Summer 2006 Book Sense Paperback Picks

1. THE WILD GIRL: A Novel, by Jim Fergus (Hyperion, $14.95, 0786888652) "The fictional notebooks of 17-year-old Ned Giles describe 'The Great Apache Expedition,' a Depression-era adventure that has as its goal the location and rescue of a young Mexican who has been kidnapped by Apaches. The tale is superb!" --Grace V. Roth, The Town Book Store, Westfield, NJ

2. GODS IN ALABAMA, by Joshilyn Jackson (Warner Books, $12.95, 0446694533) "This novel and its central character grabbed me from the first sentence. I loved the funny yet dark Arlene Fleet, a woman who bargains with God, promising she will not have sex, tell a lie, or return to her small hometown -- just as long as God ensures no one will find the body she left buried in the kudzu. This is a mystery, a family drama, and great Southern fiction all in one fantastic debut." --Kym Havens, Hearts & Stars Bookshop, Canton, MA

3. THE HUNGRY TIDE: A Novel, by Amitav Ghosh (Mariner, $13.95, 061871166X) "Everything about this book is just right: the length of the chapters, the transitions between storylines, the mangrove setting, the style. The story explores the relationships between humans and nature even as it traces a young marine biologist's search for a rare river dolphin. Fans of Rohinton Mistry, V.S. Naipaul, and Michael Ondaatje, take note." --Laura Hansen, Bookin' It, Little Falls, MN

4. NEVER LET ME GO, by Kazuo Ishiguro (Vintage, $14, 1400078776) "Once again,  Kazuo Ishiguro has written a haunting, mystifying novel of friendship, memory, repression, and love. The reader enters the world of Ruth, Kathy, and Tommy, who live at a remote English private school, Hailsham, where they are sheltered from the 'real' world. When they do eventually enter the outside world, they must explore and face the underlying purpose of their lives at Hailsham. Mesmerizing from the first sentence." --Patti Pattee, Watermark Book Co., Anacortes, WA

5. THE GRAIL: A year ambling and shambling through an Oregon vineyard in pursuit of the best pinot noir wine in the whole wild world, by Brian Doyle (Oregon State University Press, $18.95, 0870710931) "Doyle's prose bubbles like wine trilling into a glass. He brings together the beauty of Oregon's Yamhill Valley, the intense labor of winemaking, the passion of craftsmen pursuing the holy grail of their profession -- and his own delight in the stories the winemakers tell about their work." --Nena Rawdah, St. Johns Booksellers, Portland, OR

6. TOWELHEAD: A Novel, by Alicia Erian (Simon & Schuster, $10, 0743285123) "This is perhaps one of the best books I've read about the teenage experience. It's a brilliant, ruthlessly honest depiction of a young girl just growing into her adult body while dealing with an angry father and a jealous and self-involved mother. It will break your heart and make you flinch. I literally could not put this one down." --Jarek Steele, Left Bank Books, St. Louis, MO

7. BLITHE TOMATO, by Mike Madison (Heyday Books, $15, 1597140244) "The cover pitches this book as 'an insider's wry look at farmers' market society,' and it is -- but it's also a treatise on simple living, a philosophy for coping with American politics, and a book full of hope for those who believe in 'right livelihood', all wrapped up with humor and a cast of intriguing characters." --Jenny Stroyeck, The Homer Bookstore, Homer, AK

8. A SHORT HISTORY OF TRACTORS IN UKRAINIAN, by Marina Lewycka (Penguin, $14, 0143036742) "I loved this book! It is funny and sweet and charming. Take an elderly father, a gold-digging blond divorce, a boob job, two noisy daughters, and a tomcat named Lady Di, and the fun begins. Add a surprise pregnancy, and this story becomes the most entertaining history of tractors you'll ever read!" --Dawn C. Donovan, Armchair Bookstore, Dennis, MA

9. THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN, by Mitch Albom (Hyperion, $12, 1401308589) "A beautiful, beautiful book finally out in paper. I love the story of this simple man's life and how, perhaps, it wasn't quite so simple -- nor was it really just his life that he was living." --Jamie Layton, Duck's Cottage, Duck, NC

10. THE ALMOND: The Sexual Awakening of a Muslim Woman, by C. Jane Hunter (Grove Press, $13, 0802142613) "This racy tale of one young Muslim woman's escape from the stranglehold of a loveless marriage and her subsequent sexual awakening is fascinating, sometimes riveting, and often bittersweet. Best read on the beach while a cold breeze is blowing." --Lois Ava-Matthew, The Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH

Fiction

AN INCONVENIENT WIFE, by Megan Chance (Warner Books, $13.95, 044669486X) "Set in 1880s New York City, An Inconvenient Wife offers a historical take on women's liberation and explores one woman's desire to become her own person, even as her husband and New York's high society conspire to thwart her. This is an incredible novel with an ending that will leave you breathless!" --Kelly Dickinson, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

THE BRIGHT FOREVER, by Lee Martin (Three Rivers, $14, 0307209865) "Twisted and damaged, Raymond R. and Henry Dees prominently figure in the tragic disappearance of nine-year-old Katie, who goes missing on a hot summer night in Gooseneck, Indiana. Martin tells this all-too-common tale in a unique fashion, moving among the vivid characters and varied points in time, as the tension builds. This is can't-put-it-down fiction." --Jane Morck, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA

THE BURNING TIME, by Robin Morgan (Melville House, $15, 193363300X) "Lady Alyce Kyteler is a landowner in 1324 Ireland; she is also a priestess of the Old Ways who runs afoul of the Inquisition. This enchanting book full of Irish lore and wisdom is an engrossing and historically accurate account of the beginning of the centuries-long persecution, known as The Burning Time." --Linda Bond, Auntie's Bookstore, Spokane, WA

A CHANGED MAN, by Francine Prose (Harper Perennial, $14.95, 0060560037) "'I want to help you guys save guys like me from becoming guys like me,' announces reformed neo-Nazi Vincent Nolan as he strolls into the headquarters of World Brotherhood Watch. What develops is pure Prose at her acerbically funny best. Is Nolan really a changed man or a shrewd opportunist? And is Holocaust survivor and Brotherhood founder Meyer Maslow the selfless crusader he thinks he is? Getting to the answers is pure reading pleasure." --Anne Wagner, Porter Square Books, Cambridge, MA

THE COLD DISH, by Craig Johnson (Penguin, $14, 0143036424) "This literary mystery is a soul-catcher. This debut novel, set in the mountains of Wisconsin, explores the nature of revenge and racial tension. The dialogue is superb, the complexity of characters so rich and real, that I began looking to spot them at the local coffee shop or neighborhood tavern." --Pennie Vance, The Book Shop, Sheridan, WY

DEAR ZOE, by Philip Beard (Plume, $13, 0452287405) "On September 11, 2001, 15-year-old Tess DeNunzio's baby sister dies in an accident. Tess eloquently expresses her grief and recovery for herself and her family by writing a year-long letter to her sister. A powerful and engaging novel about family relationships, stepfamilies, divorce, sibling love, and coming of age." --Sherry Bingaman, Forever Books, Saint Joseph, MI

EVENING FERRY, by Katherine Towler (MacAdam/Cage, $13.50, 1596921889) "This absorbing read, which beautifully captures time and place on a New England island, takes place during the Vietnam War era, 20 years after the first novel in the trilogy (Snow Island) left off. The author describes the beauty of the island through the seasons of the year, and we discover the secrets of a family's history through the main character,  Rachel. A moving and satisfying read!" --Karen Vail, Armchair Books, Dennis, MA

THE EVIL B.B. CHOW AND OTHER STORIES, by Steve Almond (Algonquin, $12.95, 1565125290) "Another collection of small miracles about the foibles of modern romantic love from the mighty Steve Almond. These stories are sexy, tender, frequently bizarre, always finely wrought -- and sometimes, at their very best, teetering on the edge of good taste, and even believability. Almond is as fearless a writer as you're likely to read this season." --Brandon Stout, Changing Hands Bookstore, Tempe, AZ

