KLAUSNER'S BOOKSHELF: PART 1 Large Target Lynn Murray St. Martin's Press ISBN: 0312254563  $23.95, 272 pp.     Josephine Fuller is a philanthropic troubleshooter who judges the worthiness of candidates to receive a charitable grant from wealthy society matron Alicia Medrone.  Josephine knows that her being big sized makes much of the population uncomfortable so they try to ignore her presence.  This enables her efficiently and effectively to perform her job.  She also considers her boss a friend and never hesitates when Alicia asks for a favor.  The daughter of Alicia's best friend is spending a lot of time away from her husband and daughter while caring for dying people.  Josephine is to determine whether Amy is behaving rationally.     From almost the start, Josephine realizes that Amy and her family don't even approach what most people would consider normal behavior. While meeting with Amy at the Feather Heart Project, a non-profit organization helping dying people and their families, Josephine learns that someone kidnapped Amy's father, a lecherous and retired admiral, and is demanding a million-dollar ransom.  Later, the two women find the murdered corpse of the admiral's friend and business partner.  Josephine begins to make inquiries in order to protect Amy and ease Alicia's mind even though that means becoming involved in another situation that will put her in deadly danger.     Lynn Murray has created a fascinating lead character that maintains a positive self-image despite society's disapproval of oversized individuals.  It is Josephine's healthy confidence that hooks the audience especially when the amateur sleuth helps other people.  The mystery is a winner because Josephine turns Large Target into a fast-paced, exciting and believable story line filled with heart. This is only the second installment in what looks to be another delightful amateur sleuth series that will have a long-term run. The Loser's Club Lise S. Baker St. Martin's Press ISBN: 0312242166   $22.95, 288 pp.     One evening, Cal Brantley's husband went out for a pack of cigarettes and never returned.  Her second entry in the romantic sweepstakes was with a co-worker, but when that ended Cal left her job and ultimately the state.  Now back in her hometown of San Francisco, Cal buries herself in her work as she is determined to never be hurt by a male again.  After successfully completing her current field assignment, the private investigator returns to the home office only to learn that the company has been sold.  The new owners, Worldwide Corporation, send Cal to Reno to investigate an insurance claim.     Accompanying Cal to Nevada is company man Denny Wickerstaff, an arrogant former LA cop, who worships power especially his own.  Cal realizes she is going to have a difficult time working with the conceited Denny.  Their inquiries center on the death of a child who died on a casino escalator.  As she examines the data, Cal concludes that there is more to this simple claim than meets the eye and refuses to close the case.  Her action place her and Denny in danger from dangerous people who will face long hard time in prison if their operation becomes known.     With the publication of The Loser's Club, it is obvious that Lise S. Baker deserved to win the 1998 SMP/PWA contest.  The story line provides a series of viable shockers and surprises that make it impossible to predict what will happen next.  There are so many twists and turns readers will think they are on a tilt-a-whirl.  However, it is Cal who makes the novel complete as mystery fans will fully understand her motives and want Ms. Baker to provide sequels starring her likable lead protagonist. Fault Lines Natasha Cooper St. Martin's Press ISBN: 0312253168  $23.05, 352 pp.     Thirty-two years old London barrister Trish Maguire delays her latest case because her key witness fails to keep her court appointment.  Trish learns why social worker Kara Huggate did not make her date when the police arrive to question the barrister.  Someone tortured, raped, and murdered Kara in her home.  Trish thinks the Kingsford Rapist has returned after a three-year absence to wreck havoc on the small village where six women were molested.     Trish soon receives a letter from Kara written just before she was killed. The note asks Trish to help Blair Collins on his wrongful job termination case.  Reluctantly, but out of homage and loyalty to Kara, Trish decides to accept the case, but as soon as she meets Blair she concludes he is a paranoid individual filled with delusions.  