It's Not Too Late (Yet)! - Curious Holiday Gift-Giving Newsletter

Don't Fret!

Let Curious help. 

We have countless unique, inexpensive gift ideas 

for that hard-to-shop-for person on your list.

"Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside of them. And it's much cheaper to buy somebody a book than it is to buy them the whole world!" - Neil Gaiman

The holidays are upon us, and the bookshop is hoppin' with holiday shoppers in search of a good read. (And a good deal!)

In addition to our selection gently-used books for all ages, and the latest bestsellers (which are 20% OFF!)...

We've recently acquired:

Vintage Maps ranging in age and price (1920s - 1960s; $2 - $12 each); Fabulousliterary classics published by Library of America, in slipcase (which are 25% OFF); a heap of books for all ages, perfect to stuff into stockings; Beautifullyillustrated books for Children; A mountain of YA Science Fiction and Fantasyhardcovers (currently 25% OFF); paperback and hardcover Mystery and Suspensenovels to keep you up all night; High-quality Art Books of all types (many are 25% OFF!), including the Masters, Gallery Collections, How-To guides, and pretty coffee table books sure to please.

Still need to get some gifts? We have books, magazines, posters, vintage comics, pulps, weird little pamphlets, pins and who knows what (even us, sometimes) for all gift purposes and porpoises!

Browse our selection of amazing, high-end First Editions and Rare books, Signed books, Limited Editions, hard-to-find Comics, beautiful Science Fiction Pulps from long, long ago, when robots and bug-eyed monsters constantly kidnapped women in metal bikinis, for some reason.

Our Children's Section is brimming with beautiful, inexpensive, gently-used books for all ages and interests.

We have Nostalgic gifts, Sentimental gifts, Funny gifts, Gag gifts, Unexpected gifts, and even some Secret gifts (Shh!). Content generated as little as a few weeks ago to thousands of years ago, across what you'd call a wide range of subjects. We've got what you're looking for, and what you don't even know exists.

If none of these things tickle your fancy, GIFT CERTIFICATES are 20% OFF. They make a great gift in case you have to buy for someone difficult (or if you like free money).

Current Sales: 25% OFF all Used Hardcover books! Even the rare stuff behind the counter! And, 20% OFF all NEW books! Every single one. Even the cool Zelda book, the latest Stephen King novel, and the new Lovecraft omnibus.

Holiday Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 10 - 8

Sundays: 12 - 5

Dec. 24th (Xmas Eve): 10 - 4

Dec. 25th: CLOSED

Save some cash, and your pockets will jingle all the way home --  We'll gladly validate parking if you park in a City of East Lansing lot or ramp. With a purchase, we'll cover a half-hour of your parking total. (If you're here for a while and buy a bunch, we'll help you out even more!) Oh, and PARKING IS FREE in Downtown East Lansing on December 24th.

Best Wishes in the Coming Year,

Ray, Audrey and the Curious Gang

PS - The staff enjoyed this NPR piece on gift-giving in Iceland. Can you guess what one of the most popular gifts to give is, among Icelanders? Go on, try and guess! 

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Ray's Reviews: Joseph Heywood's Mountains of the Misbegotten

“Mountains of the Misbegotten” (Lyons Press, $26.95) by Portage author Joseph Heywood is the second in his new series set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

The entertaining sequel to Heywood’s excellent “Red Jacket” again showcases Lute Bapcat, a former Rough Rider with Teddy Roosevelt, who’s been appointed as a Deputy Game Warden in the area.

Ontonagon County Game Warden Farrell Mackley has been missing for a few months; Bapcat is assigned to search for him.  Bapcat goes into the rugged territory and barely gets started when he’s shot from a distance
while on his mule.

Bapcat’s rescued by an English dwarf, a priest and Jone Gleann, a strong-willed, fiercely independent schoolteacher/nun. 

As he recovers in their care, he learns that Mackley may have been involved in a scheme to trap bears and sell them to zoos around the country.

Bapcat soon gets another assignment from Lansing – he’s to find and capture Heinrich Junger, also known as Henry Young or “Hank the Shank”, who’s wanted for crimes in Minnesota and other states.

