to know too much.
Her latest television scoop—an expose of a dangerous car scam, complete with stakeouts, high-speed chases and hidden-camera footage—is ratings gold. Now, in the prime time of her journalism career, it seems like Charlie's dreams are about to come true. If she can just balance her career and her upcoming wedding—perhaps she can really have it all.
But soon Charlie's personal and professional lives are put on a terrifying collision course. Her fiancé is privy to information about ugly phone calls at an elite private school, threats that are suddenly turning deadly. There's a mysterious death. And then—another. Her soon-to-be stepdaughter may be in danger. Her fiancé comes under suspicion. Then Charlie's career takes a turn she never could have predicted.
Charlie was starting to believe in second chances, but now she must face the chilling reality: revenge, extortion, family secrets, and murder may leave her alone again—or even dead.
***********************
"Hank Phillippi Ryan knows the television business entirely; she understands plotting; and she writes beautifully. No wonder I loved Drive Time. Anyone would."
—Robert B. Parker
"Drive Time may be Hank Phillippi Ryan's best novel yet—a stunning and timely plot enhanced by the life-changing events in her investigative reporter's personal and professional life. A realistic and endearing portrait of a woman trying to have it all. (And if any woman can, that woman is Charlotte McNally.)"
—Margaret Maron
"Drive Time is Hank Phillippi Ryan at her nonstop best. I loved it! The story grabbed me on the first page and didn't let go until the very last page...and I can't wait for more Charlotte McNally. Smart, witty and no one's fool, Charlie is a heroine for today. Readers won't be able to get enough of her."
—Carla Neggers
Investigative reporter Charlotte McNally is an expert at keeping things confidential, but suddenly everyone has something to hide—and even Charlie realizes it's possible to know too much.
Her latest television scoop—an expose of a dangerous car scam, complete with stakeouts, high-speed chases and hidden-camera footage—is ratings gold. Now, in the prime time of her journalism career, it seems like Charlie's dreams are about to come true. If she can just balance her career and her upcoming wedding—perhaps she can really have it all.
But soon Charlie's personal and professional lives are put on a terrifying collision course. Her fiancé is privy to information about ugly phone calls at an elite private school, threats that are suddenly turning deadly. There's a mysterious death. And then—another. Her soon-to-be stepdaughter may be in danger. Her fiancé comes under suspicion. Then Charlie's career takes a turn she never could have predicted.
Charlie was starting to believe in second chances, but now she must face the chilling reality: revenge, extortion, family secrets, and murder may leave her alone again—or even dead.
***********************
"Hank Phillippi Ryan knows the television business entirely; she understands plotting; and she writes beautifully. No wonder I loved Drive Time. Anyone would."
—Robert B. Parker
"Drive Time may be Hank Phillippi Ryan's best novel yet—a stunning and timely plot enhanced by the life-changing events in her investigative reporter's personal and professional life. A realistic and endearing portrait of a woman trying to have it all. (And if any woman can, that woman is Charlotte McNally.)"
—Margaret Maron
"Drive Time is Hank Phillippi Ryan at her nonstop best. I loved it! The story grabbed me on the first page and didn't let go until the very last page...and I can't wait for more Charlotte McNally. Smart, witty and no one's fool, Charlie is a heroine for today. Readers won't be able to get enough of her."
—Carla Neggers
Sew Deadly
**Sew Deadly was the “Fresh Fiction Pick of The Day” on freshfiction.com October 2, 2009!**Sew Deadly earned a perfect five out of five stars from Night Owl Reviews!
**Sew Deadly was one of Sharon’s Top Ten Cozy Mysteries of 2009 on Freshfiction.com!
Ever since she moved to Sweet Briar, South Carolina, Yankee librarian Tori Sinclair has been the talk of the tiny town. But she's been so busy at work, winning over the sewing circle, and trying to forget her cheating ex that she hasn't even had time to baste together a pillow, let alone mind local gossip. Then she finds the hometown sweetheart dead at her back door...
Everyone believes the police investigator, who's just fixin' to link Tori to the murder in a love triangle gone bad. To clear her name, Tori will have to rely on her new sewing sisters and stitch together the truth- or be darned.
