That's right, I've been posting this blog monthly for four years now, and I'm still having a good time with it, largely because I love doing it. I get to tell you about the books I've read - once in a while about a movie I've seen - and, to some extent, express my opinions on other things. So, let's get into this month's selections.
Series
The Bookman's Wake - John Dunning ($5.99/Free, copyright 1995, 432 pages, Paperback)
I've written - and raved - about this series before. Dunning's Janeway is now a book seller in Denver but he had been a cop. In this one he reluctantly takes a bail-jumper case in Seattle for an old acquaintance because he gets convinced it's a quick and easy way to pick up 5 grand and all expenses are paid. Of course, things don't work out that way. The jumper turns out to be a young woman named Eleanor Rigby (seriously) and she turns out to be a book scout (someone who spends their life scouting out books in thrift stores, yard sales, etc.) - which intrigues Janeway. That's when things spiral out of control. It revolves around the printing of books - specifically a Poe edition - and how a specific printer's editions can be more important then the actual book. To be honest, there was a lot of detail here on the printing process that I found tedious and the "big bad" turned out to be pretty mundane. They can't all be great. It was OK.
Night And Day - Robert B. Parker ($9.99/$.50, copyright 2009, 307 pages, Paperback)
This is one of Parker's Jesse Stone books. Jesse is the Chief of Police in Paradise, a small town along the Massachusetts coast.He has a long history of failed jobs and a failed marriage. Here he's faced with a Peeping Tom case that escalates, a group of "swingers" who's actions affect their children, and a female principal who oversteps her bounds. And he's still dealing with a drinking problem and an obsession for his ex-wife. In fact, it all has to do with obsessions. Parker excels in the use of conversations, and his back-and-forth between Jesse and his fellow officers (and during his conversations with suspects/victims) are amusing and revealing at the same time. There's no real mystery here, just a good story. I enjoyed it.
Miscellaneous
The Bormann Testament - Jack Higgins ($7.99/$.50, copyright 1962, 292 pages, Paperback)
I've mentioned Jack Higgins' books before and how I've enjoyed them. One of those even featured this book's main character - Special Agent Paul Chavasse. This one is set in 1962, and Chavasse is sent into Germany after a manuscript written by Martin Bormann ( a former Nazi official) and, possibly, Bormann himself, who disappeared after the war. He gets involved with neo-Nazis, Israeli agents, and a woman. I admit that parts of it dragged but there is a lot of action at the end. It was OK.
Beau Geste - P. C. Wren ($5.99/$3.97, written 1924, 341 pages, Paperback)
One of the earliest TV shows that I remember is "Captain Gallant of the Foreign Legion" starring Buster Crabbe,which aired in the mid '50's. I have had a fascination with the Foreign Legion ever since then and have seen several TV/movie adaptations of this story (the best being the 1939 version with Gary Cooper). It's a curious mix of mystery and adventure, revolving around the 3 Geste brothers, Beau being the youngest. TV The theft of a jewel creates a family crisis and all 3 brothers windup enlisting. The bulk of the book deals with the brutal situations at a fort in the African desert, a
sadistic sergeant, and what happens when the enemy attacks. Wren brings this all to life although the language is kind of flowery and the sentences tend to run on too long, but that was the style at that time. It took a while to get through and I think that, in this case, the movie did a better job with the story. It was OK.
Recap
It's been an interesting year and I've come across some new authors and discovered some new series. Here are this year's totals. 17 Series books with a cover price of $139.81 that I paid $23.61 for. 20 Miscellaneous books with a cover price of $201.80 that I paid $30.20 for. 1 Graphic Novel with a cover price of $19.99 that I paid $5.00. And 1 Sherlock Holmes book with a cover price of $13.95 that I used a Gift Card for. The total for this year is 40 books with a cover price of $389.55 that I paid $59.31 for. My four year total is now 187 books with a cover price of $2020.00 that I paid $178.01 for.
God, I'm loving this!
Keep reading!
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Chapter Forty-six
I love October but it has always been a sort of strange month. Maybe that's because Autumn finally starts to settle in, the days get shorter and cooler, and the trees blaze with color. Maybe it's because the month ends with the creepily funny holiday, Halloween. For whatever reason, I love it.
This October I only have two books to tell you about, which is kind of strange by itself, but there's a story behind each one.
Sherlock Holmes
I read an article last month that Ian McKellen (Gandolf, Magneto) was going to play Holmes in a screen adaptation of a book. Of course I was interested and I immediately went to my favorite online discount book site. I found it and ordered it for about $3.50 (no shipping and handling). I got the acknowledgement email and they charged my account. The next day I got an email that they couldn't fill the order and would recredit my account. Oh well.