Trish begins to believe that Blair murdered Kara, a theory the police think is very plausible.  However, when the truth behind Kara's death is revealed nobody is prepared for the far ranging repercussions.     Natasha Cooper is a talented mystery writer who has gained much acclaim throughout England.  However, American readers who are not conversant with British legal terms and law enforcement acronyms will find the story line jarring because the audience must stop reading and try to figure out the meaning of a phrase.  The protagonist is a likable person who distrusts people, yet still goes the extra kilometer to protect her clients.  This turns Trish into a heroic figure willing to risk her own safety.  It is Trish that makes Fault Lines worth reading for anyone who enjoys a courageous female protagonist, is an Anglophile, or wants to understand the vernacular of the British system.  If your taste is apple pie not shepherd's pie, this novel is not for you. A Healthy Place To Die Peter King St. Martin's Press ISBN: 0312242697   $22.95, 240 pp.     Although he is a grand chef, he hires himself out as the Gourmet Detective, locator of rare foods, herbs, and spices for a fee.  He also provides lectures worldwide about recipes and the history of food. Solving homicides is not part of his job de_script_ion, but has become part of his resume because he has brought four murderers to justice.     Chef Clive Armitage asks the Gourmet Detective to replace him as the speaker at a cooking conference at a luxurious Swiss spa.  He accepts and upon arrival at the spa, he notices the guests are rich and famous. The Gourmet Detective arranges an assignation with attendee Kathleen Evans at the Seaweed Forest.  When he arrives at their rendezvous spot, he thinks she is dead, but before he can check if she has a pulse, he passes out.  When he regains consciousness, he learns that Kathleen checked out of the spa and flew to France. Although he wants to believe the spa's story, he can't dismiss his own suspicions, especially when a second attendee disappears in a similar fashion. Unable to resist temptation, the Gourmet Detective places himself in jeopardy trying to uncover the truth.    A Healthy Place To Die is a light hearted, but fast paced culinary mystery that will be fully enjoyed by anyone who relishes a bumbling amateur sleuth tale.  Peter King always addresses his lead character as The Gourmet Detective, a useful plot device to keep the audience from getting too attached to the protagonist. This serves to focus attention on the creative plot and forces the reader into trying to solve the mystery. The only quibble the audience will have about this delightful mystery is that the dishes described in great detail do not come with recipes. Blood On The Arch Robert J. Randisi St. Martin's Press ISBN: 0312241798  $22.95, 256 pp.     Although Detective Joe Keough has worked in St. Louis for less than a year, he has attained the reputation as the city police force's number one homicide cop.  After stopping a gruesome serial killer, Joe is a hero on a par with home run slugger Mark McGuire.     Joe's latest case takes him to the Gateway Arch where he finds the bludgeoned body of the person responsible for his new home and job in St. Louis.  Joe deeply believes he owes it to Mark Drucker to solve the case by bringing the murderer to justice.  Joe quickly realizes he knows very little about his mentor including how Mark earned his money.  As Joe digs for clues and answers, another homicide directly _link_ed to the Drucker case occurs. Keough slowly wades through the city's movers and shakers determined to uncover the truth even as his inquiries leave some individuals very nervous about what the persistent detective will learn.     Robert J. Randisi has written an electrifying police procedural novel that will makes fans of the sub-genre extremely happy with this special work.  Blood On The Arch moves at a very rapid pace, with many delightful red herrings interwoven into the plot to fool Joe and the audience.  Though the subplot about his health brings readers closer to the Joe, the protagonist is clearly a maverick who follows his own moral beliefs when it conflicts with the rules. This, in turn, leaves readers wondering about the enigmatic Joe and wanting more tales to learn more about his past and present motivations. Tamsin Harte Malcolm MacDonald St. Martin's Press ISBN: 0312206283   $24.95,384 pp.     Life dramatically changes for Tamsin Harte and her mother following the death of her wealthy father because their shipping company goes bankrupt.  The Hartes fall from grace, or at least the upper echelon of society, when Tamsin realizes she no longer has the pick of any eligible males in her Cornish village.  To bring in income, the financially scrapped Hartes open up a boarding house, which further alienates their so-called society friends. Tamsin actually takes to their new business as if she was born to manage a boarding house and soon dreams of opening up a new hotel.     Still, in spite of their new status, Tamsin decides that fellow blue blood Victor Thorne would make a suitable spouse even if he is spoiled and a bit of a snob.  Likewise, her brain finds hotel owner Standish Coverley as the ideal husband.  However, her heart chooses fisherman David Peters, who she believes would be the worst choice for her.  Will her heart, her brain, or her upbringing choose her husband for Tamsin?     Tamsin Harte is a warm historical fiction that makes 1900 Victorian England feel as if the reader is observing its' activities first hand. The exciting story line centers on Tamsin and her new status and relationships with people and business.  The wealth of detail adds to the texture of the tale as Malcolm MacDonald discerningly interweaves tidbits in the plot.  The secondary cast enlivens the novel and in some ways, though their appearances are brief, is much more interesting than Tamsin's retinue of followers.  Mr. MacDonald paints a charming novel that shows a strong woman overcoming the rigid chains of society. National Nancys Fred Hunter St. Martin's Press ISBN: 0312252331  $22.95, 246 pp.     Peter and Alex have been happily married for eight years.  Although he loves his wife dearly, Peter feels most alive when he works with his life partner and his mother on a case for the CIA or FBI.  Peter has a full time job while Alex has allowed his business to fade into oblivion since he only wants to work on another case.  While he impatiently waits for the next call, he volunteers to work on the election campaign of Charlie Clarke, a senatorial candidate who supports gay rights.     However, the religious right has mounted a major attack on Clarke. Bomb threats happen daily at the candidate's campaign headquarters.  The incidents become so regular that the workers openly joke about the threat.  That changes when a bomb explodes and the body of the office manager is found in the debris.  With Alex already an insider, the FBI tags him and Peter to make inquiries into  the truth behind the explosion and murder.  Their inquiries hit close to home, forcing the unknown perpetrator to attempt to kill Alex and Peter.     Alex is a terrific character who seems sort of like an adult Ferris Bueller; someone who, through his cocky confidence in himself, gets the job done.  The romance between Alex and Peter seems realistic and inspiring.  The story line is fascinating, especially a subplot starring Alex's mother and an enigmatic stranger.  With novels likes this one, Government Gay and Capital Queers, Alex is turning the talented Fred Hunter into a household name. Murder With Puffins Donna Andrews St. Martin's Press ISBN: 0312262213   $24.95, 288 pp.     Meg and Michael have a healthy romantic relationship, but struggle to find some private intimate time together.  She lives with her parents and he rents a room in a professor's house.  Even when they go dining in a restaurant they have no privacy as everyone seems to recognize Meg as the person who recently solved a big profile murder case.  Though fame may last for fifteen minutes, Michael shakes his head in disbelief when other diners constantly bombard Meg for autographs or ask her prurient questions.  Seeking some quality time by themselves, Meg and Michael go Aunt Phoebe's cabin on Monehegan Island off of the Maine coast.     When they arrive, they find the abode filled with other people including Phoebe, Meg's immediate family, and an old family friend.  A nasty storm traps everyone on the island.  To get away, the couple takes long walks together.  On one of their treks, they come across the murdered corpse of famous artist, local resident Victor Resnick. Circumstantial evidence points towards Meg's father or aunt as being the most likely perpetrators to have killed the villainous Mr. Resnick.  The intrepid Meg and her valiant beau plan to prove otherwise.     Donna Andrews first novel, Murder With Peacocks, won the 1997 St. Martin's Press Malice Domestic Award.  Her second book, Murder With Puffins, proves that Ms. Andrews was no rookie flash, but a talented author with the potential of becoming a superstar.  Her likable characters are offbeat and endearing and enhance the fast-paced, entertaining story line.  Fans of regional amateur sleuth tales will gain much pleasure from this wonderful novel. Jackpot Justice Marilyn Wooley St. Martin's Press ISBN: 0312254555  $24.95, 352 pp.     Why would a Native American whose ancestors were killed or ran off their land join a Neo-Nazi group?  Clinical psychologist Cassandra Ringwald has just opened up a practice out of her elderly aunt's home and needs to learn why a her client joined a hate group like the White People's Brigade.  She needs to understand the motives in order to help her get acquitted of the pending charges against him.  He along with Sally Woods and Verlan Crumm are accused of kidnapping Sally's father and tossing his unconscious body in the city dump.     Homer proves to be a frustrating client as he refuses to be honest with Cassie or his lawyer.  The psychologist is initially turned off by Homer's behavior and political ideology filled with hatred.  However, she begins to feel sorry for Homer because she realizes he is not a hate-monger.  Instead, he is trying to protect someone.  In spite of his lack of cooperation, Cassie is determined to help Homer though it places her in danger from people who want the charges to stick.     Jackpot Justice is the winner of the 1999 St. Martin's Press Malice Domestic first novel award due, in large part, to the freshness of the story line.  The characters are not fully developed and Cassie at times seems juvenile, leaving the audience more interested in the fast moving story line. Marilyn Wooley shows her talent with the intriguing plot, but the audience will expect healthier protagonists in her future books. The Haunting Of Torre Abbey Carole Bugge St. Martin's Press ISBN: 0312245572  $22.95, 272 pp.     Charles Cary sends Sherlock Holmes a note pleading with the detective and his associate Dr. John Watson to come to Torre Abbey as soon as possible. Charles insists that the fourteenth century ghost of an allegedly murdered monk is wandering the halls of the complex that was converted into a home over two centuries ago.  Holmes finds the note interesting, but the follow-up telegram leaves Holmes worrying about the safety of the Cary family.  Holmes and Watson travel to Devon to investigate the so-called spirit.     Almost upon arrival, Holmes concludes that the Cary family (Charles, his sister, and his widowed mother) and the help all hide secrets.  He participates in a séance, but still believes that the happenings are more mortal than supernatural.  Holmes wanders the moors that he knows from the Baskerville case, but soon finds himself investigating the more mundane, a murder.     As with her first Holmes novel (see The Star Of India), Carole Bugge captures the essence of the era in her latest tale, The Haunting Of Torre Abbey.  The story line is enjoyable and fans of the great detective will relish a return to the famous moors.  Though at times, Ms. Bugge allows her love for Watson and Holmes to permeate the tale, both charcaters are well designed and stay within Arthur Conan Doyle's blueprint.  Readers who relish more novels starring Holmes and Watson will find Ms. Bugge's homage a triumph. The Secret Wife Of King George IV Diane Haeger St. Martin's Press ISBN: 0312244207  $24.95,384 pp.     In 1784 London, the Prince of Wales is attracted to the newly arrived widow, Maria Fitzherbert.  Though he declares his undying love for Maria, she refuses to believe the notorious philanderer. Additionally, Maria knows that as a Catholic, she is unacceptable by the Anglican Church as a wife of the next king.     George vows his love and secretly marries Maria.  However, duty to the sate comes first for the regent and he openly weds Princess Caroline.  Though Maria remains his only love, George worries he might lose her due to her unhappiness over hiding their relationship, which the Catholic Church would recognize as the binding one.     The Secret Wife Of King George IV is an excellent historical fiction that provides an in depth account of the loving but clandestine relationship between Maria and George IV.  The story line is filled with intrigue and real personage that make the late eighteenth century seem vividly alive, a feat few writers can do well.  George's conflict between love of country and love for a woman is well written and turns the Regent into a flesh and blood person, not the caricature typically seen in his cameo appearances in Regency novels.  