Ray's Reviews: "The Book Stops Here" by Kate Carlisle and "Book Clubbed" by Lorna Barret

Two new releases are ideal for those who love cats and books - each has a striking cover that is likely to get the reader's attention.

"The Book Stops Here" by Kate Carlisle (Obsidian, $24.95) is the eighth in her very popular series starring Brooklyn Wainwright, a San Francisco bookbinder who always seems to get into trouble.

This time she's appearing as an old book expert and appraiser on the locally filmed television edition of "This Old Attic".

Vera, a flower shop owner, brings in a hardbound 1911 copy of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic children's tale, "The Secret Garden".  She says she bought it at a yard sale for $3.00 recently.

This isn't just an average first edition - it's #6 of a special limited edition of 50 copies that were signed by the author. This copy has an original painting inlaid into the front cover; Wainwright notes that a book dealer would be likely to spend $20,000 to $25,000 for it.

Before you know it, Vera's dead, Wainwright's almost killed and the show's TV host is being stalked. Wainwright's security expert boyfriend Derek Stone joins the investigation to track down the devious killer.

This novel introduces a new character, a former CIA operative and neighbor; it solidifies the relationship between Wainwright and Stone. 

While Carlisle's television show is clearly based on the PBS hit "Antiques Roadshow", it adds additional appeal to a highly entertaining novel. 

The cat pictured on the book's front cover doesn't really play a major role in the book, alas.

"Book Clubbed" by Lorna Barret (Berkley Prime Crime, $25.95) is the latest in her popular series set in the small town of Stoneham N.H.

Bookstore owner Tricia Miles is back again with another puzzling mystery. She's trying to figure out who killed local Chamber of Commerce secretary Betsy Dittmeyer by crushing her beneath a case full of books.

Lots of dark secrets are revealed as Miles investigates, there's significant attention paid to relationships, with numerous surprises.

To fully appreciate the series, it's best to start with the first one, "Murder is Binding". As usual, there's a touch of romance; the killer's revealed, but life-changing events occur for Miles and her fluffy cat Miss Marple. 

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

has reviewed crime novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987. 

He has two cats, Parker and Callie.

 

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 July 20, 2014.

Read More...

Ray's Reviews: Strangers by Bill Pronzini

"Strangers" (Forge, $24.99) by multiple award-winning author Bill Pronzini is the 43rd book in his popular series starring his Nameless Detective.

This time out, the semi-retired private detective and former cop is out to help Cheryl, an old lover, who's now living in Nevada.

Her teen-aged son Cody has been accused of three rapes and is in jail; Cheryl is sure he's innocent and contacts Nameless in San Francisco.

Leaving his wife and adopted daughter, Nameless travels to the small town of Mineral Springs. He stops and gets information from Cheryl, discovering that she's being harassed by vindictive townspeople who are sure that Cody is guilty.

The local sheriff has stopped looking for any other possible suspects and warns Nameless not to interfere with the case.

The district attorney in the case won't let Nameless talk to Cheryl's son, even with Cody's inept lawyer present. The private eye digs deeper, questioning Cody's friends and associates.

Few rush to Cody's defense, as the teenager has a bad reputation in town. The nameless Detective tries to follow up on different leads but gets minimal results. Soon, it becomes pretty obvious that someone is out to stop him from discovering the truth.

Nameless tries to talk to the rape victims but has little success. The sheriff is getting angrier - he feels he's got a slam-dunk case against Cody.

The small town of Mineral Springs offers an intriguing background for various assorted crimes; it's a haven for gambling and prostitution with multiple gold mines in the area.

There's also a heavy-handed religious group, drug-trafficking and Survivalists, so it's no surprise when tension rises and violence flares: Nameless becomes a moving target.

Pronzini's Nameless Detective is one of the few crime characters that have actually aged as the series has progressed. While it helps to read the series in order, it's not essential, except for enjoying the character's growth.

The author has won many major awards for his works in crime fiction, including the 2008 Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America. He's edited 90 anthologies, published over 300 short stories and has also written Western fiction.

This is a carefully-crafted, enjoyable crime novel rife with strong characters, flowing emotions and deadly action.

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 July 13, 2014.

Read More...

Ray's Reviews: "Murder in Michigan's Upper Peninsula" by Sonny Longtine

"Murder in Michigan's Upper Peninsula" by Sonny Longtine (History Press, $19.99) offers a gripping look at the most memorable, gruesome crimes committed in that picturesque area.

