A really enjoyable murder mystery that swerves into thriller territory at times, Nine Lives wears its influences on its sleeve (Agatha Christie nods abound), but creates a group of engaging characters who must work out their mysterious connection before they all fall prey to a sinister murderer. More elegant than Swanson's previous work and both hobbled and helped by its denouement, Nine Lives is a fun whodunit that establishes Swanson as one of the better mystery writers penning books today.