I have a perfect suggestion for Bill (who likes John D. McDonald). I hope you, and others, will try Charles Knief's DIAMOND HEAD or SAND DOLLARS. Chuck's writing resembles McDonald's in its fine plot line, but in my opinion, is superior in charactor development and action. Both of these books, and a third, EMERALD FLASH which will be out next spring, are fast moving, excitingly paced books. DIAMOND HEAD IS full of local Hawaiian color and characters. SAND DOLLARS is a very accurate portrayal of the San Diego and Baja Mexico scene. Both are excellent, can't put down reading.

I'm just finished it and I've decided that WHEN THE WIND BLOWS was just way too weird for me. I hope he brings back Alex Cross very soon!

Bill was looking for mystery authors similar to Lawrence Block and John D. Macdonald. My husband is a MacDonald fan, and when he ran out of books I started seeking out similar authors for him. I looked for blurbs on the jacket that mentioned MacDonald, for starters! Some of the ones he enjoyed are: Carl Hiaasen (note the spelling), Robert Crais, Geoffrey Norman, James W. Hall, Paul Levine, Randy Wayne White, and Don Matheson. He also likes Clive Cussler, especially the early works.

I like Lawrence Block too, both the funny books and the serious ones with the sensitive, tormented detectives. For funny, I recommend Donald E. Westlake, and for sensitive/tormented I recommend Stephen Greenleaf, Jeremiah Healy, and Grif Stockley. Oh, and add in Parnell Hall in the "funny" category..

I fully agree with the review of Barry Hoffman's Hungry Eyes book. For a first novel it was more than a pleasant surprise, however I must tell you that Mr. Hoffman has written a sequel to this book called, Eyes of Prey, where the antagonist, Shara becomes the protagonist of the story. Again a truly unique book in which the growth of Mr. Hoffmans writing is apparent. I truly suggest you should review this book also, or if not read it just for the pleasure.

I have a suggestion for the reader who was looking for a new author. I just discovered an excellent writer -- Carol O'Connell -- who has a beautiful command of language. She has written four books, beginning with "Mallory's Oracle," and continuing with "The Man Who Cast Two Shadows," "Killing Critics," and the last "The Stone Angel." Although each book stands alone, a reader does not fully understand the character of NYPD Detective Mallory without reading the first one. The plots are complex and the writing is superb. Each is a window into an area I was not familiar with (the art world, in "Killing Critics," for example). Though it may take a few pages to get involved, once I was involved, I couln't put any of the four down until the last page. The true test!

I also suggest the latest release by Ms. McConnell -- "Judas Child." Absolutely outstanding. This is a thinking reader's book, beautifully constructed prose, complex plot and great depth of characters. I cannot recommend this author more highly.

The books I am looking for had as a primary character a dog who was a movie star and his owner who enjoyed jazz - the guy dated a girl who was a professional pool player - the second novel (5 - 10 years old) takes place on an island off the east coast.

I enjoyed the first book (murphy's dog???), while the second book wasn't as good I am interested in finding current titles by this author.

Any help is appreciated.

So glad to see your interview with C J Songer. I had the opportunity to meet her at this year's Bouchercon in Philadelphia. She was talking about Bait, read the cover blurb for it and I scooped it up. Boy was I glad I did. The best first novel I've read since One For The Money. I'm glad to see the word get out about her.

Does anyone know when the next John Grisham book will be out?