The Horoscope Writer

This diverting mystery from Bishop (Intergalactic Exterminators, Inc.) follows 26-year-old Olympic silver medalist Bobby Frindley as he gets more than he bargained for at his first full-time job. Milo Maslow, a former sports reporter turned editor of the failing San Diego Register, recognizes the swimmer during his job interview, and despite Bobby’s lack of work experience, offers him the paper’s only open position: horoscope columnist. That evening, Bobby logs on to his new work account and finds an email with a list of horoscopes, each of which describes an unusual accident, gruesome death, or unsavory crime. The message ends with the words: “Run these and one comes true. Ignore them and they all come true.” Bobby ignores the message, and the following day, the promised crimes begin occurring, garnering the attention of local police. Every morning thereafter, a new list of 12 sinister forecasts arrives. Keen to prove himself as a reporter, Bobby forms an alliance with a pair of jaded detectives who are part of the task force following the horoscope predictions, though fears that Bobby himself might be responsible hang uneasily over the proceedings. Well-drawn characters, an action-packed plot, and Bobby’s complicated love life keep the pages turning. Readers will be eager to see what Bishop does next. Agent: Caitlin Blasdell, Liza Dawson Assoc. (July)