Perspective: Mysteries

HIGH HAND, a Martha Chainey Mystery, by Gary Phillips (Kensington Publishing, $22). Ex-showgirl Chainey (don't call her Martha) is a freelance courier for the nouveau Mafia in Las Vegas. These aren't hoods who run numbers and babes in sharp-lapeled suits and who think spaghetti Bolognese is haute cuisine. They are Ivy Leaguers in "legitimate" business whojust happen to have family connections. Hired to deliver $7-million (in cash, natch) by the owner of a swank casino, Chainey is ambushed by a rival gang who steal the loot. It's uninsured (again, natch) and if she doesn't get it back, her life's not worth a sucker bet. The 72 hours she's given to find the missing funds are a zany pastiche that take her from gay raves to the ritziest addresses in Marin County. Chainey's debut is an entertaining and illuminating look at today's mob.

FEAR OF DROWNING, by Peter Turnbull (St. Martin's Minotaur, $22.95). York is the most English of English cities with a history that goes back beyond the coronation of Rome's Emperor Constantine there in 306 A.D. Its tiny alleys, spookily illuminated walls and bloody dungeons have been hosts to ghosts for centuries -- making it the ideal place to set a mystery. In this one, an affluent husband and wife are found murdered, buried not far from their unpretentious condo in a suburb of York. Inspector Hennesey and sidekick Lt. Yellich have to ferret out why the wealthy couple were living beneath their means -- not to mention the affair she was having with the younger, married physical trainer; the money they'd filched from builders; his brother, a dwarf who met a mysterious end; andtheir not-so-nice offspring. This is a classic, cozy and most satisfying read.

GUILTY KNOWLEDGE, by Clare Curzon (St. Martin's Minotaur, $23.95). Set in Edwardian England, this tale would have been a natural showcase for film stars like Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. It's the story of two strong, ambitious and titled women, Isabelle Delmanene and Eugenie Crowthorne. Both were implicated in murders in the past and know each other's vilest secrets. Each would like to see the other dead but fears betraying the other -- because who knows what tricks she might have up her lacy sleeve? The brutal murder of a "foreigner" near the home they are forced to share brings up ghosts of the past and determines their future. Set in the glorious days before DNA, this makes for a lovely read either by the fireplace or snuggled among down pillows -- ideally with a box of chocolate truffles.

-- Kiki Olson is a writer who lives in London.

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright