Noah Boyd, THE BRICKLAYER
William Morrow, $24.99 (signed first edition)
"Noah Boy" is the pen name of a former FBI agent who makes his crime fiction debut with this novel. Steve Vail, fired from the FBI for insubordination, is working as a bricklayer when Deputy Assistant Director Kate Bannon calls him for help. A mysterious gang called the Rubico Pentad is demanding money from the Bureau, or else they'll move through a "kill list" of targets important to the FBI. When an agent disappears while making a payoff, he becomes the obvious suspect, but Vail’s not so sure.
This title is not yet available at The Mystery Bookstore. Please contact us directly to reserve a copy. You may email orders@mystery-bookstore.com or telephone us on our toll-free number, (800) 821-9017.

Spencer Quinn, THEREBY HANGS A TAIL: A Chet and Bernie Mystery
Atria, $25.00 (signed first edition)
This is the sequel to last year's enchanting DOG ON IT, which introduced canine detective Chet and his partner, human PI Bernie Little. This time out, Chet and Bernie search for a champion show dog and her mistress, who have been kidnapped. The story takes a dark turn and has moments of real suspense, but once again Chet is the smartest and most lovable dog in crime fiction.

Ian Beck, PASTWORLD
Bloombsury, $16.99 (unsigned first edition) (ages 12 and up)
In a sterile and peaceful 2048, the ultimate destination for the adventure-seeking tourist is Pastworld, where guests immerse themselves in a complete "restoration" of Victorian London. Eve's life has been spent in Pastworld, and she only discovers she's living in a theme park when she is forced to leave her home. Caleb's enthusiasm for the dangerousness of Pastworld is short–lived, as he witnesses and subsequently accused of murder. Their lives in Pastworld intersect with that of the Fantom, a Ripperesque figure stalking the streets of London. PASTWORLD is a thrilling read with lots of atmospheric detail and unique characters.

S.J. Parris, HERESY
Random House, $25.95 (unsigned first edition)
Giordano Bruno is a monk on the run from his order, his church, and his country. Threatened with torture and death for the crime of envisioning an infinite Universe, Bruno fled his monastery in the dead of night to make a life for himself as a philosopher. Now an advisor to the King of France, he has come to England to revel in the intellectual freedom of young Queen Elizabeth's reign, and to work alongside his friend Sir Philip Sydney for Elizabeth's spymaster, Walsingham. Sent undercover to Oxford University to suss out Catholic assassins with designs on Elizabeth's life, Bruno's investigation is sidetracked by a series of grisly deaths and a beautiful, fascinating woman. Reminiscent of THE DANTE CLUB by Matthew Pearl, this historical debut is a clever, enjoyable thrill–ride with a great sense of humor and engaging characters.
This title is not yet available at The Mystery Bookstore. Please contact us directly to reserve a copy. You may email orders@mystery-bookstore.com or telephone us on our toll-free number, (800) 821-9017.

Kenneth Wishnia, THE FIFTH SERVANT
William Morrow, $25.99 (unsigned first edition)
In Prague at the end of the 16th century, the most dangerous thing for the Jewish community has happened: a Christian girl was found murdered in a Jewish–owned store just before Easter. Benjamin, a new immigrant and rabbi's assistant, begs the authorities for time to find out what really happened before the Jews are wiped out in revenge, but how can he even figure out where to start looking? Not just a gripping story, but a fascinating look inside a long–gone world.

James Thompson, SNOW ANGELS
Putnam, $24.95 (signed, tipped-in first edition)
This first book in a new series introduces Finnish Inspector Kari Vaara, who investigates a murder in Lapland, above the Arctic Circle. The victim is a beautiful Somali immigrant, found in a field with a racial epithet carved into her chest; Vaara is determined to keep the details of the crime out of the national press. In the cold and dark of a Finnish December, Vaara follows a trail of clues to find a murderer who may be all too close to home. Moody and atmospheric, with a twisty plot and three-dimensional characters, SNOW ANGELS is a great read for a cold winter night – or any time.

David Lubar, DEAD GUY SPY (Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie)
Starscape, $5.99 (paperback reprint) (ages 9–12)
Being a half–dead zombie in the fifth grade actually has some benefits. Nathan Abercrombie doesn't need sleep, so he can finish his English homework on time; he doesn't have to eat gross vegetables (zombies don't eat); and the best part: he doesn't feel any pain. The only thing is, Nathan's body can't heal. When a secret spy organization offers Nathan a cure in exchange for his help, he is thrilled at the idea of becoming the world's first zombie spy. But can he trust them? DEAD GUY SPY is a disgustingly hilarious follow–up to David Lubar's popular MY ROTTEN LIFE.

Roger Smith, WAKE UP DEAD
Henry Holt & Co., $26.00 (unsigned first edition)
WAKE UP DEAD is a violent collision among an American ex-model, Roxy; Disco and Goodwyn, two gangbangers who carjack Roxy's car; Billy Afrika, an ex-mercenary who is owed money from Roxy's now–late husband; and Piper, the man who set Billy on fire and left him for dead years ago, and now wants Disco, his prison "wife", back. Set in Cape Town, South Africa, this is a noir thriller, written with intensity that grabs you on the first page and doesn't let go until it's long over.
This title is not yet available at The Mystery Bookstore. Please contact us directly to reserve a copy. You may email orders@mystery-bookstore.com or telephone us on our toll-free number, (800) 821-9017.

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