Steven James

[benwhiting]

I recently discovered Mr. James after someone recommended him to me at a writing conference. James writes mystery thrillers, and his detective, Patrick Bowers, uses an interesting method to solve crimes--environmental criminology. James' first book, The Pawn, was great, balancing the personal-life struggles of Bowers with an engrossing mystery. The story was well-paced, and I thought the characters were three-dimensional as well.

I read The Rook a few months later and enjoyed it even more. The science involved was intriguing but easy to understand, the banter between characters well-written and amusing, and the subplot of Bowers' struggles to connect with his teenage daughter was again excellent.

Highly recommended to those who don't see why plot/character has to be an either/or proposition. These books deliver both.