I then went to another online discount bookseller that I knew about and found the book at about $5.50 (no shipping and handling). I ordered it, they emailed a confirmation and charged my account. Two days later, I got an email that the book had shipped. Three days after that, I got another email that they couldn't fill the order and would recredit my account.
I went to Amazon. I found the book, but they charge shipping and handling. It was going to cost $7.90 but I had a gift card balance. I ordered it and they confirmed. This time I got the book.
A Slight Trick of The Mind - Mitch Cullin ($13.95/Gift Card, copyright 2005, 253 pages, Trade Paperback)
This is about Holmes at the age of 93. All of his close acquaintances are long gone, and he's living out his days at his home in the Sussex Downs with his gardens and his bees - and a housekeeper and her son. The book moves seamlessly between this life, Holmes' visit to Japan after World War 2, and his attempt to finish a manuscript of an investigation he undertook in 1902. These are all interesting in themselves but Cullin has woven a thread through all 3 about how people deal with the loss of loved ones and - ultimately - leads to Holmes' "slight trick". I have to admit that it took me longer then usual to read this because I found myself stopping frequently to consider what was going on. I enjoyed it.
Miscellaneous
I first came across this book in the late 60's and actually got into the habit of reading it every October for reasons that will become obvious. I got out of the habit several years ago but, while rearranging some stuff to make some more room on the shelves, I found it again.
Something Wicked This Way Comes - Ray Bradbury ($1.25/owned, copyright 1962, 215 pages, Paperback)
This is, in my opinion, the perfect Halloween book. It's the story of 2 boys - James and William - who were born two minutes apart. William at 11:59 PM October 30th and James at 12:01 AM October 31st. They are best friends and neighbors but total opposites, living in a small town in Midwest America in the late 20's. Just as they're about to turn 14 a carnival comes to town. A carnival that offers to show you what it is that you really want. It's a great story but what makes this book really work is Bradbury's ability to make you feel the crispness of an autumn day or the eeriness of a dark night. I enjoyed it.
Well, the government has decided to play nice for the rest of the year so we should have a stress free holiday season to look forward to. Enjoy it and ...
Keep reading.
This October I only have two books to tell you about, which is kind of strange by itself, but there's a story behind each one.
Sherlock Holmes
I read an article last month that Ian McKellen (Gandolf, Magneto) was going to play Holmes in a screen adaptation of a book. Of course I was interested and I immediately went to my favorite online discount book site. I found it and ordered it for about $3.50 (no shipping and handling). I got the acknowledgement email and they charged my account. The next day I got an email that they couldn't fill the order and would recredit my account. Oh well.
I then went to another online discount bookseller that I knew about and found the book at about $5.50 (no shipping and handling). I ordered it, they emailed a confirmation and charged my account. Two days later, I got an email that the book had shipped. Three days after that, I got another email that they couldn't fill the order and would recredit my account.
I went to Amazon. I found the book, but they charge shipping and handling. It was going to cost $7.90 but I had a gift card balance. I ordered it and they confirmed. This time I got the book.
A Slight Trick of The Mind - Mitch Cullin ($13.95/Gift Card, copyright 2005, 253 pages, Trade Paperback)
This is about Holmes at the age of 93. All of his close acquaintances are long gone, and he's living out his days at his home in the Sussex Downs with his gardens and his bees - and a housekeeper and her son. The book moves seamlessly between this life, Holmes' visit to Japan after World War 2, and his attempt to finish a manuscript of an investigation he undertook in 1902. These are all interesting in themselves but Cullin has woven a thread through all 3 about how people deal with the loss of loved ones and - ultimately - leads to Holmes' "slight trick". I have to admit that it took me longer then usual to read this because I found myself stopping frequently to consider what was going on. I enjoyed it.
Miscellaneous
I first came across this book in the late 60's and actually got into the habit of reading it every October for reasons that will become obvious. I got out of the habit several years ago but, while rearranging some stuff to make some more room on the shelves, I found it again.
Something Wicked This Way Comes - Ray Bradbury ($1.25/owned, copyright 1962, 215 pages, Paperback)
This is, in my opinion, the perfect Halloween book. It's the story of 2 boys - James and William - who were born two minutes apart. William at 11:59 PM October 30th and James at 12:01 AM October 31st. They are best friends and neighbors but total opposites, living in a small town in Midwest America in the late 20's. Just as they're about to turn 14 a carnival comes to town. A carnival that offers to show you what it is that you really want. It's a great story but what makes this book really work is Bradbury's ability to make you feel the crispness of an autumn day or the eeriness of a dark night. I enjoyed it.
Well, the government has decided to play nice for the rest of the year so we should have a stress free holiday season to look forward to. Enjoy it and ...
