The Riddle Maker

 

The Riddle Maker by Bruce Borgos
11/17/26; 352 pages
St. Martin's Press
Porter Beck Mystery #4 

The Riddle Maker by Bruce Borgos is a very highly recommended investigative mystery and the fourth book in the Porter Beck series. It was a pleasure to return to Lincoln County, Nevada and it's environs to following Beck and Charlie on more investigations. 

Sheriff Porter Beck receives an anonymous riddle addressed to him that a tourist originally found it in the Black Mailbox, located in the desert by Area 51. Arshal Jessup delivered the message to Beck and Charlie Blue Horse, a state police detective and Beck's fiancee when they are in Los Vegas for Charlie's OB appointment and Beck's eye doctor appointment. Charlie is 6 months pregnant and the two have decided to get married. Beck's retinitis pigmentosa (degenerating night vision) hasn't progressed, but this time the doctor wants him to try a new procedure PHAROS-11, which could bring back some night vision.  The riddle leads them to Lake Mead where they find a 55 gallon oil drum chained to the bottom. Inside are the remains of Press Halvorson, a man who went missing in 1975 and Beck's grandfather.  

When FBI profiler Jett Lowell learns of Beck's riddle, she immediately travels to Nevada. Jet believes a serial killer is at work. She also received a riddle 7 years ago, when she was 24, about her brother who was kidnapped when he was 5 and she was 14. His body was never found. Everyone unravels Jett's riddle, finding another body. This results in another riddle and body. At the same time, Beck asks X-files (Greg Knutson) to investigate 2 crop circles covering an acre each in alfalfa fields that the dogs go crazy when near.  Additionally, Charlie goes to investigate another bull elk shooting and is almost killed by a sniper. Needless to say, there is a whole lot going on in Nevada.

This is another well-written, excellent addition to the series. The pace is lightning-fast and the tension quickly rises throughout this intelligent and complex investigative mystery. Both the intrigue and the action are sustained and truly non-stop right to the exciting conclusion. Expect an intricate, immersive plot that moves quickly while keeping your engagement high. Twists abound in the narrative as discoveries and new information are uncovered. The setting is a major part of the series. I think it can be read as a standalone novel, but will definitely be enjoyed by those following the series.

All the characters in the series are well-developed and portrayed as realistic individuals with strengths and weaknesses. Returning supporting characters to the series are back, if briefly, including Beck's dog, Columbo/Bo, Arshal Jessup, Sev Valasco, Vegas Detective Darlene Spear, Beck's sister Brinley and daughter Mercy, the identical twin deputies (Twin Peaks/Jolly Greens), Deputy Tuffy, and the podcaster named “X-Files."

The Riddle Maker is an excellent choice for those who enjoy investigative mysteries. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

All the Little Secrets

 

All the Little Secrets by May Cobb
11/17/26; 400 pages
Sourcebooks Landmark 

All the Little Secrets by May Cobb is a very highly recommended soapy domestic thriller. This is the sequel to All the Little Houses, set in the mid-1980s, and marks the return to Longview, Texas, I have been anxiously awaiting. 

It opens with a murder and brings back all the egos, trash talk, grudges, secrets, infidelity, drinking, social scandals, amoral actions expected and adds a couple ruthless power grabs to the mix. This, again, quickly becomes a wildly entertaining guilty pleasure to read. While it says it is a standalone thriller, I really think you need to read All the Little Houses first and then jump right into All the Little Secrets. Trust me on this. I'm not going to say much purposefully so it won't spoil anything.

The well-written, complex plot opens following a murder. The social order in Longview is in turmoil and among the mourners there are several suspects. At the same time there are also several schemes in play where people want to increase their own position and power in the local hierarchy. The ghost of the deceased is still around, observing everything. 

