Ray's Reviews: Souviens by Local Author Barbara Darling Saxena

     "Souviens" by local author Barbara Darling Saxena (2 Moon Press, $13.99) is an unusual paperback debut novel that's mostly set in the Lansing area.

     It's a compelling tale that spans decades, alternating chapters that are set in the 1930's and contemporary times.

     A major plot element involves the horrendous Kern Hotel fire of Dec. 11, 1934 in downtown Lansing that claimed the lives of 34 people, including five that were never identified.

     Dr. Dakota Graham has been having nightmares and flashbacks about a fire since she was a child. She gets an unexpected financial windfall and decides to investigate why she was chosen to receive the unusual bequest.

Kerns Hotel Fire, 1934
(photo courtesy Capital Area Library)

     Scenes that are set in the 1930's focus on the relationships of pretty 24-year-old Grace Dunning. She works at the new Bank of Lansing downtown and wants to be a doctor, but faces many challenges.

     Graham is introduced to Dr. Theo Everett, an oddball medical researcher who is out to prove his theory that the experiences of parents can alter the genetic expression of their offspring.

     Dunning is witness to the terrible fire and is actually injured by falling debris; her life is permanently altered by the results of the tragedy.

     The carefully researched, complex thriller is full of intriguing plot twists, with well-developed characters and many unexpected revelations.

     The author deftly uses Lansing area businesses, landmarks and events in her descriptions, adding a nice local touch.

     Saxena, who graduated from Waverly High School, is a family practice physician in Grand Ledge.

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

has reviewed Michigan books and crime novels regularly since 1987.

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Ray's Reviews: Ink Trails: Michigan's Famous and Forgotten Authors

Dave Dempsey and Jack Dempsey will be autographing books and talking about writing on Sat. from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at Schuler Books and Music, Meridian Mall, 1982 W. Grand River, Okemos.

     "Ink Trails", by brothers Dave Dempsey and Jack Dempsey, (M.S.U. Press, $19.95), is subtitled "Michigan's Famous and Forgotten Authors".

     It's a captivating look at 19 of our state's most interesting writers, including those who are well known and others who are relatively obscure.

     This well-researched book is long overdue; it's divided into five geographical sections, exploring the careers of diverse literary figures.

     As expected, it offers insights into famous writers as Robert Traver (John D. Voelker), Bruce Catton and Ring Lardner; it also offers background information about relatively obscure Michigan authors and poets such as George Matthew Adams, Carroll Watson Rankin and Eugene Ruggles.

     You won't find Jim Harrison or Elmore Leonard here - the brothers wisely decided not to provide profiles of living authors.

     One chapter is devoted to the influence of Michigan on the careers of playwright Arthur Miller and poets Robert Frost and Jane Kenyon.

     Another chapter explores the writings of poet and historian Carl Sandburg, winner of the Pulitzer Prize, who lived and wrote in Michigan for almost 20 years.

     Well-known poet Theodore Roethke and prolific botanist Liberty Hyde Bailey also had Michigan ties, as did Maritta Wolff and Marguerite Di Agneli.

     The Dempseys include a chapter on best-selling Owosso author James Oliver Curwood, as well as Gwen Frostic, Holling Clancy Holling, Dudley Randall and Will Carleton.

     This volume was selected as one of the year's top Michigan Notable Books. It's ideal for libraries or anyone interested in learning more about our state's great literary history.

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

has reviewed Michigan books and crime novels regularly since 1987.

This review was originally published by 

the Lansing State Journal on February 15, 2013.

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Ray's Reviews: Suspect by Robert Crais

"Suspect," the latest crime novel by best-selling author Robert Crais (Putnam, $27.95), showcases two new strong characters--and one of them is a dog.

This is something different for Crais, who has written 13 books starring private investigator Elvis Cole and many other highly entertaining tales.

This book introduces Scott James, a Los Angeles cop whose life is dramatically changed when he's severely wounded during a nighttime assault.

His partner Stephanie is killed; although healing, James still has nightmares and flashbacks nine months later.

Maggie, an 85-pound German shepherd, also isn't doing very well. She served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan sniffing explosives. She was badly wounded and a sniper killed her Marine handler.

James doesn't want to take medical retirement; the dog is severely depressed. Both are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder but are still among the walking wounded.

Even though he knows nothing about dogs, James opts for the K9 unit. Soon the pair become an unlikely team--both are "suspect" for fitting in to the unit.

James is determined to track down Stephanie's killer; although he's not a homicide cop, he starts looking into the unsolved case.

He's still seeing a psychiatrist regularly, hoping his flashbacks might reveal clues to the identity of the men responsible.

Intensifying his search, James examines police reports and goes back to the crime scene, discovering new leads and useful information.

The relationship between James and Maggie grows stronger as they slowly begin to adapt to each other; the training continues for both.

James gets help from some others in the department, but there are unexpected results that lead to deadly consequences.

Crais, who attended Michigan State University's Clarion Fantasy and Science Fiction Writer's Workshop, has written a powerful tale that works well on different levels.

Although there's little of Crais's usual dark humor, it's easy to get emotionally involved in this fast-paced crime novel. Crais smoothly alters viewpoints, deftly showing the mindset of the dog from the animal's perspective.

Hollywood film producers have made movies of a number of Crais' books; this novel is prime entertainment material.

This is definitely a book that's not to be missed. It's a fast, enjoyable read that's a top-notch effort by one of America's best crime writers.

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

has reviewed crime novels and noir thrillers regularly since 1987.

This review was originally published by the 

Lansing State Journal on February 10, 2013.

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Ray's Reviews: "Paradise City" by Archer Mayer and "Seven Days" by Deon Meyer

If you enjoy reading police procedural mysteries, here's a quick look at two highly talented authors with similar last names. It's easy to get mired in Mayor and Meyer -- both writers showcase well-developed returning characters faced with deadly, unusual challenges.

"Paradise City" by award-winning author Archer Mayor (Minotaur, $25.99) is the 23rd in his popular series starring Joe Guenther, head of the Vermont Bureau of Investigation.

Somewhat similar to his earlier novel "Tag Man", Guenther becomes involved in investigating a string of unusual burglaries at the residences of wealthy residents.

But this time, there's a big difference -- jewelry and antiques are also being stolen. The fast-paced novel opens with a robbery at the Beacon Hill home of an elderly rich woman who lives alone -- but the burglars kill her.

Guenther notices similarities to Vermont break-ins and joins forces with Massachusetts authorities. The dead Boston woman's granddaughter is independently searching for answers and makes surprisingly useful discoveries.

Other assorted clues lead to the disclosure of a meticulous mastermind with devious plans. There are numerous plot twists and violence erupts. Mayor doesn't disappoint his fans with his latest highly entertaining tale.

"Seven Days" by best-selling author Deon Meyer (Atlantic Monthly Press, $25) is another strong entry in his series set entirely in contemporary South Africa.

It stars hard-working recovering alcoholic homicide detective Benny Griessel, who earlier appeared in Meyer's "Devil's Peak" and "Thirteen Hours".

Two police officers in Cape Town have been shot; the killer vows to shoot more unless a recent unsolved murder case is reopened.

The shooter wants further investigation of the murder of an attractive and ambitious attorney who was stabbed to death in her luxury apartment.

Sending strange e-mails to the cops and the press, the shooter is quoting scripture and demanding results, threatening to continue his shooting spree until the killer is found.

Griessel and his associates have little luck -- there are few good leads and no forensic evidence. The tension mounts as the shootings increase and media frenzy escalates.

Meyer is exceptionally adept at examining the diverse complexities involved in solving a challenging crime. While you may slowly tire of continuous dead ends, realistically the search for facts is tedious and time-consuming.

Eventually, information is discovered that reveals the truth, providing an unexpected but satisfying conclusion.

　

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 Sunday, January 27, 2013

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Ray's Reviews: The Murderer's Son by Joseph Herr

"The Murderer's Son" by Joseph Herr (J & S Publishing, $17.99) is an unusual book by the son of a convicted murderer.

It's not fiction, but instead is an intriguing memoir of a boy who grew up in Lansing while his father was serving time in Jackson State Prison.

Richard Herr, Joseph's father, was convicted for the brutal 1966 slaying of pretty housewife Betty Reynolds, in Grand Ledge. Richard Herr pled guilty and in 1967 was sentenced to 25 to 40 years in prison. He later claimed that he didn't commit the crime and had bad legal representation.

Richard served 12 years in prison before being paroled; he later remarried, successfully sold cars around the country, and moved to Arizona.

According to his self-published 2011 autobiography "Inside-Outside (to be continued...)," after entering the penitentiary, Richard Herr soon controlled Jackon State Prison's drugs, gambling, and protection rackets.

His son, meanwhile, was growing up as the son of a convicted murderer, facing continual taunts and being bullied as he went to Bingham Elementary School, Resurrection and Eastern High School.

Joseph relates a variety of experiences about growing up in Lansing and his perseverance; he examines his divorced mother's devotion to her husband.

He explores his relationship with her father, Paul "Harry" DeRose, who ran a local nightclub called Amedeo's, who paid for much of Richard's legal defense.

Joseph felt so strongly about his grandfather's positive influence, he legally changed his last name to DeRose when he turned 18.

Joseph Herr also corrects inaccuracies he feels were made in "Inside-Outside," offering police reports and courtroom testimony verbatim to back him up. He supplies realistic observations on how the Reynolds murder may have taken place and his father's involvement.

In a time before DNA testing was created, the police had enough evidence to link Richard to the bloody crime; if he had not pled guilty, his father would very likely have received a life sentence.

Richard recently received notoriety when it was revealed that he was serving as Santa Claus in a "Toys for Tots" program in Arizona.

"The Murderer's Son" is an intriguing look at a strong-willed survivor who challenges his father's views and wants to set the record straight.

Joseph Herr's email address is sjderose@comcast.net

　

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

This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on January 13. 2013.

