Let's Celebrate! Five Years and Growing!

Fresh Fiction is celebrating a big milestone this month! Five years ago (September 2004) was the launch date of this entertaining, enlightening and totally fun web site. It is unbelievable how much Fresh Fiction has grown and evolved in five years. And it certainly lives up to its “Fresh” title as it continues to be highly creative and up-to-date in all aspects of the publishing industry. Here’s to another fabulous five years!

I think new author Daniel Levin has written a bestseller with his masterful debut, THE LAST EMBER (Riverhead Books). This hardcover went on sale August 6, 2009, and I started reading it right away. I can’t imagine a more thoroughly researched or excellently presented edict about religious archaeological terrorism than this fast-paced literary thriller. It captured my attention with its degree of realism, as well as educating me beyond expectation. Not since THE DA VINCI CODE have I become so absorbed in a work of fiction based on ancient religious facts. As you can guess, I recommend this book highly.

Another riveting thriller I enjoyed very much was ENTER EVIL (Pinnacle) by Linda Ladd. Last month, I told you about this fourth book to feature police detective Claire Morgan. What starts out as an apparent suicide turns into a twisted multiple- murder case that pits Claire and her associates against a truly sadistic and manipulative killer. Wow, this book was everything I hoped for and more as it ratcheted up the suspense with surprising twists and turns. Linda is a brilliant writer and I can’t wait for more of her books, whether she continues this series or not.

And while I’m on the subject of unnerving thrillers, September 1, 2009, is the release date for EVIL AT HEART (Minotaur hardcover) by Chelsea Cain, the third psychological suspense to feature seductive “Beauty Killer” Gretchen Lowell and stressed-out detective Archie Sheridan. Gretchen has escaped from prison, intent on claiming more victims. Archie, who’s recovering in a psychiatric hospital after their last encounter, seems to be the only one who can track her down (again!), so he’ll do whatever it takes to become part of the task force. Also involved is Archie’s old partner, as well as a local journalist. I’ve read this novel and it’s another compelling, graphic crime drama that will leave readers chilled to the bone.

September 1, 2009:

Margaret Coel returns readers to the Wind River Reservation with THE SILENT SPIRIT (Berkley Prime Crime hardcover), her latest mystery to feature Vicky Holden and Father John O’Malley. In 1923, Arapahos from the reservation were recruited to appear as extras in a silent film. But Charlie Wallowingbull never came home afterward, leaving people to believe he abandoned his wife and unborn son. Kiki Wallowingbull, Charlie’s great-grandson, goes to Hollywood to find out the truth behind his great-grandfather’s disappearance. But Kiki ends up murdered. His frozen body is discovered by Father John, and his killer confesses to Vicky that it was self-defense. Together, they must find the connection between two deaths separated by almost a century.

Former anthropologist Aaron Elkins is back with SKULL DUGGERY (Berkley Prime Crime hardcover), the newest in his series featuring forensic anthropologist-detective Gideon Oliver (aka the “skeleton detective”). Gideon and his wife are vacationing in Mexico when a local police chief requests assistance on a case. A mummified corpse has been discovered in the desert, and the coroner believes the victim was shot. But Gideon’s examination reveals the victim was stabbed with a screwdriver. Then Gideon is asked to examine the skeleton of a murder victim found a year earlier, only to discover another error. The coroner misidentified the remains as belonging to a 12- to15-year-old girl, when in fact they were of a young woman of 20. Gideon knows these two “mistakenly” identified bodies aren’t a coincidence. But finding the connection between them will prove more dangerous than he could possibly imagine and place him in the crosshairs of the killer he’s hunting.

Book four of C. E. Murphy’s Walker Papers series, WALKING DEAD (Luna), finds Joanne Walker coming to terms with the host of shamanic powers she possesses. Her job as a police detective has been somewhat calm and she’s enjoying a love life for the first time in memory. But it's Halloween, and the undead are crashing Joanne's party. Now, if she could just figure out how to break the spell that’s bringing back all these ghosts, zombies and even the Wild Hunt. Sorry to say, there's no shamanic handbook telling her how to deal with the walking dead.

