From The Booking Desk:

Early voting in happening around the US, so please get out there and let your voice be heard. And then, treat yourself to one of these new releases on your way back home.

______________________________________________________________________

Bruce Robert Coffin – Beyond the Truth (Witness Impulse, Paperback, $11.99, 10/30/2018)

BOLO Books Comments:

Look for a more in-depth review in the near future. In the meanwhile, if you haven’t read any of Bruce Robert Coffin’s novels, now would be a great time to start. This latest in his series explores some topical themes from multiple angles and shows that easy answers are never had for some of society’s toughest questions.

Jacket Copy (Publisher’s Description):

In this latest enthralling mystery from #1 bestselling author Bruce Robert Coffin, Detective Sergeant John Byron faces the greatest challenge of his career.

When a popular high school senior is shot by police following a late night robbery, chaos ensues. The actions of the officer are immediately called into question. Amid community protests, political grandstanding, department leaks, and reluctant witnesses, Byron and his team must work quickly to find the missing pieces.

And when an attempt is made on the officer’s life, Byron shifts into overdrive, putting everything on the line. Was the attack merely retribution or something more sinister? The search for the truth may come at a price not even Byron can afford.

______________________________________________________________________

Jessica Fellowes – Bright Young Dead (Minotaur, Hardcover, $26.99, 10/30/2018)

BOLO Books Comments:

The second in the Mitford Murders series, Fellowes does not disappoint. Perfect for fans of historical tales, the household (and time period) occupied by these fascinating sisters is well-worth exploring. The ability to weave compelling and realistic murders into the lives of this fascinating family is commendable – as their real life stories are equally gripping.

Jacket Copy (Publisher’s Description):

Set amid the legendary Mitford household, Bright Young Dead is the second in the thrilling, Golden Age-style Mitford Murders series by Jessica Fellowes, author of the New York Times bestselling Downton Abbey books.

Meet the Bright Young Things, the rabble-rousing hedonists of the 1920s whose treasure hunts were a media obsession. One such game takes place at the 18th birthday party of Pamela Mitford, but ends in tragedy as cruel, charismatic Adrian Curtis is pushed to his death from the church neighbouring the Mitford home.

The police quickly identify the killer as a maid, Dulcie. But Louisa Cannon, chaperone to the Mitford girls and a former criminal herself, believes Dulcie to be innocent, and sets out to clear the girl’s name . . . all while the real killer may only be steps away.

______________________________________________________________________

Anna Snoekstra – The Spite Game (MIRA, Paperback, $15.99, 10/30/2018)

BOLO Books Comments:

I have been singing the praises of Anna Snoekstra since her debut, Only Daughter. This tale of revenge played out across years is timely and sensitively explored. Anyone who was ever bullied will relate to Ava’s anger and frustration, but thankfully, few will go to her lengths.

Jacket Copy (Publisher’s Description):

Everyone does bad things when no one is watching

Mercilessly bullied in high school, Ava knows she needs to put the past behind her and move on, but she can’t—not until she’s exacted precise, catastrophic revenge on the people who hurt her the most.

First, she watches Saanvi. Flawlessly chic and working hard at a top architectural firm, Saanvi has it all together on the surface. But everyone does bad things when they think no one is watching and Ava only wants what’s fair—to destroy Saanvi’s life the way her own was destroyed.

Next, she watches Cass. She’s there as Cass tries on wedding dresses, she’s there when Cass picks out a cake, she’s there when Cass betrays her fiancé. She’s the reason Cass’s entire future comes crashing down.

Finally, Ava watches Mel. Mel was always the ringleader and if anyone has to pay, it’s her. But one tiny slipup and Ava realizes the truth: Mel knows she’s being watched, and she’s ready to play Ava’s games to the bitter end.

______________________________________________________________________

Barbara Fradkin – Prisoners of Hope (Dundurn, Paperback, $19.99, 10/30/2018)

BOLO Books Comments:

Another contemporary and timely tale, this time focused on foreign workers and their struggles at assimilation. Canadian crime fiction is often overlooked (with the exception of Louise Penny), so readers looking to try something new will be justly rewarded with the works of Barbara Fradkin.

Jacket Copy (Publisher’s Description):

Amanda Doucette finds herself drawn into the world of exploited foreign workers when she rescues a Filipino nanny accused of murdering her wealthy employer.

Georgian Bay: a spectacular terrain of granite shores, deserted islands, and infinite sparkling bays. As part of her cross-Canada charity tour, Amanda has planned a kayaking trip in the area for abused families from a rural Ontario community.

While exploring some remote islands offshore, she and a local tour guide rescue a frightened young woman whose boat has capsized. In an apparent act of kindness, the tour guide takes the woman to shore, leaving Amanda stranded. But when news surfaces that a wealthy doctor has died at his estate and his Filipino nanny has gone missing, Amanda fears far more sinister forces are at work. When the young tour guide is found dead on a nearby island, she and RCMP officer Chris Tymko race to prevent more innocent deaths.