Ray's Reviews: Something Furry Underfoot, Dog Shaming and Guys Can Be Cat Ladies Too!
It's the holiday season - and time to look at a few interesting stocking stuffers for pet lovers!
"Something Furry Underfoot", by Haslett author Amy L. Peterson (Amazon, $13.95), is a highly entertaining paperback that's just delightful to read.
Peterson offers fascinating memoirs and funny insights on a wide spectrum of animals that her husband brings home, including gerbils, hamsters, ferrets, and other assorted critters.
If that was all that happened, this would be a short book - but there are more chapters on the challenges faced when Peterson, her husband, and her four step-children deal with dogs, rabbits, hedgehogs, a stray cat, and a domesticated duck.
The author is a great storyteller; the animals really come alive as she describes the various ways that the animals were acquired and their idiosyncrasies.
She showcases many of the, their joys and problems in individual chapters, providing many funny and touching scenes. She also offers 50 succinct but useful tips on animal care.
The great cover design, by Patricia Adams, provides colorful images of many of the animals who appear in this book. Cute photos of them are available at the author's website: www.amylpeterson.com
Peterson is also the author of "From Zero to Four Kids in 30 Seconds", which deals with all the challenges of being a stepmother. A portion of the proceeds from all of her books will be donated to animal rescue organizations.
"Dog Shaming", by Pascale Lemire (Three Rivers Press, $15.00), is a compilation of all-new, never before seen photos by the woman who has the popular website www.DogShaming.com.
This book consists of full color photos of dogs provided by their owners, along with a handwritten sign that indicates what the pooches have done wrong, such as "I destroyed this couch!". Since the dogs (usually) look so innocent, it is hard to imagine all the trouble they can cause!
"Guys Can Be Cat Ladies Too", by Michael Showalter (Abrams image, $14.95), is an odd book that shouldn't really be taken too seriously; it is more silly than it is funny.
Broken down into three tongue-in-cheek sections, it is designed to help guys understand, appreciate, and bond with the cats in their lives.
The graphics include humorous photos and artwork, and the text covers a wide range of subjects, including feline communication, travel, and cat hoarding.
has reviewed books since 1987.
Find these books and other great titles
This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
2013 Holiday Newsletter
Happy Holidays from Curious!
"I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently?
And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt;
and perhaps it says "Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again."
Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass
We're getting into the giving spirit....
... by offering 30% OFF Manga, Mysteries and Foreign Language through the end of December!
Gift Certificates are 20% OFF until the end of the month.
Save some cash while giving your favorite booklover EXACTLY what they want -- and let them make the hard choices.
We've restocked the shop with Gift Books sure to please everyone on your holiday shopping list!
Find great books for your fashionista friend, beer-swilling brother, green-thumbed grandma or crazy co-worker.
Be sure to browse our selection of little books for readers of all ages.
They're just the right size to stuff into a stocking!
New Acquisitions:
We're packed to the gills with fabulous new acquisitions; far too many to list.
Here's a sampling of what's new (and used!) at Curious:
Children's Holiday Books; Coloring Books; Vintage Paper Dolls; Gift-Quality Art Books; Agatha Christie paperbacks; Nature books (Horses! Orchids! Birds! Trees!); Ayn Rand paperbacks; Manga and Graphic Novels; Dr. Who paperbacks; Stephen King paperbacks and hardcovers; Arts & Crafts how-to guides; Beautifully Illustrated Books for Kids; Comic Books; Obscure Japanese Art Collections (in Japanese!); Michigan history; Poetry; World History; bestselling fiction paperbacks; hardcover Science Fiction and more.
JUST RELEASED -- A fabulous assortment of SIGNED Science Fiction and Fantasy paperbacks!
Stop by the shop and browse through this impressive collection, which includes a veritable laundry list of the genre's greatest authors. Ray Bradbury, Jack Vance, Frank Herbert, Glen Cook, Robert Asprin, Norman Spinrad, Larry Niven, Joe Haldeman, Harlan Ellison, Donald Wollheim, Frederik Pohl, Michael Bishop, Robert Bloch, L. Sprague de Camp, Jack Williamson, Steven Brust, Patricia Wrede, Algis Budrys, David Brin, Roger Zelazny, Clifford Simak, Alan Dean Foster and MANY MORE! Prices range from $5.95 to $300.
Our New Books section includes Lingg Brewer's "Dreams Gone Wrong," a local historian's take on MSU's involvement with the CIA and the Vietnam War. Read Ray's review, and pick up a copy for yourself! It's an interesting read, and a good gift for MSU alumni and East Lansing residents.