Black Rain
Black Rain sizzles with tension and twists that both entertain and magnetize. The plot envelopes the reader into a brilliantly conceived world, full of strange and amazing things. Graham Brown is an exciting new talent, a writer we're going to be hearing a lot from in the years ahead. I can't wait."
—Steve Berry, New York Times Bestselling Author
"Black Rain is an adventure that's not only a terrific read, but is smart, intelligent, and poised to shake up the whole thriller community. Every copy should come with a bucket of popcorn and a John Williams soundtrack to play in the background. Loved it."
—Linwood Barclay, #1 Internationally Best Selling Author of Fear the Worst
Far from the gleaming monuments of Washington D.C., NRI operative, Danielle Laidlaw leads an expedition into the heart of the Amazon, in search of a legendary Mayan city rumored to be hidden within the tangled rain forest. Assisted by a renowned university professor and protected by an ex-CIA mercenary named Hawker, her team sets out with the truth concealed from them—that they are replacements for a group that vanished weeks before and that the treasure they’re seeking is no mere artifact, but a find that could transform the very world. Shadowed by a ruthless billionaire who wants their prize, threatened by a violent indigenous tribe and stalked by an unseen enemy that leaves only battered corpses in its wake, their one hope for survival rests in learning the truth: the connection linking the deadly reality of the Mayan legend; the nomadic tribe that haunts them; and the chilling secret buried deep beneath the ancient ruins.
—Steve Berry, New York Times Bestselling Author
"Black Rain is an adventure that's not only a terrific read, but is smart, intelligent, and poised to shake up the whole thriller community. Every copy should come with a bucket of popcorn and a John Williams soundtrack to play in the background. Loved it."
—Linwood Barclay, #1 Internationally Best Selling Author of Fear the Worst
Far from the gleaming monuments of Washington D.C., NRI operative, Danielle Laidlaw leads an expedition into the heart of the Amazon, in search of a legendary Mayan city rumored to be hidden within the tangled rain forest. Assisted by a renowned university professor and protected by an ex-CIA mercenary named Hawker, her team sets out with the truth concealed from them—that they are replacements for a group that vanished weeks before and that the treasure they’re seeking is no mere artifact, but a find that could transform the very world. Shadowed by a ruthless billionaire who wants their prize, threatened by a violent indigenous tribe and stalked by an unseen enemy that leaves only battered corpses in its wake, their one hope for survival rests in learning the truth: the connection linking the deadly reality of the Mayan legend; the nomadic tribe that haunts them; and the chilling secret buried deep beneath the ancient ruins.
STILL LIFE by Louise Penny
Winner of the prestigious Anthony Award for Best First Novel in the US.
Winner of the Barry Award, voted on by readers of Mystery News and Deadly Pleasures Magazines in the US.
Winner: Dilys Award - 2007 given by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association (www.mysterybooksellers.com) in the United States for the book they most enjoyed selling in 2006
New Blood Dagger - 2006 for Best First Mystery, awarded by the Crime Writers Association in Great Britain
Arthur Ellis Award - 2006 for Best First Mystery - awarded by the Crime Writers of Canada
Bestseller lists in Canada and the IMBA
Named by Kirkus Review as one of the Ten Top Mysteries of 2006
Starred Reviews
Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Booklist
Winner of the Barry Award, voted on by readers of Mystery News and Deadly Pleasures Magazines in the US.
Winner: Dilys Award - 2007 given by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association (www.mysterybooksellers.com) in the United States for the book they most enjoyed selling in 2006
New Blood Dagger - 2006 for Best First Mystery, awarded by the Crime Writers Association in Great Britain
Arthur Ellis Award - 2006 for Best First Mystery - awarded by the Crime Writers of Canada
Bestseller lists in Canada and the IMBA
Named by Kirkus Review as one of the Ten Top Mysteries of 2006
Starred Reviews
Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Booklist
Hell for the Holidays
PRAISE FOR HELL FOR THE HOLIDAYS
"Grabenstein's gripping second holiday thriller [has] a spectacular finish. This rapid-fire entertainment is sure to please Grabenstein's fans."
--Publishers Weekly
"Grabenstein weighs in with book two of his series featuring FBI agent Christopher Miller in another book filled with holiday madness. This time out Miller is on the trail of terrorists planning an explosion at JFK airport.