All the characters from the first novel are here:  Alexander and Charleigh Andersen and their spoiled daughter Nellie; Jackson Ford, Charleigh's best friend; Ethan and Abigail Swift, their daughters Jane, Julia, and Molly; Luke; and Detective Roy Walker. In short chapters that make the pace move very quickly, the narrative switches between the point-of-view of Detective Walker, Jackson, Charleigh, Abigail, Nellie, Jane, and, briefly. Julia. As the narrators tell the story through their perspective, the suspense and tension increase. This novel would make a great movie or TV show with all the beautiful, unlikable characters scheming while smiling.

Yet again, everyone is behaving badly, which is what keeps this soapy melodrama un-put-downable. There is also a backstory for several of the characters that increase the tension and drama. This time out the ending brings more closure but leaves things open for a third book. Honestly, just like the first novel, every character is unlikable, ruthless, and resentful while planning the downfall of someone while trying to elevate themselves. All the lies, secrets, misbehavior, scheming, revenge, drinking, grudges, etc., run rampant through every page and with every character. 

All the Little Secrets is the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys soapy dramas full of people behaving badly and especially those who have read All the Little Houses. Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Collateral Heart

 

The Collateral Heart by Jeffery Deaver
11/17/26; 416 pages
G.P. Putnam's Sons
Lincoln Rhyme series #17 

The Collateral Heart by Jeffery Deaver is a highly recommended investigative thriller and the 17th book in the Lincoln Rhyme series. After former Homicide Detective Lincoln Rhyme became a quadriplegic, he began working as a Forensic Criminalist/Consultant with the NYPD. Amelia Sachs is his partner and wife who acts as his eyes as she walks crime scenes. This time they are investigating a series of arson cases in New York City.

The first fire was set at the abandoned Abernathy & Ca building in Spanish Harlem and nearly kills a homeless man living there. The arsonist left behind a clue: a fireproof box with the number 1 painted on and contents that provide clues which once parsed indicate more fires will be happening and they do. The two turn to James Harper, a famous historian and host of a popular history podcast for information about the clues. Simultaneously another investigation is underway. Desdemona (Des) Vale is a detective and grandmother from Long Island who is determinedly and diligently searching for the killer of a young woman. 

Adding to the complexity, NYPD partner, Detective Lon Sellitto visits Rhyme to discuss the attempted assassination of Edward McGuire, founder and CEO of McGuire Computer Services, the developer of a new large language search engine. The assassin, anti-corporate activist Thomas Elron Olsen, was shot by McGuire's bodyguard, but Sellitto suspects a larger widespread conspiracy is afoot. Could all of this tie together?

This is a well-written, complex series of investigations underway that keep a steady pace as clues are uncovered and leads followed in the plot. In the investigations everything - clues, information, and evidence - is all logically uncovered and followed up on. There is a whole lot of additional information and historical background provided to support the investigation in the narrative that also serves to add complexity to the already complicated twisty plot. I did feel my attention waning at times while reading, but everything does lead to a satisfying conclusion.

At this point, when you reach book 17 in a series, the main characters and supporting characters are all well known and established. This time, Des Vale is a wonderful character and addition to the plot. I especially enjoyed following her character development that was detailed enough that it seemed to point to another appearance in a future novel.

The Collateral Heart is a great choice for those who enjoy complex investigative procedurals and are following the Lincoln Rhyme series. Thanks to G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Dream Family

 

The Dream Family by Lisa Hall
11/5/26; 300 pages
Joffe Books 

The Dream Family by Lisa Hall is a soapy domestic drama following an influencer. 

Heather Joseph is a social media influencer and is "the" Heather @ EverythingInItsPlace. She is making a good income now that she has reached hundred thousand followers.  She, her husband Jason, and their 10 year-old daughter Cora have just moved to Heather's dream home in her old hometown of Mapleford. When dropping off Cora for her first day of school Heather meets Tim, who introduces her to some of the other moms, Sanna, Verity, and Avanti. While Verity heads off to work, the others all invite Heather to coffee after drop-off and she enjoys their company. 