Shop News & Gossip:
Curious will CLOSE EARLY, at 6 p.m., on Thursday, December 12.
We'll be open until 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and closed on Christmas Day.
On December 31st we'll close at 3 p.m., and will be closed on New Years Day.
East Lansing's Winter Glow Festival was a blast!
Thanks to those who visited the shop, as part of their holiday celebrations.
To find out more about upcoming East Lansing events, like the Mid-Winter Singing Festival, visit the Community Events page.
MSU's Wharton Center has announced their upcoming season!
We're especially intrigued by Peter and the Starcatcher: A Grownup's Prequel to Peter Pan.
The next Michigan Antiquarian Book & Paper Show
will be held at the Lansing Center on Sunday, April 6th, 2014.
It's the largest show of its kind in the Midwest. Mark your calendar!
With your purchase, we'll validate your parking for City of East Lansing parking ramps and lots.
Here's wishing you a safe, happy, healthy holiday season.
Many thanks, and we hope to see you soon!
Ray, Audrey and the Curious Gang
Labels: announcements, Curiosities, monthly newsletter, new acquisition, shop news
Ray's Reviews: Dreams Gone Wrong: Peace, War and Murder at Michigan State University by Lingg Brewer
Two recent books by local authors offer fascinating insights into historic eras. One focuses on contemporary times while the other delves deep into Michigan's historic past.
"Dreams Gone Wrong" by Mason author Lingg Brewer (Brewer, $14.95) is a well-designed trade paperback that's subtitled:" Peace, War, and Murder at Michigan State University."
It deals with an intriguing topic that's likely to capture considerable local interest, analyzing MSU's involvement with the Vietnam War.
The 310-page book also explores the circumstances that led to the tragic deadly violence at an East Lansing house in January 1975.
Brewer relates a vivid picture of life in Lansing and East Lansing, as the towns developed, grew and prospered. Many local landmarks and personalities are colorfully depicted. He also provides insights into the background of assorted East Lansing gamblers and traces the career of a out-of-control killer.
MSU's involvement in the early part of the Vietnam War is examined in detail, particularly the positions of MSU President John Hannah and Professor Wesley Fishel.
Ngo Dinh Diem, who'd been installed as President of South Vietnam in 1954, also plays a major part in MSU's controversial later involvement, which provided cover for the Central Intelligence Agency.
Brewer, an MSU graduate, former member of the Michigan Legislature and a small real estate developer, offers a highly entertaining exploration of historical events.
"Beyond Pontiac's Shadow" by East Lansing author Keith R. Widder (MSU Press, $49.95) is a deluxe, heavy, oversized volume that includes many color maps, photos and drawings.
Subtitled "Michilimackinac and the Anglo-Indian War of 1763", the book deals with the capture of Fort Michilimackinac by Objiwe Indians from an unsuspecting British garrison on June 2, 1763.
Warriors were playing a game of baggitiway (early lacrosse), but broke off and stormed the fort. The Ojibwes wanted to kick the British out of the Northern Territory; fur trade was effectively stopped until the fort was later taken back.
Widder's scholarly book explores the context of the Ojibwe behavior, providing insights into Indian mindset as well as those of the Canadians and Europeans.
It includes many detailed footnotes, a 13-page bibliography and an index, making it ideal for dedicated readers who want to know more about Michigan's fascinating past.
The author has served as curator of history for the Mackinac State Historic Parks for over 25 years.
Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop, has reviewed books since 1987.
This review was published by the Lansing State Journal on Sunday, December 8, 2013.
Ray's Reviews: John Sandford's Storm Front
"Storm Front" by John Sandford (Putnam, $27.95) is the latest in his popular series showcasing Virgil Flowers, a resident agent for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Although Sandford is well-known for his bestselling "Prey" books featuring Lucas Davenport, his Flowers series has been gaining in popularity.
Sandford's entertaining novel is a bit on the quirky side - there are no murders this time - but nasty, violent thugs and bad guys abound.
Flowers is investigating "Ma" Nobles in a case involving counterfeit lumber sales; he gets a call from Davenport asking him to help him in another tough situation.
Ellijah Jones, a minister and professor at a local college, has for years been involved in an archeological dig in Israel. He's made a remarkable discovery of an ancient inscribed stone, but instead of just turning it over, he steals it and smuggles it out of the country.
