Synopsis
Surprised by a visit from a difficult-to-manage former cop from his old precinct, bookstore owner Cliff Janeway is unable to resist Slater's invitation to help recover a stolen edition of a rare and valuable book. 30,000 first printing. Tour.
Reviews
In the long-awaited sequel to Booked to Die, Denver policeman-turned-bookdealer Cliff Janeway is hired by sleazy ex-cop Clydell Slater to retrieve Eleanor Rigby (really), who has jumped bail and fled to Seattle. Things get complicated when she turns out to be young, pretty and a talented book scout. The latter, almost by itself, seems to convince Janeway that she is innocent. Rigby may have the key to the location of a previously unknown fine press edition of Poe's The Raven. When Eleanor disappears, Janeway teams up with reporter Trish Aandahl, biographer of the Grayson brothers, who produced the rare Poe volume. Aandahl is convinced the brothers were both murdered over 20 years ago. To find Eleanor and The Raven, Janeway and Aandahl must connect the killing of the brothers with five other violent deaths. Dragging at the narrative are frequent long passages that either provide extensive background or serve to show off Janeway's bookhunting knowledge. While not uninteresting, these sections interrupt the novel's flow. Readers who loved the first Janeway appearance may find this entry somewhat disappointing. Author tour.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Unexpected danger and chilling intrigue attend a Denver bookstore owner's trip to Seattle for the purpose of escorting a purported book thief to jail. Ex-cop Cliff Janeway, introduced in Booked To Die (Scribner, 1992), agrees to act as bounty hunter only because of his interest in rare books; he soon realizes, however, that his employer has a hidden agenda involving the years-ago murder of two brothers who were owners of a publishing company known for its limited editions. Seattle marks the beginning of Janeway's physical and mental journey, a quest described with finely textured prose, knowledgeable bibliographical details, and full-bodied characterization. A definite plus for any collection.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Dunning brings a fine new voice to the mystery genre. The award-winning Booked to Die (1992) introduced the likable rare bookman and sometime sleuth Cliff Janeway, who returns here in his second adventure. Obviously based on Dunning's experience as a Denver bookstore owner, the story features an engrossing, inventive plot about rare books and the people who print, collect, and sell them--sometimes at a murderously high price. Former Denver cop Janeway is intrigued by his newest case: he's supposed to find a young woman named Eleanor Rigby, who appears to have stolen a valuable collector's edition of The Raven. The book was printed by the Grayson Press, a highly respected Seattle publisher run by two maverick brothers in the fifties and sixties. Dunning writes catchy prose and engaging dialogue, and his hero is an intriguing blend of the erudite and the down-to-earth. The liberal sprinkling of rare-book factoids throughout the narrative may not fascinate everyone, but the action-packed story, mounting suspense, and riveting plot twists are certain to draw readers. An outstanding novel in a terrific new series. Emily Melton
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