After having written 25 Silhouette Intimate Moments books, Kylie Brant breaks into single-title publication with WAKING NIGHTMARE (Berkley Sensation), the first book in a thrilling new romantic suspense trilogy labeled the Mindhunters, which features an exclusive group of the best criminologists in the world. Subsequent titles due out in the following months are WAKING EVIL (Berkley Sensation, October 6, 2009) and WAKING THE DEAD (Berkley Sensation, November 3, 2009). And Kylie has recently agreed to another contract with Berkley for three more Mindhunters books set to be released in 2010 and early 2011.

It will take the love of two men to save a powerful goddess in MORTAL SEDUCTIONS (Berkley Heat trade), the second book in Allyson James’ erotic paranormal series following MORTAL TEMPTATIONS (Berkley Heat, 1/09). Now that sexy tiger shape-shifter Demitri’s friends have married their lady loves and gone, he faces loneliness – until Valerie, a woman from his past whom he’s never stopped loving, needs his help. But Demitri must partner with a mortal – Leon, a Cajun ex-army medic – to save her life. Planning to walk away after he saves the woman he once betrayed, Demitri finds it’s not that easy to leave her – or Leon.

MAKEOVERS CAN BE MURDER (Obsidian) is the third book in Kathryn Lilley’s Fat City mystery series featuring plus-size reporter/amateur sleuth Kate Gallagher. While Kate is facing the ultimate on- camera challenge – baring her belly in a bikini for a feature about weight loss scams – she’s also dealing with a shaky romance. Then an old friend, Lila, asks Kate to help dig up some dirt on her husband in preparation for her divorce. When Lila is found dead after being a victim of a carjacking, Kate’s investigation into the matter has her fearing she might be next on the killer’s list.

Desire and destiny collide in TIME FOR ETERNITY (St. Martin’s), the first book in a new vampire series from Susan Squires. In France 1794, Francoise Suchet loved Henri Foucault – and it cost her everything. For two centuries, Frankie has cursed the French duke who gave her his blood and then disappeared forever. Today, this sexy vampire is a bartender living in San Francisco. Now Frankie has been granted a chance to go back in time and kill the man who made her what she is. But will becoming Francoise again mean losing all memory of the risk Henri poses to her future – and her heart? This book is also considered part of Susan’s ongoing Companion series.

DOOM WITH A VIEW (Obsidian) is the seventh Psychic Eye mystery by Victoria Laurie starring Abigail Cooper. When Abby is invited by the regional head of the FBI to give her impressions on the case of a couple of missing college kids, she expects a warm reception. Instead, Abby finds herself battling bureau politics, a scarcity of details and one ornery lead investigator. Now it’s up to Abby and her partner, Candice, to go off the grid again as they hurry to piece together the clues in time to save at least one of the kids.

September 8, 2009:

DRAWN IN BLOOD (Wm. Morrow hardcover) is Andrea Kane’s exciting sequel to TWISTED (Avon, 7/28/09). It features former FBI agent and hostage negotiator Sloane Burbank, who’s seen her share of danger. She's confronted a serial killer and survived life- threatening injuries, but she never expected that danger to invade the lives of her loved ones. As a decades-old secret brings a killer ever closer, Sloane finds herself facing personal danger and hunting an elusive target in a foreign locale.

September 15, 2009:

Finally, after years of waiting, many delays and a title change, Dan Brown is back with his third novel to star expert symbologist Robert Langdon (ANGELS & DEMONS in 2000 and THE DA VINCI CODE in 2003). It is reported that this newest novel, THE LOST SYMBOL (Doubleday hardcover), takes place in Washington, D.C., over a 12-hour period and focuses on Freemasonry and The Lost Symbol, a reference to a ciphered pictogram in an important talisman, the Hebrew Key of Solomon.