Jones has serious health issues and wants to auction the religious relic off himself, but things don't go as planned.
An Israeli investigator joins Flowers in the hunt for Jones - she notes all of the people who are after it: "Palestinian crazies, Syrian crazies, Egyptian crazies, maybe a couple of Israeli crazies. Turks. Some Americans too, I suppose."
Most of the book focuses on the search for the sacred object; Flowers gets assistance from various authorities who are also interested in tracking it down.
A television journalist and Jones' daughter Ellen add to the excitement with their contributions; other crimes are committed.
Jones proves remarkably elusive; when he's found, the real hunt is just beginning. You'll need a scorecard to keep track of all the plot twists and turns; it's a more complicated case than usual.
This is the seventh book in the series - in the novel's acknowledgement, he thanks his writing partner Michelle Cook for her contribution. Cook, a journalist and screenwriter, married the author in October.
Sandford (the pseudonym of Pulitzer Prize winner John Camp) is following a trend of best-selling authors like James Patterson and Clive Cussler. By having a writing partner, he's able to capitalize on his popularity and get more novels published per year.
Purists won't like it, but his legion of followers will still buy anything with John Sandford's name on it.
has reviewed crime novels and noir thrillers regularly since 1987.
This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on Sunday, December 1, 2013.
Ray's Reviews: Codex Born by Jim Hines and The Chocolate Book Bandit by JoAnna Carl
Two recent books are mostly set in Michigan but differ widely in style and concept. One's a contemporary urban fantasy involving magic and an unlikely hero while the other is a cozy mystery showcasing a busybody heroine.
Both utilize libraries as a significant part of the plot; dead bodies abound.
"Codex Born", by Hugo-Award winning author Jim C. Hines (DAW Books, $24.95), is the sequel to his highly entertaining novel, "Libriomancer", which introduced researcher Isaac Vainio.
A part-time librarian in the small Upper Peninsula town of Copper River, Vainio's earlier adventures were great fun.
This time out, the hero has considerably more problems, beginning with his investigation of a murdered wendigo, discovered by a pair of werewolves.
He's joined by his dryad girlfriend, Lena Greenwood, his pet fire-spider Smudge and a specialized psychiatrist, who make startling and deadly discoveries.
Vainio is a libriomancer, able to access magic out of books, but even his talents have limitations. Soon Vainio and his associates are on the run, struggling for survival against a vengeful enemy.
There's lots of fast-paced action as the conflict intensifies, with Vainio utilizing many literary sources to battle determined foes.
It's best to read "Libriomancer" first, to enjoy the context and understand Vainio's dilemmas. The exceptionally-talented author, who lives in Holt, has left the gates wide open for more exciting sequels.
"The Chocolate Book Bandit", by JoAnna Carl (Obsidian, $22.95), is the 14th book in her popular series starring Lee McKinney Woodward, business manager for the Ten Huis Chocolade, a luxury chocolate shop located in the small Michigan town of Warner Pier.
Woodward's been offered a position on the town's library board. She goes to a meeting at the historic building to see what's happening.
Shortly after the meeting starts, it's interrupted by the screams of a clerk who's discovered the lifeless body of Abigail Montgomery at the bottom of a stairwell.
Montgomery was a retiring library board member; of course other members of the board, including the handsome new library director, are all likely suspects.
Woodward investigates; she's facing relationship challenges with her husband, but is determined to solve the case.
While there aren't many scenes in the chocolate shop, Carl does provide interspersed pages of entertaining and tasty chocolate trivia.
JoAnna Carl is the pseudonym for mystery author Eve K. Sandstrom.
has reviewed novels by Michigan authors regularly since 1987.
Find these books and other great Michigan titles
This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on November 24, 2013.
Ray's Reviews: Exception by Michigan Author Michael K. Sands
Michael K. Sands will be signing copies of his book
on Wednesday at 6:00 PM at Schuler's Books,
1982 W. Grand River (Meridian Mall) Okemos.
"Exception", a suspense novel by Gaylord author Michael K. Sands (Sturgeon Valley Associates, $14.00), is an exceptionally fast-paced thriller that's tough to put down.
The self-published trade paperback has a nifty cover design, likable and despicable characters and enough plot twists to keep your head spinning.
In the best James Patterson tradition, short action-packed chapters abound - there's 155 of them in the 346 page book.
It focuses on cutting-edge neurobiology, showcasing Julie Brewster, who's involved in a highly secret defense project to surgically implant a computer chip into a human brain.