It seems like the move was a good choice, until someone switches Cora's lunch with junk food and reports her for stealing. Heather is also receiving aggressive, threatening messages from an anonymous sending calling her names. There are also several saying, "When are you ever going to learn that the truth can't stay hidden forever?" Posts appear that Heather didn't make. Someone is targeting Heather... and is Jason cheating again? 

After opening with an attention-grabbing future scene where Cora is picked up from a playdate by someone else, the plot settles into even-paced plot. It is also a very, very predictable plot, so the enjoyment is found in the soap opera-esque drama and interaction between characters. There is someone threatening Heather. This results in a modicum of suspense and tension building while you are waiting for the end. At the end the action picks up in a sudden burst and you get the popcorn drama you've been waiting for.

None of the characters are even remotely likable and they all feel fake, like caricatures of a type of person. That includes Heather. I think the influencer mommy character has had a good run in various dramas now and perhaps it's time to move on to some new archetype for the main character. (Note: this was originally titled The Playdate and the title was changed before publication.) I enjoyed other novels by Hall more.

The Dream Family is a good choice for those who like soapy dramas. Thanks to Joffe Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Lying Dead

 

The Lying Dead by Nick Louth
11/12/26; 320 pages
Canelo 
Detective Jan Talantire #6

The Lying Dead by Nick Louth is a very highly recommended police procedural and the 6th book in the series featuring Detective Jan Talantire. This continues to be an excellent series with interesting, complex investigations. The previous books in the series include: The Two Deaths of Ruth Lyle, The Last Ride, The Dark Edge, The Deep End, and The Hanging Place.

At the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barnstaple, two assailants wearing gorilla masks, one in a wheelchair, enter the stroke unit on the Tarka Ward. A nurse is held at gunpoint by one, while the one in the wheelchair shoots a newly admitted stroke patient, name unknown, three times. The masked attackers leave, threatening nursing staff on their way out. DI Jan Talantire responds along with DC Dave Nuttall and DS Maddy Moran. The name of the victim is unknown. He was found, already unconscious, at a nightclub with no ID and no phone. The staff along with the head of the hospital, Dr. Darragh McNamara are reluctant to share information, ostensibly based on privacy, or work with the police, which makes their job more difficult. Some of them display a decidedly truculent attitude. As Talantire’s detective team delves deep for clues, they also expose more than expected. 
 
This presents us with another well-written, complex, and extensive investigation that includes twists and surprising discoveries. It is a welcome addition to the series. Jan Talantire and her team are faced with a crime to solve, unhelpful hospital staff, and, as they investigate, the case becomes increasingly complex and comprehensive. Their work cut out for them trying to determine exactly what happened with the clues available and everything has to be carefully examined and considered. I always appreciate procedurals where the the investigation is thorough and clues are logically followed up on in the investigation. 

Talantire's is portrayed as a tough, intelligent and compelling character with strengths and flaws. Her character's personality is well established by this addition to the series and most of the team members should be recognizable to those following the series. This time the narrative doesn't follow the personal details of the characters lives as much as it has in other outings.

Although this is the 6th book in the series, I think it could be enjoyed as a standalone novel but you would miss the previous character development. It is also noteworthy that Nick Louth has a note to readers at the end of the novel informing readers that he suffered a stroke in January of 2025, which was some inspiration for the setting of The Lying Dead.

The Lying Dead is a great choice for readers who enjoy complicated police procedurals and especially those following the series. Thanks to Canelo for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Bad Company

 

Bad Company by Sara Paretsky
11/10/26; 416 pages
St. Martin's Press 

Bad Company by Sara Paretsky is a highly recommended espionage novel following a retired CIA agent.  This is a standalone novel and not a part of the long running V.I. Warshawski series.

