Her Final Breath by Robert Dugoni

First Line: Tracy Crosswhite watched the minivan pull into the parking lot, noting a car seat strapped into the backseat and a yellow "Child on Board" placard dangling in the window.

Tracy Crosswhite is back working the Homicide Division of the Seattle Police Department after the sensational retrial of her sister's killer. With her luck (or lack thereof), she's immediately plunged into the hunt for a serial killer who's been named The Cowboy.

The Cowboy is killing young women in cheap motels in North Seattle, and Tracy is determined to bring him to justice. With more victims dying and clues being difficult to find, she realizes that the solution may lie in a ten-year-old homicide investigation that others-- including her boss, Captain Johnny Nolasco-- would prefer to remain buried. There's only one thing wrong: while Tracy is searching for the evidence to put The Cowboy away, she's moving to the top of The Cowboy's list of victims.

My review could be wrapped up in short order: Her Final Breath is, quite simply, a pleasure to read. However, most people do expect more in a review. Dugoni has crafted a truly puzzling, well-paced mystery with a main character whom I'm learning to like more and more with each book in the series that I read.

Tracy is saddled with an obnoxious boss, and Nolasco really has it in for her. The problem is-- like a cat-- he seems to have nine lives and to always land on his feet. I am really looking forward to continuing with this series because this character certainly deserves to have Karma slap him right upside the head.

Dan, the attorney Tracy met in My Sister's Grave, shows up once again and does some very valuable research for her regarding The Cowboy. The rest of the supporting cast performs ably, especially the detectives who work closely with Tracy because they think the world of her but don't always like the way she behaves.

Tracy Crosswhite herself is rapidly becoming one of my favorites. Give her a goal and she gets tunnel vision, not wanting to stop until the bad guy is behind bars. This may lead to some impulsive behavior from time to time, but she does use common sense and her heart is always with the victims and their families. (She's been in their shoes.) One of the many things I like about this character is that although her focus on the job is tremendous, she nevertheless takes the time to share her knowledge and expertise with other women trying to make their way in the police department.

Characters and story. Dugoni's Tracy Crosswhite series has both in abundance, and I'm really looking forward to reading my way through this series.

Her Final Breath by Robert Dugoni

eISBN: 9781503945029

Thomas & Mercer © 2015

eBook, 424 pages

Police Procedural, #2 Tracy Crosswhite mystery

Rating: A

Source: Purchased from Amazon.


 

The Edison Effect by Bernadette Pajer

First Line: "Bradshaw, it's Thomas Edison! He's here!"

The University of Washington's Professor Benjamin Bradshaw isn't thrilled when he learns why Thomas Edison wants to see him. Edison not only is an absolutely ruthless businessman, he's always on the lookout for new ideas, new inventions, and new patents. This time he's in Seattle to find an invention that was lost in Elliott Bay, one that Bradshaw hopes will stay lost. As a result of his convictions, Bradshaw refuses to help Edison-- something very few people are brave enough to do.

But Bradshaw's attention turns from Edison to murder when a man is found dead, holding a string of Edison's new holiday lights, in the Bon Marché Department Store's menswear window. There's only one problem: Bradshaw's mind is not on murder, it's focused on matters of the heart. The courtship of the woman he loves will either force him to defy his faith or to lose her. This murder investigation is also going to force him to make a choice. Whatever the outcome of either dilemma, Bradshaw is at a crucial turning point in his life.

I enjoyed The Edison Effect, set in 1903 Seattle, from first page to last. Bradshaw is just the type of character I like: flawed, extremely intelligent, principled, and brave. I love watching how his mind works when he's tinkering with his inventions or when he's trying to deduce how electricity plays a part in murder. But Pajer's series isn't merely a gadgets and gizmos treat for the technically intrigued; there's plenty of interaction with other people like his young son, his housekeeper-- and of course the delectable and emancipated Missouri. How Bradshaw has dealt with the death of his wife and the raising of his son tells a lot about him as a person, and the fact that the death was so traumatic means that everyone close to him has had to come to terms with it, too. These relationships are one of the reasons why I keep coming back for more.