HOW EVAN BROKE HIS HEAD AND OTHER SECRETS, by Garth Stein (Soho Press, $13, 1569474230) "Three of our staff have read this book, and we find ourselves coming back to the story and discussing the characters... Evan and his son Dean (the 14-year-old son he's only just met) have taken on a life of their own in our store! Isn't this what authors dream of? Music, epilepsy, and father-son relationships all play a part in making this a rich read!" --Pat Rutledge, A Book For All Seasons, Leavenworth, WA

THE LAKE, THE RIVER & THE OTHER LAKE, by Steve Amick (Anchor, $14, 1400079942) "Ever wonder what life is really like in that little town on the lake in Michigan where you've rented a cottage? This satirical yet loving first novel depicts not only the summer people (fudgies) and the old-timers (such as the jet-ski-hating Ojibwe Vietnam vet), but the cherry farmer and migrant workers, too. Perfect hammock reading." --Ellen Sandmeyer, Sandmeyer's Bookstore, Chicago, IL

THE LAST DAYS OF DOGTOWN, by Anita Diamant (Scribner, $15, 0743225740) "Diamant explores early 19th-century Cape Ann by examining not the famous or wealthy, but the those who are struggling to survive. Notable characters include Judy, whose love of a former slave is forbidden; Sammy, who lives in a brothel and learns petty thievery; and tavern-keeper Easter, a healer. Their stories are intense and compelling." --Shirley Mullin, Kids Ink, Indianapolis, IN

LEEWAY COTTAGE, by Beth Gutcheon (Harper Perennial, $14.95, 0060539062) "What a perfectly wonderful book! I came away with a profound love and respect for the Danish people and learned many things. It was extraordinary to travel in time and location between the coast of Maine and Copenhagen, with characters I shall not soon forget!" -- Alicia Greis, Colorado College Bookstore, Colorado Springs, CO

LITTLE STAR OF BELA LUA: Stories from Brazil, by Luana Monteiro (Harper Perennial, $13.95, 0060899530) "Little Star of Bela Lua is a novella and short stories set in rural Brazil. Monteiro's characters' lives are entwined and complicated by the miraculous and the mundane. In the novella, an exotic fish appears as the startling answer to a prayer, with far-reaching effects. I loved seeing the glimmering promise and the hard sharp edge of Monteiro's miracles, the humor, and the characters in these stories." --Jean Matthews, Chapter One Book Store, Hamilton, MT

LIZZIE'S WAR, by Tim Farrington (HarperSanFrancisco, $14.95, 006083448X) "Although this story of Liz O'Reilly -- a soldier's wife trying to hold together her family stateside -- takes place during the Vietnam War, you can easily imagine the same scenario taking place today, during the war in Iraq. You really understand what it feels like to be a soldier or a loved one left to hold down the home front." --Grace V. Roth, The Town Book Store, Westfield, NJ

MAD GIRLS IN LOVE, by Michael Lee West (Harper Paperbacks, $14.95, 0060985062) "West's story begins with Bitsy Wentworth, a 19-year-old mother, bludgeoning her husband with a rack of ribs (frozen, no less). Horrified by what she's done, Bitsy takes her daughter and goes on the lam. Her story unfolds, leading to family entanglements that make the Borgias look tame. West is one of the best of the Southern writers. This is a great summer read." --Barbara Hoagland, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

THE PRACTICE OF DECEIT, by Elizabeth Benedict (Mariner, $13.95, 0618710515) "Eric, a therapist, falls in love with Colleen, a master manipulator and divorce lawyer. When Eric learns one of his clients has hired Colleen, he begins to question who Colleen really is. She takes extraordinary steps to make sure the truth doesn't come out, and Eric gets caught up in a nightmare that endangers his family. This psychological thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat." --Andra Tracy, Out Word Bound, Indianapolis, IN

