Two Mysteries for Summer, Sans Private-I

Title: Try Fear

Author: James Scott Bell
Publisher: Center Street
Release date: July 16, 2009
Read? :-) :-)

Try Fear by former trial lawyer James Scott Bell is fabulous! The third in the series starring Ty Buchanan, high-powered LA attorney brought low by the death of his fiancée. As the book opens, Ty is living in a trailer at a convent in the outskirts of LA, taking on cases of the down-and-out pro bono from a coffee shop. He is assisted by Sister Mary Veritas, a nun who is a crack researcher and whose calling is in question. Ty puts his stellar trial skills to use in his latest case defending a man accused of killing his own brother, and Ty doesn't stop until he's used a little muscle and ju jitsu to find the truth, which has been well-hidden from him and the reader alike. Fast-paced, funny, and surprising; a must-read for mystery lovers.

Title: Get Real
Author: Donald E. Westlake
Publisher: Grand Central
Release date: July 17, 2009
Read? :-)

Thief John Dortmunder and his crew become the cast of a reality television show. While this entails a paycheck - a concept that Dortmunder detests - he and the gang see potential for additional (and unofficial) profit, so they give it a try. Complications galore follow, along with a large helping of behind-the-scenes action at the show. The result is both a fun caper novel and a fine send-up of the reality TV industry. Perfect for summer, and a book to make you smile. Sadly, Donald E. Westlake died on December 31, 2008, so this is the last of the Dortmunder series.