The game warden is familiar with Young – he grew up with him at an orphanage – and mostly remembers him as a tough, red-haired bully.

Bapcat is assisted by secretive Gleann, her associates and his sidekick Pinkhus Sergeyevich Zarkov (among others) in a most unusual hunt in the Porcupine Mountains. Rinka Isohultamaki, who wants to be a deputy game
warden, also provides invaluable information.

Gleann is familiar with the area and is guiding the group; later, she and her students participate in an exceptionally memorable fund-raising effort.

While Bapcat doesn’t have much luck finding more information on Mackley, he’s got better results tracking down Young and his gang, leading to an unexpected confrontation.

Heywood’s latest effort is a highly atmospheric tale that captures the starkness and beauty of the wilderness. In an era and locale where eccentrics abound, Heywood deftly showcases a wide range of characters, including trappers, miners, greedy businessmen, women of ill repute and immigrant workers.

Set in 1914, the well-researched novel may not always be politically correct by today’s standards, but it is historically correct, with a few exceptions that the author notes at the end.

Heywood is a MSU graduate who’s also written nine books in the highly acclaimed contemporary Grady Service mysteries, also set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop, has reviewed crime

novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987.

This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on December 14, 2014.

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Ray's Reviews: You Know Who Killed Me by Loren Estleman

"You Know Who Killed Me" by award-winning Whitmore Lake author Loren Estleman (Forge books, $24.95) offers another challenging case in the career of tough Detroit private investigator Amos Walker.

In his 24th book, due out Tuesday, Walker is in rehabilitation after overdosing on alcohol and pain pills. He wants to get back to work, but doesn't have a backlog of cases. He's up in his seedy office when an old friend calls him with a job offer.

Lt. Ray Henty, now in charge of the suburban Iroquois Heights Police Department, is trying to solve the murder of Donald Gates, a computer specialist who monitored the city's traffic light system.

Gates was discovered on New Year's Day, shot to death in his basement. Billboards have gone up around town, with Gates' picture and the message "You Know Who Killed Me."

An anonymous member of the victim's church is offering a $10,000 reward on
the sheriff's tip line for the arrest and conviction of the murderer.

Henty, who's taken over the corruption-riddled Iroquois Heights Police Department, needs help in going through the calls but doesn't have extra staff available.

He hires and deputizes Walker, who has bad memories of working in the city. The diligent private eye eventually eliminates many of the crank calls and starts checking out possible leads.

His investigation leads to a disgruntled former city employee, a Ukrainian mobster who may have had reasons to kill Gates.

Other informants turn out to be useful, including the minister at Gates' church, who offers intriguing insights.

When Walker discovers that he's being followed by a government agent, he devises a clever and memorable confrontation.

Soon the case gets more complicated; deceit runs rampant and related deaths occur. The sardonic private investigator notes "I can't afford to sleepwalk my way through a job with a corpse in the equation. Murder's contagious."

Later, Walker darkly comments "I was getting too old for subterfuge." but that really doesn't slow down his lifestyle.

Estleman is in fine form with his latest Amos Walker entry; strong characterization abounds, the dialogue crackles and the conclusion is unexpected but realistic.

If you haven't read a good old-fashioned, fast-paced, hard-boiled crime novel lately, you're in for a real treat!

Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop, has reviewed crime
novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987.

Find these books and other great titles

at the Curious Book Shop, an independent 

book shop in East Lansing, founded in 1969.

Curious Book Shop

307 East Grand River Avenue

East Lansing, Michigan

517.332.0112

This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on December 7, 2014.

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Ray's Reviews: Cheap Shot by Ace Atkins and Blind Spot by Reed Farrel Coleman

       If you’re trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the holiday season,
maybe it’s time to grab a couple of mysteries showcasing characters
created by the late Robert B. Parker.

        Although Parker died in 2010, many of his best known characters have
appeared in new adventures officially licensed by the family’s estate.

