Fuzzy Navel

May 19, 2008
Lt. Jack Daniels of the Chicago PD has been in tight spots before, but she's never been in a bloodbath like the one in her over-the-top fifth outing (after 2007's Dirty Martini
). Pitted against one of her deadliest enemies plus three vigilante snipers armed with top-flight equipment, Daniels faces a prolonged fight for survival in which everyone on her side is disabled in significant ways and her opponents are out to slaughter everyone dear to her. The simple, brutal plot line tests Daniels's ingenuity, resolve and strength, not to mention readers' credulity. Konrath mutes the humor that leavened earlier entries in the series, while the constantly shifting points of view do little to aid the story's flow. Fans, however, won't want to miss this book because of some surprising developments in Daniels's personal life and an ending that promises more shocks in the next installment.

June 1, 2008
Jack is back but unfortunately for the Chicago police lieutenant and everyone dear to her, so is psychopath Alexis Kork. As if that weren't enough, there is a trio of sniper wannabes who have Jack in their sights as well. Most of Konrath's latest novel (after "Dirty Martini") takes place at night in and around the house that Jack shares with her mother. Alex is inside, as are Jack; her mother; her beau, Latham; her current partner, Herb; and her erstwhile partnerturnedprivate eye, Harry. Alex has the upper hand, and she gleefully doles out the duct tape and the pain until the snipers hunting Jack surround the house and Jack's friend, small-time hood Phin, arrives to join the party. This gripping novel is an adrenaline rush in print with plenty of nonstop action. Konrath's humor is less evident, but the author still manages to sketch some interesting characters, villains as much as heroes. Don't be surprised if this one hits the big screen. For all mystery collections.Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Lib., Wisconsin Rapids

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2008
In the latest Jacqueline Jack Daniels mystery, the Chicago cop goes up against Alex Kork, a murderous psychopath who faked her own death and escaped a maximum-security facility. Now shes holding Daniels hostage in her own home, along with Jacks mother and fianc'. Meanwhile, a small band of vigilantes is targeting criminals, killing them in not-so-subtle ways. When the two story lines convergeas they mustreaders are treated to one of the most satisfying Jack Daniels novels yet. Konrath remains too little known; get this series into the hands of J. A. Jance fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)