With her wealth of detail cleverly interwoven into a fabulous plot, Diane Haeger has written a triumphant tale that will provide much delight to fans of historical fiction and Regency romance. The Wedding Game Susan Holtzer St. Martin's Press ISBN: 0312252285  $23.95, 288 pp.     Ann Arbor police lieutenant Karl Gensko and computer programmer Anneke Haagen are marrying in a week, but neither feels totally happy since they are prime suspects in an ongoing homicide.  A mail bomb killed Vince Mattus, a person belonging to the Internet list Game Spinner. Near the victim's computer was a note that named seven of the p_layer_s including Anneke under the ominous header The Black Mail Game .     The Ann Arbor police department forces Karl to go on extended leave because he is a prime suspect due to his relationship with Anneke. However, neither Anneke nor Karl can stand to sit idle while the FBI conducts the investigation.  They want their names cleared before they go on their honeymoon, so they conduct a bit of sleuthing that places them in danger of becoming the next victims.     Anyone who has participated on-line will want to read The Wedding Game. Anyone who has not, but reads this exciting realistic novel, will want to join a discussion group.  Susan Holtzer has written her best Haagen tale to date as she uses the sub-plot of the upcoming nuptials to provide humor and insight into the lead couple.  The unique mystery has an intriguing twist since most of the characters have never met outside of cyberspace. This plot device works because of Ms. Holtzer's strong storytelling abilities. Sweet Tea And Jesus Shoes Sandra Chastain, Deborah Smith, Donna Ball, Virginia Ellis, Deborah Dixon, and Nancy Knight Belle Books 1065 Ridgeway Rd., Dahlonega, GA 30533 ISBN: 09673033508  $12.00, 190 pp.     They are true daughters of the South, born storytellers who have created some of the finest romances the world has ever seen.  These six authors have formed their own company, BelleBooks, so they can creatively tell tales from the modern world of the South without Manhattan or Toronto changing them. This move is similar to the creators of Image Comics breaking away from Marvel years ago.     There are sixteen tales in this excellent collection written by some of the greats.  Sandra Chastain, Deborah Smith, Donna Ball, Virginia Ellis, Deborah Dixon, and Nancy Knight are all known and loved for their works. This book will enhance the high esteem fans have for these authors and will also result in them capturing the mainstream reader. The stories are poignant and heartwarming as they capture the essence of the south. This is a brilliant compilation of southern women's stories in the tradition of Anne Rivers Siddons. Sacred Trust Meg O'Brien Mira Books ISBN: 1551665867   $6.50, 408 pp.     Marti Bright was a photojournalist who focused her camera and pen on the homeless and impoverished women and children.  She touched many lives, sometimes even changing them for the better until a sociopath snuffed out her life in a bizarre religious-like ritual.  No one mourned her death more than her best friend Abby Northrup did and still does.     On the surface Abby seems to have it all.  She has a loving husband, a beautiful home, and plenty of discretionary money.  However, her idyllic life is a façade and has been ever since she caught her spouse in bed with her sibling.  She also feels guilty that she never kept in touch with Marti.  When Marti died she scribbled Abby's name in the sand making it look like Abby was involved in her death.  The Secret Service is investigating Marti's death because the victim was a close friend of the first family.  They feel Abby is the prime suspect until her husband disappears when ordered to report for questioning.  Anger joins fear as Abby begins her own inquires that hopefully will clear her name and put closure to her friend's death.     Meg O'Brien has written another exhilarating thriller that will appeal to fans of Barbara Michaels and Jan Burke.  The exciting story line contains numerous twists and turns that leaves the reader wondering what will happen next.  In the hands of a lesser talent, the lead protagonist would be a victim, but Ms. O'Brien turns her into an intrepid but frightened survivor.  Sacred Trust is a powerful work that should reach all the bestseller lists. The Return Dinah McCall Mira Books ISBN: 1551665840   $6.50, 384 pp.     The Kentucky hills run red with the flow of blood from the victims of the deadly Blair-Joslin feud.  