I have to admit that I read this short story about a man who spends six days a week hunting for books in Denver simply because I miss John Dunning's books. A lot of the things I learned about the value of first editions, etc., I learned from reading Dunning's superb Cliff Janeway mysteries, and if you haven't read them, I do hope you'll give them a try. (The first one is Booked to Die.)
Joel Beer could make a good living as a bookscout if he were the only one in Denver, but he's not. He's got stiff competition, especially from Popeye Lamonica. But when Joel and his partner Lacy-- a slow-witted vagrant-- are facing eviction, Joel is determined to find that elusive book that will pay all the bills and set them up.
What happens is all about truth, the human spirit, and the magic of books. As a rule, I am not a re-reader, but I may have to make an exception for John Dunning. The man is Good.
"Bookscout" by John Dunning
eISBN: 9781480456396
Open Road Integrated Media © 2013
Originally published in 1984.
eBook, 35 pages
Short Story, Standalone
Rating: A
Source: Purchased from Amazon.
A story about a book hunter? You had me at that, Cathy. And I do need to check out his other series, too. Anyone good enough for a re-read is good enough for me!
ReplyDeleteHis Cliff Janeway mysteries are sooooooo good!
DeleteOh, thank you for the virtual Christmas present! I believed that Dunning was no longer publishing, so I haven't been looking for anything from him. You'll have to excuse me while I do my own modern book hunting ...
ReplyDeleteHe's such a wonderful writer.
DeleteI adored those books! Wish there were so many more!
ReplyDeleteSo do I, but I think Bookscout goes a long way in explaining some of the reasons why there aren't.
DeleteI loved the Dunning books, but I don't remember where I left off in the series and will have to check. I'm pretty sure I missed this one.
ReplyDeleteThis is a short story that was originally published in 1984.
Delete