2006

Citizen Vince: A Novel by Jess Walter

Powells.com Staff Pick
It's 1980 and Vince Camdon is caught between the worlds of criminal New York and sleepy, law abiding Spokane, Washington. And he can't even decide who to vote for in the upcoming election. With characters that recall Richard Russo at his finest, Jess Walter lets you appraise both worlds with suspicion and curiosity while citizen Vince juggles his conflicting tendencies. Recommended by Donna, Powell's Books on Hawthorne (read more)

2005

California Girl by T. Jefferson Parker

Review
"Parker's drum-tight prose and richly layered characters borrow a bit from Raymond Chandler...as well as...Dennis Lehane, but Girl easily earns Parker his own spot on the shelf between these two masters." Entertainment Weekly (read more)

2004

Resurrection Men: An Inspector Rebus Novel by Ian Rankin

Review
"The clever, funny, perfectly pitched dialogue develops the characters and moves the story....Resurrection Men is what good crime fiction should be — a puzzle that challenges the eye, but worth the effort of putting all the pieces in place." Philadelphia Inquirer (read more)

2003

Winter and Night by S. J. Rozan

Review
"[O]ne of the very best private-eye duos in the genre...[a] highly readable and most entertaining series....As before, Rozan delivers strong characters, deft plotting, and a hard-driving narrative. We'll say it again: don't miss this one." Stuart Miller, Booklist (Starred Review) (read more)

2002

Silent Joe by T. Jefferson Parker

Review
"[A] dark, sexy gem....A complex mix of seemingly unconnected plot lines, vivid characterization, and real mystery merge to form a truly satisfying thriller. Parker has joined the ranks of Michael Connolly, James Patterson, and Jonathan Kellerman." Library Journal (read more)