Mandarin plaid by S.J. Rozan

In ten words or less: A ransom drop goes wrong; fashion show may be ruined.

Review: Lydia Chin is hired for a straight-forward job--seliver a ransom in return for a set of sketches for an upcoming fashion show. Designer Genna Jing is a friend of Lydia's brother, and he recommended her for the job.
But Lydia is shot at while making the drop, and a suspect is murdered before she and her partner Bill Smith can question him. Their investigation takes them into the world of models, designers, and the sweatshops that produce the garments. They cross paths with the police; there is a detective that has a personal grudge against Smith.

Why bother? Each book in this series reveals more about Lydia and Bill. She's a feisty, headstrong young woman who cares about her partner, but doesn't want a romantic relationship with him. A winner!

What the fortune cookie said today

"To lower your stress level, get a cat."

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy swings

Headliners at Oshkosh Waterfest were Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, a band that updates swing and jive music of the 1930s. Cab Calloway’s “Reefer Man” and “Minnie the Moocher” had the crowd on their feet, and the band mixed old music with some original songs. This group is more than a tribute band—they bring jive into the 21st century.
Opening the evening was the “Susan Cowsill Band”—yes, that Susan Cowsill. Their New Orleans tinged rock was okay, but sounded like a lot of other opening acts. Followed by Paul Sanchez and the New Orleans Rolling Band; the membership varies, but great high energy New Orleans boogie-rock. Susan Cowsill joined them for most of their set, and my opinion of her went up. She contributed on percussion, washboard, guitar, and vocals. They also did a version of “The rain, the park, and other things,” without the bubblegum. It’s been stuck in my head for days now. I also hadn’t realized that Barry Cowsill was one of the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Person of interest by Theresa Schwegel

In ten words or less: Noir tale of an undercover cop and family in Chicago.

Craig McHugh is an undercover cop who is getting too involved in his assignment. He's draining his bank account, trying to get an "in" with Asian criminals. His marriage is crumbling, and his wife is showing a little too much interest in her 17-year-old daughter's boyfriend. The daughter is picked up using Ecstasy at a party, and mom Leslie covers for her.
When Craig's former partner is killed making a drug bust, he sinks further into his secret life. But Leslie believes he is having an affair, and investigates on her own. Both Craig's wife and daughter are in danger because of his undercover activities.

Why bother? A dark and gritty tale of an undercover cop's life and the toll it takes on his family. The McHughs aren't a particularly likeable family, but the reader wonders what they might have been like years earlier. The author is an Edgar Award-winner.

June's Books

Comedy writer Merrill Markoe has written some hilarious books for adults. With "The day my dogs became guys," she penned a books dog-loving kids will love. A solar eclipse makes Carey's dogs turn into people. Butch, Dee Dee, and Ed raid the kitchen, and chase cars and squirrels. Eric Brace's illustrations are wonderfully whacky and Markoe's text brings the trio of hungry dogs to life.

Murder in Coney Island by Michael Jahn
How to write a damn good mystery by James Frey
Writing the breakout novel workbook by Donald Maass
Cemetery dance by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Weddings can be murder by Christie Craig
Don't look down by Jennifer Crusie
Walking in circles before lying down by Merrill Markoe
Second fiddle by Carol Reigh
Nose down, eyes up by Merrill Markoe
The day my dogs became guys by Merrill Markoe

State of the Onion by Julie Hyzy

In ten words or less: White House chef competes for job; is target of assassin.

Review: Olivia Paras is nervous enough. She's been a leading contender for the Executive Chef position at the White House, until food show host Laurel Anne is scheduled to audition. The White House staff is talking like Laurel Anne's appointment is a done deal.
Sighing, Olivia runs out on her lunch hour to pick up a retirement gift for the retiring chef--an engraved saute pan. When she spies an intruder on the White House grounds, with the Secret Service in pursuit, she brains the man with her pan. But as she brings down the skillet on the man's head, he tells her something. And when the Secret Service hushes up the incident, Olivia is suspicious. Even the Secret Service agent she is dating won't tell her what's up.

Why bother? Totally unbelievable plot, but the insider's view of the White House kitchen is fun. And the smug Laurel Anne gets her comeuppance. Recipes included.