This is not a volume that's meant to be read in one sitting; some of the stomach-churning descriptions are quite vivid and disturbing.

The well-illustrated book includes many vintage photos of individuals and locales, including a graphic image of the McDonald cousins, who were hanged by a drunken mob in Menominee in the 1880s after killing a Deputy Sheriff.

Set in chronological order, the book has two dozen brief chapters, beginning in 1846 with the unsolved murder of James Schoolcraft, brother of famous ethnologist Henry Schoolcraft.

Longtine delves into the dark family life of the morose suspected serial killer John Tanner Jr., but also offers another theory.

The well-chronicled 1913 Italian Hall Disaster in Red Jacket, in the Keweenaw Peninsula, which killed 73 people, including 62 children, is described in detail. No one knows who yelled "FIRE" at the crowded Copper Country banquet hall.

There are many chapters examining murders in towns that no longer exist, areas that were hubs of activity during the boom era of mining and logging. Senseless murders expose killers who were drunk or exceptionally angry. Innocent victims abound, although not all were so innocent.

Longtine includes one of the area's most famous murder cases, with a trial in Marquette. Country lawyer John Voelker handled the defense for Coleman Peterson, who was accused of murdering Mike Chenowith in a Big Bay tavern.

Later, Voelker would write a novel about it, "Anatomy of a Murder", under the pseudonym of Robert Traver, which was made into a memorable Otto Preminger movie.

Longtine's collection of vignettes showcases the artwork of Judith (Suvanto) Greene, who provides well-drawn images of victims and murderers. Many of the photos come from the author's personal collection.

The well-organized book relates facts involving assorted murders through 2006, including the convoluted case of Thomas Richardson, accused of pushing his wife off a cliff at Munising's Pictured Rocks.

There is also a detailed bibliography of references, including websites and newspapers.

A graduate of Northern Michigan University, Longtine is the author of "Marquette, Then and Now", "Michigan's Upper Peninsula: Life, Legends and Landmarks" and "Courage Burning".

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 July 6, 2014.

Read More...

Ray's Reviews: The Little Book of Horse Racing Law by Palmer

"The Little Book of Horse Racing Law" by Charles A. Palmer and Robert J. Palmer (ABA Publishing, $19.95) is an intriguing and fascinating book on an unusual subject.

This well-designed 140-page trade paperback covers a lot of legal territory, but isn't at all boring; it provides 21 chapters that deal with a variety of interesting facets on the law.

This books is written by two experts in the field, Charles A. Palmer, Professor of Law at Lansing's Thomas M. Cooley Law School and his son, MSU and Cooley graduate Robert A. Palmer, who is an associate attorney at the local law form of Sinas, Dramis, Brake, Boughton & McIntyre, P.C.

Two separate prefaces personalize the book, offering insights into the Leslie family of horseman who are exceptionally knowledgeable about legal matters.

Even though many different cases are briefly analyzed, the writing is not done in a heavy-handed manner; the authors show how the cases originated and explain the often convoluted legal processes.

As expected, numerous decisions are overruled by other courts; frequently those rulings are further challenged by an assortment of appeals. Just because one state's court makes a decision regarding a legal matter does not necessarily mean that another will necessarily agree.

Chapters cover various subjects such as ownership, injuries, betting and insurance; the Palmers briefly examine major cases involving famous races, drug usage, prize-winning horses and even cloning.

Other chapters explore syndication of horses, publicity rights, misrepresentation, race conditions, interference and the plight of African-American jockeys.

The Palmers delve into one of racing's unsolved mysteries - what happened to Shergar, the European Horse of the Year in 1981 and winner of the Epsom Derby, England's highly prestigious race.

This was not a simple theft; in February, 1983, Shergar was kidnapped (or in this case horsenapped!) from stud stables in Ireland.

Armed gunmen held the caretaker and his family hostage; the caretaker was forced to assist others in loading a horse trailer with the exceptionally valuable animal.

Authorities never discovered who was responsible. There were many ransom attempts but all were hoaxes; Shergar's body was never found.

The new book features line drawings and many photos; the authors are working on another volume in the series, "The Little Book of Automotive Law".

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 is currently SOLD OUT of this title.
Please contact us to be added to the wait list, for the next shipment!

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 June 29, 2014.

Read More...