These last few weeks saw the passing of several writers whose work will stand the test of time. Erich Segal wrote "Love Story" and the movie of the same name which was probably THE Chick Flick of my generation. Robert Parker wrote the Spencer and Jesse Stone books which were made into TV programs that were quality entertainment. J. D. Salinger wrote "The Catcher in the Rye" which is still being read by high school students who almost always identify with the main character. Each will be missed by their respective followers.
What I have for you this time are several books, only one of which was written by one of the previously mentioned, recently passed, writers.
Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes in America - Martin H. Greenberg, Jon. L. Lellenberg and David Stashover, Editors, (375 pages, $14.95/gift card, copyright 2009, Trade Paperback).
16 stories by various authors all dealing with the exploits of Sherlock Holmes in the New World - America. Some address his early years preparing for his career, before Watson. Some include Watson and deal with follow ups to previous recorded cases. One, in particular, is "written" by Holmes himself, and serves as a lead in to his Final Bow. Most are well-written, especially the one leading up to his Final Bow, but I must admit I was a little disappointed. Holmes should be in England, dealing with the fog, hansom cabs, and Scotland Yard. Not bad.
Series
Night Passage - Robert B. Parker (324 pages, $6.99/$.50, copyright 1998, Paperback)
This is the first in the Jesse Stone series, and the first one I've read. It's different from the Spenser books - not as light, and told in the 3rd person. We have a flawed character in a new situation, and faced with controlling his demons in order to do his job as Chief of Police in a small New England town. I enjoyed it.
Cross Country - James Patterson (406 pages, $27.99/$2.00, copyright 2008, Hard Cover)
This is another of the Alex Cross novels that Paterson finds the time to churn out amidst his other literary endeavors. I've always liked these, and this is no exception. Murder in DC leads to a manhunt in Nigeria, and Cross' brutal realization of the realities of life in many of the countries in Africa. I thought the ending was a little too pat, and a bit rushed, however. I enjoyed it.
The Vig - John Lescroat (376 pages, $7.99/$.50, copyright 1990, Paperback)
This is one of the Dismas Hardy/Abe Glitsky novels that have always been a pleasure to read. This is one of the earlier ones in the series, and is set during the time that Hardy has left the DA's office and is tending bar. An old friend dies(?), murder threats, ex-cons, San Francisco and Mexico, and the personal lives and problems of our heroes all mixed together nicely. I enjoyed it.
The Mile High Club - Kinky Friedman (223 Pages, $13.00/$.50, copyright 2000, Paperback)
A while back I reviewed Richard Belzer's first book, and this is of the same genre. Kinky writes about himself, as he investigates a crime. We have a mysterious woman, the State Department, terrorists, and Kinky's assortment of friends/characters who circle around him at his loft in the Village. The writing started out interesting, but grew stale rapidly, as he tends to use the same phrases over and over. If you liked his past as a county music personality (Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys) you may enjoy this. I found it to be passable.
That's all for now. As Ringo says, Peace and Love.