RULES FOR OLD MEN WAITING, by Peter Pouncey (Random House, $12.95, 0812973968) "Having lost his wife and his will to live, aging academician Robert MacIver is stranded in a winter-bound house. As he meditates on his life, his thoughts settle on violence -- his own, and that of mankind. He begins to write a story of war, and in doing so he begins his own final campaign. Don't miss this probing and affecting masterpiece." --Betsy Burton, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

SKIP MACALESTER, by J.E. Robinson (Southern Tier Editions, $19.95, 1560235764) "Skip, the teenage son of an African-American, upper middle class couple, is smart, attractive, and gay. This novel explores themes of race, class, and sexuality with lyrical prose and a compelling coming-of-age story." --Blake Hardy, Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse, Atlanta, GA

A SLIGHT TRICK OF THE MIND, by Mitch Cullin (Anchor, $13.95, 1400078229) "This well-written novel reveals Sherlock Holmes in a totally different light -- a 93-year-old man with a penchant for beekeeping who struggles with his past, his emotions, and his rapidly fading mental keenness. Awesome!" --Linda Grana, Lafayette Book Store, Lafayette, CA

SPECIMEN DAYS, by Michael Cunningham (Picador, $14, 0312425023) "This assured novel (three linked novellas, set in past, present, and future New York City) is a different sort of book from Cunningham, but it slips its hooks into you, and then you're along for the ride, willing to believe anything he puts in front of you." --Dana Schulz, Snowbound Books, Marquette, MI

A SUDDEN COUNTRY, by Karen Fisher (Random House Paperback, $13.95, 0812973437) "This sweeping novel is based on true events of the 1847 Oregon migration; it captures big adventures and big emotions in the spare, measured prose of a poet. The pioneers' journey is beautifully told, commanding respect for their courage and sacrifice. A fine choice for a book club." --Leslie Reiner, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

THE TAINTED RELIC, by Simon Beaufort, Bernard Knight, Ian Morson, Michael Jecks, Susanna Gregory, Philip Gooden (Simon & Schuster UK, $14.95, 0743267958) "An engaging tale of a relic of the cross traced through fictional history from 1100 A.D. to Elizabethan times. The relic is cursed; as soon as someone obtains it and then passes it on, they are doomed...which creates a perfect setup for murder. What fun!" --Linda Dewberry, Whodunit? Books, Olympia, WA

THREE DAY ROAD, by Joseph Boyden (Penguin, $14, 0143037072) "In this debut novel, Boyden leads us into the trenches of WWI through the eyes of Xavier, a Canadian soldier and Cree Indian, and his friend Elijah. We see what it's like to be a sniper in France and Belgium, fighting Germans -- and an equally menacing addiction to morphine. This incredibly detailed novel shifts between the horror of combat and the story of a tribal elder in Ontario. Based in part on real-life, WWI hero Francis Peghmagabow, Boyden's work is well researched, superbly written, and quite enjoyable." --Andrew Maiers, Eagle Harbor Book Company, Bainbridge Island, WA

THE UNFINISHED NOVEL AND OTHER STORIES, by Valerie Martin (Vintage, $13, 1400095506) "A short story collection that examines the lives of poets, artists, and other creative people. Martin is a skilled writer at the height of her powers. A great introduction to an important author." --Mary Muller, Market Block Books, Troy, NY

WAR BY CANDLELIGHT: STORIES, by Daniel Alarcon (Harper Perennial, $12.95, 0060594802) "Beautiful and vivid short stories from the Third World to Manhattan. There is a strong voice throughout, and each scene is set with wonderful details and characters. Alarcon shows us a world of very intimate settings and expansive experiences. I loved this collection." --Luisa Smith, Book Passage, Corte Madera, CA

A WEDDING IN DECEMBER, by Anita Shreve (Back Bay Books, $14.95, 0316154512) "This story is one of interwoven histories of a group of high school friends who pick up the threads of their lives 27 years later, when they gather for a wedding. The setting (an inn in the Berkshires) is inviting, and the depiction of the consequences of paths taken -- or not -- rings very true." --Marilyn Lustig, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA

THE WRITING ON THE WALL, by Lynne Sharon Schwartz (Counterpoint Press, $14.95, 1582433003) "Written with compassion and imagination, this book is centered around the 9/11 attacks, but don't let that deter you. It is a love story with a twist -- a young couple become the caretakers of a baby whose mother perished in the disaster. Street smarts and emotional fragility abound, with unexpected consequences. A highly
original novel." --Hester Jeswald, Sarasota News & Books, Sarasota, FL

ZORRO, by Isabel Allende (Harper Perennial, $14.95, 0060779004) "A swashbuckling good time! From New Orleans to Barcelona, escape with Diego de la Vega, the European educated aristocrat and his alter ego, Zorro, avenger of the oppressed. Romantic and captivating, Allende brings this classic story alive with the poetic prose she is famous for."  --Laurie Bourgeois, Epilogue Book Company, Steamboat Springs, CO

Nonfiction

BOOKING PASSAGE: We Irish and Americans, by Thomas Lynch (Norton, $14.95, 0393328570) "Lynch is a wonderful storyteller who bridges the Atlantic with tales of life and death in Ireland and America. His mortician background clearly enhances his appreciation for life." --Stanley Hadsell, Market Block Books, Troy, NY

THE DEVIL'S TEETH: A True Story of Obsession and Survival Among America's Great White Sharks, by Susan Casey (Owl Books, $14, 0805080112) "A great adventure story -- you, too will dream about sharks after reading this terrific tale that takes place in a unique spot on the globe, the Farallon Islands." --Kate Reynolds, Colgate Bookstore, Hamilton, NY

THE FRIEND WHO GOT AWAY: Twenty Women's True Life Tales of Friendships That Blew Up, Burned Out, or Faded Away, by Jenny Offill and Elissa Schappell (Broadway, $14.95, 0767917197) "The Friend Who Got Away cost me two nights of sleep, led me to rehash every account of every extinct encounter, conjured up every minute of stashed emotion, and finally caused me to literally toss it on the floor and give it a couple of foot stomps. In other words, wow!" --Donna Kane, Powell's Bookstore, Portland, OR

IF YOU LIVED HERE, I'D KNOW YOUR NAME: News from Small-Town Alaska, by Heather Lende (Algonquin, $12.95, 156512524X) "Set in small-town Haines, Alaska, this book insightfully and eloquently tells the stories of its unique characters as seen through the eyes of NPR commentator/Anchorage Daily News columnist/Haines obituary writer Heather Lende. The stories portray the uniqueness of an Alaskan community, and leave the reader thinking that character and heart are probably just as alive in any small town in America." --Tom Heywood, The Babbling Book, Haines, AK

KINGBIRD HIGHWAY: The Biggest Year in the Life of an Extreme Birder, by Kenn Kaufman (Houghton, $14, 0618709401) "Jack Kerouac meets Roger Tory Peterson meets Huckleberry Finn in the person of 1970s teenager Kenn Kaufman. Now a renowned conservationist and field-guide writer, Kaufman recalls a youthful year spent hitchhiking through North America on a quest to see every bird species possible." --Joyce Gray, Mitchell Books, Fort Wayne, IN

NATURE NOIR: A Park Ranger's Patrol in the Sierra, by Jordan Fisher Smith (Mariner, $13.95, 0618711953) "Nature Noir is a bizarre account of Jordan Smith's adventures in managing a park that is condemned to be flooded by the Auburn Dam. From chasing down timber poachers to investigating grisly crimes, Smith paints a fascinating picture of what it's really like to be a park ranger by combining history and nature writing with mystery and true crime." --Kelly Dickinson, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

PERFECTLY REASONABLE DEVIATIONS FROM THE BEATEN TRACK: The Letters of Richard P. Feynman, edited by Michelle Feynman, foreword by Timothy Ferris (Perseus, $15.95, 0465023711) "You don't have to be a physics geek to enjoy this thoughtfully edited collection of letters. Richard P. Feynman, Nobel Laureate in Physics, was a kind, down-to-earth genius. His letters -- notes to his mom from Princeton, love letters to his tubercular young wife, responses to congratulations on the Nobel -- are a delight to read. Enjoy!" --Susan Taylor, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA

PIANO GIRL: A Memoir: Lessons in Life, Music, and the Perfect Blue Hawaiian, by Robin Meloy Goldsby (Backbeat Books, $14, 0879308826) "Piano Girl is outstanding! Goldsby's sense of rhythm in her writing is as as elegant as her piano playing must be. I recommend women of all ages pack this one for the airplane trip or the beach! You will never listen to cocktail lounge piano players the same way again." --Carolyn Scrader, Southwest Book Roundup, Capitan, NM

THE PLACES IN BETWEEN, by Rory Stewart (Harvest Books, $14, 0156031566) "January 2002 was not what I'd call an ideal time to walk across Afghanistan, but it was to this amazing Scotsman, who had already walked across Iran, Pakistan, India, and Nepal. He survived through his knowledge of Persian dialects and Muslim customs, his wit, and the kindness of strangers. This great read is at the top of my recommended book list." --Evan Roberts, Annie Bloom's Books, Portland, OR

PLAN B: FURTHER THOUGHTS ON FAITH, by Anne Lamott (Riverhead, $14, 1594481571) "Anne Lamott returns with a hilarious and poignant set of essays. Never considering herself a finished product, Lamott repeatedly questions and reaffirms her faith in her inimitable, brutally honest style. You will find this update on Lamott's thinking both inspiring and entertaining!" --Jane Morck, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA

PLANET WIDOW: A Mother's Story of Navigating a Suddenly Unrecognizable World, by Gloria Lenhart (Seal Press, $14.95, 1580051685) "Lenhart's book grabbed me from the first sentence, and I finished it in one sitting. She tells of the early death of her husband in a way that draws the reader in. Her style is very easy and, in the end, you are touched by her courage, spunk, and sense of hope." --Catherine Jordan, Orinda Books, Orinda, CA

SMASHED: Story of a Drunken Girlhood, by Koren Zailckas (Penguin, $14, 0143036475) "Smashed is a jagged trip into the culture of the increasing number of teenagers who are drinking at a shockingly young age. Zailckas' memoir of her love affair with alcohol is as harsh and unforgiving as it is unforgettable. This is a perfect eye-opener for teenage girls, and a must-read for parents. The unwavering truth of the dangerousness of alcohol abuse as told by a fresh, gifted narrator will be etched in your mind for years to come." --Beth Champion, The Velveteen Rabbit Bookshop, Fort Atkinson, WI

THEY POURED FIRE ON US FROM THE SKY: The True Story of Three Lost Boys from Sudan, by Benson Deng, Alphonsion Deng, and Benjamin Ajak, with Judy A. Bernstein (Public Affairs, $12.95, 1586483889) "The troubles in Africa have been in our peripheral vision for many years. This book brings the genocide of Sudan into sharp focus. The authors are able to convey the lyrical cadence of their native language in a compelling tale of survival. I could not put it down." --Benita Knight, The Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH

TIED IN KNOTS: Funny Stories from the Wedding Day, edited by Lisa Taggart and  Samantha Schoech (Seal Press, $14.95, 1580051758) "Wedding season is coming up, and this is the book for the stressed-out bride or bridesmaid -- or anyone who needs a laugh. A smart, decidedly un-sappy collection of 20 hilarious stories." --Pete Mulvihill, Green Apple Books, San Francisco, CA

A YEAR IN THE MERDE, by Stephen Clarke (Bloomsbury, $13.95, 1582346178) "This laugh-out-loud account is the author's almost-true story. Sent to France to open a chain of British tea-rooms, Clarke's alter ego Paul manages lazy, grumbling French employees and chases lovely Parisian girls. This book helps you handle the grumpiest Parisian waiters, survive a French business meeting, and buy a house in the French countryside." --Julie Norcross, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey, MI

