What does it mean to be a bestselling author? It seems to depend. For the “New York Times” how books make it on their list is a trade secret. It seems reasonable to think that bookstores and publishers would keep records of book sales and be able to compile lists. But somehow when you try to find a definitive way that books are categorized as bestsellers it doesn’t seem to be that straight forward. Despite the mysterious nature of what a bestseller is we seem to know one when we see one. We also know that once an author has one bestseller, all the books that follow are written by a “bestselling” author and once you get that distinction no one can take it away. Let’s talk about the current bestselling authors with books coming out in February.

Reading right now:

Jonathan Kellerman’s “The Museum of Desire” is his 35^th book in the Psychologist Alex Delaware series. This is a terrific series that hasn’t lost its edge. In the current installment, Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis work to unravel the mystery behind an inexplicable massacre of four people killed in a stretch limo by a Bel Air mansion. The dead have no connection to each other, were killed in a variety of ways, and have been displayed bizarrely. Definitely a case for a Psychologist.

On hold right now:
James Patterson’s “Blindside” is the 12^th book in the Michael Bennett series written in conjunction with James O. Born. Detective Bennett agrees to help the mayor of New York find his missing 21-year-old daughter. Bennett finds ties to the Mayor’s daughter and a homicide in the Bronx that leads back to an hacking operation. The homicide is part of a killing spree with national security implications.

C. J. Box’s “Long Range” which is the 20^th book in his Joe Pickett series. Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett investigates an attempted murder of a local judge’s wife. To top it off there is a grizzly bear attack. Plus a threat to his best friend who is suspected of being the assassin.

J. D. Robb’s latest is “Golden in Death” the 50^th book in her In Death series. Homicide detective Eve Dallas finds herself investigating a murder where the motive is unclear and the weapon is terrifying. When an airborne toxin is released in a gift to Pediatrician Kent Abner, Dallas can find no possible suspects. After another person dies in the same way, she must look for connections that might lead to a killer.


I love Agent Pendergast. Such an unusual yet familiar investigator. “Crooked River” is the 19^th in this FBI agent series by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child which now finds Pendergast trying to uncover the mystery of the severed feet found floating in the ocean. Not two feet mind you but many feet. This is bound to be great!

Other Mysterious Things:

Many bestselling mystery authors write series books, but not all. Sophie Hannah’s new book “Perfect Little Children” is a standalone novel. Mary Kubica’s latest “The Other Mrs.” is also a standalone. Lisa Jackson’s latest (“Last Girl Standing”) is not only a standalone, but she is writing it with Nancy Bush. Sarah Pinborough’s “Dead to Her” is a standalone. Lots of great mysteries to look forward to.