Review: Every Crooked Path by Steven James

A Mysterious Review of Every Crooked Path by Steven James. A Patrick Bowers Mystery.

Review summary: This crime novel handles its very disturbing topic well enough, and is reasonably sensitive in its dealing with it. Still, it's not quite clear why the author felt the need to structure this as a prequel to the series, or even why the story needed to be told. (Click here for text of full review.)

Our rating:

Every Crooked Path
Steven James
A Patrick Bowers Mystery
Signet Select (December 2015)

Publisher synopsis: A mysterious suicide and a series of abductions draw Patrick into a web of intrigue involving an international conspiracy where no one is who they appear to be and the stakes have never been higher.

Soon, Patrick discovers that the secret to stopping the Piper's current crime spree lies in unlocking answers from an eight-year-old cold case — and the only way to do that is by entering the terrifying world of the conspirators himself.

A Holy Vengeance, A Bascot de Marins, Templar Knight Mystery by Maureen Ash, Now Available at a Special Price

Omnimystery News is always searching for newly discounted mystery, suspense, thriller and crime novels for our readers to enjoy.

Today, we're pleased to present the following title, now available at a special price courtesy of the publisher, InterMix …

A Holy Vengeance by Maureen Ash

A Bascot de Marins, Templar Knight Mystery (8th in series)

Publisher: InterMix

Price: 99¢ (as of 02/07/2016 at 7:00 PM ET).

  

Bascot de Marins is called to investigate when a young woman is killed and villagers suspect evil forces are to blame …

When a young woman is found murdered at a local shrine with a black adder near her corpse, the superstitious villagers begin to panic. Is this the work of the devil? Is Satan stalking Lincoln's religious sanctuaries? As parishioners start to avoid the churches in droves, Templar Bascot de Marins is summoned to Lincoln Castle to quell the hysteria and find the very human killer …

— A Holy Vengeance by Maureen Ash

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New This Week: Chalk's Outline, A Crime Novel by J. J. Hensley

Omnimystery News is pleased to present a mystery, suspense, or thriller ebook that we recently found by sleuthing (as it were) through new or recently reissued titles from independent publishers during February 2016 and priced $4.99 or less …

Chalk's Outline by J. J. Hensley

A Crime Novel

Publisher: Bad Day Books

Price: 99¢ (as of 02/08/2016 at 6:30 PM ET).

  

Click here to take a Look Inside Chalk's Outline.

Three years ago, popular college professor Cyprus Keller (Resolve) got away with murder. Two years ago, former Pittsburgh Homicide Detective Jackson Channing pulled himself together and got sober. Today, Robert Chalk has a rifle, a plan, and a target.

When Cyprus Keller and his wife Kaitlyn relocated to rural Virginia, they did all they could to put the past behind them. However, the situation becomes uncomfortable when Jackson Channing appears in Keller's living room and begins questioning Keller about the past. The situation becomes unbearable when bullets start flying through the front window.

In a flash, it becomes apparent that Jackson Channing is not the only person who has an interest in Keller. If Channing wants to unravel Keller's past, he is going to have to make sure the professor has a future. To keep Keller safe and uncover the mystery of who wants him dead, Channing takes Keller and his wife to Pittsburgh, where it all started.

As a deadly chess game plays out in the city streets, Channing discovers Keller is a complicated man of secrets who is anything but a typical murder suspect. The two men team up in an effort to stop a dangerous assassin who intends on killing Keller, no matter the cost. As Robert Chalk works his way through the plan he has outlined, he becomes consumed with the ultimate goal. No matter how many lives he has to take along the way, Cyprus Keller must die.

— Chalk's Outline by J. J. Hensley

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Too Darn Hot, A Faye Quick Mystery by Sandra Scoppettone, Now Available at a Special Price

Omnimystery News is always searching for newly discounted mystery, suspense, thriller and crime novels for our readers to enjoy.

Today, we're pleased to present the following title, now available at a special price courtesy of the publisher, Ballantine …

Too Darn Hot by Sandra Scoppettone

A Faye Quick Mystery (2nd in series)

Publisher: Ballantine

Price: 99¢ (as of 02/07/2016 at 6:00 PM ET).