A witch stands aloof as the savagery of the clan warfare leaves devastating results in its wake.  Herbalist Annie Fane's life dramatically changes when a dying Fancy Joslin pleads with her to take her infant daughter Catherine away from the violence. Annie agrees to Fancy's deathbed wish.  The Blairs set their dogs on Fancy, finally killing her.  Her now insane husband, Tanner Blair murders his brothers and severely injures his father for what they did to his wife.  Annie and Catherine leave town.  They do not return until Catherine comes back to bury her grandmother Annie at Pulpit Rock where most of the massacre occurred years ago.     Though she knows that her ties to Annie are by love not blood, Catherine refuses to allow anyone to denigrate her grandmother .  Her return stirs up the fears of the townsfolk who believe that Catherine is a witch who has come to town to take revenge on the townsfolk who reviled Annie.  As someone stalks Catherine, Sheriff Luke DePriest is determined that no one will get hurt, especially the woman he now loves.     The Return is a poignant romance that tugs on the heartstrings of the reader.  The lyrical prose gives the audience a feel of a ballad rather than just another suspenseful plot.  The lead protagonist is a delightful combination of strong independence and charming vulnerability.  Catherine fights for what she believes in even if it seems to her that Don Quixote had better odds of winning.  This steamy tale will have fans returning to the bookstores seeking other works by Dinah McCall. East Of Peculiar Suzann Ledbetter Mira Books ISBN: 1551665972  $5.99, 384 pp.     After more than two decades of working at a high pressure job at a Chicago advertising agency, Hannah Garvey decides to quit the rat race. She accepts a position as the resident manager for the upscale Missouri retirement community of Valhalla Springs because the place is just beyond Reclusive and in the center of Serenity County.  She knows that this job will finally allow her to relax.     Her first week on her new job requires Hannah to reassess her thoughts of peace and quiet when someone murders an elderly resident. To her surprise, Hannah finds herself attracted to the head of the homicide investigation, County Sheriff Dave Hendrickson who is seven years her junior.  Her being much older disturbs Hannah, but Dave wants to spend quality time alone with her. However, a second murder keeps him busy, especially when the senior citizens turn vigilante.     Readers who like their humor served up in an Irma Bombeck _style_ will appreciate the eccentric East Of Peculiar even when the comedy turns occasionally flat.  The personalities of the elderly and their actions are a major reason the story line is so enjoyable.  Although the romance adds to the fun, this contemporary will appeal to mainstream readers. The Waterfall Carla Neggers Mira Books ISBN: 1551665824  $6.50, 354 pp.     Three years have passed since Collin died from a brain aneurysm, but his widow Lucy Blacker Swift and their children feel as if that was a lifetime ago.  They left DC to live in a Vermont farmhouse where she runs a travel business for those seeking an adventurous vacation.  The move has allowed Blacker to stay outside the Beltway influence of her father-in-law, a US senator.     When someone begins to stalk Lucy, she rejects turning to her in-law for aid.  Instead, heeding Collin's advice, she heads to Wyoming where Sebastian Redwing, an expert on security lives.  Sebastian is burned out from his years of performing international investigations and security. However, he follows the only woman he ever loved back to New England to keep her and her children safe from a cold blooded killer with lethal intentions.     Carla Neggers puts the emphasis on suspense with romance playing a secondary role, a change that will remind readers of the works of Sandra Brown but using Ms. Negger's personal writing _style_.  The excellent characters are fully developed including the children.  Readers will feel the emotional turmoil of the thirteen year-old girl and the impishness of her younger brother.  This and the motivations behind the actions of the lead couple augment the tension filled story line that grips the audience from start to finish.  The wonderfully wry The Waterfall is going to be watershed mark in the rising and expanding career of the talented Ms. Neggers. Harriet Klausner Reviewer EDITOR'S NOTE: The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. 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