The Sins of
Tarrant County
by Sandy Prindle
$19.95
The Honorable Sandy Prindle, a former justice of the peace in Tarrant County, left his law career behind but could not break free from courtroom suspense. The judge-turned-author released his first novel, The Sins of Tarrant County, writing about what he knows best: the book's namesake.
In the novel, Judge Ray Sterrett, an esteemed judge in Tarrant County, sends defendant Billy Earl Stewart to jail in a peace bond case. What seems to be a normal decision at work ends up putting Sterrett and his family in grave danger.
Stewart, once released, vows to get revenge on the judge who sent him to jail. His ultimate goal: murder. Stewart sets his plan in action, but he misses his target. On his rampage, Stewart kills three people, but not Sterrett. Police are puzzled by the attempt and fail to locate Stewart at the scene of the crime.
Stewart's attempt draws the attention of two political groups in the community. Both develop a similar plan to murder Sterrett and then transfer the blame to Stewart. The judge finds himself targeted now by not one, but three different murder schemes.
Prindle actually drew on his own experiences in the courtroom in the novel. Since the release of The Sins of Tarrant County, Prindle has released his second novel, Cleansing the Sins, and plans to release another in the summer of 2012. Prindle retired as a Justice of the Peace in 2006 and now focuses on his writing.
by Joanne Fluke
$24
What if you could combine yummy recipes with an equally delicious murder mystery novel? When your eyes grow tired of reading, just pop some cookies in the oven and snack during the next few chapters. When will someone think of combining these two wonderful activities? Oh, wait. Joanne Fluke already did that.
Fluke's Hannah Swensen murder mystery series tells the stories of a small town bakery owner faced with numerous mysteries. Through twists and turns, Hannah must delve into the mysteries and collect clues, but she doesn't forget to bake.
Cinnamon Roll Murders opens with news that the Cinnamon Roll Six jazz band will play at a festival in Hannah's town. Hannah decides to attend the concert and bring, of course, cinnamon rolls. As the band rolls into town, tragedy strikes. The tour bus overturns, sending keyboard player Buddy Neiman to the hospital. All seems to calm down until someone stabs Buddy in his hospital bed, making it clear that someone certainly wants him dead.
A little digging reveals that something is a bit off with Buddy. Mainly, that his name isn't even Buddy. Hannah jumps on the case and drafts a list of local suspects.
Fluke sprinkles 22 unique and tasty recipes throughout the novel, so feel free to stop and take a baking break before immersing yourself once again in the mystery.
Fluke tried out more than 10 different careers while working to establish herself as an author. Her first book, Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder, introduced heroine Hannah Swensen 11 years ago. Since then, Fluke has written 18 Hannah Swensen murder mysteries … complete with recipes, of course.
Lone Wolf
by Jodi Picoult
$28
In many ways, Luke Warren adopted the lifestyle of wolves. He devoted his life to learning about his favorite animals, even living in the wild amongst the wolf packs. His wolfish ways drove a wedge between him and his family as Luke became more solitary and less loving. After his wife and his son abandoned him, Luke only has his wolves and his daughter, Cara, left in his life.
Edward Warren cut off contact with his father six years ago, leaving behind hard feelings. Memories of his father haunt him still, but he cannot bear the thought of returning home to Luke anytime soon. Edward has moved on, hoping that nothing will draw him back to his father.
One day, Edward receives a terribly alarming call. An awful wreck left Luke fighting for his life, and Edward and his sister must determine their father's fate. Now stuck in his nightmare, Edward must decide how to help his father recover… or let him die.
The lessons from the wolves tie back in to guide Edward in the most challenging decision of his life while Luke hangs in limbo. Whether his father was guided by wolves or by humans, family still remains close to his heart.
Author Jodi Picoult describes Lone Wolf as a novel about medical science and moral choices. It is one of Picoult's 22 novels. To view a list of Picoult's works, visit jodipicoult.com.
Picoult is best known as the author of My Sister's Keeper, the popular tearjerker about family bonds amidst illness that became a hit movie.
