As a music journalist with a penchant for the written word, I’m always on the lookout for books that can surprise me. “Booked to Die” by John Dunning did just that. I stumbled upon this gem while browsing through a quaint bookshop in London, its spine catching my eye with its intriguing title. As someone who’s spent countless hours rifling through record stores, the idea of a mystery set in the world of rare book collecting instantly appealed to me.
From the moment I cracked open the cover, I was transported into the gritty streets of Denver and the dusty shelves of antiquarian bookshops. Dunning’s protagonist, Cliff Janeway, is a homicide detective with a passion for rare books – a combination I found utterly fascinating. It’s not often you come across a character who can throw a punch and also wax lyrical about first editions.
The plot unfolds like a well-worn vinyl record, each groove revealing new layers of intrigue. The murder of Bobby Westfall, a local bookscout, sets off a chain of events that had me turning pages well into the night. Dunning’s attention to detail in describing the world of rare book collecting is nothing short of mesmerizing. I found myself learning about the intricacies of book valuation and the cutthroat nature of the antiquarian book trade, all while being thoroughly entertained by the unfolding mystery.
One of the standout strengths of “Booked to Die” is how seamlessly Dunning weaves together the hardboiled detective genre with the seemingly genteel world of rare books. It’s like mixing punk and classical music – it shouldn’t work, but somehow it does, brilliantly. The juxtaposition of violence and literary reverence creates a unique tension that kept me engrossed throughout.
However, I did find that at times the pacing could be a bit uneven. Some sections delved so deeply into the minutiae of book collecting that I felt the main plot was left simmering on the back burner. While I appreciated the depth of research, I occasionally found myself wishing for a bit more action to balance out the bibliophilic detail.
There’s a passage that particularly stuck with me, where Janeway describes the thrill of discovering a rare book: “It’s like panning for gold and seeing that first glint in the bottom of the pan.” This resonated deeply with my own experiences of unearthing a rare vinyl in a dusty record shop. Dunning has a knack for capturing those moments of pure collector’s joy that transcend the specific object of desire.
The author’s writing style is crisp and evocative, with a hardboiled edge that suits the narrative perfectly. His descriptions of Denver’s underbelly and the eccentric characters populating the book trade are vivid and memorable. I found myself completely immersed in this world, able to smell the musty odor of old books and feel the tension in the air during confrontations.
Reading “Booked to Die” made me reflect on the parallels between the world of rare books and the music memorabilia scene I’m so familiar with. Both are driven by passion, knowledge, and sometimes, obsession. It’s made me look at my own collection of music writings and rare albums with a new appreciation for their potential value beyond the personal.
I’d wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, but especially to those who have a soft spot for books about books. It’s a love letter to the printed word wrapped in a thrilling whodunit. Even if you’re not a bibliophile, the strong characterization and intricate plot make for a compelling read.
“Booked to Die” has earned a permanent spot on my bookshelf, right next to my prized music biographies. It’s a reminder that there’s magic to be found in the pursuit of knowledge and rare treasures, whether they be books or records. Dunning has crafted a story that speaks to the collector in all of us, while delivering a solid mystery that keeps you guessing until the end.
In the world of mystery novels, “Booked to Die” hits all the right notes, creating a symphony of suspense, intrigue, and bibliophilic passion. It’s a book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page, much like a haunting melody that you can’t quite shake. For me, it’s opened up a whole new genre to explore, proving that sometimes the best discoveries come when you least expect them.