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Ray's Reviews: Target Lancer by Max Allan Collins, The Lincoln Conspiracy by Timothy O'Brien, and In the Name of Honor by Albert Payson Terhune

Deadly conspiracies abound in three recent books, offering surprising fictional revelations.

"Target Lancer" by award-winning author Max Allan Collins (Forge Books, $27.99) is the fourteenth novel in his popular series starring Nate Heller, dedicated Chicago private detective.

This time, the hero is involved in stopping a 1963 John F. Kennedy assassination attempt - not in Dallas, but in Chicago on November 2!

The author bases his compelling tale on true events and includes many real characters such as Robert Kennedy, Jimmy Hoffa, Jack Ruby, assorted mob figures and even noted fan-dancer Sally Rand.

Collins' book is fascinating reading with deadly action and unexpected complications, working well on a variety of levels.

The 9-page section "I Owe Them One" at the end of the novel offers more insights into numerous conspiracy theories.

"The Lincoln Conspiracy" by veteran journalist Timothy O'Brien (Ballantine Books, $26) deals with another important assassination, with events set in the time period following President Abraham Lincoln's death.

Washington D.C. policeman Temple McFadden discovers two diaries strapped to the body of a man who's been murdered at a local railroad station. The assailants are soon after McFadden, but he makes a quick escape.

McFadden gets assistance and learns that one diary was from Mary Todd Lincoln. The shocker is when he finds out that the other diary, in code, belonged to John Wilkes Booth.

This is highly innovative historical fiction, with the talented author continuously putting McFadden and his wife Fiona in constant danger.

There are many real characters involved, including Lafayette Baker (head of the Union Army's spy service), Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, master detective Allan Pinkerton and abolitionist Sojourner Truth.

The surprising conclusion makes O'Brien's fast-paced, intriguing debut novel well worth reading.

"In the Name of Honor" by Albert Payson Terhune (Black Dog Books, $16.95) is the first book publication of a tale that initially appeared in the pulp magazine "Argosy" in 1908.

It's still fresh today, as Terhune, who's much better known for his memorable dog stories, relates the tale of Civil War hero Guy Bruce, who travels to England to clear his family's name.

Framed in a clever conspiracy for a crime he didn't commit, Bruce is shipped off to a brutal Australian penal colony. While Lincoln and Stanton appear as minor figures, Bruce's strong character predominates, getting positive, vengeful yet rewarding results.

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 Sunday, January 6, 2013.

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Ray's Reviews: When in Maui by Colleen Nye, Thou Shalt Not by Buzz Harcus and Who is Ellen Roquefort? by AJ Hutchison

Michigan's authors have been very prolific during 2012--here's a quick look at recent entertaining paperbacks that were either produced by a small press or were self-published.

        "When in Maui" by Haslett author Colleen Nye (2Moon Press, $15.99) is a debut novel that focuses on the experiences of two friends.

        Alice Tyler takes off for a vacation in Maui, leaving her best friend Vivianne Cook behind.  Alice meets famous movie actor Ryan Perry; soon Vivianne is on her way to provide emotional support.

        There are many funny and interesting interactions, with unexpected results as romance blooms and challenges develop.

        Nye deftly tells an enjoyable tale; she's a member of the local "Writing at the Ledges" writing group and is working on her second novel.  She can be reached at author.colleennye@gmail.com.

        Mancelona author Buzz Harcus takes the reader in a different direction with "Thou Shalt Not", (Sandhill Publishing, $15).

        In his fifth self-published novel, Harcus introduces Ron Macklin, a police detective in Graceport CT, who's investigating a bloody double murder.

        He joins forces with his friend, Homicide Detective Dominic Greyson in New York; two members of a local church were murdered, each involved in separate affairs.

        Dripping with violence and sexual overtones, Harcus' fast-paced tale has a creepy serial killer with a deadly, twisted agenda.

        A Marine Corps veteran, Harcus has also written four other intriguing mysteries: "China Marine: Tsingtao Treasure", "Tainted Treasure", "Web of Greed" and "A Breath of Spring."  Harcus' e-mail address is lesharcus28@msn.com.

        "Who is Ellen Roquefort?" by Hessel MI journalist AJ Hutchison (Sault Printing, $14.95) is the latest novel by the author of "Corruption at Jamestown Prison."

        Distinctly not a sequel, this fat, almost 500-page book is partially set in Lansing, Mason and Holt.
        It deals with the life experiences of a woman suffering from paranoia schizophrenia who fought her illness but faced extraordinary challenges.

        The compelling tale focuses on a woman who had a personality change while attending college; she later taught English and Journalism, wrote poetry, oil painted and parented a child.

        This is not a happy tale, but offers realistic yet sometimes devastating insights, combining fact with fiction.  It also includes over 15 pages of the main character's poetry.

        AJ Hutchison's e-mail address is bobbyau@src-miup.com.

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

has reviewed Michigan books and crime novels regularly since 1987.

This review was originally published by the 

Lansing State Journal on Sunday, January 30, 2012.

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