The Job
By Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg. Headline. $29.99
FBI Special Agent Kate O'Hare and attractive con artist Nicolas Fox reunite for another easy flowing adventure in this third outing by the author of the Stephanie Plum novels and popular screenwriter Lee Goldberg. Forced together to bring down the secretive, ruthless leader of a global drug empire, the pair find themselves chasing their target from the backstreets of Nashville to the alleys of Lisbon and the rooftops of Istanbul. Along the way they have to deal with a psychopathic bodyguard and a Portuguese enforcer who takes advice from a pickled head in a jar. Mild laughs, witty repartee, breathless action and the ever-present romantic undertones, make this a light and engaging tale to read between cricket overs.
The Good Life
By Martina Cole. Headline. $29.99
Martina Cole is the queen of the British gangster novel. Her bestselling books combine violence and criminal manoeuvring with soap opera drama. They often involve ex-prostitutes, or gangland "birds", trying to secure a future for themselves and their children. Her latest one does not stray far from this formula, with hard man Cain Morgan falling for Jenny Riley. Jenny wants to settle down with Morgan, but his wife will not let go and when Morgan is sentenced to jail for murder the pair battle against the odds to have a life together. Cliched, but fast-paced and lively, this is sure to appeal to Cole's many fans.
I Let You Go
By Clare Mackintosh. Sphere. $29.99
Mackintosh's debut novel grabs the reader's attention from the opening tragic incident involving a young child and does not let go until the end. The story combines psychological suspense with police detection, with the author's experience as a former police officer lending a convincing authenticity to the details of the investigation. The dual storyline follows Jenna, who has fled to the Welsh coast following the incident to recover, and the police officers trying to find the child's killer. It is an effective plotting device that is helped by well-rounded characters who largely avoid the usual stereotypes. Although there are a couple of slow patches, this is a clever, surprising read that is likely to evoke strong emotions.