PI Jack Carpenter returns for a third time in THE NIGHT MONSTER (Ballantine hardcover) by James Swain. The past has come back to haunt the smooth-talking Jack Carpenter, former head of the Broward County Missing Persons Unit. As a young cop he failed to stop the kidnapping of a college coed by a shockingly large assailant – and neither of them was ever seen again. The abduction has remained Carpenter’s most chilling cold case, but after 18 years, it’s about to become reality once more.

September 22, 2009:

The eagerly and long-anticipated seventh book in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, AN ECHO IN THE BONE (Delacorte hardcover) is finally set for release. Continuing the saga of 18th century Scotsman, Jamie Fraser, and his 20th century time- traveling wife, Claire, we meet up with them in the 18th century where they are facing the inevitable approach of the American Revolution. While Jamie already knows the rebels will achieve independence from Britain, he’s also aware that this is no guarantee of his own family’s survival. Claire also knows the Americans will win, but not what the ultimate price will be. And in the relative safety of the 20th century, their daughter Brianna and her husband, Roger, watch the unfolding of her parents’ story – a past that may be sneaking up behind their own family. At a whopping 832 pages (and a $30 price tag), be sure you have plenty of time set aside to read and enjoy this exciting new book.

Liz Carlyle continues her enthralling Regency romance series with WICKED ALL DAY (Pocket Star), the scandalous story of an impetuous, illegitimate beauty and the forbidding nobleman who protects her – while fighting an obsession to possess her. The beautiful Zoe Armstrong is rich, spoiled, impulsive – and illegitimate. This makes it impossible for her to attain what she most desires – to be loved for herself. When a night of passion leads to Zoe’s betrothal to her distant cousin, her dreams are shattered. But so are his, since it brings about the loss of his one true love. Suddenly, Zoe finds herself on the verge of marrying a broken man – and finding solace in the arms of another man.

September 29, 2009:

It’s been several decades since Daniel Keyes penned FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON, which was adapted into the award-winning film Charly. Now Keyes returns to the realm of the mind with his first novel in nearly 30 years, a riveting psychological thriller titled THE ASYLUM PROPHECIES (Leisure). Reviewer Vicky Gilpin says it was well-worth the wait. A disturbed young woman with multiple personalities learns the details of an impending terrorist attack against the United States. To save thousands of innocent lives, an American agent races across the globe to find the key that will unlock her trapped memories before the terrorists silence her for good.

GUARDIAN (Tor) by Claire Delacroix is the second futuristic era Angel book. The victim of what she believes is a malicious kidnapping, seer Delilah Desjardins quickly realizes her abductor is on a mission to save her from assassins. Rafe, a fallen angel, must ensure that Delilah, blessed with the gift of foresight, reaches her true calling as an oracle for the Republic. Drawn to Rafe, but fearing the loss of her gifts if she surrenders to his charms, Delilah leaves him. But fleeing his guardianship sets the assassins on her trail again. As Rafe races to save Delilah, he knows he isn’t just saving her for the good of the Republic, for the angels, or for the future – he’s saving her for himself.

Shayla Black continues her spellbinding Doomsday Brethren series with the second installment, SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW (Pocket). When tabloid journalist Sydney Blair gets a hot tip leading to possible proof of a supernatural world, she’s determined to uncover all the secrets of magickind. Shunning his magical heritage, Ex-Marine Caden MacTavish will do anything to heal his desperately ill brother, a Doomsday Brethren warrior in mourning for his missing mate. Posing as a photographer, Caden must convince Sydney to reveal the source of her recent exposé on a supernatural power clash. Unfortunately, getting his hands on the potent and mystical Doomsday Diary she possesses is almost has difficult as keeping his hands off her. But there’s a lot at stake, for a villainous, power-hungry wizard has escaped from exile, and a bloody rebellion is imminent.