  

I'd had two murders since last spring, solved them both. The first one was prime and it got a lotta attention in the fish wrappers, so I had a bunch of clients for awhile. Just cause people saw my name in the paper they figured I was the best (which I might be). Not bad for a twenty-six-year-old gal from Newark, New Jersey …

It's the middle of World War II, but not all the killing is happening overseas. In a sweltering New York City summer, scrappy steno-turned-sleuth Faye Quick — kicked upstairs when her boss ships out — takes on a new case that would make even the most experienced P.I. sweat bullets.

It all starts with a beautiful woman. Heartbroken Claire Turner turns on the waterworks in Faye's office, begging for help in finding her beau, Private Charlie Ladd, gone missing while on leave from Uncle Sam's army. But when Faye busts into Charlie's hotel room, she doesn't find anyone — anyone alive, that is.

But where's Charlie? Because the corpse in the hotel room might not be him. And that leads Faye to wonder if the unfortunate stiff was Charlie's target practice.

In a case with more twists, starts, and stops than the Third Avenue El, Faye learns that some shocking truths are hidden behind the fog of war — a personal war being fought on the home front.

— Too Darn Hot by Sandra Scoppettone

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New This Week: The Assassin's Betrayal, A Suspense Thriller by Mark Allen

Omnimystery News is pleased to present a mystery, suspense, or thriller ebook that we recently found by sleuthing (as it were) through new or recently reissued titles from independent publishers during February 2016 and priced $4.99 or less …

The Assassin's Betrayal by Mark Allen

A Suspense Thriller

Publisher: Mark Allen

Price: $3.99 (as of 02/08/2016 at 5:30 PM ET).

  

Click here to take a Look Inside The Assassin's Betrayal.

In the savage world of hired guns, Malakai is a legend, a god, a trigger-puller without peer. His childhood innocence twisted by an abusive father, blood and bullets have become his religion. He sells his lethal skills to the Company, the quintessential lone wolf assassin.

When Malakai is contracted to stop a powerful Japanese crime syndicate from blackmailing the chairperson of the Senate Intelligence Committee, he discovers someone is playing Judas and he needs to figure out who it is before he gets burned.

As the chaos and carnage escalate, his life gets complicated by the arrival of a mysterious woman who may have even more scars on her soul than he does. But is she really who she says she is? With betrayal all around him, Malakai knows one wrong move could cost him his life.

When the Syndicate hires a pair of ruthless assassins to hunt him down, Malakai knows the only way to survive is to fight fire with hellfire. In a scorched earth showdown, he'll take the war right into the black heart of the Syndicate and as the bullets blaze, discover what truly matters most.

— The Assassin's Betrayal by Mark Allen

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Geared for the Grave, An Evie Bloomfield, Cycle Path Mystery by Duffy Brown, Now Available at a Special Price

Omnimystery News is always searching for newly discounted mystery, suspense, thriller and crime novels for our readers to enjoy.

Today, we're pleased to present the following title, now available at a special price courtesy of the publisher, Berkley …

Geared for the Grave by Duffy Brown

An Evie Bloomfield, Cycle Path Mystery (1st in series)

Publisher: Berkley

Price: $1.99 (as of 02/07/2016 at 5:00 PM ET).

  

Mackinac Island is a peaceful summer resort town where everyone coasts through the streets on bicycles. But after someone sends a prominent local on her final ride, it's up to one resourceful visitor to get things running again …

Hoping to shift her chances of a promotion in her favor, Evie Bloomfield heads to Mackinac Island to assist her boss's father. Rudy Randolph has broken his leg and operating his bike shop, Rudy's Rides, is too much to handle by himself. But Evie's good turn only leads to more trouble …

After Evie's arrival, wealthy resident Bunny Harrington dies in what looks like a freak bike accident. Upon closer inspection, Bunny's brakes were tampered with, and now the prime suspect in her murder is also Bunny's number one enemy: Rudy. So if Evie hopes to stay on her boss's good side, she'll need to steer Rudy clear of jail. Now she must quickly solve this mystery so she can put the brakes on the real killer's plan …

— Geared for the Grave by Duffy Brown

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Important Note: Price(s) verified as of the date and time shown. Price(s) are subject to change at any time. Please confirm the price of the book before purchasing it.

