The Shivering Turn

December 1, 2016
Following the success of her Woodend and Paniatowski novels, the multitalented Spencer introduces a new series starring Jennie Redhead, whose name and hair match. Jennie is a curious, clever woman who, despite her working-class background, won a place at Oxford and went on to join the police. But that didn't work out when she blew the whistle on her boss, so she resigned and set up her own detective agency. Her latest case involves the disappearance of teenager Linda Corbet, whose mother is sure she is dead and whose father claims she's run away. At first, Jennie takes the case lightly, suspecting that Mr. Corbet is right, since hundreds of young women run away from home every year. But, as the case progresses, Jennie finds herself drawn in. What could have happened to a young woman who by all accounts was smart, popular, and hard-working, and why would she have left home when she was so loved by her parents? Spencer scores another top-notch hit with this new series, which features her usual skillful writing, clever plotting, and intriguing characters.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)

December 12, 2016
Set in Oxford, England, in May of 1974, this witty series first from Spencer (Death in Disguise and 10 other Monika Paniatowski mysteries) introduces Jennie Redhead, a private investigator with a competent Upper Second degree in English literature from Oxford University and six years’ experience working for the Thames Valley Police. Jennie is a classic fictional detective: idealistic and not afraid of a fight (she’s proficient in karate). But she’s also a well-rounded female character, with a wry sense of humor. The narrative entwines the fun of a literary puzzle and insight into the workings of the university with slam-bang action. It begins with Jennie reluctantly accepting a case from a distraught mother, who fears her missing 17-year-old daughter may be dead. Jennie’s search for the truth takes in every stratum of Oxford life, including seedy pubs, grim police stations, and that temple of knowledge the Bodleian Library. Anglophiles will find much to like.