Miller has to deal with an apathetic reaction to his information and continues the hunt on his own while at the same time trying to help his daughter cope with the aftermath of the previous Christmas (SLAY RIDE). The pacing of this book is so perfect, the suspense builds with every turning page.
Ultimately timely and action heavy HELL FOR THE HOLIDAYS makes the holidays dangerous and entertaining as hell. Part Die Hard and part Criminal Minds this book will take your mind off the leftovers and erase any thoughts of napping. Grabenstein is a truly gifted writer and one I would not miss."
--Jon Jordan, Crimespree Magazine
"Saint Christopher is back—stronger and better than ever... HELL FOR THE HOLIDAYS is an exciting book that I would recommend highly. The characters seem real and Chris Miller is someone I won't tire of soon."
--Internet Book Database
"The Miller series is as good as his John Ceepak series. If you like plenty of action definitely pick up one of the Christopher Miller books. Any of Chris Grabenstein's books will entertain you. He's a fine new author and every time he writes another book, from either of his series, I'm ready to read it."
--Sharon Katz, ReviewingTheEvidence.com
"Mr. Grabenstein has given his growing audience a taut, fast-moving thriller, packed with suspense and a wonderful hero [dubbed "Saint Chris" by his friends and neighbors] determined to stop the impending catastrophe. Filled with suspense and scarily real 'bad guys,' Hell for the Holidays is a great read, at holiday time or any other."
--Gloria Feit, Midwest Book Review's Reviewer's Bookwatch
"Chris Grabenstein's Hell for the Holidays is an entertaining, page turner. It's a great kickoff to the holiday season. Grabenstein may have scared readers away from Santa Claus. Now, no one will want to travel on Thanksgiving... Grabenstein puts Miller and the terrorists on a collision course, culminating on a holiday weekend. It's a fast-paced novel that shows the power of a network that can stretch from Wyoming to Tennessee, and Wisconsin to New York. Only Grabenstein can add humor to such a scary concept. It's another topnotch thriller."
--Lesa Holstine, Lesa's Book Critiques
"Grabenstein's gripping second holiday thriller [has] a spectacular finish. This rapid-fire entertainment is sure to please Grabenstein's fans."
--Publishers Weekly
"Grabenstein weighs in with book two of his series featuring FBI agent Christopher Miller in another book filled with holiday madness. This time out Miller is on the trail of terrorists planning an explosion at JFK airport.
Miller has to deal with an apathetic reaction to his information and continues the hunt on his own while at the same time trying to help his daughter cope with the aftermath of the previous Christmas (SLAY RIDE). The pacing of this book is so perfect, the suspense builds with every turning page.
Ultimately timely and action heavy HELL FOR THE HOLIDAYS makes the holidays dangerous and entertaining as hell. Part Die Hard and part Criminal Minds this book will take your mind off the leftovers and erase any thoughts of napping. Grabenstein is a truly gifted writer and one I would not miss."
--Jon Jordan, Crimespree Magazine
"Saint Christopher is back—stronger and better than ever... HELL FOR THE HOLIDAYS is an exciting book that I would recommend highly. The characters seem real and Chris Miller is someone I won't tire of soon."
--Internet Book Database
"The Miller series is as good as his John Ceepak series. If you like plenty of action definitely pick up one of the Christopher Miller books. Any of Chris Grabenstein's books will entertain you. He's a fine new author and every time he writes another book, from either of his series, I'm ready to read it."
--Sharon Katz, ReviewingTheEvidence.com
"Mr. Grabenstein has given his growing audience a taut, fast-moving thriller, packed with suspense and a wonderful hero [dubbed "Saint Chris" by his friends and neighbors] determined to stop the impending catastrophe. Filled with suspense and scarily real 'bad guys,' Hell for the Holidays is a great read, at holiday time or any other."
--Gloria Feit, Midwest Book Review's Reviewer's Bookwatch
"Chris Grabenstein's Hell for the Holidays is an entertaining, page turner. It's a great kickoff to the holiday season. Grabenstein may have scared readers away from Santa Claus. Now, no one will want to travel on Thanksgiving... Grabenstein puts Miller and the terrorists on a collision course, culminating on a holiday weekend. It's a fast-paced novel that shows the power of a network that can stretch from Wyoming to Tennessee, and Wisconsin to New York. Only Grabenstein can add humor to such a scary concept. It's another topnotch thriller."