Mystery/ Suspense

ALIBI: A Novel, by Joseph Kano (Picador, $14, 0312425902) "1946. Venice: a good place for a weary veteran to visit his expatriate mother. Venice: a good place to fall in love. Venice: a good place for a murder and a great place for an alibi. The newest novel by bestselling author Joseph Kanon, Alibi is an enthralling murder mystery and gripping historical fiction about the nature of moral responsibility. You won't be able to put it down." --Carol Brutza, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison, CT

BLOOD ATONEMENT: A Dahlgren Wallace Mystery, by Jim Tenuto (The Lyons Press, $14.95, 1592288979) "A fast, funny first mystery set in Montana. Tenuto hooks the reader to the fly-fishing storyline and reels 'em in. Anyone familiar with the American West knows these characters are too strange to be anything but credible." --Cheryll Blevins, Bowlin's Mesilla Book Center, Mesilla, NM

COMPANY MAN, by Joseph Finder (St. Martin's, $7.99, 0312939426) "Like Finder's most recent, Paranoia, Company Man is a white-collar thriller; this time, a young CEO is the protagonist of this exciting story. It has characters you can believe, a great plot, and a fast-paced story. I can't wait for his next book." --Jan Warner-Poole, Storyteller Books, Vancouver, WA

CUT AND RUN, by Ridley Pearson (Hyperion, $7.99, 0786890029) "A thrilling page-turner with a good look at the perils of the witness protection program. A cross-country chase, budding romance, and a kidnapping add to the fast-paced drama. Ridley Pearson holds to his standard of excitement and excellence!" --Holly Frakes, Schuler Books & Music, Okemos, MI

DARK HARBOR, by David Hosp (Warner, $6.99, 0446615099) "Readers, remember this name! David Hosp's debut novel will grab you from the beginning, and his Southie-born lawyer, Scott Finn, is a dynamic and complex character. Hosp admirably demonstrates how your past can both haunt and save you." --Fran Fuller, Seattle Mystery Bookshop, Seattle, WA

THE DEATH COLLECTORS, by Jack Kerley (Signet, $7.99, 0451218299) "Detectives Carson Ryder and Harry Nautilus are back on the trail of a serial killer in this stellar second novel from Jack Kerley. It's loaded with witty banter, psychological deviance, and non-stop action. Gruesome and gripping, this edge-of-your-seat thriller will keep you up long into the night." --Tova Beiser, Brown University Bookstore, Providence, RI

IMMORAL, by Brian Freeman (St. Martin's, $6.99, 0312939728) "I like to consider myself a connoisseur of murder/suspense/thriller books, and I'm rather reluctant to try new, untested authors. But Brian Freeman's Jonathan Stride is his own man, and this book had me completely stumped until the very end, when he threw in a whopper of a twist. I couldn't put this book down." --Karen Brookhart, Corner Bookstore, Winterset, IA

PARDONABLE LIES: A Maisie Dobbs Novel, by Jacqueline Winspear (Picador, $14, 0312426216) "Jacqueline Winspear's third mystery continues her series about the indomitable Maisie Dobbs. Maisie is called to investigate the death of an aviator in the Great War -- a war she herself survived, despite her service as a nurse on the front lines. This is an unusual series worth looking into." --Dede Gallagher, Book Ends, Winchester, MA

SNIPPED IN THE BUD: A Flower Shop Mystery, by Kate Collins (Signet, $6.99, 0451218310) "In this newest installment of a series loaded with clever titles -- such as Dearly Depotted and Mum's the Word -- heroine Abby Knight, owner of the Bloomers flower shop, must once again solve a murder mystery. This time, her former college professor is the unlucky one. This series is just like getting flowers: the more the better!" --Becky Smith, Town Crier Emporia, LLC, Emporia, KS