Here are a few books I found interesting that I hope The Pilot's readers might enjoy.

Final Analysis: The Untold Story of the Susan Polk Murder Case

By Catherine Crier

with Cole Thompson

Harper True Crime, 2008, $7.99

I recall having seen a story on Court TV (now TruTV) about the case of Susan Polk, who was charged with murder in the death of her ex-husband, Felix. She said it was self-defense, that Felix had been abusive.

Their relationship actually began when Susan, then a teenager, began seeing Felix, a psychologist, for therapy. The two eventually married and had three children. Felix became more controlling; Susan rebelled and wanted out of the marriage.

Courtroom drama of the highest order ensues as Susan Polk tries to act as her own attorney -- and the children take sides.

Crier does a good job covering all the sides of this case.

Tie Dyed and Dead

By Sharon Short

Avon, 2008, $6.99

This book is part of a cozy mystery series featuring Josie Toadfern (I love that name) , who is a master of getting out stains. That's why she owns the local laundry and also writes a syndicated column about cleaning.

Josie offers to clean the costumes for the Mayfair sisters' benefit concert. The Mayfairs, a 1960s girl group, are natives of Paradise, Ohio, and have gotten back together to stage a benefit concert for their mother, who has Alzheimer's.

The former manager of the group comes to town, claiming that he should get a share of profits from the concert.

When he turns up dead -- in Josie's laundry -- suspicion falls on her.

Josie also meets a new man at the local bar, leading to some interesting situations.

You don't need to have read any of the other books to fall in love with the cast of characters.

The author includes cleaning tips for those of us who are domestically challenged.

I'd like to go back and read the other books in the series.

No One Heard Her Scream

By Jordan Dane

Avon, 2008, $6.99

Rebecca Montgomery is a detective, but that doesn't matter now. Her own sister, Dani, disappeared five months ago, and Becca has not been able to find a trace of her.

Her boss, Lt. Santiago, sends her to investigate a body found in the ashes of a theater that has recently burned down. The body, which had been bricked into the theater wall during a prior renovation, is actually a skeleton, but there is a locket.

Becca notices a handsome man hanging around outside the theater and has someone check on his identity. Diego Galvan is known to work for Hunter Cavanaugh, who has the reputation of doing dirty business.

Sparks fly when Becca and Diego meet, and Diego must decide whose side he's on.

Contact Faye Dasen at fdasen@thepilot.com or 693-2475.