I hope that 2007 is beginning nicely for our readers. These books from last year might offer good reading for cold nights (if we have any).

Capital Crimes

By Jonathan and Faye Kellerman

Ballantine, 2006, $24.95

Husband and wife team Jonathan and Faye Kellerman join forces in writing two short novels, each featuring characters readers have at least met in their earlier books.

In "My Sister's Keeper," investigators Will Barnes and Amanda Isis must investigate the death of David Grayson, a California state representative and lesbian rights activist. Faye Kellerman's Peter Decker and Marge Dunn make an appearance in this story.

Jonathan Kellerman's Dr. Alex Delaware helps solve a crime in Nashville in "Music City Breakdown." Detectives Baker Southerby and Lamar Van Gundy investigate the murder of Jack Jeffries, a rock superstar.

The series of both Kellermans are definitely popular with readers, who should probably enjoy this quick read.

Crooked Lake

By Nelson Brunanski

Caronel Publishing, 2006, $16.95

Bart Bartowski is supposed to be doing off-season work at his fly-fishing lodge, but he finds time to help his childhood friend by investigating a murder.

It looks pretty open-and-shut, so the police aren't looking any further -- and they want Bart to butt out.

Bart isn't sure who the guilty party might be, but he has some suspicions.

This book offers an entertaining read with characters I'd like to see again.

The author, who taught English, grew up in a small Canadian town. He is currently working on a sequel to this novel, tentatively titled "Frost Bite."

Cold Crime

By Tom Brennan

Epicenter Press, 2006, $14.95

Brennan discusses the resolutions of several criminal cases that took place in Alaska.

He is the author of "Murder at 40 Below."

Flora Segunda

By Ysabeau S. Wilce

Harcourt, 2006, $17

This young adult book has it all: fantasy, mystery, and romance.

Flora Fyrdraaca is about to turn 14, which is a big deal in her country. This means she is qualified to enter military training, which she doesn't want to do. But she isn't sure how she's going to explain this to her mother, the Warlord's Commanding General.

Flora lives in Crackpot Hall with her mother (when she's home) and her father, who mostly stays to himself, drinking and smoking. The house is a bit of a mess because her mother has fired the magical butler, Valefor (although it turns out that he still lives in one of the 11,000 rooms of the house).

When Flora agrees to help Valefor, she doesn't realize that she may be putting her very existence in danger.

Faye M. Dasen may be reached at fdasen@thepilot.com or 693-2475.