Keep reading.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Chapter Forty-five
Well, Summer's over and Autumn is upon us. Frankly, I like this time of year the best. The days may be shorter, but they're also cooler and the air is crisper, and the colors are brighter. Here are this months selections, which are a real mixed bag.
Series
Honor's Kingdom - Owen Parry ($7.99/$.50, copyright 2002, 407 pages, Paperback)
I've written about Parry's Abel Jones novels before. He's a Welshman who served in the English army in India, emigrated to America, and - even though embracing the Methodist way of life - joined the Union army during the Civil War. Here he's been sent to England to find out if they are really building ships for the Confederacy. Unfortunately - as is the case in these kinds of books - there is a murder that draws Jones in. Parry's strength is in the research he's done and how he conveys the time, the location, and the language (Jones' Welsh, the English upper and lower classes, and the Scotch). There are some great twists and a satisfying ending. I enjoyed it.
Pirates of Venus - Edgar Rice Burroughs ($3.95/$3.37, copyright 1932, 183 pages, Paperback)
This is the first volume in yet another series by Burroughs. The hero here is Carson Napier who,while attempting a trip to Mars, miscalculates and ends up on Venus. As is typical with Burroughs, he spends the first half of the book on the preparations, the flight, and Napier's acclimation to the people and their language and customs. Then he throws in giant spiders, slavers, pirates, mutinies, sea fights, rescues and captures - all in the second half. I'm pretty sure that Burroughs expected this
to be a series as he leaves this one with a cliff-hanger. I enjoyed it.
Miscellaneous
Pay The Devil - Jack Higgins ($7.50/$.25, copyright 1999, 294 pages, Paperback)
I wrote about another Higgins book several months ago and mentioned that I could very easily see it as a movie from the '40's. This one is even more cinematic. Colonel Clay Fitzgerald, along with his
friend and servant Joshua, leave America for Ireland after their side loses the Civil War. Clay has come into some property there and is eager to make a new start. However, nothing was simple in Ireland at that time. He finds himself caught up in the troubles between the English landowners and the Irish tenants. There's action and adventure aplenty. I could imagine Errol Flynn as Clay, Olivia
DeHaviland as the love interest, Basil Rathbone as the landowners henchman, with roles for Claude Raines and Alan Hale. I enjoyed it.
Miscellaneous - books That Were Made Into Movies
The Wanderers - Richard Price ($.25/$10.91*, copyright 1974, 239 pages, Trade Paperback)
This s a story about teenage gangs in the Bronx, supposedly in the early '60's. I grew up there and then and none of this rings true, but it does take place on the far side of the borough. It seems more like the late 50's and I thought it was stylized. It's really a series of vignettes that revolve around a small circle of friends and their girlfriends, and their families, and their interactions. It's well written, and Price gives the characters lives of their own. Still, there are parts of it that I couldn't associate with. It was OK.
(* This book, like one from last month, was published in England for 6 Pounds 99 pence. I've converted the price.)
That's it for September. Next up, October and the start of the year-end Holiday season.
Stay warm, stay happy, and...
Keep reading.
Series
Honor's Kingdom - Owen Parry ($7.99/$.50, copyright 2002, 407 pages, Paperback)
I've written about Parry's Abel Jones novels before. He's a Welshman who served in the English army in India, emigrated to America, and - even though embracing the Methodist way of life - joined the Union army during the Civil War. Here he's been sent to England to find out if they are really building ships for the Confederacy. Unfortunately - as is the case in these kinds of books - there is a murder that draws Jones in. Parry's strength is in the research he's done and how he conveys the time, the location, and the language (Jones' Welsh, the English upper and lower classes, and the Scotch). There are some great twists and a satisfying ending. I enjoyed it.
Pirates of Venus - Edgar Rice Burroughs ($3.95/$3.37, copyright 1932, 183 pages, Paperback)
This is the first volume in yet another series by Burroughs. The hero here is Carson Napier who,while attempting a trip to Mars, miscalculates and ends up on Venus. As is typical with Burroughs, he spends the first half of the book on the preparations, the flight, and Napier's acclimation to the people and their language and customs. Then he throws in giant spiders, slavers, pirates, mutinies, sea fights, rescues and captures - all in the second half. I'm pretty sure that Burroughs expected this
to be a series as he leaves this one with a cliff-hanger. I enjoyed it.
Miscellaneous
Pay The Devil - Jack Higgins ($7.50/$.25, copyright 1999, 294 pages, Paperback)
I wrote about another Higgins book several months ago and mentioned that I could very easily see it as a movie from the '40's. This one is even more cinematic. Colonel Clay Fitzgerald, along with his
friend and servant Joshua, leave America for Ireland after their side loses the Civil War. Clay has come into some property there and is eager to make a new start. However, nothing was simple in Ireland at that time. He finds himself caught up in the troubles between the English landowners and the Irish tenants. There's action and adventure aplenty. I could imagine Errol Flynn as Clay, Olivia
DeHaviland as the love interest, Basil Rathbone as the landowners henchman, with roles for Claude Raines and Alan Hale. I enjoyed it.