New This Week: A Treacherous Treasure, A Mooseamuck Island Cozy Mystery by Leighann Dobbs

Omnimystery News is pleased to present a mystery, suspense, or thriller ebook that we recently found by sleuthing (as it were) through new or recently reissued titles from independent publishers during February 2016 and priced $4.99 or less …

A Treacherous Treasure by Leighann Dobbs

A Mooseamuck Island Cozy Mystery (3rd in series)

Publisher: Leighann Dobbs

Price: 99¢ (as of 02/08/2016 at 4:30 PM ET).

  

Click here to take a Look Inside A Treacherous Treasure.

Rumor has it that Captain Kidd buried treasure on Mooseamuck Island. But when an old pirate chest is unearthed, the contents reveal a deadly surprise that plunges the island into the middle of a sixty year old murder mystery.

With fingers pointing at several of our favorite Islanders, Dom and Claire must team up once again to get to the bottom of things. A twisty path of suspects and clues, brings them to the horrifying realization that one of their closest friends may be involved.

When another murder strikes fear into the hearts of the Islander's, Dom and Claire team up with an unlikely ally in order to save the island from a dangerous killer who thinks they can get away with murder.

— A Treacherous Treasure by Leighann Dobbs

See also the first two mysteries in the Moosamuch Island Cozy Series for $2.99 each on Kindle.

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Nights of Villjamur, The Legends of the Red Sun by Mark Charan Newton, Now Available at a Special Price

Omnimystery News is always searching for newly discounted mystery, suspense, thriller and crime novels for our readers to enjoy.

Today, we're pleased to present the following title, now available at a special price courtesy of the publisher, Spectra …

Nights of Villjamur by Mark Charan Newton

The Legends of the Red Sun (1st in series)

Publisher: Spectra

Price: 99¢ (as of 02/07/2016 at 4:00 PM ET).

  

`Beneath a dying red sun sits the proud and ancient city of Villjamur, capital of a mighty empire where humans coexist with the birdlike garda race, the reptilian rumel who can live for hundreds of years, and the eerie banshees whose forlorn cries herald death. But now all life is threatened by an encroaching ice age. Throngs of refugees gather outside the city gates, while within, tragedy forces the Emperor's elder daughter, Jamur Rika, to assume the throne. Joined by her younger sister, Jamur Eir, the new queen takes pity on the common people — and takes counsel from dashing teacher Randur Estevu, who is not what he seems.

Meanwhile, a grisly murder draws rumel investigator Rumex Jeryd into a web of corruption — and an obscene conspiracy that imperils the lives of Rika and Eir and the future of Villjamur itself. But far north, where the drawn-out winter has already begun, an even greater danger appears, against which all the empire's military and magical power may be useless — a threat from another world.

— Nights of Villjamur by Mark Charan Newton

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Scene of the Brine by Mary Ellen Hughes, New on the Mystery Bookshelf during February 2016

New on the Mystery Bookshelf during February 2016 …

Scene of the Brine by Mary Ellen Hughes, A Pickled and Preserved Mystery (3rd in series)

Publisher: Berkley

  

Piper Lamb has to take a break from jarring her delicious pickles and preserves to blow the lid off a poisoner …

Business is booming at Piper's Picklings in Cloverdale, New York. But not all is sweet in the life of Piper's number one customer and friend, local caterer Sugar Heywood. Sugar is dating wealthy realtor Jeremy Porter, but his family doesn't approve. After their unscrupulous accountant finds some dirt on Sugar, the family quickly urges Jeremy to throw her out like rotten fruit.

Things are further spoiled after the accountant is found poisoned, and all evidence points to Sugar's son, Zach. With the Porter family determined to avoid scandal, it won't be easy for Piper to preserve Zach's innocence. And after someone falls victim to a poisoned jar of some of her brandied cherries, Piper's got a peck of trouble to deal with herself …

— Scene of the Brine by Mary Ellen Hughes

To see more new paperback titles scheduled to be published this month, visit The Mystery Bookshelf for February 2016. For new hardcover mysteries, visit New Mysteries where for a list of February 2016 mysteries, novels of suspense, and thrillers is provided.

The Cactus Club Killings, A Joe Portugal Mystery by Nathan Walpow, Now Available at a Special Price

Omnimystery News is always searching for newly discounted mystery, suspense, thriller and crime novels for our readers to enjoy.

