New Releases For The Week Of February 21st, 2021–Part 5

Known as the Gateway to Hell, natives once threw children into Masaya’s throat to appease the goddess living inside.

Geologist Kea Wright is leading an expedition into Masaya to discover the volcano’s secrets. Despite careful planning, Masaya devours a member of their team. As the rest scramble to escape, they can’t shake the feeling that they’re being hunted. Meanwhile, across Nicaragua, revolution starts to spread…

For Kea, life will never be the same. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

Released criminals. A gun. Real or a toy?

Josh is smitten with his new scatty girlfriend. But her best friend is scared by a threatening unexplained incident. He discovers no criminal activity. Asking questions to satisfy himself, the answers are superficial. Secrets abound. Another dubious incident takes place and Josh cannot shake the scared face from his mind. Signs of duplicity arise as he asks more questions. Are the events leading to a serious crime? A prisoners’ charity has arranged a masked ball. Many who attend will have tainted backgrounds. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

Two powerful families united, then split apart.

Josh is despondent. The allocation of a rubbish case, involving a perpetual criminal, does not lift his spirits. The defending solicitor, an intriguing and beautiful woman, captures his attention in her desire for unusual meetings. On the edge of losing her licence to practice law, she needs help. But involvement with her stretches good police practice and he is heavily criticised. On the surface, it appears an open and shut case. But after an unexpected incident, Josh suspects the solicitor is lying. But why? (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

He didn’t deserve promotion. He didn’t want to return to Blackford. Bad memories and lies.

Josh is apprehensive as he plans to start his newly promoted role of Detective Sergeant on return to his home town, the scene of his delinquent youth. His new boss will be harsh with him. An overbearing and precise man, his approach is anathema to Josh’s style. His tension escalates as an incident in Blackford shopping centre involves his beloved sister. Never has crime touched his family. The crime escalates to murder and closes on his family. Thrown into a new and difficult police environment, he struggles to cope with the pressure as criticism of him mounts. He is hoping for a breakthrough, but the clues do not join together. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

A blind detective rises to the occasion following the suspicious death of a blind financier in this mystery by the author of Odor of Violets.

Following the loss of his sight in World War I, ex–intelligence officer Capt. Duncan Maclain honed his other senses and became one of the most successful and well-known private investigators in New York City . . .

The Miners Title and Trust is typically dead quiet, having gone bankrupt. Then, late one evening, the bank’s blind president, Blake Hadfield, plummets eight stories to his death in the building’s lobby. The only witnesses are the security guard and Blake’s estranged wife, who were both on the first floor. Blake’s son, Seth, is found drunk and dazed on the eighth floor, making him the prime suspect in what the police believe to be murder.

That’s when Harold Lawson and Sybella Ford call upon Captain Maclain for help. Maclain doesn’t think the banker’s death was a suicide or an accident. He believes someone else was in the building. Now, with the help of his two German Shepherds, Maclain must begin investigating the complicated life of the senior Hadfield. But if the sightless sleuth isn’t careful, he could meet a similar end . . .

Baynard Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army during World War I. While in London, he met a blind English soldier whose observational skills inspired the character of Capt. Duncan Maclain. Kendrick was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and winner of the organization’s Grand Master Award. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

A blind detective separates fact from fiction to save an innocent writer in this mystery by the author of Blind Man’s Bluff.

Following the loss of his sight in World War I, ex–intelligence officer Capt. Duncan Maclain honed his other senses and became one of the most successful and well-known private investigators in New York City . . .

Acclaimed novelist Larmar Jordan and his wife, Lucia, are throwing a cocktail party in their luxury Fifth Avenue apartment. Among the guests are their friend Sybella Ford and her fiancé, Duncan Maclain. Everyone is in high spirits until the arrival of Larmar’s mistress, Troy Singleton. Maclain may be unable to see, but even he can tell that certain partygoers are far from pleased by her presence.

However, the real drama unfolds when Troy returns the following day—only to wind up dead on the terrace. The police are certain Larmar pulled the trigger. He was the only person home at the time, and the murder weapon came from his extensive gun collection—but he didn’t do it. At Lucia’s request, Maclain takes the case. Now, the sightless sleuth must quickly unravel this twisted tale of murder, before the judge throws the book at Larmar . . .Baynard Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army during World War I. While in London, he met a blind English soldier whose observational skills inspired the character of Capt. Duncan Maclain. Kendrick was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and winner of the organization’s Grand Master Award. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle,Hardcover, Paperback

Murder disrupts a blind PI’s honeymoon in this mix of detective novel and psychological thriller from the author of Death Knell.

The wife of a wealthy Tennessee mining tycoon, Marcia Fillmore has worked hard to get to where she is in life. She’s also a woman with a dark past, one she’s put behind her . . . until a man walks into the Black Pigeon in Gatlinburg and takes a seat beside her at the bar. Marcia doesn’t take kindly to him threatening her with blackmail, following her home—or seeing her kiss a man who isn’t her husband. Everything could fall apart. No, something must be done . . .

A former intelligence officer in the army, Capt. Duncan Maclain lost his sight in World War I. Since then, he’s honed his other senses and become a successful private detective whose unique skills are sought after frequently. So it’s no surprise when he arrives in the Smoky Mountains with his new bride and the sheriff asks him for help investigating a suspicious car wreck. With evidence that points to foul play, the sheriff and Maclain know they’ve got a killer to catch—but she’s not going to go down without a fight . . .

“Ingenious.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The most completely evil and yet interesting woman you’ve read about in a long time . . . Superlative!” —Chicago Daily News Baynard Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army during World War I. While in London, he met a blind English soldier whose observational skills inspired the character of Capt. Duncan Maclain. Kendrick was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and winner of the organization’s Grand Master Award. (Amazon)

Editions Available” Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback

A shooting outside a Manhattan bar leads a blind detective to a health spa with a dark secret in this mystery by the author of Make Mine Maclain.

Late one summer night, Tubby Severn is enjoying a drink at the bar of the Broadway Palace Hotel when a bullet sails past his head—only six inches away. Lots of people might want Tubby dead, but he’s not sure why the cops have arrested his best friend, Ted Yates, a blind army veteran. It seems the gun involved in the shooting was Ted’s service pistol, which was also used in a murder two years ago—and then vanished. Now, with Ted sporting a straitjacket in Bellevue, Tubby turns to Duncan Maclain for help.

Maclain agrees to take the case but soon discovers he’s dealing with more than one suspicious death and a peculiar place called Hardesty’s Health Farm, where they help clients shed pounds. As Maclain begins making connections in this twisted puzzle, he and his partner, Spud Savage, must quickly nab the killer before someone else is dropped like dead weight . . .

“Suspense! . . . Corking climax!” —Omaha World-Herald

“Novel murder device, unique fabric of alibis, deeply knotted puzzle, and engaging detection technique.” —Chicago TribuneBaynard Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army during World War I. While in London, he met a blind English soldier whose observational skills inspired the character of Capt. Duncan Maclain. Kendrick was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and winner of the organization’s Grand Master Award. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

A blind detective may be walking into a trap—but he’s not the one who should be scared—in this mystery by the author of You Die Today!

Following the loss of his sight in World War I, ex–intelligence officer Capt. Duncan Maclain honed his other senses and became one of the most successful and well-known private investigators in New York City . . .

A party in celebration of Maclain’s seventh wedding anniversary is in full swing at his Manhattan penthouse when a wealthy potential client stops by. The president and treasurer of Markham Oil, Claude Markham offers Maclain a hefty sum to help him collect some papers from a safe in his father’s office. The numbers on the combination dial are in braille, and Markham’s late mother was the only person who could read them.

