Janet Evanovich – Split Second: 32 Switcheroo (published November 10). For years, I enjoyed the Stephanie Plum series, but it became repetitive, so I put it aside. A couple of years ago, I picked them back up when she finally decided between Ranger and Joe, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the last three books. This book takes place after she marries ******** (purposely vague to avoid spoilers), and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Stephanie is her usual smart-yet-klutzy bounty hunter, blowing up every car she drives; Grandma Mazur is still hilarious, attending every funeral “showing” she can find; and Lula is, as usual, annoying, always wanting to stop for doughnuts and fried chicken. These are best in audio, and it may give you a few giggles.[My only issue with these is that Stephanie’s mother is well on her way to becoming an alcoholic, which isn’t funny.]

J. A. Jance – The Taken Ones. This is the 27th book in the JP Beaumont (“Beau”) series (November release), and I honestly don’t know how Jance keeps these fresh and continues to develop the characters into such likeable people who, using their crackerjack investigative skills, solve the mysteries. In this book, Beau travels to Alaska to help a friend introduced in an earlier book, but enough of the story is set in Washington to keep you updated on his whip-smart wife, Mel, and other friends and family. Some of the investigative parts require a suspension of disbelief, but overall it was a good ride, and I can’t wait for the next book.

Peter Swanson – Do You See What I See? A short, compelling mystery that uses the age-old “country-house locked-room mystery” storyline. This was twisty, and I enjoyed it as much as Swanson’s previous novella, The Christmas Guest. Pick this up if you need something quick for the holidays.