Most of the time, I pay little attention to Parade magazine when it comes in my Sunday newspaper.

I read the questions on the second page, flip through the rest, and am done.

(Yes, I get a newspaper delivered to my home; actually I get three newspapers every day.)

But lately, Parade has run a feature that I am most interested in—“Books We Love,” which lists three examples recommended by authors. And the first three are mystery writers.

Laura Lippman’s latest is Sunburn, a standalone novel of which I was most enthusiastic.

In my review, I wrote that Lippman’s 22nd novel Sunburn “ignites as a classic hard-boiled mystery and contemporary domestic thriller. Lust, deceit, and the simple quest of happiness rule the plot as Sunburn works well as an homage to Raymond Chandler, James M. Cain, and Anne Tyler. Lippman delves into a study of contrasts with a story that is as cynical as it is hopeful, a look at hearts of darkness coupled with a domestic thriller.  

Lippman’s three picks for Parade magazine are:

The Turner House by Angela Flournoy

Citizen Vince by Jess Walter

Sharp by Michelle Dean


Brad Meltzer’s latest novel is The Escape Artist, which marks Meltzer’s 20th anniversary as an author and launches a new series.

In my review I wrote, “Meltzer’s novels come with certain expectations—a plot filled with carefully researched but often obscure bits of American history and the government. Those facts may seem far-fetched but are true and elevate the characters’ adventures.”


Meltzer’s three picks for Parade magazine are:

Rivers of London: Volume 1 by Ben Aaronovitch

Vision (Marvel) by Tom King

The Oracle Year by Charles Soule



James Rollins’ latest Sigma Force thriller is The Demon Crown, which, as usual, has his mix of science, medicine, and technology. (I did not review this novel.)

Rollins’ three picks for Parade magazine are:

The Midnight Line by Lee Child

Artemis by Andy Weir

The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin