Category Archives: Books & Reading

The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz

Posted on March 10, 2022 by Rick Robinson

The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz, original (c)2017, this edition Harper Perennial (c)2019 trade paperback, mystery novel, 390 pages The Blurb: The Word is Murder is a 2017 mystery novel by British author Anthony Horowitz and the first novel in … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Reading, current reading, Fiction, Mystery | 11 Comments

In a Word: Murder – Stories in Memory of Maxine Clarke

Posted on March 8, 2022 by Rick Robinson

In A Word: Murder – Stories In Memory of Maxine Clarke edited by Margot Kinberg, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 2014) – ebook, 128 pages from the Introduction: “Maxine Clarke, to whose memory these stories are dedicated, was a true … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Reading, Mystery, Short Stories | 6 Comments

short stories read – February 23

Posted on February 22, 2022 by Rick Robinson

The Cases of Lieutenant Timothy Trant by Q. Patrick, Crippen & Landru 2019 Lost Classics Series, softcover story collection, mystery fiction, introduction by mystery historian Curtis Evans. I bought this when it was published, and have just now taken it from … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Reading, Short Stories | 10 Comments

The Cat Who Saved Books

Posted on February 18, 2022 by Rick Robinson

The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa, 2017 Harper Collins, Harpervia Edition 2021 hardcover, translation by Louise Heal Kawai The Blurb: I read the review below on Lesa Hostline’s Lesa’s Book Critiques blog, and use her text with permission. “Rintaro Natsuki’s grandfather … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Reading, current reading, Fiction | 3 Comments

A Thousand Steps by T. Jefferson Parker

Posted on February 11, 2022 by Rick Robinson

A Thousand Steps by T. Jefferson Parker, 2022 Forge Book, hardcover mystery novel Plot Summary: (edited slightly from the publisher’s blurb) A Thousand Steps is a beguiling thriller, an incisive coming-of-age story, and a vivid portrait of a turbulent time and … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Reading, Mystery | 7 Comments

short stories read – February 9

Posted on February 8, 2022 by Rick Robinson

February already! I’ve finished a couple of novels, but right now I’m back to short stories. Knowing the third book shown below was on it’s way, I picked up the collection and anthology also shown to continue in them. First is … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Reading, Friday Forgotten Books, Short Stories | 11 Comments

The Music Box Murders

Posted on February 4, 2022 by Rick Robinson

The Music Box Murders by Larry Karp, 1999 Worldwide paperback, mystery, first in Dr. Thomas Purdue series Having read an review of this book by Walter Albert in February, I tracked down a used copy and gave it a try. Walter … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Reading, Friday Forgotten Books, Short Stories | 10 Comments

Dust and Shadow by Lyndsay Faye

Posted on January 27, 2022 by Rick Robinson

Dust and Shadow by Lyndsay Faye, 2009 Simon & Schuster hardcover, mystery novel, Sherlock Holmes pastiche, subtitled An Account of the Ripper Killings by Dr. John H. Watson Plot Summary: In a foreword, writing in 1939, the elderly Dr. Watson decides … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Reading, Friday Forgotten Books, Mystery | 5 Comments

short stories read

Posted on January 25, 2022 by Rick Robinson

The Golden Anaconda and Other Strange Tales of Adventure by Elmer Brown Mason, introduction by John Locke, [Off-Trail Publications, 2009 trade paper, 269 pages] – pulp reprint – Five short stories featuring Wandering Smith (from The Popular Magazine) and five … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Books & Reading, Short Stories | 12 Comments

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Rick Robinson

It’s almost Christmas Day, and here in Portland the weather is cold and rainy, though as I type this we’re getting a sun break. There’s a very slight chance of some snow on Christmas afternoon. Fingers crossed. Here’s hoping you’re … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Reading | 25 Comments