Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell have returned to England and a mystery that cuts deep into Holmes’ past and heart. In THE LANGUAGE OF BEES, thrilling adventure and more logical deduction ensues! Pick up this one now in paperback to prepare for its immediate sequel — GOD OF THE HIVE — just released this spring. It picks up where Language leaves off and introduces one of the most interesting characters yet encountered in this great series–a mysterious Green Man of the forest. In addition, King sketches in the fascinating character of Mycroft Holmes–Sherlock’s older brother–whose shadow activities on behalf of the British government become the catalyst for political wrangling, religious zealotry and murder.

Two new and engaging installments in the Holmes/Russell series that begins with THE BEEKEEPER’S APPRENTICE. (Paperback, $15.00) Recommended by Sarah.

Another fine entry in the Maisie Dobbs series. This novel is a thoughtful exploration of the hopes and dreams of the WWI generation, whose lives and futures were forever changed. THE MAPPING OF LOVE AND DEATH is a good mystery story with such fabulous characters! Winspear is particularly adept at evoking the time and place of late 1920s and early 1930s England. She pays careful attention to important details such as food and clothing without becoming didactic. Her details sketch in the world of Maisie Dobbs–a world fast fading out of recent memory. Don’t miss this one! Recommended by Sarah (Hardcover, $25.99).

THIS BODY OF DEATH by Elizabeth George finds Thomas Lynley (still grieving after his wife’s murder) back at Scotland Yard, investigating the murder of a young woman. His old team is having a hard time dealing with the new department chief, a woman, who may or may not get Lynley’s old job. A seemingly unrelated crime runs through the narrative, which adds to the mystery. George always has well-developed characters and complex plotting, and this story is fascinating. Recommended by Rochelle (Hardcover, $28.99)

THE SCENT OF RAIN AND LIGHTNING by Nancy Pickard will be published in May, and what a wonderful novel/mystery to look forward to. The writing is first rate, and the mystery involving.

Set in a small farming community in Kansas, the story follows the Linder family, the major ranching family in the community. The murder of the oldest Linder son and the disappearance of his wife is the focal point of the terrible secret that engulfs their young daughter and the whole community. The ending is very much a surprise.

I fell in love with the Linders, with all their warts as well as solid values, and didn’t want to put this book down. Hopefully Nancy Pickard will find a way to incorporate them into another novel. Recommended by Julie. (Hardcover, $25.00, to be released May 4, 2010)

Have you been by our New & Forthcoming Mysteries page lately? We recently updated the list to include forthcoming titles through June.

In related news, check out the New York Times reviews of some new crime and mystery books.

Having the privilege of reading books before their publication date is one of the joys of working at the Raven Bookstore.  You all have a treat to look forward to April 6th, with the publication of THE BLACK CAT by Martha Grimes, who once again has brought us Superintendent Richard Jury of the London Metropolitan Police, along with a talking dog, Mungo!

Mungo can speak to the black cat, and we the readers have the fun of hearing the dialogue.  Not so for Richard Jury, but he solves the crime anyhow.  And the ending will surprise you.  Somehow Martha Grimes can convey murder without making me run away from the details - a nice balance to some of the other mystery writers I enjoy, like Carol O’Connell. (Hardcover, $25.95) Julie recommends.

For those of you familiar with the mystery, “Who in the Hell is Wanda Fuca?” By G.M. Ford, you are aware of this writer’s sense of humor.  That humor continues in NAMELESS NIGHT, not one of his Waterman or Corso series, but a fine suspense novel on its own.

Paul has been living in an assisted living home since an accident 7 years ago, which not only messed up his face, but left him unable to remember anything, even daily tasks.  He has another accident and the resultant surgery to his head starts releasing some memories.  In pursuit of his lost identity he stirs up government forces, which in the post 9/11 era puts him and those close to him in danger.  The action gets intense and scary, but the humor relieves the tension.  I will be reading more G.M. Ford novels even if it takes me into early morning, as this one did. (Paperback, $7.99) Recommended by Julie.

Though usually more comfortable with non-fiction books, I’ve read my share of cozy mysteries and have recently found a series I really enjoy. Blaize Clement’s Dixie Hemingway series about a cat/dog sitter features fast-moving plots, fully rounded characters, accurate animal information and a Florida Keys setting that offers vicarious sunsets and breezes for these cold, gray months. (Paperback, $7.99) Kelly recommends.

The award-winning Rennie Airth has a new British mystery, featuring World War I veteran Inspector John Madden and is set in London in 1944. THE DEAD OF WINTER finds the inspector investigating the death of his housekeeper, and clues lead to a Parisian furrier, stolen diamonds and a Resistance member. Lots of atmosphere and twists and turns–a fascinating mystery. (Harcover, $25.95). Recommended by Rochelle.

Montreal’s wonderful Inspector Gamache returns to the village of Three Pines to investigate a very baffling murder in Louise Penny’s gripping THE BRUTAL TELLING, new in hardback. It’s complex and compelling and I enjoyed it very much. I think it’s her best book in a great series. (Hardcover, $24.99). Recommended by Rochelle.