At least one of these mystery-thrillers should appeal to The Pilot's book fans.

More Twisted

Collected Stories, Vol. II

By Jeffery Deaver

Simon and Schuster, 2007, $24.95

Those who like quick reads will enjoy these short mystery stories by Jeffery Deaver.

Deaver made sure that one of his 16 stories featured his famous detective, Lincoln Rhyme, for fans of that series.

The stories take place in such diverse spots as a lake house in Tuscany and the desert in Arizona.

As with anything Deaver writes, these stories are filled with twists and turns that usually lead to a surprise ending.

Most Likely to Die

By Lisa Jackson, Beverly Barton, and Wendy Corsi Staub

Zebra, 2007, $7.99

It always amazes me that three busy writers, all living in different places, can co-write a book.

Jackson, Barton and Staub manage to pull it off pretty well, although I admit I did guess early on who was responsible for the murders, but not why.

The 20th reunion of their high school class brings back bad memories for three friends who can't forget a horrible incident that happened their senior year.

Kristin Delmonico, much to her dismay, finds that she has been put in charge of the reunion committee. Her friends, Lindsay and Rachel, also dread the event, but can't seem to stay away.

When classmates start turning up dead, it appears as though someone is seeking revenge against them all.

A False Mirror

By Charles Todd

William Morrow, 2007, $23.95

Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge returns in this dark mystery set after the end of World War I.

Felicity Hamilton's husband is attacked, and the prime suspect is Stephen Mallory, with whom Felicity was once in love. Mallory swears he didn't harm her husband (who is in a coma), and takes Felicity and her maid hostage until local authorities agree to call Rutledge in on the case.

In solving the case, Rutledge is called upon to face some of his own demons about his military service.

This is a pretty compelling read right up to the last page.

Charles Todd is actually the mother-son writing team of Charles Todd and Caroline Todd. He lives in North Carolina; she resides in Delaware.

A Kiss in Winter

By Susan Crandall

Warner Forever, 2007, $6.99

Caroline Rogers took on the responsibility of raising her younger brother and sister after their parents died. She had planned on traveling all over the world to pursue her career in photography, but it looks as though that won't happen.

Caroline has wanted to purchase their childhood home and is devastated to learn that Mick Larson, who has given up a medical career to return to his hometown, has managed to buy it first.

When landmarks that appear in Caroline's photos are vandalized, Mick tries to help her. (Romance is blooming, of course.)

Faye Dasen may be reached at fdasen@thepilot.com.