Two recent crime novels set in picturesque areas have differing degrees
of success. There’s a dead body discovered in the first chapter of each
book, but the enjoyment level varies significantly.
“Murder in the Merlot” by Aaron Stander (Writers and Editors, $15.95) is
the eighth paperback book in his popular series set in northern Michigan
starring Sheriff Ray Elkins.
He’s called to a crime scene when a woman’s body is found along a road
near the terraces of a vineyard of Merlot grapes.
International wine expert Gillian Mouton had scheduled an event at a
local winery and was doing research on a story. Elkins and his crew face
a real challenge as they try to track down her murderer.
There are numerous suspects, including an estranged brother, a former
lover and other associates. Various clues point in different directions,
but there are many hidden secrets and a devious killer.
The author has created a strong cast of characters and uses an intriguing
secondary plot to make them even more believable.
This is a fast-paced, entertaining, well-researched police procedural
that should be a strong candidate for the Michigan Notable Book Awards.
Stander, who lives near Traverse City, is the host of the “Michigan
Writers on the Air” radio program on Interlochen Public Radio.
He’s also directing “Write a Mystery”, an intensive four-day writer’s
retreat in July at the Interlochen Center for the Arts.
“Kittens Can Kill” by Clea Simon (Poisoned Pen Press, $24.95 hb, $14.95
pb) is set in the beautiful Berkshires. It’s the fifth in her series
showcasing Pru Marlowe, who has animal sensitivity and can pick up their
thoughts.
Marlowe discovers the dead body of prominent attorney David Canaday in
his kitchen; nearby is a young white kitten who just wants to play.
Did Canaday die of a heart attack, bad drug interactions or feline
allergies?
As Marlowe investigates, the three Canaday daughters, Jill, Judith and
Jackie are all suspects. They squabble endlessly with each other and an
attorney about the estate.
Few of the characters are really likeable; having alliterative names
makes it confusing at times to keep them all straight.
The most enjoyable parts of the book focus on brief human/animal
interaction scenes; this is a satisfactory but not spectacular crime
novel.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Ray's Reviews: Murder in the Merlot by Aaron Stander, and Clea Simon's Kittens Can Kill
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Ray's Reviews: Mark Woodbury's Trinity Flight
“Trinity Flight” by Michigan author Mark Woodbury (Skyhigh Media, $10.99 paperback, $4.90 kindle) is a fascinating, mesmerizing book that deals with an important aspect of American history.
Subtitled “The First Atomic Veterans of World War II” - it’s not a novel – as the author notes in his introduction - “though the story is based on factual events, it is told using a blend of narrative and dialog.”
It’s the previously unpublished true story of three young Army Air Force pilots who were caught in the middle of the initial Manhattan Project above-ground testing of the nuclear bomb.
The focus shifts from the pilots to the scientists at Alamogordo N.M., changing viewpoints seamlessly, offering insights into the main characters - pilots, staff and scientists.
The aviators were in the wrong place at the worst possible time – flying unauthorized through a rainstorm on July 16th, 1945, at 5:29 AM, just as the world’s first atomic bomb was being detonated at the Trinity Test
Site.
Woodbury’s uncle, Frank Marecek, Jr., originally from Middleton MI, was the lead pilot on the night-time training flight.
His experiences preceding, during and after the doomed flight are smoothly relayed, providing many eye-opening details.
But that’s only part of the story – Marecek was a courageous survivor of radiation poisoning and had other physical problems; three of his children had birth defects.
Jim Lowells, one of the other pilots, faced different challenges, as did others who later flew in the doomed planes.
After decades of fear and secrecy, Marecek wanted the truth to be known; he testified in 1985 at House Veteran’s Affairs Committee in front of the assembled U.S. Congress in support of S707, the Atomic Relief Act of 1985.
As the Trinity Coordinator for the National Association of Atomic Veterans, his testimony was vivid and vital. Later, President Bush signed into law the Radiation Exposed Veterans Compensation Act.
