Ann Cleeves and Barry Maitland are mystery stars in their own right — Cleeves is the author of two acclaimed series and Maitland’s latest Brock & Kolla mystery was a November 2013 LibraryReads pick. So it’s no surprise their forthcoming books have several starred reviews:
HARBOUR STREET by Ann Cleeves
“The fatal stabbing of 70-year-old Margaret Krukowski on a train car filled with Christmas shoppers propels British author Cleeves’s excellent sixth mystery featuring Northumbrian Det. Insp. Vera Stanhope. You don’t have to be a fan of the TV show Vera, now filming its fifth season, to enjoy this top-notch police procedural.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Cleeves offers up evocative settings and flawed characters with depth, making her mysteries wonderfully addictive. Her latest is no exception.” — Library Journal, starred review
CRUCIFIXION CREEK by Barry Maitland
“Maitland starts a new trilogy set in Sydney, featuring an aboriginal detective. Well written with an elaborate plot, this fast-paced novel explores some aspects of the racial divide in Australia. Recommend for Claire McNab readers or anyone who likes police procedurals.” — Library Journal, starred review
“Unlike the 12 cases Maitland set Kolla and Brock, this one expresses its moral complications through nonstop action. First of a series. Though you’ll wonder early and often how Harry can possibly survive for any sequels, you’ll hope again and again to be proved wrong.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review