Mysteries to die for

Just out today:  Headhunters by Jo Nesbo. This original paperback is not part of the Harry Hole series, but fans of Nesbo should eat it up at $14.95. This 2008 novel has been translated and brought out in paperback in hopes of catching Nesbo fans while he's so hot. The book follows Roger Brown, a successful headhunter who finances his extravagant life by way of dangerous art thefts. Upon meeting the Dutchman Clas Greve, he starts planning his biggest heist ever, but soon runs into trouble. The cover, with its torn paper design, gives it the same feel as the American version of Snowman. When Leopard is finally released here in America, it too will have that ripped edginess. Of course, Snowman, Leopard and Redeemer are currently available in paperback versions imported from England. With Leopard due to hit American bookshelves in December, it's hoped that Nesbo fans will be able to catch up with their European counterparts.

You can't keep a good dog down...at least not when it comes to the Chet and Bernie series by Spence Quinn. Bernie's latest case The Dog Who Knew Too Much, skillfully narrated by canine pal Chet, finds Bernie invited to give the keynote speech at a private investigator convention. Canine companion Chet is secretly targeted by the high-profile person in charge, an agenda that is complicated by a missing boy, a familiar-looking puppy and the return of Bernie's girlfriend's ex. If you can't get enough of Chet, you might want to log on to his blog: http://www.chetthedog.com/ Yep, even a dog can have a blog.

A fan of Charlie Parker ever since he first appeared in Every Dead Thing, it is always a treat when John Connolly brings us another story each year.

Just out is The Burning Soul (you didn't think this Connolly was going to go all cute and coy, did you?) detective Charlie Parker stumbles into a web of corruption and deceit involving the FBI, a doomed mobster and a missing teenage girl. For those who like a novel with vivid characters, a razor edge and a dark soul, these tales of Charlie Parker will keep you up late into the wee hours of the morning.

Finally, what seems like an event every time she does it, Laurie R. King has come up with a new novel featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. Sent to Lisbon and Morocco, where a British movie studio is filming a remake of The Pirates of Penzance, Mary Russell investigates a series of crimes targeting the production and confronts a high-stakes situation when actual pirates orchestrate a hostage situation. A little swash but no buckle...or to quote William Gilbert:

Away to the cheating world go you,

Where pirates all are well-to-do;

But I'll be true to the song I sing,

And live and die a Pirate King.

Sherlock Holmes meets Gilbert & Sullivan. Now there's an idea that needs looking into.