We asked Tim Maleeny, the author of the thrillers Stealing the Dragon and the newly released Beating the Babushka, what's he's been reading lately. Here are his picks:

A Field of Darkness by Cornelia Read. "A smart and provocative novel featuring Madeline Dare, one of the most compelling characters to appear in a long time. Suffused with a dry wit and social commentary that illuminates both the characters and the world we live in, this is one of the best written books I've read in a loooooong time."

The Sacred Cut by David Hewson. "Hewson might be the best writer working today when it comes to capturing a sense of place. This intricate investigation of a grisly murder in Rome maintains terrific pacing from the first page without sacrificing attention to detail. You can practically feel the cobblestones beneath your feet as you turn the pages."