        Two books came out earlier this year in hardback, one featuring Spenser,
the iconic Boston private detective and the other starring Paradise MA
Police Chief Jesse Stone.

        “Cheap Shot” by Ace Atkins (Putnam, $26.95) is the third in the Spenser
series written by Atkins, there’s over 40 books altogether.

        Spenser is hired by the agent of New England Patriots linebacker Kinjo
Heywood to find out who’s been stalking and harassing the superstar.

        Heywood has been a controversial figure since he was involved in a fatal
nightclub shooting a few years earlier in New York.

        Spenser’s joined by Z, his new sidekick; soon the situation worsens as
Akira, Heywood’s nine-year old son is kidnapped.

        Violence escalates as Spenser searches for clues, even going to New York
to check out facts and witnesses.

        Hawk, Spenser’s old sidekick, plays a pivotal role, adding his laconic
insights and adept fighting skills as the search intensifies.

        There are many angles to the case; suspects include associates of
Heywood’s new trophy wife, who has a checkered past. As Spenser and his
crew get more involved, other authorities, including the FBI, are called
in.

     The hard-working private eye gets help from old cop contacts as well

as Mob and gang members; tension mounts as others are killed.

        Atkins is in fine form as he continues the Parker tradition of Spenser
novels; long-time fans will recognize many familiar characters and Boston
landmarks.

        “Blind Spot” by award-winning author Reed Farrel Coleman is the fourth in
the continuation of the Jesse Stone series, after Parker’s nine books.
         It also involves sports, exploring Stone’s past as a L.A. Dodger
minor league baseball player whose rising career was cut short by
an injury. There’s a nasty killer, a former sweetheart, a devious
schemer and problems galore.

        Coleman’s new book has a fast-paced plot, brisk dialogue, strong, vivid
characterization and short chapters, just like Parker.  Coleman does a
great job, dedicated readers are likely to eagerly await his next
intriguing effort.

        Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop, has reviewed crime
novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987.

Find these books and other great titles

at the Curious Book Shop, an independent 

book shop in East Lansing, founded in 1969.

Curious Book Shop

307 East Grand River Avenue

East Lansing, Michigan

517.332.0112

This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on November 30, 2014.

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Ray's Reviews: John Sandford's Deadline

        Quirky characters abound in a pair of highly entertaining recent crime
novels.
        “Deadline” by bestselling author John Sandford (Putnam, $27.95) is the
eighth in his popular series starring Virgil Flowers, a veteran detective
for Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
        As usual, he’s not working on a case for his boss, Lucas Davenport; this
time he’s off to help a friend with a memorable name, Johnson Johnson.
        There’s been a series of dog-nappings in southeast Minnesota, and Johnson
needs help in recovering the animals.
        When a local reporter is discovered murdered, Flowers decides to
investigate that case as well, since he’s already on the scene.  As
usual, Flowers asks a lot of questions; he’s trying to determine the
reason behind the journalist’s death.
        As if that’s not enough, Flowers is helping out other authorities who
want to bust a major meth-dealing ring.
        Between dog owners who want to shoot on sight, dazed druggies and
murderous local conspirators, Flowers has his hands full, especially when
the body count rises.
        Sandford’s police procedural has a deft touch of dark humor; it’s full of
memorable and oddball characters.
        The author of 24 “Prey” volumes series and many other books doesn’t
disappoint his legion of fans. Sandford is in fine form, solidifying his
position as one of America’s finest crime fiction novelists.
        “Deeper Than the Grave” by Tina Whittle (Poisoned Pen Press, $24.95 hb,
$14.95 pb) is the fourth in her series featuring Tai Randolph and ex-FBI
agent and security specialist Trey Seaver.
        Randolph is trying to run an Atlanta gun shop that deals mostly with
civil war re-enactors; she inherited the business from her Uncle Dexter.
        A tornado causes chaos in the Kennesaw Mountain Cemetery, scattering the
bones of a Confederate hero. Tia joins in the search effort, making an
unexpected discovery of bones linked to a much more recent murder. Her
uncle is considered a suspect in that case and Randolph wants to clear
his name.
        Dark secrets emerge; unusual members of a prominent, wealthy Southern
family cause many problems and considerable havoc.
        Whittle has created an intriguing, carefully plotted, convoluted tale
with realistic and flawed characters. She showcases a pair of sexy,
likable investigators whose search for the truth makes them viable
targets.

        Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop, has reviewed crime

novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987.

Find this book and other great titles

at the Curious Book Shop, an independent 

book shop in East Lansing, founded in 1969.

Curious Book Shop

307 East Grand River Avenue

East Lansing, Michigan

517.332.0112

This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on November 23, 2014.

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Ray's Reviews: Michigan Agricultural College - Campus Life 1900 - 1925 by Stephen Terry

“Michigan Agricultural College – Campus Life 1900-1925” by Stephen Terry

(Thunder Bay Press, $19.95) is a wonderful look at an important part of

the history of Michigan State University.

        It focuses on the postcard history of the campus in the era before it

became Michigan State College and later MSU.

        Subtitled “A Postcard Tour”, the well-designed, oblong book provides

hundreds of postcard images of a multitude of campus buildings and

events.

        Terry uses an excellent variety of views, often including the messages

from the individual who initially sent the postcard, such as “This is

sure some great place” or “am having a fine time.”

        The book explores the campus as it existed in the early twentieth

century, when the main entrance to the campus was from Grand River at

Evergreen Street. This was also where the trolley cars from Lansing

entered.

        Many postcard images are provided for numerous buildings, including the

U.S. Weather Bureau, the Dairy Building, Wells Hall, the Gymnasium and

the Armory.

        Images of buildings that no longer exist also appear, such as the old

Greenhouse, College Hall (which collapsed), the Engineering Buildings

(which burned in 1916) and the Woman’s Building (later renamed Morrill

Hall, which was recently demolished.)

        Terry provides fascinating graphics from commercially sold postcards as

well as the much scarcer real photo postcards, which were produced in

significantly smaller quantities.

        While much emphasis is given to the architecture of M.A.C., images are

included of the Red Cedar River, the Campus Gardens, the Arboretum and

Lovers Lane.

        There are also panoramic and “bird’s eye” views of the campus and events,

offering a general view of Laboratory Row and the Agricultural

Department.

        The last section of the book is devoted to the Smokestacks, Steam

Tunnels, Off Campus Housing and the 1907 Semi-Centennial celebration,

which drew 20,000 people to campus to hear President Theodore Roosevelt

deliver a speech.

        The postcards presented in this book come from the collections of the

author as well as Dennis Hansen and Jeffrey Kacos.

        Terry is a 1960 MSU graduate who worked on campus for 32 years. He served

as the University’s Senior Financial Officer before retiring in 1998.

        This is a great book for historians, libraries and dedicated MSU fans.

        Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop, has reviewed

Michigan books and crime novels regularly since 1987.

Find this book and other great titles

at the Curious Book Shop, an independent 

book shop in East Lansing, founded in 1969.

We have a limited number of SIGNED copies available.

This would make for a lovely gift! 

Curious Book Shop

307 East Grand River Avenue

East Lansing, Michigan

517.332.0112

This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on November 16, 2014.

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Ray's Reviews: Michigan Author Edmund Messina "The Spattered White Coat"

“The Spattered White Coat” by Haslett author Edmund Messina MD
(CreateSpace, $14.99) is a mesmerizing collection of brief vignettes that
focus on the education and early experiences of a young doctor in the
mid-1970’s.

        The 320-page, well designed, self-published trade paperback comes with an
apt warning in the brief introduction:  “This book is not for the
squeamish, because the practice of medicine is not for the squeamish.
Certain events and behaviors in this book may be quite disturbing for
some.”

        It’s not as threatening as it sounds, but it’s good to absorb it slowly.
        Messina covers a lot of territory in this first part of his
autobiographical narrative, opening with his decision to apply for
medical school at age 27.

        He went to numerous admissions offices, only to be told the same thing –
he was too old.

        At the University of Illinois College of Medicine, he had the same
rejection, but a passing secretary told him that he might qualify for an
unusual special program.

