In Shuman’s smooth fourth thriller to feature blind psychic Sherry Moore (after Lost Girls), Sherry, who can “visualize the last memories of dead people,” is exposed to radioactive cesium 137 while trying to discern what caused an outbreak of possible hantavirus in New Mexico. Back in Philadelphia for tests and treatment, she touches the body of mental patient Thomas J. Monahan, an army private during the Korean War who was used in a government mind-control experiment in 1950. Thomas’s residual memories concern Area 17, a secret base in Mount Tamathy, N.Y., where a weapon was developed by Nobel Prize–winner Edward Case. Edward’s handsome sociopath stepson, Troy Weir, sets out to dispose of Sherry and anyone else who might squeal about Area 17. While Sherry investigates Thomas’s past, she becomes attracted to Troy, much to the dismay of her Navy SEAL fiancé. Series fans will root for the likable Sherry, but they may find the ending too downbeat. (Aug.)

Order an autographed first edition copy of Second Sight by George D. Shuman at www.vjbooks.com

(Publisher’s Weekly, June 29)

Bestseller Gilstrap (Nathan’s Run) launches a thriller series following PI Jonathan Grave. Much like Bruce Wayne, Grave is single and rich, uses expensive gadgets and has a vigilante alter ego. Hokey dialogue (“I respect anyone willing to die for a cause…. My goal is to help [terrorists] die for their cause. But I still respect them”) hampers an otherwise entertaining read as Grave investigates the disappearance of investigative reporter Tibor Rothman, husband of Grave’s ex-wife, Ellen. Sheriff Gail Bonneville of Samson, Ind., is chasing Grave in turn, since a hostage rescue mission he fronted turned into a shootout. Thriller fans may not mind the cheesiness or flat characters like brutish pilot Boxers and sassy computer specialist Venice (“pronounced Ven-EE-chay, by the way”), as this fast-paced tale of violence and revenge is all about plot, of which there is plenty.

For a limited time VJ Books is offering No Mercy at no cost, when either Even Steven or At All Costs (both hardcover, signed 1st editions) is ordered. See  John Gilstrap’s author page for details.  You can’t go wrong with this deal!

(Publisher’s Weekly, May 25)