The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. Arguably, the best book of 2006, this Gothic-style mystery (pictured above) evokes the spirit of DuMaurier's Rebecca and keeps the reader engrossed with multiple plot twists and turns. The story revolves around a young author interviewing a well-respected and well-read mystery author at the end of her life. The problem is that the author has spent her life telling stories -- including 19 different ones about her background and childhood. Will she be able to tell the truth this time?
John Bingham Mysteries. Just re-released this year are three classic, but little-known mysteries by former MI-5 operative and John Le Carre mentor. The novels, "My Name is Michael Sibley," "Five Roundabouts to Heaven," and "A Fragment of Fear," are 1930s psychological thrillers with a slight existential bend. These tomes, out of print for years, are the perfect gift for the mystery reader who has read "everything."
Kathy Reichs Novels. The basis for the popular television series, "Bones, " Kathy Reichs' forensic fiction series features forensic anthropologist, Temperance Brennan. The latest in the ten-novel series, "Bones to Ashes," was just released in September and takes Dr. Brennan and her sister to the remote regions of Canada's New Brunswick province.
Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows. There just might be someone on your holiday list who hasn't read the seventh and final novel in the Harry Potter series. This is the book that answers all of the questions posed by the previous six books and finds Harry at the verge of adulthood. A most read for any Harry Potter fan, young or "not so young."
A Nail Through the Heart. This is the first in a series of books by Timothy Hallinan set in contemporary Southeast Asia. Beautifully written, this novel deals with the seamier side of life in Thailand while tracking a particularly despicable murderer. Buy it for the unique point of view and the excellent prose.
Women's Club Murders. This James Patterson series has gained a new audience, thanks to the new ABC television series based on the novels. The seven novel series (number eight is due out in January) feature an assistant district attorney, a homicide detective, a crime reporter, and an assistant coroner, who share facts and theories to help solve crimes.
A Christmas Cozy Novel. What's the holiday season without a few Christmas cozies, those light-hearted "feel-good" murder mysteries. This year's releases include "Cat Deck the Halls" by Shirley Rousseau Murphy, "Candy Cane Murder" by Joanne Fluke, and "A Christmas Beginning" by Anne Perry. There's also last year's "Santa Cruise" by Mary and Carol Higgins Clark, which was just released in paperback.
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