Woodbury utilized audio-taped testimony as well as maps, flight logs and other documents to gain information and did considerable research.
Photographs are also included, offering images of the planes, pilots, bombs and more.
This compelling self-published book is exceptionally well told; it’s one that deserves to get national recognition and should be distributed by a major American publisher.
Copies are available from Amazon.com; the author can be reached at woodb585@cs.com.
Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop, has reviewed books regularly since 1987.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Ray's Reviews: The Chocolate Clown Corpse by JoAnna Carl
The Chocolate Clown Corpse” by JoAnna Carl (Obsidian, $22.95) is a delicious crime novel that’s set in the middle of winter in the small resort town of Warner Pier, MI.
It’s the fifteenth in her popular series showcasing Lee McKinney Woodyard, business manager of Ten Huis Chocolade, a deluxe chocolate shop with a great product and reputation.
Woodyard is getting ready for a busy March mid-winter promotion – this year it’s Clown Week, with lots of events showcasing clowns.
Moe Davidson, owner of the building next door to Ten Huis, was also gearing up for it; he ran a business called Clowning Around and frequently performed as a clown.
However, Davidson was not a happy fellow. Even though he was known as one of the town’s leading financial benefactors, he was not well- liked. When he turns up dead at his house, there’s one prime suspect - Royal Hollis - a local homeless man who confesses and is arrested.
Woodyard’s husband Joe, who works for a non-profit legal organization, is selected as Hollis’ defense attorney.
A month later, Davidson’s family members decide to sell the building. Woodyard is interested in buying it for the chocolate shop owners, who are away on a well-deserved vacation.
She takes a tour of the building and soon complications arise – Davidson’s widow is found unconscious.
While there are many challenging situations, Woodyard is in fine form, creating clown-themed candies and trying to find answers to numerous puzzling questions.
The local police aren’t interested in investigating any further – they consider the case solved, but the action intensifies.
There are many laugh-out loud scenes and the slippery, exciting conclusion is great fun.
The author has created a highly entertaining cozy mystery with a light touch and strong characterization. While this is the latest in her popular series, it also works well as a stand-alone crime novel.
Most of her earlier novels are available in paperback, including the “The Chocolate Book Bandit,” which deals with a murder in the town’s library.
It’s easy to get hooked on Carl’s mysteries – she even throws in bit of tasty chocolate trivia to get the reader more involved.
JoAnna Carl is the pseudonym of Eve K. Sandstrom, who lives in Oklahoma but spends her summers in Michigan.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Ray's Reviews: Magician's Daughter by Judith Janeway and Motive by Jonathan Kellerman
Two recent crime novels will whisk you away to sunny California – a literary land of crime and deceit. Each book features convoluted plotting and exceptionally quirky characters.
"Magician’s Daughter” by Judith Janeway (Poisoned Pen Press, $24.95 hardback, $14.95 paperback) is the first in a highly entertaining new series. It stars Valentine Hill, who's working in Las Vegas, mostly as a street magician.
Valentine is trying to track down her mother, Elizabeth, a skilled con artist, so she can find out more information about herself.
The trail leads to the San Francisco area, where Valentine gets involved in the first of many challenging situations; she’s beaten by a thug and wakes up next to a corpse. And that’s just in the first 20 pages!
There are many interesting characters and unexpected plot twists; Valentine discovers that her mother is involved in another scheme, this time with one of the city’s richest men.
Valentine and her mother are under a lot of scrutiny – when an FBI agent is killed, the action intensifies.
While it would be nice if there were more scenes involving magic, Janeway’s fast-paced tale is compelling reading and is quite enjoyable.
Two more books are scheduled in the series; smart mystery fans will certainly be looking for more. Janeway is also the author of “Odds of Dying” and two romance novels.