She works at a specialized cybernetics and medical research company where an associate died in what was ruled "an unfortunate accident."
Julie thinks that the surgeon's death was cleverly planned and asks Seattle computer expert Jason Coulter, her former lover, to help investigate.
Their search for the truth uncovers unnerving facts and a hidden agenda; soon the pair is on the run, chased by a hulking menace.
As if that's not bad enough, the true villain hacks into computer networks, making them sought by the police and other authorities for a multitude of crimes, including murder.
The convoluted tale is overflowing with non-stop, adrenaline-charged action, with many close calls and death-defying scenes.
Relationships are a vital part of this entertaining novel; there are many emotional challenges throughout .
A variety of law enforcement officers are involved, including one who's almost killed and another who follows his instincts instead of just obeying the rules.
You don't really have to be a brain scientist to appreciate this thriller, as the author manages to get across most of the relevant information in understandable chunks.
This would be an easy novel to produce as a gripping motion picture or could even be made into a captivating television series.
Micheal K. Sands is the pseudonym of Tom Kellogg, a graduate of Northern Michigan University. He's had a varied career as a machinist, carpenter, commercial planner and flight instructor.
Currently he's teaching at North Central Michigan College and has completed a sequel to this book.
His website is www.michaelksands.com
Find this book and other great Michigan titles
This review was published by the Lansing State Journal on Sunday, October 20, 2013.
Ray's Reviews: Killing a Cold One by Joseph Heywood
"Killing a Cold One" by Joseph Heywood (Lyons Press, $26.95) is the ninth in his very popular series starring Michigan DNR conservation officer Grady Service.
Set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this entertaining tale shifts Service's duties into a new direction, after the mutilated bodies of two Indian girls are discovered in a tent in a remote campground in the Huron Mountains.
Service is pulled into the case, but really doesn't want to get involved - he'd rather stay and patrol the Mosquito Wilderness.
Rumors about the deaths abound; soon Lori Timms, the state's Governor, calls him and wants him to do his own investigation. Service notes: "There's no such thing as a dogman, Sasquatch, skinwalker, vampire, werewolf, windigo, zombie, whatever."
She doesn't care about his opinions - she wants results: "I did not call you to debate or argue with you, Grady... You are to hunt down this creature, whatever and wherever it might be. And having located it, you will do whatever is necessary. Am I clear?"
Grady agrees: "My team, your budget, Governor." and puts together a crew that includes two former Detroit cops. They're joined by Limpy Allerdyce, who's appeared in earlier books in other roles.
The case gets significantly more complicated as the body count rises; Service's crew investigates, making minimal headway. Allerdyce really steals the show as an exceptionally memorable character.
Eventually, an unexpected clue points them in the right direction, the pace speeds up, ending with a violent conclusion.
Heywood's latest novel is overflowing with characters; it may be challenging to keep track of them all.
As usual, Heywood's book is well-researched and excellently captures the uniqueness of the Upper Peninsula and the area's diverse inhabitants. Realism abounds; this case isn't solved overnight like on TV, but takes months and months of hard work and information gathering.
Longtime followers in the "Woods Cop" series are not likely to be disappointed with "Killing a Cold One." Newcomers to the series may want to catch up on earlier books, getting a better understanding of Service's character and opinions.
Intrigued readers will definitely want to catch Heywood's superb anthology that came out earlier this year, "Hard Ground: Woods Cop Stories" or his historical fiction, "Red Jacket" which appeared in 2012.
"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."
- L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
Greetings, Book Lovers!
October's Sale -- 30% OFF...
Music (Classical, Jazz, Rock & Roll and More!)
Don't Delay! This sale ENDS EARLY, on October 20th.
Help! Help!
We're drowning in fabulous new acquisitions!
Here's just a taste of what's new at Curious:
Gently-used paperback novels by Kurt Vonnegut, Tom Wolfe,
Ayn Rand, William S. Burroughs, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald,
Jane Austen, Stephen King, John Steinbeck, Terry Brooks, Larry Niven,
Chuck Palahniuk, Balzac, Louis L'Amour, Dave Eggars, Michael Chabon,
Orson Scott Card, Terry Pratchett, Jim Butcher, David Eddings and more.
A collection of classics by Livy, Polybius, Plutarch, Xenophon and other historians.
Freshly-stocked sections include Poetry, Music, Michigan History, Science,
Psychology, Gender Studies, Bibliophilia/BookLovers and Beat & Counter-Culture.
