20. One Good Turn, Kate Atkinson

Second Brodie Jackson. Interlocking tales of Edinburgh denizens that together make an intriguing whole -- of fraud and murder. The most satisfying climax ever.

14. Power Play, Joseph Finder (Audio)

Corporate hostages and lots of action. By the numbers, but well done and exciting.

12. Murder Observed, Eleanor Boylan

Clara Gamadge, an updated Miss Marple, sees her childhood friend run over and believes it's murder. A pleasure. (Miss Marple, herself, should never be updated.)

10. Fear of the Dark, Walter Mosley

Paris Minton, the cowardly bookseller, and Fearless Jones search for Paris's cousin Ulysses S. Grant IV, aka Useless, in 1950s Los Angeles. Intelligent and funny.