When I get tired of my usual reads (romcoms, nonfic, etc), it’s fun to read something different. Luckily for me, two of my favorite thriller writers have new books out. These reads are great for Summer Reading - have you signed up yet? Then pick up one or two of these to take on vacation. Just as long as you aren’t going to a cabin, alone in the wilderness. Just kidding. These writers are in New York and LA, so as long as you don’t go to a cabin there, you should be fine.
Steve Cavanagh might be my favorite thriller writer of all time and I have several that I enjoy. He lives in Ireland, but he writes about New York like he grew up in Hell’s Kitchen. Maybe a native New Yorker would pick up the differences, but I grew up in the Midwest, so I think it all sounds cool. His main character, Eddie Flynn, is a former conman who turns into a great defense attorney. He’s one of those fun anti-heroes that you can’t help but root for. The first book in the series is The Defense. I wouldn’t say you absolutely have to read these in order. You could skip one or two and still enjoy the story, but I would recommend just starting at the beginning and going from there. NPL has made a good effort to add these to the collection, but if you find one that is missing, don’t be afraid to put in your ILL request and we’ll do our best to get you connected.
I’m excited because in addition to all the great Eddie Flynn reads, Cavanagh has a new book out called, Kill for Me, Kill for You. I don’t know if this is going to be a series, but I’m here for anything he wants to write and you know I’ve got my hold in for this one.
I came to Michael Connelly through The Lincoln Lawyer series. I may have watched the Matthew McConaughey movie and then come back to the books - which are so much better BTW. As usual. Much like Eddie Flynn, Connelly’s Michael Haller is an antihero who always represents the defense. He’s one of my favorite characters because he always manages to figure out a solution that gets his client off (or doesn’t, if necessary).
After reading all the Lincoln Lawyers, I went back and picked up the Harry Bosch series, which was Connelly’s first, featuring a grumpy detective. As it goes, he starts to do some crossovers, which are my favorite. Recently, he added the new character, Renee Ballard, who is a new officer who worked with Bosch. His latest book, Nightshade, introduces Detective Stillwell to the Connelly universe. I haven’t had a chance to read that one, but you know my hold is for that one too.
Looks like it’s gonna be a thrilling summer of reading. Get yourself signed up for Summer Reading and then pick up one of these. I guarantee you won’t be able to put it down.
Happy chills and thrills,
:) Amanda