--Lesa Holstine, Lesa's Book Critiques
Raven Black by Ann Cleeves
What the critics said "Ann Cleeves won the Duncan Lawrie Gold Dagger for Raven Black and rightly so. It's in the tradition of the small community murder mystery, but done with a depth that infuses this genre with new realism. A young girl is murdered in the Shetlands and an elderly recluse stands accused, as the lives of a complex society become intertwined to a fascinating effect.
"Her characterisation is worthy of the best writers in the field, and she brilliantly evokes the dark psychopathology lying beneath the placid setting. Rarely has the sense of place been so evocatively conveyed in a crime novel."
Sunday Express
"It is the relationships at the novel's heart that make it work so well... Cleeves takes ingredients that have been familiar to generations of crime readers but uses them in a way that makes them fresh and engaging."
Crime Time
"Cleeves offers up a dark, brutal, suspenseful page-turner that will keep even seasoned mystery buffs guessing right up to the end."
© American Library Association
"On these bare bones, Cleeves drapes moody descriptions of the harsh climate conditions on "bare wastes of heather moorland," stark observations on the revolting instincts of birds of prey and suggestive profiles of characters who have lived too long in these lonely parts. Never mind the murders; her study of a forgotten soul waiting for someone to come to his door and wish him a happy new year is enough to freeze the blood."
New York Times
"Don't miss this standout first of a promised Shetland Quartet, both for its setting and top-notch storytelling."
Jane Dickinson, Rocky Mountain News
"Have you ever read a new-to-you author and wondered what on earth took you so long to discover them? Raven Black is Ann Cleeves nineteenth novel and I'm wondering why I wasn't aware of her before now."
Sunnie Gill, Eurocrime
"I've discovered a wonderful writer, one whose description of a little-known area brings its world to life. She writes wonderful descriptions, and creates fascinating people."
Lesa Holstine, Lesa's Book Critiques
"I must say that I read very few whodunits these days, but Ann Cleeves is one of those writers who can keep me turning the pages until the final revelation.
"And that is exactly what happened with Raven Black, and I was gripped as much by the landscape and climate of Shetland as I was by the characters living in fear and suspicion along its coastline."
John Baker, John Baker's Blog
"The village mystery has a long pedigree, but it fell into disrepute when practitioners lost touch with realism and took all their characters from stock. With Raven Black, Ann Cleeves shows how it can be brought up to date.
"... There is nothing startling about the plot, but it is beautifully constructed. Each character's discoveries and fears build towards the climax they all experience, which means there is no need for laboured introspection or footprint-chasing. The people involved have back stories that work, and there is a warmth between them that makes an effective contrast with the wind and the harshness of the landscape.
"Cleeves writes with an easy directness that brings alive the tensions in a place where everyone knows everyone else and nothing can be forgotten... With the bare but beautiful landscape, painful family relationships as well as good ones, and the emotional torture of the simple-minded Magnus, Raven Black is a lively and surprising addition to a genre that once seemed moribund."
Natasha Cooper, Times Literary Supplement
"Ann Cleeves has written a lot of crime novels and collected many admirers without making the kind of headlines that some less skilful authors have achieved. Raven Black shows what a fine writer she is when on top form... The revelation of the murderer's identity comes as a surprise, but then seems obvious - a clever piece of characterisation and a satisfying end to an accomplished and thoughtful book."
Susanna Yager, Sunday Telegraph
"Cleeves is a very good writer - strong on atmosphere, plot and people."
Marcel Berlins, The Times
"Cleeves creates a convincing world of hostility against outsiders, of genuine ancient feuds but pseudo-history for the tourists, of small snobberies and major jealousies. Raven Black breaks the conventional mould of British crime-writing, while retaining the traditional virtues of strong narrative and careful plotting"
Jane Jakeman, Independent
(Jane Jakeman also placed Raven Black on her Christmas list of "books of the year".)