Miscellaneous - books That Were Made Into Movies
The Wanderers - Richard Price ($.25/$10.91*, copyright 1974, 239 pages, Trade Paperback)
This s a story about teenage gangs in the Bronx, supposedly in the early '60's. I grew up there and then and none of this rings true, but it does take place on the far side of the borough. It seems more like the late 50's and I thought it was stylized. It's really a series of vignettes that revolve around a small circle of friends and their girlfriends, and their families, and their interactions. It's well written, and Price gives the characters lives of their own. Still, there are parts of it that I couldn't associate with. It was OK.
(* This book, like one from last month, was published in England for 6 Pounds 99 pence. I've converted the price.)
That's it for September. Next up, October and the start of the year-end Holiday season.
Stay warm, stay happy, and...
Keep reading.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Chapter Forty-four
I remember August as being the hottest month of the summer but, so far, this one has been feeling a lot cooler then normal. Still, the days are long, the living is easy, and there are plenty of books out there that need to be read.
And, I have a slight twist to an old category in this chapter so let's get to it.
Series
Booked To Die - John Dunning ($7.99/$4.07, copyright 1992, 394 pages, Paperback)
Last month I told you about my first experience with Dunning's Cliff Janeway series. I was so impressed that I ordered the first volume through Thriftbooks.com (shameless plug) . Here he introduces Janeway, a Denver Detective (with a love of books) who has developed an unhealthy obsession with one particular criminal, and the murder of a small-time book agent causes him to step over the line. After that, he turns his attention full-time to books and even opens his own store. There's a lot of interaction between Janeway and the other Bookmen in town but that past murder crops up again, and some new ones strike close to home. The mystery holds your interest but, to me, it's almost secondary to the book talk and the tips on what to look for. I really enjoyed it.
Miscellaneous - Books That Were Made Into Movies
No Country For Old Men - Cormac McCarthy ($14.00/$.25, copyright 2005, 309 pages, Trade Paperback)
I'm gonna tell you up front that I did not see this movie, although I did see the trailers and I probably - subconsciously - identified the characters with the actors. That doesn't really matter. It's a simple enough story. A guy stumbles on to the aftermath of a failed drug deal and walks away with the money. He winds up being hunted by a vicious killer. There's also a local sheriff trying to find him, and trying to catch the killer. I have to admit that I'm not a McCarthy fan. I've tried reading him because one of my nephews used to speak highly of him. I don't get it. McCarthy doesn't use quotation marks when he writes conversations, which I found confusing at times, and there are times when McCarthy jumps from one scene to another leaving gaps in the story. Finally, he tells the story through all 3 main characters but, with some minor exceptions, the voice doesn't change. It was OK.
The Night of The Hunter - Davis Grubb ($11.10*/$6.65, copyright 1953, 255 pages, Trade Paperback)
Does the title sound familiar? That's right, this is the book that the movie was based on. Back on August 6th I mentioned Robert Mitchum's birthday on Facebook and included a clip from this picture. While looking for that clip I found out about the book and, not being able to find it on my own, ordered in through Thriftbooks.com (another shameless plug). We learn up-front that a man is convicted and executed for a robbery/murder, but the money is never recovered. The rest of the book deals with his widow, his children, and a homicidal maniac posing as a Preacher who's after the money. Grubb gives it all that Down South/Bible-thumping feel, overlaid with just the right amount of creepiness and suspense. It comes down to a young boy's struggle to keep the word he swore to versus an adult with no regard for the Word he sways people with. It really gives depth to how Mitchum and the rest of the cast brought these characters to life. (To be perfectly clear, Grubb doesn't use quotation marks when he writes conversations either, but he makes it easy to understand.) I really enjoyed it.
(* This copy of the book was actually printed in England in 1968 and has a cover price of 3 pounds, 50 pence. I Googled the exchange rate for the time and came up with a converted price of $11.10.)
Catch the "slight twist to an old category"?
Well, that's another month down and Summer on the wane. I actually like Autumn. There's a crispness to the air, a brightness to Nature's colors, and the evenings start to get cool enough that you want to just hunker down in bed with a good book. Till next month ...
Keep reading.
And, I have a slight twist to an old category in this chapter so let's get to it.