Mistaken identity, vintage Halloween collectibles, skeletons in the family closet – and Jane Wheel is on the case in SCARY STUFF, the sixth book in Sharon Fiffer’s delightful Jane Wheel mystery series. Though Jane is an avid antique-picker, she makes the other half of her living as an associate to a private detective. It seems she’s as talented at digging up secrets as she is antiques. While visiting her brother for the first time in years, Jane is fascinated that on three occasions, someone has accused him of swindling them on eBay, only to realize he’s not the right guy. Even though he doesn’t see the point, she wants to look into it. Then back at home one of her parents’ friends is attacked, leading Jane to vow to get to the bottom of things. Now Jane has two cases to investigate involving loved ones. And as we all know, whenever family gets wrapped up in your personal business, it’s bound to be scary stuff.

AUDREY’S DOOR (Harper) is the latest chilling supernatural horror by Sarah Langan. Built on the Upper West Side, the elegant Breviary claims a regal history. But despite 14B's astonishingly low rental price, the recent tragedy within its walls has frightened away all potential tenants – except Audrey Lucas. No stranger to tragedy, Audrey is obsessively determined to make her own way in a city that often strangles the weak. But is it something otherworldly, or Audrey's own increasing instability, that's to blame for the dark visions that haunt her – and the voice demanding that she build a door? A door it could be true madness to open.

THE ACCIDENTAL FAMILY (Pocket trade) by Rowan Coleman is the touching, thought-provoking sequel to THE ACCIDENTAL MOTHER (Pocket trade, 9/07). Sophie Mills is on the fast track to success when her life changes forever. A car crash kills her best friend, and Sophie becomes guardian of her two little girls in their father's absence. When their father, Louis, returns, the word "family" takes on a whole new meaning, as Sophie finds herself attracted to this handsome, mysterious man. Moving to Cornwall with Louis and the girls is a delirious, frightening start to a new life for Sophie. When Louis proposes, the girls are ecstatic, but Sophie is plagued by doubt. Is marrying Louis, who left one wife before, the right thing to do or a scary mistake? When startling news from Louis' past takes them by surprise, can these individuals brought together by chance and tragedy make the commitment to be a family forever?

Nina Bangs continues her Castle of Dark Dreams series with the fourth book, MY WICKED VAMPIRE (Leisure). The Castle of Dark Dreams is the most decadent attraction in a theme park where people go to play out their wildest erotic fantasies. The actors at the Castle are accustomed to making all kinds of erotic fantasies come true. When a night feeder with absolutely no inhibitions meets the woman of his dreams, the resulting thrill ride is not for the faint of heart.

DOUBLEBLIND (Ace) by Ann Aguirre is the third book in the urban fantasy series featuring Sirantha Jax, who isn’t known for diplomatic finesse. As a "Jumper" who navigates ships through grimspace, Jax is used to kicking ass first and taking names later. Not exactly the obvious choice to sell the Conglomerate to the Ithtorians, a people whose opinions of humans is as hard as their exoskeletons. So why is notoriously troublesome Jax suddenly chosen as an ambassador of peace? This can’t be good.

Minnesota BCA investigator Virgil Flowers returns for a third adventure in John Sandford’s police thriller ROUGH COUNTRY (Putnam hardcover). While competing in a fishing tournament in a remote area of northern Minnesota, Virgil gets a call from Lucas Davenport to investigate a murder at a nearby resort, where a woman has been shot while kayaking. The resort is for women only -- a place to relax, get fit, recover from plastic surgery and commune with nature, which makes things all the more complicated. As Virgil begins investigating, he finds a web of connections between the people at the resort, the victim and some local women. The more he digs, the more he uncovers. This is not the first murder; there was a second, seemingly unrelated, the year before. And there’s about to be a third one, any time now. And as for the fourth…well, Virgil better catch the killer before that happens, because it could be his own.

Stayed tuned for more great books next month...Tanzey