Bibliomysteries Stories of crime in the world of books and bookstores. Volume two Volume two /

The 15 distinguished contributors to Penzler's welcome sequel to 2017's Bibliomysteries all provide creative variations on this reprint anthology's theme-mysteries set in the world of books. Peter Lovesey offers his trademark blend of solid plotting, grim humor, and unexpected twists in "Remaindered," in which a bookseller's chance discovery of multiple first editions of Agatha Christie leads to multiple deaths. In Megan Abbott's creepy "The Little Men," an actress-turned makeup artist is haunted by strange sights and sounds in her Hollywood bungalow, possibly related to its prior tenant, a bookseller. In "The Gospel of Sheba," Lindsay Faye adds to the growing ranks of quality Sherlockian stories that bring different perspectives on the great detective by portraying him through non-Watsonian eyes-in this case, those of the minor canonical character of Lomax, the sub-librarian of "The Illustrious Client." In Joyce Carol Oates's "Mystery, Inc.," a taut tale of suspense, the victims of a serial killer are all booksellers whose inventories he wants to acquire. This volume is a must for mystery fans and book lovers. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.