John Dunning's literary journey was profoundly shaped by his lifelong struggle with concentration, later identified as ADD. This challenge, however, fueled a unique creative process, leading him to appreciate the straightforward honesty of manual typewriters over digital alternatives. Despite early setbacks in various careers, from glass shops to racetracks, Dunning found his footing in journalism, progressing from copy boy to investigative reporter. His enduring passion for old-time radio shows evolved into a long-running radio program and eventually his writing career. His work, imbued with the resilience of his experiences and an unconventional perspective, showcases his dedication to his craft, even when facing significant personal health obstacles.
Set against a backdrop of captivating book lore, this novel features Cliff Janeway, a bookman whose journey intertwines with suspenseful twists. As a New York Times bestselling author, John Dunning crafts a thrilling narrative that explores the world of rare books while keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The combination of literary intrigue and gripping storytelling makes this a must-read for fans of both mysteries and bibliophiles.
Tough, book-loving Denver homicide detective Cliff Janeway wants to nail Jackie Newton--a suspected psychopath who just barely beat the rap for a series of vagrant killings. Janeway is certain his sleazy, sadistic nemesis is to blame for the recent murder of a down-and-out rare book hunter--and treats Newton to a rather brutal helping of off-duty justice that ultimately costs the overzealous cop his badge. A civilian once more, Janeway now has time to pursue his true passion--the buying and selling of valuable first editions--and to get to the bottom of the unfortunate bookscourts still-unsolved slaying. For somewhere undercover, in the bizarre, cutthroat world of bookmen and collectors, someone is dealing death along with vintage Chandlers and Twains.
When former Denver homicide detective and rare books dealer Cliff Janeway investigates the provenance of a signed first edition of a memoir by legendary nineteenth-century explorer Sir Richard Burton, he becomes embroiled in a bizarre mystery involving a lost library of rare Burton material, two unorthodox booksellers, a vicious gangster, and murder. Reprint.
Behind the closed doors and net curtains in perfectly ordinary cities, towns and villages something goes on...MURDER.
Cliff Janeway, a former Denver cop now running a bookstore, is drawn into a thrilling pursuit when an ex-colleague recruits him to capture a fugitive in Seattle. The target, a young woman named Eleanor Rigby, is not only wanted for various crimes but also possesses a remarkable talent for locating rare books. As Janeway navigates this complex situation, he must confront both the criminal underworld and the intriguing world of rare literature.
When a mysterious photograph unlocks a Pandora's box full of memories, Jim Ryan begins a difficult journey toward the truth about the mother of his teenage daughter and uncovers a legacy of betrayal and murder. Reprint.
This collection features two acclaimed Bookman crime novels that played a pivotal role in igniting interest in modern first-edition book collecting. With their unique blend of mystery and literary intrigue, these stories not only entertain but also celebrate the world of rare books, making them essential additions to any book lover's shelf.