"The book is crammed with excellent incidental details of Shetland culture, and Cleeves vividly evokes the claustrophobic nature of life in a small, isolated community where everyone knows everyone else and secrets are common currency. Raven Black is as much about the intricate pattern of relationships in such a community as it is a conventional whodunit and, with a cast of well-drawn and convincing characters and an unexpected conclusion, it is the perfect novel to while away the long winter evenings by the fire."
Pete Whittaker, Tribune
"Her characterisation is worthy of the best writers in the field, and she brilliantly evokes the dark psychopathology lying beneath the placid setting. Rarely has the sense of place been so evocatively conveyed in a crime novel."
Sunday Express
"It is the relationships at the novel's heart that make it work so well... Cleeves takes ingredients that have been familiar to generations of crime readers but uses them in a way that makes them fresh and engaging."
Crime Time
"Cleeves offers up a dark, brutal, suspenseful page-turner that will keep even seasoned mystery buffs guessing right up to the end."
© American Library Association
"On these bare bones, Cleeves drapes moody descriptions of the harsh climate conditions on "bare wastes of heather moorland," stark observations on the revolting instincts of birds of prey and suggestive profiles of characters who have lived too long in these lonely parts. Never mind the murders; her study of a forgotten soul waiting for someone to come to his door and wish him a happy new year is enough to freeze the blood."
New York Times
"Don't miss this standout first of a promised Shetland Quartet, both for its setting and top-notch storytelling."
Jane Dickinson, Rocky Mountain News
"Have you ever read a new-to-you author and wondered what on earth took you so long to discover them? Raven Black is Ann Cleeves nineteenth novel and I'm wondering why I wasn't aware of her before now."
Sunnie Gill, Eurocrime
"I've discovered a wonderful writer, one whose description of a little-known area brings its world to life. She writes wonderful descriptions, and creates fascinating people."
Lesa Holstine, Lesa's Book Critiques
"I must say that I read very few whodunits these days, but Ann Cleeves is one of those writers who can keep me turning the pages until the final revelation.
"And that is exactly what happened with Raven Black, and I was gripped as much by the landscape and climate of Shetland as I was by the characters living in fear and suspicion along its coastline."
John Baker, John Baker's Blog
"The village mystery has a long pedigree, but it fell into disrepute when practitioners lost touch with realism and took all their characters from stock. With Raven Black, Ann Cleeves shows how it can be brought up to date.
"... There is nothing startling about the plot, but it is beautifully constructed. Each character's discoveries and fears build towards the climax they all experience, which means there is no need for laboured introspection or footprint-chasing. The people involved have back stories that work, and there is a warmth between them that makes an effective contrast with the wind and the harshness of the landscape.
"Cleeves writes with an easy directness that brings alive the tensions in a place where everyone knows everyone else and nothing can be forgotten... With the bare but beautiful landscape, painful family relationships as well as good ones, and the emotional torture of the simple-minded Magnus, Raven Black is a lively and surprising addition to a genre that once seemed moribund."
Natasha Cooper, Times Literary Supplement
"Ann Cleeves has written a lot of crime novels and collected many admirers without making the kind of headlines that some less skilful authors have achieved. Raven Black shows what a fine writer she is when on top form... The revelation of the murderer's identity comes as a surprise, but then seems obvious - a clever piece of characterisation and a satisfying end to an accomplished and thoughtful book."
Susanna Yager, Sunday Telegraph
"Cleeves is a very good writer - strong on atmosphere, plot and people."
Marcel Berlins, The Times
"Cleeves creates a convincing world of hostility against outsiders, of genuine ancient feuds but pseudo-history for the tourists, of small snobberies and major jealousies. Raven Black breaks the conventional mould of British crime-writing, while retaining the traditional virtues of strong narrative and careful plotting"
Jane Jakeman, Independent
(Jane Jakeman also placed Raven Black on her Christmas list of "books of the year".)
"The book is crammed with excellent incidental details of Shetland culture, and Cleeves vividly evokes the claustrophobic nature of life in a small, isolated community where everyone knows everyone else and secrets are common currency. Raven Black is as much about the intricate pattern of relationships in such a community as it is a conventional whodunit and, with a cast of well-drawn and convincing characters and an unexpected conclusion, it is the perfect novel to while away the long winter evenings by the fire."
Pete Whittaker, Tribune
Holiday Grind by Cleo Coyle
