Mystery-thrillers are on tap for this week's roundup of suggested reading.

A Matter of Justice

By Charles Todd

William Morrow, 2008, $24.99

The mother and son team of Caroline Todd and Charles Todd, who lives in North Carolina, bring back Inspector Ian Rutledge, who plies his trade in England, just after World War I. Rutledge, like many others of his day, has a lot of baggage relating to the war, not the least of which is seeing an old buddy named Hamish, who just happens to be dead.

Rutledge, while he would like not to see Hamish, uses the ghost as a sounding board while working on cases.

When Harold Quarles, a London financial adviser, is found murdered at his country estate, there is no shortage of suspects. Nobody liked the man, including his wife.

While Hamish takes a little getting used to, readers soon accept him as part of Rutledge's life, so his presence doesn't seem too farfetched.

A good read, as always.

Charles Todd -- both mom and son -- will be at Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh, Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m. for a book signing.

Friend of the Devil

By Peter Robinson

Harper, 2009, $7.99

Oh boy, was this a good book! Those who have read other books in Robinson's series featuring Chief Inspector Alan Banks, Inspector Annie Cabbot and crew will enjoy catching up on the personal goings-on, but any reader will enjoy the thrilling and convoluted story.

Banks is working the case of the death of a young girl, Hayley Daniels. Cabbot, who is on loan to another division, is assigned to investigate the murder of a quadriplegic. When another death occurs, and the cases seem to intersect, Banks and Cabbot find themselves working together again, in spite of the personal tension between them.

Bones of Betrayal

By Jefferson Bass

William Morrow, 2009, $24.99

I have enjoyed all of the books in the series based on the real-life Body Farm. which is headed up by Dr. Bill Bass, who co-authors the books with Jon Jefferson.

There is a little history involved in this book as Dr. Bill Brockton tries to determine the link between two murders that took place years apart. Oak Ridge, Tenn., is the site of a "secret city" where The Manhattan Project was worked on during World War II, so there is a grain of truth behind the story.

The authors give readers an interesting and fast-paced mystery. I'm looking forward to the next one, guys.

Lady Killer

By Lisa Scottoline

Harper, 2009, $7.99

Attorney Mary DiNunzio is surprised when her high school nemesis, Trish Gambone, comes to her for advice. Trish is afraid that her boyfriend, who, it turns out, is connected to the Mob in South Philly, will eventually kill her. Mary tells her what she can legally do, but Trish isn't happy with the answer.

When Trish disappears, her old school chums blame Mary and join her in trying to discover if Trish has been murdered or if she has disappeared by choice.

And in the midst of all of this, it's possible that Mary has found love.

The Witch's Grave

By Shirley Damsgaard

Avon, 2009, $6.99

Another of Damsgaard's series featuring Ophelia and her grandmother, Abby, this cozy mystery begins with Ophelia, the town librarian, meeting author Stephen Larsen, whose specialty is true crime stories.

When someone shoots Stephen, Ophelia has to wonder if those bullets were intended for her. Either way, she is determined to solve the mystery.

I enjoy the characters in this series because you can tell that they grow and change with each new book.

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