Today, we're pleased to present the following title, now available at a special price courtesy of the publisher, Delta …

The Cactus Club Killings by Nathan Walpow

A Joe Portugal Mystery (1st in series)

Publisher: Delta

Price: 99¢ (as of 02/07/2016 at 3:00 PM ET).

  

In a city of fast cars and movie stars, these folks are crazy about cacti. Until a killer joins the club …

Joe Portugal likes people. But he likes plants better. That's why the former theater actor turned small-time L.A. commercial star is a prominent member of the Culver City Cactus Club. Unfortunately, so is a killer.

The club's president is dead — a poison succulent lodged into her mouth. With a father who knows a thing or two about murder, and police breathing down his neck, Joe can recognize a jam when he sees one. But when he begins searching through a colorful cast of plant lovers, plant dealers, and even international plant smugglers, he doesn't find the answers he needs. Meanwhile, the killer has struck again, working his way through the Cactus Club with a garden variety motive — and a very green thumb — for murder …

— The Cactus Club Killings by Nathan Walpow

A complete list of today's featured titles can be found on the Discounted MystereBooks page on Omnimystery News.

Important Note: Price(s) verified as of the date and time shown. Price(s) are subject to change at any time. Please confirm the price of the book before purchasing it.

Saving Jason by Michael Sears, New in Bookstores during February 2016

Today's featured new hardcover mystery, suspense, or thriller title scheduled to be published during February 2016 is …

Saving Jason by Michael Sears, a Jason Stafford Mystery (4th in series)

Publisher: Putnam

Click here to take a Look Inside Saving Jason.

 

Jason Stafford used to be a hot Wall Street trader, went too far, and paid for it in prison. Now a financial investigator, he's been asked to look into rumors of a hostile takeover of his firm, but he has no idea it will turn his whole life upside down. Suddenly embroiled in a grand jury investigation of Mob-related activities on Wall Street, and threatened by some very serious men, he is thrust into witness protection with his young autistic son. And then his son disappears. Has he been kidnapped, or worse?

With no choice but to act, Stafford has no choice but to come out of hiding and risk everything to save his son, his firm, his pregnant girlfriend — and himself.

— Saving Jason by Michael Sears

For a list of more new hardcover titles to be published this month, visit our New Mysteries page for February 2016. For new paperback mysteries, visit The Mystery Bookshelf where a selection of February 2016 mysteries, novels of suspense, and thrillers are shelved.

Town in a Cinnamon Toast by B. B. Haywood, New on the Mystery Bookshelf during February 2016

New on the Mystery Bookshelf during February 2016 …

Town in a Cinnamon Toast by B. B. Haywood, A Candy Holliday Mystery (7th in series)

Publisher: Berkley

  

The much-anticipated wedding of local resident Maggie Tremont and popular baker Herr Georg has stirred up the usually quiet coastal town of Cape Willington. To make sure the wedding of the year goes off without a hitch, the participants gather at a pre-wedding dinner — everyone, that is, except the best man …

Worried, Candy, the maid of honor, goes looking for him, finally tracking him down to the upstairs archive rooms at the English Point Lighthouse and Museum. There's only one problem: he's dead, struck over the head with a bottle of champagne, the same exclusive brand that was ordered for the dinner. Before the wedding plans fall flat, Candy rushes to find the murderer, unearthing a conspiracy that could spill over into the whole town …

— Town in a Cinnamon Toast by B. B. Haywood

To see more new paperback titles scheduled to be published this month, visit The Mystery Bookshelf for February 2016. For new hardcover mysteries, visit New Mysteries where for a list of February 2016 mysteries, novels of suspense, and thrillers is provided.

The Goodbye Witch, A Darcy Merriweather, Wishcraft Mystery by Heather Blake, Now Available at a Special Price

Omnimystery News is always searching for newly discounted mystery, suspense, thriller and crime novels for our readers to enjoy.

Today, we're pleased to present the following title, now available at a special price courtesy of the publisher, NAL …

The Goodbye Witch by Heather Blake

A Darcy Merriweather, Wishcraft Mystery (4th in series)

Publisher: NAL

Price: $1.99 (as of 02/07/2016 at 1:00 PM ET).