Lily Sedako, a 70 year-old former CIA agent who spent her career overseas, is living in Chicago when an anonymous person sent an article from the New Yorker magazine. In side was a picture of Lily with a group of women in Hayalistan, a former Soviet Republic where she was stationed for 20 years as a cultural attaché. The article also included students carrying protest signs. More concerning to Lily is that it suggests in the article that she betrayed the Hayali people, helped in the assassination plot of an indigenous Hayalistan leader, Rani, and brought in the company which is strip mining the land for minerals.

Since Lily was suddenly reassigned to another country before all that happened, she decides to look into why she is being targeted. She talks to former friend and CIA analytics chief Marissa Hockney, but gets no where. Lily suspects her former boss Bruce Weyrich is the one going after her. Using all her skills developed over a lifetime, she travels to Hayalistan under a different identity and begins to look into what is happening and contacting former friends. At the same time, the CIA and the FBI begin looking for her, marking the start of an intricate cat and mouse scenario.

This is well written and intricately plotted. Paretsky creates very detailed, information packed deep dive into the background and customs for Hayalistan, a fictional former Soviet republic, and the people there. She provides the same very detailed information about Lily, making her a fully realized character who feels fully formed even though this is her first outing. Readers will be rooting for Lily, a strong woman, while also being amazed at her physical abilities for a 70 year-old evading and escaping capture from much younger pursuers. She tackles aging, political corruption, greed, institutional power, individuals seeking influence, and searching for the ultimate truth.

There is an abundance of background information on everyone and everything throughout the entire novel. I'll admit that the plethora of intricate details and numerous names slow down the narrative, were periodically repetitive, and overwhelmed the plot at times. The ambition to create this fully former character and world is impressive. In some ways I felt like this could have been rewritten into multiple novels rather than providing all these characters and information at us at one time. On the other hand it is also nice to have the complete and very complicated story and character development all done in one fell swoop. 

Bad Company is an excellent choice for those who appreciate complex espionage novels. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Our Greatest Work

 

Our Greatest Work: A Novel by Twins  

by Sam and Joe Eicher
11/10/26; 296 pages
Akashic Books 

Our Greatest Work: A Novel by Twins by Sam and Joe Eicher is a recommended literary bro drama, with some comedic scenes, featuring twin brothers and written by twin brothers. 

Joe and Sam are 28-year-old Jewish twin brothers who have been estranged and are about to see each other at their ten-year high school reunion in Chicago. Both twins tell their story in alternating first-person chapters. Joe, an actor, is flying from Paris seated next to Broadway actor Anthony Rapp, the original star of Rent, and he tells his story to Rapp in his chapters. Sam, a writer, has been living in Aix-en-Provence, France, for several years where he works as a guide for Ramble. He reflects on the past after meeting with Isaac, an old high school friend who offers him a book deal. The problem between the brothers began back with their high schools production of the musical Rent, and with Chloe, who was Sam’s first love, but also had a history with Joe.

Part of the goal of the novel, beyond telling an entertaining story, is to show readers the dichotomy identical twins face, along with all the various ways twins are portrayed as they struggle to differentiate themselves as individuals. Even siblings who grow up together can feel a close bond, but twins know each other intimately. Along with the obvious looking like each other, they know each others background, triggers, shortcomings, dreams, and insecurities. This alone could explain the desire for some distance and autonomy from each other as they get older. As brother is pitted against brother, there is no good side/choice.

I classified this as a bro drama because, well, it feels like a bro book with partying, lots of talking smack, relationship talk, humor, and cultural references all from a young(er) male point-of view.  As I was reading it became abundantly clear that I was not the target reader and this novel wasn't a good fit for me. I'm, honestly, an older woman, which placed some of the topics and cultural references out of my purview, however, it was worth reading even if at times it was challenging to tell the brother's voices apart and at other points it seemed to meander through topics and events. I'm likely an outlier on this one.

Our Greatest Work: A Novel by Twins is a good choice for those who enjoy very contemporary literary novels. Thanks to Akashic Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.