Series
Booked To Die - John Dunning ($7.99/$4.07, copyright 1992, 394 pages, Paperback)
Last month I told you about my first experience with Dunning's Cliff Janeway series. I was so impressed that I ordered the first volume through Thriftbooks.com (shameless plug) . Here he introduces Janeway, a Denver Detective (with a love of books) who has developed an unhealthy obsession with one particular criminal, and the murder of a small-time book agent causes him to step over the line. After that, he turns his attention full-time to books and even opens his own store. There's a lot of interaction between Janeway and the other Bookmen in town but that past murder crops up again, and some new ones strike close to home. The mystery holds your interest but, to me, it's almost secondary to the book talk and the tips on what to look for. I really enjoyed it.
Miscellaneous - Books That Were Made Into Movies
No Country For Old Men - Cormac McCarthy ($14.00/$.25, copyright 2005, 309 pages, Trade Paperback)
I'm gonna tell you up front that I did not see this movie, although I did see the trailers and I probably - subconsciously - identified the characters with the actors. That doesn't really matter. It's a simple enough story. A guy stumbles on to the aftermath of a failed drug deal and walks away with the money. He winds up being hunted by a vicious killer. There's also a local sheriff trying to find him, and trying to catch the killer. I have to admit that I'm not a McCarthy fan. I've tried reading him because one of my nephews used to speak highly of him. I don't get it. McCarthy doesn't use quotation marks when he writes conversations, which I found confusing at times, and there are times when McCarthy jumps from one scene to another leaving gaps in the story. Finally, he tells the story through all 3 main characters but, with some minor exceptions, the voice doesn't change. It was OK.
The Night of The Hunter - Davis Grubb ($11.10*/$6.65, copyright 1953, 255 pages, Trade Paperback)
Does the title sound familiar? That's right, this is the book that the movie was based on. Back on August 6th I mentioned Robert Mitchum's birthday on Facebook and included a clip from this picture. While looking for that clip I found out about the book and, not being able to find it on my own, ordered in through Thriftbooks.com (another shameless plug). We learn up-front that a man is convicted and executed for a robbery/murder, but the money is never recovered. The rest of the book deals with his widow, his children, and a homicidal maniac posing as a Preacher who's after the money. Grubb gives it all that Down South/Bible-thumping feel, overlaid with just the right amount of creepiness and suspense. It comes down to a young boy's struggle to keep the word he swore to versus an adult with no regard for the Word he sways people with. It really gives depth to how Mitchum and the rest of the cast brought these characters to life. (To be perfectly clear, Grubb doesn't use quotation marks when he writes conversations either, but he makes it easy to understand.) I really enjoyed it.
(* This copy of the book was actually printed in England in 1968 and has a cover price of 3 pounds, 50 pence. I Googled the exchange rate for the time and came up with a converted price of $11.10.)
Catch the "slight twist to an old category"?
Well, that's another month down and Summer on the wane. I actually like Autumn. There's a crispness to the air, a brightness to Nature's colors, and the evenings start to get cool enough that you want to just hunker down in bed with a good book. Till next month ...
Keep reading.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Chapter Forty-three
What I've got for you this month is a new find that was exciting, and a couple of favorite authors that disappointed. I guess they can't all be home runs.
Miscellaneous
Songdogs - Colum McCann ($12.99/$4.01, copyright 1995, 212 pages, Trade Paperback)
I've reviewed a couple of McCann's books before and - as anyone who reads this blog knows - I've thoroughly enjoyed them. This is his first novel - having produced a few volumes of short stories previously. Briefly, it's the story of an Irish photographer and his travels from Spain during their Civil War; through Mexico where he marries; into the American west; across to New York; and ultimately back to Ireland - all told in the third person format. This alternates with the story of his son which cycles between his return visit to his father in Ireland and his years following his father's journey in the hopes of discovering his mother- told in the first person. There are flashes of McCann's brilliance here but, ultimately, I found it hard to get through, as you might guess having just read that description. I think the weakness here was that McCann overextended himself - too many stories, too many voices, and too many locations. I was disappointed. It was OK.
361 - Donald E. Westlake ($6.99/$.50, copyright 1962, 208 pages, Paperback)
This book is published by Hard Case Crimes, who's stock in trade seems to be hard-boiled fiction. It's a tale of revenge. Ray Kelly (no relation to the NYC Police Commissioner) is just home from a tour of duty with the Air Force in Germany. His father meets him in NY and on their way back home to Binghamton, someone pulls up beside them and sprays their car with bullets. The father dies
and Ray loses an eye. The rest of the book circles around what family means, who family really is, and how to get revenge. It's a short book, and Westlake keeps it moving along at a fast clip, throwing in some surprises along the way. It's surprisingly cinematic, and I could imagine it as a 40's noir movie with John Garfield in the lead, Ralph Bellamy as one of the lawyers, and there's even a part for Elisha Cook doing his weasel act. I enjoyed it.