This week, we released a batch of vintage Dr. Who paperbacks into the shop.
They're flying out the door! Hurry in (or use your TARDIS) to snag a copy for yourself.
Bargain Hunters, take note: the Clearance section was restocked this morning!
Don't forget -- we stock today's bestsellers, too!
Stop by the shop to pick up your copy of the newest titles
by Stephen King, Jonathan Lethem, Malcolm Gladwell,
Jhumpa Lahiri, Margaret Atwood, Khaled Hosseini and others.
Bookshop Scuttlebutt:
Lansing's premier literary event, the BIG BOOK SHOW is right around the corner,
and we're "frazzled, but functioning" in this final week of preparations.
More on that later, though...
Are you attending the Chicago Book and Paper Fair, this Saturday?
If so, be sure to stop by the Curious booth and say hello to Ray!
We're looking forward to an influx of Spartan alumni visitors next weekend,
during the Michigan State University Homecoming Weekend.
Catch the Homecoming Parade (Theme: Spartan Super Heroes)
on Friday, the big football game on Saturday at Spartan Stadium,
and the Big Book Show on Sunday the 13th, in Lansing!
Ray is making news!
He's featured in the Faces of East Lansing column, in today's State News.
"'At Curious, you never really know what to expect,' Walsh said. 'We like it that way.'"
Pick up your copy of the State News this weekend, and read all about the man behind Curious Book Shop.
The 58th Michigan Antiquarian Book and Paper Show
Spend the day with like-minded book-lovers,
as we browse thousands upon thousands of
collectible books, photographs, art prints, posters,
postcards, maps, ephemera and so much more
at the MIDWEST'S LARGEST antiquarian book and paper show.
Centuries-old illuminated manuscripts and Gutenberg bible pages
may be displayed alongside rare sports and Hollywood memorabilia.
20th Century propaganda posters and frame-worthy magazine covers
deserve your perusal. New and classic children's literature favorites
are sure to please, and perhaps you'll finally discover that
rare first edition or signed copy of your favorite novel.
Bring the whole family!
The show is easily navigable, with wide aisles that
allow easy access for wheelchairs and strollers.
Enjoy soothing acoustic music by local musicians,
and have a bite to eat from the on-site concessions.
Location: The Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI
Show Hours: 9:30 AM - 5 PM (Sorry, no early admittance!)
Admission: $4.50 (Children 13 and under are FREE!)
Show Website: http://www.curiousbooks.com/shows.html
Get into the book show spirit by reading the virtual Show Guide and Press Release,
or better yet, come down to Curious and "talk books" with us while we prepare.
It's a pleasure to serve the local literary community, and
we're eager to celebrate our 44th BIRTHDAY later this month!
Thank you, THANK YOU (!) for your continued support.
Hope to see you at the show, next Sunday!
"A bookstore is one of the only pieces of evidence we have that people are still thinking." - Jerry Seinfeld
If you wish to receive our monthly newsletter in your inbox, please email us at curiousbooks@gmail.com.
307 East Grand River
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Labels: announcements, book shows, monthly newsletter, shop news
58th Michigan Antiquarian Book and Paper Show - Press Release
58th Michigan Antiquarian Book and Paper Show
9:30 - 5; Lansing Center; $4.50 Admittance
FABULOUS TREASURES AWAIT YOU!
Join us and experience Lansing's premier literary event!
Bibliophiles, collectors and dealers come from near and far
to enjoy this one-of-a-kind show.
The Michigan Antiquarian Book and Paper Show has become a regular
event for book and paper enthusiasts from across the country.
You don't have to be a collector to enjoy yourself at the show.
But beware -- you might catch the bug as you mingle with
novice collectors and trained specialists browsing the
seemingly endless selection of items for sale.
The show has over 200 tables of vintage books, magazines, postcards,
photographs, maps and paper items of all kinds. Dealers from across the United States and Canada offer something for everyone, including first editions, signed books, children's and illustrated books, military history, regional histories, mysteries, cookbooks, & sports collectibles and so much more.
Bring the whole family! The show is easily navigable,
with wide aisles that allow easy access for wheelchairs and strollers.
Please join us on Sunday, October 13th
at the Lansing Center (333 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing MI)
Be sure to pick up a copy of the Show Program,
in the current edition (Oct. 2nd) edition of the Lansing City Pulse.
A digital version is available here:
http://npaper-wehaa.com/citypulse#2013/10/02/?article=2034175
Ray Walsh (Curious Book Shop) (517) 332-0112
Ruth A. Tepin (MMABDA) (517) 332-0123
We'll see you at the show!