        This chance encounter changed Messina’s life – the rest of the book
details a wide variety of intriguing and sometimes heart-breaking cases
that were observed by the inquisitive student, intern and young doctor.

        Messina’s education was primarily at the Michael Reese Medical Center on
the South Side of Chicago; this once great hospital that served so many
people has now been demolished.

        In brief and interesting vignettes, Messina describes his medical school
studies and his hands-on learning experiences. He deftly adds his own
insights, sometimes with a dark sense of humor.

         He discloses many challenges, including long, difficult rotations, lack
of sleep, putting up with other frustrated students and dealing with
stubborn higher authorities.

        Messina didn’t take the easy route, dealing with everything from gun-shot
and knife wounds as well as bad infections and incurable diseases.
        The doctor had a surprising cross-section of patients, including the
destitute, gang-members, pimps and even the exceptionally wealthy, like
film star John Wayne.

         He received great instruction from inspiring professors and doctors,
leading to his successful career as a medical specialist.

        Messina and his wife Joyce jointly founded the Michigan Headache Center
in East Lansing; the neurologist is also a Clinical Associate Professor
in the College of Medicine at MSU.

        He has been involved with numerous scientific and educational projects
and has written and directed documentary and dramatic films.

        Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop, has reviewed
Michigan books and crime novels regularly since 1987.

Find this book and other great titles

at the Curious Book Shop, an independent 

book shop in East Lansing, founded in 1969.

Curious Book Shop

307 East Grand River Avenue

East Lansing, Michigan

517.332.0112

This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on November 2, 2014.

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Ray's Reviews: Seconds by Bryan Lee O'Malley

  "Seconds" by award-winning author/artist Bryan Lee O'Malley
(Ballantine, $25) is a highly entertaining graphic novel full of
surprises.
        In today's world of graphic novels, the unassuming reader
doesn't really know what to expect - but O'Malley, creator of the
best-selling Scott
Pilgrim series, isn't disappointing.
        When you pick up the book, it's easy to see that the
dust-jacket is cut rather oddly - it's missing the bottom inch.
Naturally, the curious
reader is likely to take it off and see what's lurking underneath.
        It's not your usual plain cloth cover - instead, it's a bright glossy
design with an image of a young woman floating against a starry
background, surrounded by other characters, mushrooms and more.
      If you're shaking your head and saying "Huh?" - welcome to the
crowd - but after a brief introductory prologue, the quirky, unusual
saga begins.
        It focuses on the plight of Katie, a talented chef and the successful
owner of "Seconds", a popular restaurant. She's got plans to open another
location, but things aren't working out quite as she'd like; her
ex-boyfriend returns, a new relationship sours and her best waitress is
injured.
        She gets an unusual opportunity to change things, when in a
dream she meets Lis, a mysterious spirit. Lis offers Katie a second
chance to do
things over by taking a magical mushroom. She must, however, abide by a
list of rules:
1: Write your mistake.
2: Ingest one mushroom.
3: Go to sleep.
4: Wake anew.
        Katie does that, and just like the main character in the
"Groundhog Day" movie, she starts the day over again.
        Unfortunately, things don't get better, but worse; Lis says that there's
a limit of one mushroom, but Katie discovers more, decides to break the
rules and try again.
        That's when the tension begins to increase and the intensity
accelerates. Talented O'Malley uses bright retro manga-type images and
brisk dialogue to keep the reader entertained.
        There's never really a dull moment as the storyline progresses to a
satisfying conclusion; the graphic novel is broken down into short
chapters that are easily absorbed.
        Rife with flashes of dark humor, O'Malley's masterful tale deftly
captures the emotions, angst and worries of his intriguing cast of
characters.
        Tough to put down, "Seconds" is quite captivating and enjoyable.

        Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop, has

reviewed books regularly since 1987.

Find this book and other great titles

at the Curious Book Shop, an independent 

book shop in East Lansing, founded in 1969.

Curious Book Shop

307 East Grand River Avenue

East Lansing, Michigan

517.332.0112

This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on October 26, 2014.

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