Series
I, Michael Bennett - James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge ($14.99/$.25, copyright 2012, 383 pages, Trade Paperback)
This is another book from the Patterson mill, and another volume in the Michael Bennett series. Bennett is a NY cop, a detective, and a widower with 10 kids, an Irish nanny, and a grandfather who's a priest. It sounds kind of strange, but the personal stuff works pretty well. In this one, Bennett is in on the arrest of a notorious Mexican drug kingpin - a crazy, homicidal one - who comes to New York for a personal reason. After that, all hell breaks loose. There are threats to Bennett's family, horrific murders, and some stunning assault scenes (even 2 in court rooms). It all moves along at a brisk pace, but (SPOILER ALERT). the authors don't resolve the story. Obviously, there was going to be another book in the series, but this is the first time that - as far as I remember - the Patterson mill didn't create a self-contained story. I was disappointed. Because of the ending, I can only say it was OK.
The Bookman's Promise - John Dunning ($7.99/$.50, copyright 2004, 469 pages, Paperback)
This is my first of Dunning's Cliff Janeway books. Janeway is an ex-cop who owns a bookstore and spends a lot of time tracking down rare books. It's his career and his passion. He is a Bookman. In this one, Janeway makes a promise to a dying old woman to track down some rare Richard Francis Burton books that she said belonged to her. (Burton was a famous explorer/adventurer from the mid 1800's). There is a murder and, at times, Janeway's temper gets the better of him leading to more violence, but Dunning mixes these with some humor and some interesting historical facts. I don't need to tell you that I enjoy spending time in libraries and used book stores, looking for anything that might interest me. Obviously, I can't afford rare books, but I understand that passion. This is the new, exciting find that I mentioned earlier. I enjoyed it.
As Stan Laurel once said, "Lot's of weather we've been having." Brutally hot days, really high humidity, and some torrential downpours. My advice, stay inside...
Stay cool, and..
Keep reading.
Miscellaneous
Songdogs - Colum McCann ($12.99/$4.01, copyright 1995, 212 pages, Trade Paperback)
I've reviewed a couple of McCann's books before and - as anyone who reads this blog knows - I've thoroughly enjoyed them. This is his first novel - having produced a few volumes of short stories previously. Briefly, it's the story of an Irish photographer and his travels from Spain during their Civil War; through Mexico where he marries; into the American west; across to New York; and ultimately back to Ireland - all told in the third person format. This alternates with the story of his son which cycles between his return visit to his father in Ireland and his years following his father's journey in the hopes of discovering his mother- told in the first person. There are flashes of McCann's brilliance here but, ultimately, I found it hard to get through, as you might guess having just read that description. I think the weakness here was that McCann overextended himself - too many stories, too many voices, and too many locations. I was disappointed. It was OK.
361 - Donald E. Westlake ($6.99/$.50, copyright 1962, 208 pages, Paperback)
This book is published by Hard Case Crimes, who's stock in trade seems to be hard-boiled fiction. It's a tale of revenge. Ray Kelly (no relation to the NYC Police Commissioner) is just home from a tour of duty with the Air Force in Germany. His father meets him in NY and on their way back home to Binghamton, someone pulls up beside them and sprays their car with bullets. The father dies
and Ray loses an eye. The rest of the book circles around what family means, who family really is, and how to get revenge. It's a short book, and Westlake keeps it moving along at a fast clip, throwing in some surprises along the way. It's surprisingly cinematic, and I could imagine it as a 40's noir movie with John Garfield in the lead, Ralph Bellamy as one of the lawyers, and there's even a part for Elisha Cook doing his weasel act. I enjoyed it.
Series
I, Michael Bennett - James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge ($14.99/$.25, copyright 2012, 383 pages, Trade Paperback)
This is another book from the Patterson mill, and another volume in the Michael Bennett series. Bennett is a NY cop, a detective, and a widower with 10 kids, an Irish nanny, and a grandfather who's a priest. It sounds kind of strange, but the personal stuff works pretty well. In this one, Bennett is in on the arrest of a notorious Mexican drug kingpin - a crazy, homicidal one - who comes to New York for a personal reason. After that, all hell breaks loose. There are threats to Bennett's family, horrific murders, and some stunning assault scenes (even 2 in court rooms). It all moves along at a brisk pace, but (SPOILER ALERT). the authors don't resolve the story. Obviously, there was going to be another book in the series, but this is the first time that - as far as I remember - the Patterson mill didn't create a self-contained story. I was disappointed. Because of the ending, I can only say it was OK.