“Motive” by best-selling author Jonathan Kellerman (Ballantine, $28) is the 30th book in his popular series starring Los Angeles psychologist Alex Delaware.
As usual, he’s called in on a murder case by his friend, LAPD Lieutenant Milo Sturgis.
This time they’re investigating the violent death of Katherine Hennepin, a young woman who was strangled and stabbed in her home. While there’s a viable suspect, he’s got a solid alibi and the case turns cold.
Delaware gets involved in another murder investigation, the killing of a wealthy businesswoman in a parking garage. Sturgis and the psychologist ask many questions and are trying to link the cases.
Sleazy lawyers abound; there are hidden reasons for the deaths as violence flares and potential victims flee for their lives.
This dark twisted tale offers too many characters and too few likable ones. It’s a slower-paced, gritty, grim novel with a devious killer and an unpredictable ending.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Feb-Burrr!-ary Newsletter from Curious Book Shop
Greetings, Bibliophile!
Here's what's new (and used) at Curious...
Spring is coming. Eventually.
Until the ice recedes, stop by Curious and find the perfect book to take your mind off the chill.
February Sale:
Think Spring! and save some Green with big discounts in the following sections...
GARDENING
NATURE
AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDIES
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
MOVIE BOOKS
New Arrivals:
We have far too many books, this we know.
With new arrivals each day, it's hard to keep track of all the new items. Some of our recent favorite "gets" include mid-century books on electronics, electrical engineering, radios and "radio astronomy." They're pretty out of this world.
Other recent acquisitions include...
Beautifully bound novels by Louis L'Amour; Young Adult Fantasy; Groovy old issues of High Times; Cook Books; Children's Books; Hardcover Science Fiction classics in marvelous condition; Ellis Peters paperback mysterys; and an assortment of moderately priced Movie Poster Compendiums, featuring terribly good B Movie posters, westerns, horror, and more!
A few collections of Irish Ballads and Pub Songs can be found in the Music Section. First come, first serve! May the luck of the Book Hunter be with you.
"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?" - John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley
Shop Scuttlebutt:
We're making the most of quiet winter days by reorganizing, relocating, and expanding some sections of the bookshop.
The Counter-Culture section has a new home! It includes the writings of Ginsberg, Bukowski, Burroughs, Kerouac, Kesey, Plath, Miller, Nin, Vonnegut, and many more edgy 20th century favorites. Now, this beatific assortment of books is located directly across from the front counter.
This move freed up space for a (slightly) bigger and (much) better New Books section. We specialize in weird and wonderful, hard-to-find books, so please browse our unread oddities on your next visit. Treasures await you.
Snuggling up somewhere warm with a truly great book is so simple and pleasing, this time of year. Whether it be a creepy thriller, a heart-warming romance, a wild adventure novel, or gardening book to get you through the gloomy months... we've got it! Your next winter read is waiting for you.
"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." - Anne Bradstreet, The Works of Anne Bradstreet
Mark Your Calendar!
Woo-hoo! The Big Book and Paper Show is just around the corner, and we simply cannot wait!
Join us at the Lansing Center on Sunday, April 19th for the Midwest's LARGEST show of its kind. It's a literary wonderland, right in our own backyard.
THANK YOU for supporting this local, independent book shop! It has been a long, quiet winter resulting in a hard-scrabble existence. We simply wouldn't exist without those who brave the cold for a chance to wander among the stacks, here at Curious.
It's cosy-warm at the bookshop, and we'll validate your parking for City of EL parking lots... so what are you waiting for?! Come find your new favorite book, before someone else snaps it up.
Many thanks,
Ray, Mark, Audrey and the Curious Gang
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Ray's Reviews: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins and Hope to Die by James Patterson
If you’re really ready to lose some sleep – here’s a quick look at a pair
of recent thrillers that offer tense suspense.
One marks the first American debut by a relatively unknown author while
the other is the latest novel by a worldwide bestselling writer.
