Out Cold

Sometimes you get caught up in a series, and keep reading the books even though the quality slides or stays the same but you realize it is not that good. William G. Tapply writes this series featuring lawyer Brady Coyne. I came to them through a reference in Philip Craig's books. They eventually wrote three together; the third just published this season, though Craig died last spring.
Anyway, I think I was drawn to the Coyne books by that connection, by their Boston setting, by the fishing references. They are light, but move along. Publisher's Weekly, quoted on Tapply's site has it right: "Longtime series fans will be most rewarded," but I'm not sure it's worth the time. ***, just barely.

Crime Beat by Michael Connolly

Michael Connolly is one of the best writers of crime fiction I know of -- see my previous entries on his work. This is a collection of his newspaper writing, stories that inspired elements of his fiction. It would be more interesting if each story had a new bit with it saying "I got the idea for... from...." It's good journalism, but it is still daily writing from a decade or more ago. If you're into true crime stories you might use these to inspire a Google for more info. If you're a Michael Connolly completist you might need to read the whole book; my copy was due back at the library before I got done, and I just took it back. ** seems harsh, but there you have it. The introduction is really good, though.

The Overlook by Michael Connolly

The Overlook is another Harry Bosch book by Michael Connolly. I don't think he's slipped by much if any. Harry has a new assignment and new partner, and he's on a case that draws FBI interest. It looks like a Homeland Security issue. *** in Michael Connolly terms, **** in mystery/thriller terms.

The Watchman by Robert Crais

Robert Crais is the bomb! He's still getting better, I think, or maybe just maintaining at a very high level. All the Elvis Cole books are very good, and the others are edge of the seat intense. This Joe Pike book is between the two and seems to be part of a pattern of him edging Elvis into a grittier, more noirish vibe. ****
Soon I'll be reading the latest Michael Connelly, and this is as good as the average Connelly; the distinction may be purely one of taste.

Benedict Arnold's Navy

In the wake of my Patrick O'Brian enthusiasm, I discovered James L. Nelson. I really enjoyed his Isaac Biddlecomb series, which brought to mind the great Kenneth Roberts. Then his Thomas Marlowe books tapped into my love of pirate adventure going back through Treasure Island to Look Out for Pirates!, the first book I ever "read" independently (I had every word memorized).
Other readers of Kenneth Roberts know of his heroic march to Quebec, but Benedict Arnold's Navy reveals even more dimensions of greatness in the man, prior to his betraying the US to the British. This was a very good work of nonfiction, well-researched and clearly written. Compared to the fiction works above, it may be overwritten in it's attempted thorough evenhandedness. As a fan of nautical fiction I might only give this ***, but making allowances for it being nonfiction, and as a reader of revolutionary war history, ****.

Stagger Lee

A great book. I see now it won an award as the best of 2006. Fun and informative. ****
If you're interested in the story behind the song(s), but you aren't a fan of graphics, you'll still dig it. If you like graphics but never cared about Stagger Lee, this'll pull you in. Really rich.