Labels: announcements, book shows, shop news
Ray's Reviews: Death at the Lighthouse by Loren Graham
"Death at the Lighthouse" by Loren Graham (Arbutus Press, $29.95) is an unusual, intriguing look at an unsolved crime that took place in Michigan's Upper Peninsula over a century ago.
"Subtitled: "A Grand Island Riddle", the entertaining volume focuses on the 1908 murder of lighthouse keeper George Genry and his assistant, Edward Morrison.
This is a puzzling case rife with questions; there are no easy answers but many possible solutions.
The author and his wife bought the then-abandoned Old North Lighthouse on Grand Island in 1972, but they had no idea of the crimes that had taken place near the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
A yellowing 1908 newspaper article from the Detroit Free Press changed all that, when the new owners discovered it under an oil cloth in the crumbling kitchen.
It read "Grand Island Lighthouse keeper and his assistant are believed to be victims of brutal murder and robbery."
Graham spent the next few decades looking into the crime, interviewing surviving family members, local townspeople and investigating rumors.
He also searched assorted archives, checking government documents related to the isolated lighthouse and other newspaper reports, trying to track down various clues as to what really happened.
The author provides an excellent background history of the area, examining attitudes toward the Chippewa Indians and policies of the government.
Graham explores three basic possibilities, including one that has Genry killing Morrison and then fleeing to Canada.
Another option, which the government preferred, has significantly different scenarios.
Many of the Munising townspeople have their doubts and feel the official explanation is not believable.
There's a third possibility, which is directly related to economic issues and social attitudes of the times.
It's an intriguing theory involving the Cleveland Cliffs Mining Co. and its incredibly wealthy owner, who may have believed that the lighthouse operators were poaching and sought to eliminate them.
Unfortunately, although many family members believe it, the theory can't be easily substantiated, even though it may mean that somebody actually did get away with murder.
The author, who has taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and at Harvard University, provides relevant photographs, an index and detailed footnotes.
Graham's well-researched book is a real gem for Michigan historians and those who enjoy true unsolved crimes.
Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop, has
reviewed crime novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987.
This review was published by the Lansing State Journal on Sunday, September 29, 2013.
Ray's Reviews: Until She Comes Home by Lori Roy and Evil Eye by Joyce Carol Oates
Two recent releases focus on well-defined characters
involved in exceptionally stressful relationships. Each book
is by a remarkably talented author; the characters are bound
to linger long after the last page is turned.
"Until She Comes Home" by Lori Roy (Dutton, $26.95) is a
mesmerizing mystery novel set in a small Detroit neighborhood in
The author, who won an Edgar Award for best first
mystery novel last year for "Bent Road", proves that her
recognition is well-deserved.
This emotional, subtly powerful tale deals with a variety
of neighborhood tensions, particularly when one woman is
murdered and another disappears.
Other aspects covered include prostitution, rape and
spousal abuse; life-altering situations abound.
There is a wide range of intriguing characters, including
Grace, who's pregnant and her best friend Julia, who's trying
to take care of twin nieces. There's also Malina, one of the
neighborhood's busybody leaders, who has suspicions about her
Roy adroitly captures the atmosphere of the time, when
racial tensions were bubbling over and fear of integration was
prevalent.
The author slowly draws the reader in, as violence flares
and dark secrets emerge; this is a superb, tense suspense tale
that's one of the year's best crime novels.
"Evil Eye" by Joyce Carol Oates (Mysterious Press, $23) is
a powerful and dark collection of four short novellas. Each
deals with emotional relationships of "love gone wrong", with
unexpected and often shocking results.
The title story explores the attitude of Mariana, the young
fourth wife of a prominent intellectual. She's trying to cope
with a visit from her husband's first wife, who has unnerving
"So Near… Any Time… Always" showcases Lisbeth, a young
teenager, and her first romance with Desmond, a handsome older
boy. After a great start, the relationship falters, soon turning
her life into a nightmare.
"The Execution" is a chilling tale of a college student who
carefully plans the vengeful murder of his parents. It's a
surprising, ironic tale of death and continuing love.
"The Flatbed" reveals a pretty woman's dark secrets,
leading to a quite surprising conclusion.
Oates, who has taught at the University of Detroit, is a
multiple award-winning author of many gripping novels and short-
story anthologies. This is a disturbing yet captivating
collection that showcases her exceptional writing talent.