Books like Guilty by Definition

I’ve never read a Discworld book I didn’t like, and this was no exception. The witches of Lancre are personal favorites of mine and they feature heavily in this book. Terry Pratchett is always a joy: clever quips, subverted tropes, and generally a darn good time.

When Myron Bolitar—part-time detective, former basketball hotshot, and ex-sports agent—discovers that his old frenemy and on-court nemesis Greg Downing, long thought to be pushing up daisies, is actually alive and dribbling, he stumbles into a slam-dunk of a mystery.

This case has it all: a dangerous plot, an ex-girlfriend, a surprise son, his aging parents, and, oh yeah, a serial killer lurking in the shadows. Coben’s narration is as breezy as a summer day, and the witty banter between Bolitar and his best buddy Win is a genuine (though oddly sinister) laugh riot.

At its core, this tale is as much about family ties, love, and loyalty as it is about dodging danger and solving crimes. With a cast of characters that could fill a basketball roster, you might feel like you need a scorecard to keep track—but trust me, it’s worth the read.

Gabriel Ward, academic sleuth, is a delight. Borderline autistic. Compassionate. Ethical. Very smart. I really preferred the 2nd in this series, A Case of Life and Limb, but I wasn't allowed to enter it as a favorite read for some (very frustrating) reason. So go ahead, read this first book to get to know the setting and the sleuth. Then go immnediately to the 2nd book to get to know Gabriel Ward better and the few people who learn to appreciate him as he investigates another mystery, a better one with TWO murders that need resolution.

An historical telling of the last year of the American Civil War. Who knew there was a sophisticated Southern spy network that wreaked havoc throughout northern cities? That assassin John Wilkes Booth was a only one cog in that network but still "a dreadful man"? That young Tad Lincoln had a cleft palate? So much happened that last year of the war that I didn't know, and kudos to Ellsworth for sharing "The Lost Cause" reworking of history. And of course, there's that dear, great man, Abraham Lincoln. I feel I know the president much better after reading this history, and that's a value that can't be quantified.

This book, this book, this book! Blum has oh-so-cleverly and audaciously subverted tropes from mystery, romcom, thriller and literary genres all in one plot—and it absolutely works! The instant I began reading I fell down a rabbit hole of suspense and delight, alternately laughing very literally out loud, shedding tears, and internally shouting warnings and other running commentary at the characters. “NO, SAM NO! DON’T DO IT. DON’T GO THERE...” to the background sound effect of shrieking violins. Or, “Oh, Rabbit, what are you UP to?” There are some special moments especially resonant for writers—no matter where you are in your publishing life you’re bound to recognize yourself in there somewhere. The ending was eminently satisfying and left me with a serious book hangover and the wish that I could read the book for the first time all over again. All the stars! Loved it.

One of my favorite reads this year, and Peter Key is my new favorite reluctant hero. Funny, irreverent and fun -- with a complex mystery to solve and enough danger and risk for our hero to keep the pages rapidly turning. Can't wait for all of my mystery loving friends to read it. Book Two will be an auto buy for me! (Not for you if you object to weed smoking and a MC with a "flexible libido".)