Saturday, September 23 at 3:30 p.m.

Ballantine, $23.95

BOBBY’S FAVORITE

How can I not pick a book that's set in Hermosa Beach (although most of the action takes place in Pasadena and The Valley)? Although this novel is the first for "Dianne Emley," we know her well as author Dianne Pugh, author of the Iris Thorne thrillers (COLD CALL, SLOW SQUEEZE, BODY BLOW). THE FIRST CUT is a hard-boiled police procedural, introducing Pasadena police officer Nan Vining. Vining's just back at work after a life-threatening attack, and her first case is the murder of a fellow officer. The officer, who'd been working Vice, was missing for 16 days before she was found with her throat slashed, dumped into the arroyo under Pasadena's historic Colorado Street Bridge. Vining starts to have visions that may be connected to her own assault, but may also provide important clues to the killer. Publishers Weekly wrote, "Readers will cheer."