Finished Rough Weather by Robert B. Parker. This is the latest book in his long-running series about Boston private investigator Spenser.

In this one, Spenser is hired to attend a wedding. Good thing, since armed men storm in, shoot the groom, and kidnap the bride. Although he can’t prevent the kidnapping, Spenser vows to get to the bottom of things, especially since the kidnappers are led by his old enemy the Gray Man.

I’ve read all the Spenser books and reviewed so many here on the blog that it’s hard to find something new to say. Parker delivers his usual snappy dialogue and fast narrative. There’s also a lot of action at the beginning, which really pulled me into the story. I did guess the Gray Man’s motives toward the end of the book, and I thought one person’s involvement in the kidnapping was extremely transparent.

Still, this is one of the best Spenser novels that I’ve read in a while. If you’re looking for a quick, easy read, this one won’t disappoint. Thumbs up.

Up next: No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole.

Books in my TBR pile: About 20.

Finished Now You Die by Roxanne St. Claire. This is the third and final book in a trilogy (and sixth overall) in her Bullet Catchers romantic suspense series.

This book finally answers the trilogy’s overall question of who sent an innocent woman, Eileen Stafford, to jail for a murder she didn’t commit and why. It also features the romance between Lucy Monroe, the head of the BCs, and Jack Culver, a former BC that Lucy fired for lying to her.

I’ve been looking forward to Lucy’s story for a while now, as she has been such a strong character in the other books. For the most part, I was pleased. Lucy remains just as strong and capable in this book as she has been in the others, even while she’s falling for Jack. We also learn more about Lucy’s background, including the tragic loss that drives her.

However, I didn’t think Jack’s character was quite as strongly developed. Or maybe that’s just because I haven’t been reading about him for six books now. Still, I thought he was a good match for Lucy.

As for the murder mystery, I liked the way that St. Claire wove everything together from the first two books, like the tattoos on the adopted babies and Eileen’s memories of the murder. It all fit together nicely. Although I did guess the “big twist” and who the murderer really was about halfway through the book. And I did enjoy the big showdown at the end.

Overall, this was a nice conclusion to a solid trilogy. Thumbs up. There’s another BC book due out later this year, and I’ll be reading it.

Up next: Rough Weather by Robert B. Parker.

Books in my TBR pile: About 20.