The Bookman's Promise - John Dunning ($7.99/$.50, copyright 2004, 469 pages, Paperback)
This is my first of Dunning's Cliff Janeway books. Janeway is an ex-cop who owns a bookstore and spends a lot of time tracking down rare books. It's his career and his passion. He is a Bookman. In this one, Janeway makes a promise to a dying old woman to track down some rare Richard Francis Burton books that she said belonged to her. (Burton was a famous explorer/adventurer from the mid 1800's). There is a murder and, at times, Janeway's temper gets the better of him leading to more violence, but Dunning mixes these with some humor and some interesting historical facts. I don't need to tell you that I enjoy spending time in libraries and used book stores, looking for anything that might interest me. Obviously, I can't afford rare books, but I understand that passion. This is the new, exciting find that I mentioned earlier. I enjoyed it.
As Stan Laurel once said, "Lot's of weather we've been having." Brutally hot days, really high humidity, and some torrential downpours. My advice, stay inside...
Stay cool, and..
Keep reading.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Chapter Forty-two
OK. So, my laptop burned out a few days ago and now I'm using a new one. Unfortunately, it's been loaded with Windows 8. This type of screen movement might be familiar to the younger generation but it's a pain in the ass to me. Plus, I lost all my pictures and notes. Anyway, here goes.
Series
The Brass Verdict - Michael Connelly ($9.99/$.50, copyright 2008, 547 pages, Paperback)
Connelly is known more for his Harry Bosch series of books. This is the second entry in his Mickey Haller series. Haller is a defense attorney who, having taken some time off, inherits the cases of a colleague who's been murdered. One of those cases involves a Hollywood movie mogul who's accused of killing his wife and her lover. Connelly brings in Bosch as a counter-point to Haller and their relationship rings true. There are some twists and turns and an interesting ending. I enjoyed it.
Cross Fire - James Patterson ($9.99/$.50, copyright 2010, 343 pages, Paperback)
Patterson's signature character - Alex Cross, and his worst enemy - Kyle Craig. I don't want to give too much away but there's a string of murders in D. C. and Craig (disguised) gets into it with Cross. In more ways then one. As always, Patterson brings in Cross's personal life to good effect. I enjoyed it.
Miscellaneous
This Side of Brightness - Colum McCann ($13.00/$4.11, copyright 1998, 289pages, Trade Paperback)
I ordered this book online because I loved another of McCann's books. It did not let me down. It's a family sage stretching from 1916 to 1991 and reaching from the depths of the being-dug subway tunnels to the being-built skyscrapers. McCann, being Irish, has a way with words and just continues to impress me. I enjoyed it.
So... that's it for this month. I would like to reiterate that McCann is an excellent writer and you should check him out.
Until next month...
Keep reading.
Series
The Brass Verdict - Michael Connelly ($9.99/$.50, copyright 2008, 547 pages, Paperback)
Connelly is known more for his Harry Bosch series of books. This is the second entry in his Mickey Haller series. Haller is a defense attorney who, having taken some time off, inherits the cases of a colleague who's been murdered. One of those cases involves a Hollywood movie mogul who's accused of killing his wife and her lover. Connelly brings in Bosch as a counter-point to Haller and their relationship rings true. There are some twists and turns and an interesting ending. I enjoyed it.
Cross Fire - James Patterson ($9.99/$.50, copyright 2010, 343 pages, Paperback)
Patterson's signature character - Alex Cross, and his worst enemy - Kyle Craig. I don't want to give too much away but there's a string of murders in D. C. and Craig (disguised) gets into it with Cross. In more ways then one. As always, Patterson brings in Cross's personal life to good effect. I enjoyed it.
Miscellaneous
This Side of Brightness - Colum McCann ($13.00/$4.11, copyright 1998, 289pages, Trade Paperback)
I ordered this book online because I loved another of McCann's books. It did not let me down. It's a family sage stretching from 1916 to 1991 and reaching from the depths of the being-dug subway tunnels to the being-built skyscrapers. McCann, being Irish, has a way with words and just continues to impress me. I enjoyed it.
So... that's it for this month. I would like to reiterate that McCann is an excellent writer and you should check him out.
Until next month...
Keep reading.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Chapter Forty-one
Well, we’re into May now but the weather hasn’t quite settled into Spring yet. Still, rainy days give me the time to read. This month, I have a very mixed group for you.
Miscellaneous
Spring Heeled Jack - Mark Hodder ($12.36/$.50, copyright 2011, 354 pages, Trade Paperback)
This is my first foray into the world of Steam Punk. I’m a big fan of books that take place in the Victorian Era and the cover makes reference to two of my favorite historical characters. Sir Richard Francis Burton, the famous explorer, is listed as the hero (along with the poet Algernon Charles Swinburne) and the title indicates that they would be involved in the Jack the Ripper case. Unfortunately, I found the inclusion of smoke-belching, steam powered machines and scientifically altered animals to be a real distraction. Perhaps if it hadn't revolved around Burton I might have tried to finish it. This one goes back in The Pile for now.