The sightless sleuth can sense something is off about this mysterious tycoon, but his curiosity won’t let him say no. Even though Markham may not be who he says he is, Maclain accepts the job. With his trusty two German Shepherds at his side, Captain Maclain heads to the Markham mansion—and that’s when the real fun begins . . .Baynard Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army during World War I. While in London, he met a blind English soldier whose observational skills inspired the character of Capt. Duncan Maclain. Kendrick was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and winner of the organization’s Grand Master Award. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

A blind detective helps authorities nab a killer no one’s ever seen in this explosive mystery by the author of Blind Allies.

Following the loss of his sight in World War I, ex–intelligence officer Capt. Duncan Maclain honed his other senses and became one of the most successful and well-known private investigators in New York City . . .

Captain Maclain is playing a card game when he receives a phone call from Los Angeles. It’s his old army buddy Belden Clark. The head of Clark Precision Tool Company is coming to town the next day for a quick business trip and would like to speak to the blind detective about a tycoon named Hugo Breitmeyer he’d like him to investigate. The captain is happy to make time for his friend, but Clark’s plane fails to reach its destination thanks to a bomb tucked away in its cargo hold.

Clark wasn’t the only person interested in Breitmeyer. The FBI would like to get their hands on him as well. Although no one knows what the man looks like, the Feds have a series of wiretap recordings that could lead them to the dangerous millionaire if the right person is listening. Enter Maclain and his talented senses. But identifying a criminal who lives in the shadows can be hazardous to a PI’s health . . .Baynard Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army during World War I. While in London, he met a blind English soldier whose observational skills inspired the character of Capt. Duncan Maclain. Kendrick was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and winner of the organization’s Grand Master Award. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

When a party is spoiled by murder, a blind detective must sniff out a killer, in this mystery by the author of The Aluminum Turtle.

Following the loss of his sight in World War I, ex–intelligence officer Capt. Duncan Maclain honed his other senses and became one of the most successful and well-known private investigators in New York City . . .

There’s a swinging cocktail party at the Upper West Side apartment of brothers Herb and Andy Bolin. The two accountants have invited plenty of guests, including their dear friend Captain Maclain. But not everyone is in good spirits when the detective arrives. Herb is in a financial jam and has been using alcohol and sleeping pills to cope. He picks a fight and is carried to his bedroom to sleep it off—only to never wake again . . .

Herb’s doctor declares it was the pills and booze that did him in. But Maclain’s powerful nose knows better: he smells cyanide. Certain of foul play, Maclain must attempt to solve the case. The trouble is Herb has a long list of enemies, and picking up the killer’s scent won’t be easy . . .Baynard Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army during World War I. While in London, he met a blind English soldier whose observational skills inspired the character of Capt. Duncan Maclain. Kendrick was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and winner of the organization’s Grand Master Award (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Hardcover

A blind detective deals with murder, drugs, and buried treasure in sunny Florida in this mystery by the author of Clear and Present Danger.

Following the loss of his sight in World War I, ex–intelligence officer Capt. Duncan Maclain honed his other senses and became one of the most successful and well-known private investigators in New York City . . .

Maclain used to visit his godson, Ronald Dayland Sr., and his family in Tampa every winter—until Ronald’s murder. The local police never had any luck finding the culprit. But seven years later, Maclain is finally able to tackle the case himself. Unfortunately, another Dayland needs Maclain’s help as well.

Ronald Jr. is nineteen and should feel as though he has his entire life ahead of him, but he has a secret. While on a fishing excursion with Maclain, Ronnie wants to confess everything, but then he makes a surprising discovery in the water—one that could mean a lot of money in his future. But a spear gun prevents Ronnie from ever seeing that future.

Now, with the help of his partner, Spud, and his two German Shepherds, Captain Maclain must uncover clues for two murders—and he better hurry. Maclain may be blind, but even he can tell when he’s being watched . . .

Baynard Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army during World War I. While in London, he met a blind English soldier whose observational skills inspired the character of Capt. Duncan Maclain. Kendrick was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and winner of the organization’s Grand Master Award. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback