Sweet Poison

September 15, 2008
In the juicy 16th Jane Lawless mystery (after 2007’s The Mortal Groove
), the lesbian restaurateur worries about her father Ray’s upcoming bid for governor of Minnesota. Corey Hodge, a convicted rapist Ray once defended in court, has just been released from prison. Nursing a grudge, he volunteers at Ray’s campaign headquarters until his identity is exposed. Life gets more intense after Corey becomes a suspect in the murder of one of Ray’s top volunteers, Charity Miller. Charity was being stalked by her ex-boyfriend, who may have committed a hate crime against a gay United Methodist minister involved with a male campaign worker. Also causing Jane concern is the unexpected return from Africa of her ex-lover, Dr. Julia Martinsen. Julia plots to reignite her relationship with Jane, who’s involved in a troubled long-distance relationship with Kenzie, a Nebraska professor. Hart fans will enjoy the many twists, both personal and criminal.

November 15, 2008
Harts newest mysteryspotlighting Minneapolis restaurateur/amateur sleuth Jane Lawless isarelevant tale of upcoming elections, betrayal, and murder. Janes dad, attorney Raymond Lawless, is running to become Minnesotas next governor when his opponent releases a list of all the criminals back on the street thanks to Lawless defense work. Add the killing of a campaign volunteer, a mysterious occurrence concerning Rays private plane, and the sudden reappearance of Janes old flame, Julia, a woman who lies like she breathes, for a solidly satisfying sixteenth title in this popularlesbian murder-mystery series. Can the heroines long-distance lover, Kenzie, put up with Janes life of criminals, cop buddies, and the stress of managing multiple restaurants, not to mention political intrigue and a returning duplicitous ex? Bigger-than-life sidekick Cordelia Thorne, Janes best friend and a theatrical director whos theatrical in every way, not only provides humor but also piercing insights as Harts talesgrow darker and more contemplative as sheplumbs deeper into the convoluted hearts and minds of her fascinating characters.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)