How to Become Ridiculously Well-read in One Evening - E. O. Parrott, ed. ( $4.89/$.50, copyright 1985, 180 pages, Paperback)
This was interesting……Mr. Parrott has gotten a bunch of people to do thumbnail sketches of famous books so that Mr. Joe Average, having gotten through this, can seem well-read. Not gonna happen. First of all, most of the capsules are in verse which tends to become repetitive - and, in a lot of cases, the rhymes don't work. Secondly, I’ve read a lot of the works covered here, and the entries don’t help to understand them at all. Plus, Parrott has set this up alphabetically, from Anonymous to John Wyndham, when I think it would’ve been better done in a linear fashion. I didn’t like it.
The Keys of Hell - Jack Higgins ($7.99/$.50, copyright 2001, 240 pages, Paperback)
This reminded me of one of those great black-and-white cold war movies. It’s mostly a flash-back to 1965 where a British agent, a pretty girl, and an Italian smuggler set out to bring a religious statue out of Communist Albania. I could almost see David Niven as the agent. All sorts of stuff happens - gunfights, captures and escapes, double-crosses. And it’s all bracketed by episodes in 1995 that tie-in beautifully. I enjoyed it.
The Maracot Deep - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ($.95/$.74, no copyright but written in 1929, 156 pages, Paperback)
I found this in a used book store in Colonia completely by accident (I'd gone in looking for something else). Yes, this is a novella written by the creator of Sherlock Holmes - my favorite fictional character (as you probably know by now). It’s a Science-fiction tale about 3 men who undertake a scientific expedition in the depths of the Atlantic, get into trouble, and wind up in Atlantis. It almost reads like one of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ stories. It starts out as written communications between one of the explorers and a friend, progresses nicely through their expedition, and ends with an amazing twist. I enjoyed it.
That’s it for this month. A shout-out to all you Moms out there, and a big Happy Birthday to Sarra, Luke, Giancarlo, Brian, and - the Big Six O - Kathy.
Keep reading!
Miscellaneous
Spring Heeled Jack - Mark Hodder ($12.36/$.50, copyright 2011, 354 pages, Trade Paperback)
This is my first foray into the world of Steam Punk. I’m a big fan of books that take place in the Victorian Era and the cover makes reference to two of my favorite historical characters. Sir Richard Francis Burton, the famous explorer, is listed as the hero (along with the poet Algernon Charles Swinburne) and the title indicates that they would be involved in the Jack the Ripper case. Unfortunately, I found the inclusion of smoke-belching, steam powered machines and scientifically altered animals to be a real distraction. Perhaps if it hadn't revolved around Burton I might have tried to finish it. This one goes back in The Pile for now.
How to Become Ridiculously Well-read in One Evening - E. O. Parrott, ed. ( $4.89/$.50, copyright 1985, 180 pages, Paperback)
This was interesting……Mr. Parrott has gotten a bunch of people to do thumbnail sketches of famous books so that Mr. Joe Average, having gotten through this, can seem well-read. Not gonna happen. First of all, most of the capsules are in verse which tends to become repetitive - and, in a lot of cases, the rhymes don't work. Secondly, I’ve read a lot of the works covered here, and the entries don’t help to understand them at all. Plus, Parrott has set this up alphabetically, from Anonymous to John Wyndham, when I think it would’ve been better done in a linear fashion. I didn’t like it.
The Keys of Hell - Jack Higgins ($7.99/$.50, copyright 2001, 240 pages, Paperback)
This reminded me of one of those great black-and-white cold war movies. It’s mostly a flash-back to 1965 where a British agent, a pretty girl, and an Italian smuggler set out to bring a religious statue out of Communist Albania. I could almost see David Niven as the agent. All sorts of stuff happens - gunfights, captures and escapes, double-crosses. And it’s all bracketed by episodes in 1995 that tie-in beautifully. I enjoyed it.
The Maracot Deep - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ($.95/$.74, no copyright but written in 1929, 156 pages, Paperback)
I found this in a used book store in Colonia completely by accident (I'd gone in looking for something else). Yes, this is a novella written by the creator of Sherlock Holmes - my favorite fictional character (as you probably know by now). It’s a Science-fiction tale about 3 men who undertake a scientific expedition in the depths of the Atlantic, get into trouble, and wind up in Atlantis. It almost reads like one of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ stories. It starts out as written communications between one of the explorers and a friend, progresses nicely through their expedition, and ends with an amazing twist. I enjoyed it.
That’s it for this month. A shout-out to all you Moms out there, and a big Happy Birthday to Sarra, Luke, Giancarlo, Brian, and - the Big Six O - Kathy.
Keep reading!
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