Pajer also brings the sights, the sounds, and the smells of turn-of-the-twentieth-century Seattle to life which, along with the inventions and a truly puzzling mystery, will satisfy any lover of historical mysteries. In addition, Pajer's accurate portrayal of Thomas Edison may surprise some readers if-- like me-- what they learned in school gave them the impression that Edison was some sort of god and surely couldn't do anything wrong.

If you enjoy historical mysteries with rich characterization and precursors of our own technological age, I urge you to treat yourselves to Bernadette Pajer's Benjamin Bradshaw mysteries-- even if you're a technophobe. They really are something special.

The Edison Effect by Bernadette Pajer

ISBN: 9781464202506

Poisoned Pen Press © 2014

Hardcover, 250 pages

Amateur Sleuth, #4 Professor Bradshaw mystery

Rating: B+

Source: Net Galley 

Grounds to Kill by Wendy Roberts

First Line: There's a superstition that says if the palm of your hand is itchy you'll soon be receiving money.

In Seattle barista Jen Hamby's case, she wishes that were true, but truth is stranger than fiction. When her hand itches, it gets a mind of its own and insists on writing messages from beyond. Definitely not something you'd want everyone to know. Another thing that Jen would prefer remain quiet is the fact that the scruffy homeless man that she's been going out and feeding on her breaks is her father, who refuses to stay on his medications.

But she's going to have to let more people in on at least one of her secrets. When her itchy hand tells her that her boyfriend is cheating, Jen dumps him, understandably upset to learn that he's been unfaithful with her own half sister. When her half sister is murdered, what evidence there is points to Jen's father. She knows that she's going to have to take matters into her own hands because who's going to believe that that crazy old man is innocent... or that her itchy hand will lead her to the truth?

Wendy Roberts knows how to write a book that's difficult to define. Grounds to Kill isn't the typical cozy even though there's a little romance, not much violence, and a dog. There's not enough of the paranormal in it to make readers' woo woo meters go off the scale. The book isn't noir because Roberts' sense of humor often comes shining through. I suppose I'll call this an edgy cozy and be done with it.

As usual Roberts has created a likable main character who's so much like the rest of us with her intelligence, sassy mouth, and compassionate heart. I think what really sets this book apart from others that I've read is how Roberts shows what the presence of mental illness can do to a family. Despite everything they have done, Jen's father will not stay on his medications, and he has chosen to live on the streets. It's a heartbreaking situation for all parties concerned, which the author makes very clear.

Jen's paranormal "gift" is also an interesting twist that leads to frustration and humor. Of course the hand never does anything as easy as spelling out JOE SCHMOE IS THE KILLER, and Jen is led on a merry chase in her efforts to decipher the messages and keep her loved ones safe-- even though I felt the killer's identity was a bit obvious.

If you like cozy mysteries but are in the mood for something a little different, something with a bit of a bite to it, I have a suggestion for you: Wendy Roberts' Grounds to Kill. (And since Jen works in a coffee shop, you can even indulge in a caffeine high.)

Grounds to Kill by Wendy Roberts

eISBN: 9781426894893

Carina Press © 2013

eBook, 181 pages

Cozy/Paranormal Mystery, #1 Jen Hanby mystery

Rating: B

Source: Purchased as an eBook from Amazon.

Dead Suite by Wendy Roberts

First Lines: For most people, checking into a five-star hotel meant luxury and pillow mints. For Sadie Novak, luxurious accommodation meant blood spatter, maggots, and the occasional ghost. But it paid the bills.

When school teacher Sadie Novak's brother committed suicide, there was no one to clean up the mess. Sadie, in her overwhelming grief and pain, had to do that herself. Vowing that no one else should have to do that after the death of a loved one, Sadie did her research, took all the necessary courses, and began life anew as an unattended death/crime scene cleaner.

When she began her new career she didn't realize that she has a gift that is both blessing and curse: she can see and communicate with ghosts. In many cases she's able to send the spirit on its way, but this new career has also involved her in a few murders. In this fourth installment of the Ghost Dusters series, Sadie's on-again-off-again relationship with former policeman Zack is off. Again. Business is slow, and her mortgage payment is staring her in the face. However, when women start getting killed in expensive hotels, Sadie's back to work. Hopefully she can find the Seattle Slasher before the Seattle Slasher finds her.

I stumbled across this series shortly after the first book, The Remains of the Dead, was published. I fell in love with the premise, the character of Sadie, and the fact that she's not a cat-loving amateur sleuth. Nope, Sadie's pet is a rabbit named Hairy. I can hear you groaning, but as a former rabbit raiser, don't knock 'em unless you've had one as a pet. Besides, who says that Cozy Mystery Rule #17 states that the heroine must own a cat or dog?  Hmmm? I still remember reading that first book because the ending blindsided me. What a shocker! After that I was hooked, and when I couldn't find others, I was sorely disappointed.

Lo and behold, once again I stumbled across Wendy Roberts while looking up book info on Amazon. Evidently her publisher decided future books in the series were to be in eBook format only. I snapped up both new books that are available and dove right into Dead Suite. I was back with a favored character, and I was happy.

Some of the crime scene clean-up details might be a touch too graphic for some, but if you've watched CSI or Bones and not run gagging for the bathroom, Sadie's work shouldn't bother you. To be honest, I find it interesting to learn what all is involved in that sort of work.

The paranormal element in these books is well done. The scenes with ghosts are not overdone and even surprisingly believable. The pacing and story flow smoothly, and Sadie's intelligence, irreverence, and humor are refreshing.

Although it's sad that Roberts' publisher prevents old and new fans who don't have access to eReaders from reading her newest books, I am thrilled that this series has continued. I've missed Sadie, her biohazard suits... and even Hairy.

Dead Suite by Wendy Roberts

ASIN: B007P7HT9G

InterMix © 2013

Kindle eBook, 248 pages

Cozy/Paranormal mystery, #4 Ghost Dusters mystery

Rating: B+

Source: Purchased from Amazon.

Fatal Induction by Bernadette Pajer

First Line: The first indication that Professor Benjamin Bradshaw's life was about to plunge again into chaos appeared in the form of a flatulent horse eating Mrs. Prouty's broad beans over the garden fence, its huge teeth tugging greedily at the vines.

It's 1901, and another school year is about to begin at the University of Washington in Seattle. The obsessively organized Professor of Electrical Engineering, Benjamin Bradshaw, has everything ready for his classes which allows him time to participate in an electrical competition.

In this second book in the series, we get to see Bradshaw not as a teacher, but as an inventor who can lose all track of time down in his basement-- to the dismay of his housekeeper Mrs. Prouty. Unfortunately Bradshaw is not going to be left to his stimulating muse. Mrs. Prouty insists on complaining about the horse that's been eating her beans for hours, and when Bradshaw goes to investigate, he finds the horse hitched to an empty peddler's wagon. Although he searches, he can find no trace of the owner or his daughter, only bottles of Ralph's Restorative-- a tonic that has been making people ill.

Then the entire nation is thrown into shock: President McKinley is assassinated. But Bradshaw can't get the idea out of his head that a little girl is missing and may be in danger. Although he can't let the girl's disappearance go, he seems to be getting very little help from either his friend, Detective O'Brien, or Detective March, a policeman who tries his best to be helpful.

Trying to be his own investigator down in the Tenderloin (an area on the waterfront where all sorts of saloons, brothels, and other sources of vice abound), Bradshaw quickly learns that the only results he may get as a detective are results he doesn't want: putting his own son's life in jeopardy. Then as a few more pieces of information click together, the professor realizes that there may be a way to get the information he needs: turn his electrical invention into a trap to catch the killer.

I enjoy these Professor Bradshaw mysteries. Pajer's research into Seattle's history brings the city and the times to life in a very natural way, whether it's an amusing scene that lets us know how Profanity Hill got its name or by adding a character named Nell "Harry" Pickerell, a real young lady who preferred to go about town dressed as a man.

