It can't really be said that Alan Furst is "under the radar," given the amount of exposure his latest book got in the New York Times and elsewhere, but he is so good I must put in a plug for him. The title I most recently finished is "Spies of the Balkans," but most of his ten or so novels share certain characteristics.  Think "Casablanca" crossed with John Le Carre.  The heroes are mostly ordinary men doing their best in extraordinary times (before, during and after WW II in Europe).   Like Rick in the movie, they are strong but silent types who struggle to lead meaningful professional, family and love lives while all hell is breaking loose around them.   Drawing on inner reservoirs of patriotism and morality, they choose somewhat against their inclination to join the fight against the evils of fascism.   As in Le Carre's novels, the details of everyday spycraft are meticulous and the plotting is tight.  Take one of these with you on your next vacation.

Submitted by Mary Rindfleisch, Assistant Director

Slates Magazine has offered a slightly different take on the best books of 2012.  View their list of "The Overlooked Books of 2012."

Here's a tip for mystery readers who like historical settings and unique scenarios-the Billy Boyle World War II series by James R. Benn.   Boyle is a Boston cop (Irish, naturally) who is distantly connected by marriage to General Eisenhower.   When he is called up during the Second World War, strings are pulled to get him assigned to Ike's staff. - but this in no way puts him out of harm's way.  The General employs Billy, along with a cast of intriguing recurring characters, to investigate murders and other crimes that impinge on the successful conduct of the war for the allies.  The result is a series of well-crafted detective stories that also introduce the reader to less-well known aspects of the war, from IRA sabotage of the British war effort to what was really on the mind of Vatican officials as Hitler and the Germans advanced on Rome.  The series has gotten rave reviews but still hovers just below the radar - give it a try!

Submitted by Mary Rindfleisch, Assistant Director