  

As Enchanted Village's resident Wishcrafter, Darcy Merriweather has the power to make other people's wishes come true, but what she really wishes is that she had the power to uncloak the invisible man who's stalking her best friend …

Darcy's closest friend and fellow witch, Starla Sullivan, hoped she'd never see her ex-husband, Kyle, again. Two years ago he tried to kill her, and he has been a fugitive ever since. Now Starla claims to have seen him back in Enchanted Village, but it seems she's the only one who can see him. To everyone else, her ex is invisible.

Darcy only wishes his motives were as transparent as the rest of him. Since the police can't arrest someone they can't see, it's up to Darcy to find the secret behind Kyle's latest disappearing act — before he does something they can't see coming …

— The Goodbye Witch by Heather Blake

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Important Note: Price(s) verified as of the date and time shown. Price(s) are subject to change at any time. Please confirm the price of the book before purchasing it.

New This Week: K.O.'d At Banzai Pipeline, A K.O.'d in Hawai'I Mystery by Victoria Heckman

Omnimystery News is pleased to present a mystery, suspense, or thriller ebook that we recently found by sleuthing (as it were) through new or recently reissued titles from independent publishers during February 2016 and priced $4.99 or less …

K.O.'d At Banzai Pipeline by Victoria Heckman

A K.O.'d in Hawai'I Mystery (4th in series)

Publisher: Revenge Publishing

Price: $2.99 (as of 02/08/2016 at 12:30 PM ET).

  

Click here to take a Look Inside K.O.'d At Banzai Pipeline.

Honolulu Police officer Katrina Ogden, K.O., has faced many dangers: drug dealers, murderers, robbers, burglars, but she faces her greatest challenge yet. Her nephew Raj is an up and coming surfer on the pro circuit. K.O.'s sister, Raj's mother, has entrusted his care to her while he's here in the islands. He's only fifteen so K.O. agrees to let him stay with her, shuttle him to practices on the North Shore, and function as his guardian.

What she didn't count on was his new sponsor letting him surf unschooled in the ways of the big leagues. When tempers on the surf team flare, it's just one more thing for K.O. to worry about. Raj surfs better than projected and now has become a threat to other members of not only his own team, but world-wide competitors. When a top team member is murdered, K.O. doesn't know where to turn. Could Raj be next and the killer merely eliminating competition to move up the ladder?

K.O. learns it's not just status to gain in the surf world, but also big money, millions of dollars, to be made. That sounds like motive.

Hawai'ian culture clashes with K.O.'s version of reality when Raj's aumakua, his spirit animal, takes an interest in his surfing.

Just when the Pipe Masters gets going, and the stakes are at their highest, a hurricane-sized storm hits the islands, throwing the contest and Raj's safety into ruin. K.O. is trapped in downtown Honolulu, miles from her precious nephew, who she's sworn to protect. Can Raj fend off a storm on his own? And can K.O. fend off Raj's mother?

— K.O.'d At Banzai Pipeline by Victoria Heckman

See more mysteries by this author, including all four in the K.O.'d in Hawai'I Series, for $3.99 or less each on Kindle.

Visit our New Indie MystereBooks page on Omnimystery News for a complete list of titles featured today.

Important Note: Price(s) verified as of the date and time shown. Price(s) are subject to change at any time. Please confirm the price of the book before purchasing it.

Enter to Win Saving Jason by Michael Sears

Omnimystery News invites you to Enter To Win a copy of Saving Jason by Michael Sears, courtesy of Saichek Publicity. Learn more about the book's lead character in the author's recent guest post, here.

One (1) winner will receive a copy of …

Title: Saving Jason
A Jason Stafford Novel
Author: Michael Sears
Publisher: Putnam
Format: Hardcover
List Price: $27.00

Use the form below to submit your entry. One entry per person; US residents only. Entry period ends Monday, February 15, 2016 at 11:59 AM ET. (If you cannot see the entry form, use this link.)

About Saving Jason …

Jason Stafford used to be a hot Wall Street trader, went too far, and paid for it in prison. Now a financial investigator, he's been asked to look into rumors of a hostile takeover of his firm, but he has no idea it will turn his whole life upside down. Suddenly embroiled in a grand jury investigation of Mob-related activities on Wall Street, and threatened by some very serious men, he is thrust into witness protection with his young autistic son. And then his son disappears. Has he been kidnapped, or worse?

With no choice but to act, Stafford has no choice but to come out of hiding and risk everything to save his son, his firm, his pregnant girlfriend — and himself.