More 'best books'

The New York Times best books of the year lists now include 25 books chosen by Marilyn Stasio, the newspaper's crime fiction reviewer, and it's an eclectic mix. 

I haven't read any of the books and have heard of only a few. I'm glad to be reminded of Walter Mosley's The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey with its 91-year old protagonist. I'm really intrigued by her descriptions of two books: Colin Cotterill's Love Songs from a Shallow Grave, which features the national coroner of Laos, and Simon Lelic's A Thousand Cuts, in which, Stasio says, "a teacher goes berserk, shoots three students and kills himself — for reasons that will floor you."  I've already heard good things about Stuart Neville's Collusion set in Belfast during the Troubles. There are several other historical mysteries and what Stasio calls "weepers," including John Harvey's Far Cry. And Stasio includes the latest from my new favorite author.

Did you have any favorite books this year?

November books and movies

November hardcover releases include new books by Dennis Lehane, a non-series book by Henning Mankell set in the late 19th century, Patricia Cornwell's 18th Kay Scarpetta novel, and more by popular authors such as Stephen King, Brad Thor and Walter Mosley. New mystery paperbacks include books by J.B. Stanley and Joseph Wambaugh.

November movies with a mystery/thriller/suspense bent include the Valerie Plame storyFair Game starring Naomi Watts and Sean Penn; Red Hill; Unstoppable, the runaway train thriller starring Denzel Washington and The Next Three Days, directed by Paul Haggis and starring Russell Crowe.

Enjoy!