John Dunning (1) (1942–2023)

If you're one of those people like me who love real books, savoring their smell when cracked open for that very first time, here is something special for you. John Dunning's follow-up to Booked to Die is a novel of intrigue and murder amidst the book world, or more to the point, those who love books and spend hours searching the shelves of used book stores for a rare first edition.

Cliff Janeway is the Denver bookman and part-time detective who goes looking for a girl who may have in her possession a rare Grayson Press edition of Poe's, "The Raven," a book worth a fortune to those who know about such things. But Janeway soon discovers everything is not as it first appears when he attempts to help the young and frightened Eleanor.

A bit more complex than the first very good entry in the series, Dunning's second mystery is exciting and compelling, peppered with insights and observations about books from a writer who loves and respects them as much as we do. We are treated to keen observations about humanity while Dunning uses rain in Seattle and snow in Denver for atmosphere, creating a wistful feel to the ending.


The Bookman's Wake is a smart read that will be enjoyed by anyone who loves books. If you like an intelligent mystery with sharply drawn characters and keen observations on our society as well, then this book is definitely your cup of tea. Dunning took a break for many years before writing another in this series, and in my opinion, they do not live up to the magic found in such abundance here in the first two, though they do have their merits. Booked to Die and The Bookman's Wake, however, are both stellar entries, and anyone who loves books and mysteries, will probably enjoy this series.… (mer)