Discovered a new likable mystery writer..

[dixiegrrrrl]

Donald Harstad.
A summary:

Reflecting 26 years as a deputy sheriff in northeastern Iowa, Donald Harstad's books feature an Iowa deputy sheriff named Carl Houseman, is full of convincing details of everyday police work and is told in such a droll, natural voice that you'll swear you've met both author and hero.
Harstad's dead-on, no-nonsense manner makes it all very convincing--and extremely readable.

the "voice" of the first person books is so natural and relaxed, it is a pleasure to read, and it is so very character driven that the actual crimes are almost secondary.

So far only 3 books to what looks like a promising series.

[MinM]

1. Re: Discovered a new likable mystery writer...

Thanks for the tip. Here are a few more:

Wednesday, July 18,2012
From courts to escorts
MSU grad Allison Leotta uncovers the world of call girls in 'Discretion'
by KURT ANTHONY KRUG

The “D.C. Madam” scandal served as a jumping-off point for Michigan State University aluma Allison Leotta’s latest legal thriller, “Discretion.”

“As a prosecutor, I handled a lot of cases where the victims were prostitutes,” Leotta said in a phone interview. “I saw on a firsthand basis how dangerous their lives were, especially some college girl getting into the business thinking it’s a quick, easy way to make money.

“But that’s really far from the truth. I wanted to paint that picture realistically. What is it really like? What are the dangers? What are the unsavory things that have to happen? I didn’t want to glamorize it at all. I hope I hit that chord in ‘Discretion.’” ...

http://www.lansingcitypulse.com/lansing/article-7637-from-courts-to-escorts.html

Former CNN Anchor Kitty Pilgrim on Her New Novel ‘The Stolen Chalice’ (Q&A)
She talks about her new “romantic thriller,” making the leap from journalist to novelist and traveling the world for research.
11:05 AM PDT 8/3/2012 by Andy Lewis

Kitty Pilgrim, the CNN-anchor-turned-novelist, has a new book out, The Stolen Chalice, a follow up to her 2011 debut, The Explorer's Code, which continues the adventures of archeologist John Sinclair and Oceanographer Cordelia.

Pilgrim, who is also a member of New York City’s famed Explorer’s Club and the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations in addition to being a former news anchor, talked with The Hollywood Reporter about her "romantic thriller," making the leap from reporter to novelist and traveling the world for research...

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cnn-kitty-pilgrim-stolen-chalice-358183

[fadedrose]

3. Thank you, too...for the recs & information

Looked them up...

Some quick links:

A mystery:

http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/L_Authors/Leotta_Allison.html

Mainstream:

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/p/kitty-pilgrim/

[fadedrose]

2. Thank you for the recs & description..

Looked it up here:

http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/H_Authors/Harstad_Donald.html

and will be giving him a try (4 weeks till I'm done with what's already on my plate)...

Thank you Dear....