Another thing that is so enjoyable about these books is the way in which Pajer makes the history of electricity and of electrical inventions fascinating. We tend to take all things electrical for granted. Unless we live in areas that experience terrifying storms, most of us have never known more than a few minutes scattered here and there when we couldn't turn on a light or reach into the refrigerator for a cold drink. Pajer makes the early days of electricity and the inventors who bent it to their will exciting.

Even better than the historical detail and setting are Pajer's characters. Benjamin Bradshaw has known tragedy in his life. Although he still disappears into a fog of inventive fury, he is slowly coming out of his self-induced solitude and is making friends. His relationship with his son is an important feature in the books, and he even has his eye on a young lady-- although at this point he's still much too shy to do anything about it. (And I certainly wouldn't recommend his inviting Missouri Fremont over to dinner if Mrs. Prouty is doing the cooking!)

Yes, these are characters a reader can grow to care about very quickly, and even though it's not necessary to read the books in order for them to make sense, I think you should consider it so you can see how the characters and their relationships grow and change over time.

The only thing about Fatal Induction that I can't rave about is the mystery itself. Let me rephrase that. The mystery is a good one, it's the identity of the villain that I had trouble with because the minute the person was described I thought to myself, "Bingo!" As to the reasons behind the villainy? I didn't have those figured out at all, and oftentimes that's the most important part of the crime, isn't it?

If you're in the mood for an historical mystery that sets you down right in the middle of Seattle in 1901 with a good puzzle to solve and excellent characters to help you along the way, Bernadette Pajer's Professor Bradshaw mysteries are just the ticket.

Fatal Induction by Bernadette Pajer

ISBN:  9781615954025

Poisoned Pen Press © 2012

eBook, 250 pages

Genre: Historical Mystery, #2 Professor Bradshaw mystery

Rating: A-

Source: the author, in exchange for an honest review

A Spark of Death by Bernadette Pajer

First Line: A curtain of pale hair hid the young man's downturned face.

When A Spark of Death begins, Professor Benjamin Bradshaw of the University of Washington is allowing a struggling student extra time to finish an exam. When the power goes out later, this electrical engineer rushes to find the cause and discovers the body of Professor Oglethorpe inside the Faraday Cage of the Electric Machine.

Shortly thereafter, Bradshaw's carefully structured and controlled life shatters. It's a well known fact that Bradshaw had absolutely no use for Oglethorpe, and this single detail makes him the one and only suspect as far as the police are concerned. Bradshaw has no alternative but to conduct his own investigation. Being a widower and the father of a beloved young son, Bradshaw has too much to lose.

Bernadette Pajer loves to do research, and she weaves the history of Seattle seamlessly into her story. The investigation takes on even greater importance due to the fact that during a visit to the University, President McKinley was scheduled to see both the Faraday Cage and the Electric Machine. Was this murder a dress rehearsal for the president's visit? Pajer also has Bradshaw visit the Snowqualmie Falls power plant, which turns out to be a very thrilling episode indeed.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It is fast-paced, and although my antennae twitched the first time a certain character was introduced, Pajer did an excellent job of distracting me. Historical mystery fans as well as those familiar with the eccentric and colorful history of Seattle should rapidly fall into the "Oh, I have time for one more chapter" trap (as I did).

I only have one small quibble: Pajer creates an excellent cast of characters-- Bradshaw's Cockney housekeeper Mrs. Prouty, his son Justin and his lodger Henry, as well as Henry's niece and various students, but Bradshaw is the only character who's explored to any degree. Bradshaw is a fascinating man, but I do hope that Pajer fleshes out the other characters in future books. Are there future books to anticipate? You bet there are: Fatal Induction, the second book in the series became available this week, and I look forward to reading the further adventures of Professor Benjamin Bradshaw.

A Spark of Death by Bernadette Pajer

ISBN: 9781615952953

Poisoned Pen Press  ©2011

ePub Edition, 197 pages

Genre: Historical Mystery, #1 Professor Bradshaw mystery

Rating: B+

Source: Purchased and downloaded from Barnes and Noble