“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins (Riverhead, $26.95) is a
gripping, compelling thriller that starts out slowly but builds to a
frantic and frenetic pace.
Mostly set during the summer of 2013, there are scenes that take place
earlier and flashbacks from different perspectives.
The highly entertaining novel is told from three female viewpoints,
frequently focusing on Rachel, a divorced, depressed alcoholic who takes
a commuter train every day, even though she has no job.
The train slows down in front of a group of houses at the same time daily
– Rachel sees an idyllic couple breakfasting on a porch and fantasizes,
remembering what it was like to be in a loving relationship.
One day she views something different – and it changes her attitude
significantly.
Megan, the woman of the idyllic couple, has her own insights and secrets,
as does Anna, a young mother who lives nearby, married to Rachel’s
ex-husband Tom.
It gets a lot more complicated from there as Rachel struggles with
alcoholism and has blackouts; after she goes to the police with her
suspicions, the pacing speeds up.
The reader doesn’t know who to trust – all of the narrators have their
own dark secrets.
Already optioned for a film, this dark and moody thriller has many
carefully coordinated, surprising plot twists. Hawkins is off to a great
start!
“Hope to Die” by James Patterson (Little Brown, $29) is the latest
action-packed thriller starring Washington D.C.’s top detective Alex
Cross.
This is the long-awaited sequel to “Cross My Heart’ which ended with a
tense cliff-hanger.
Cross’ family has been kidnapped by Thierry Mulch - a madman who
threatens to kill them one-by-one unless his twisted demands are met.
Mulch is obsessed with the study of the psychology of a perfect criminal
and wants to turn Cross into one. The determined detective faces many
challenges as the body count rises.
Patterson is in his usual fine form with another suspenseful, exciting tale.
Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop, has reviewed crime
novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987.
Friday, February 13, 2015
Ray's Reviews: Valentine's Day Special!
“Everything I Need to Know About Love I Learned from a Little Golden Book” by Diane Muldrow (Golden Books, $9.99) is the third book in this delightful series.
Focusing on love and romance, it uses many great graphics that originally appeared in the exceptionally popular series of children’s books.
There are vibrant, relevant images from numerous classics, including “Tootle”, “The Kitten Who Thought He was a Mouse”, “Nurse Nancy” and “The Saggy, Baggy Elephant”.
Colorful artwork abounds, with bright, clear illustrations by Gustaf Tenggren, Eloise Wilkin, Tibor Gergely, Richard Scarry, Garth Williams and others.
This is a wonderful book for anyone who grew up with these classics; it’s almost guaranteed to bring back pleasant memories.
“Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney (Candlewick Press, $9.99) is available in a nifty, padded edition that marks the 20th anniversary of its initial publication.
The deluxe volume features large illustrations by Anita Jeram, showcasing Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare as they try to outdo each other by describing the extent of their affection.
This edition is designed for younger readers; the thicker pages allow for easier handling without having the book quickly fall apart.
It’s ideal for reading out loud (add your own special effects!) and has become a classic in its own right.
“Art & Sole” by Jane Gershon Weitzman (Harper Collins, $30) is a lush, gilt-edged, glitzy volume with amazing photographs by Lucas Zarebinski.
The entire book consists of images of spectacular non-functional shoe sculptures that were commissioned in the mid-1990’s for display in the windows of the Stuart Weitzman retail shop on New York’s Madison Ave.
The bright, colorful photographs capture a wide range of innovative designs and materials that were used to create these fantasy footwear items.
Memorable images abound, showing shoes made of corrugated cardboard, steel, stained glass, raku-fired clay, wire, acrylic film and much more. Some illustrate characters from “The Wizard of Oz” and “Alice in
Wonderland.’
There’s a brief biographical section about the 33 artists and their vivid designs.
This would be a great gift idea for a special creative person who loves shoes or original artwork.
Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop, has reviewed books
regularly since 1987.