Thriller and mystery series are among the most popular choices of readers. Chapter after chapter of suspense and intrigue almost invariably end with some form of justice being done – or at least an ending that invites a sequel.
Then there are authors who write a string of unrelated stand-alone novels, bound together by time and/or place, or simply by storytelling ability.
To prepare for sequel novels, it's helpful to read the titles that went before. Consider these:
T. Jefferson Parker: Enigmatic sheriff's deputy Charlie Hood, who works the U.S.-Mexico border, has starred in the excellent "L.A. Outlaws," "The Renegades," "Iron River" and "The Border Lords." In "The Jaguar" (Dutton, $26.95, 368 pages; Jan. 10), a friend's wife is kidnapped by the ringleader of a Mexican drug cartel. As usual, Parker's direct style, action scenes, quirky characters and smooth plotting meld into a compelling read.
Tom Rob Smith: His brutal best-selling debut novel, "Child 44," introduced Leo Demidov, a security officer operating in Cold War-era Soviet Union. National Public Radio called it one of the 100 best thrillers of all time, and that's difficult to argue. Demidov returns in "Agent 6" (Grand Central, $25.99, 480 pages; Jan. 5), in which he and his wife – now outcasts of the Soviet system – are invited on a Peace Tour of New York City. Conspiracy and betrayal follow, leading Demidov to a trail of revenge.
Charles Frazier: His debut novel, "Cold Mountain," won a National Book Award and was followed by "Thirteen Moons." We're still in Appalachia in "Nightwoods," but with many twists (Random House, $26, 272 pages; March). This is a tense literary tale of a backwoods woman who takes in her murdered sister's two young children. Unexpected dangers follow.
Walter Mosley: The prickly novelist – who appeared for the Bee Book Club in March 2010 – is best known for his 11-book series featuring reluctant private eye Easy Rawlins. But he left Easy to follow the adventures of Leonid McGill, an ex-boxer-turned P.I., in the noir "The Long Fall" and "Known to Evil." The third entry, "When the Thrill Is Gone" (Riverhead, 368 pages, $26.95; March), finds the rough-and-tumble McGill up to his chin in family dysfunction and double-dealing clients.
You're invited
John Lescroart writes his New York Times best-selling legal thrillers in a second-floor office near downtown Davis. That's where he pieced together his 23rd title, "The Hunter" (Dutton, $26.95, 400 pages), which continues his Wyatt Hunt series. The San Francisco P.I., who was raised by adoptive parents, decides to find his birth family – only to be forced into tracking his natural mother's killer.
"I moved Wyatt into (lodgings) above Boulevard, the best restaurant in San Francisco," said Lescroart, who knows fine dining, though other epicures might argue his "best" designation.
Fans can say hello to Lescroart at his "Hunter" launch party and book-signing at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 3 at the Odd Fellows Hall, 415 Second St., Davis; (530) 297-2108. Music, wine and catered food will accompany.
"This will be the fun book party of the year for everyone," Lescroart said. "Invite your book clubs and your other friends."
Books into movies
Let's all thank J.R.R. Tolkien for giving the world "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
And let's thank director Peter Jackson for turning "Rings" into three terrific movies. And one more thanks to him for his upcoming "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," scheduled for release in December 2012.
While we wait, remember that the teaser-trailer is all over the Web. Catch it at www.newzealand.com/us/ campaign/new-zealand-home-of-middle-earth, where there's more information and a link to YouTube.
On the subject of movies, "the secret that everybody already knew" has been officially announced: The mega-selling "The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair That Changed America" by Erik Larson is in the early stage of heading to the big screen. Leonardo DiCaprio has been named to portray Henry Howard Holmes, the serial killer who exploited the 1893 Chicago World's Fair in order to commit his horrific crimes.
Larson, who specializes in narrative historicals that read like thrillers, appeared for the Bee Book Club in November.
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The Bee's Allen Pierleoni can be reached at (916) 321-1128 or apierleoni@sacbee.com. Contact him with news of coming literary events that are open to the public.
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