I’ve enjoyed the previous two volumes of Andrew Cartmel’s “The Vinyl Detective” series (you can read my reviews of Written in Dead Wax here and The Run-Out Groove here). Although the Vinyl Detective specializes in finding rare vinyl records, this time he’s pushed to his limits to find 78 rpm shellac records from World War II featuring the Flare Path Orchestra (who actually beat the Glenn Miller Band in a competition). Of course, the search is complicated with neo-Nazis and a couple of murders. I really enjoy these frothy frolics in mystery and record collecting. Perfect Summer Reading! GRADE: B+
I read the first two after your reviews and I’m sure I will read this one too. I remember when I was young that my parents still had a few old 78s.
Jeff, I know the Vinyl Detective has a lot of contempt for CDs, but that’s my favorite way to listen to music. A friend of mine recently bought a new Toyota and when he tried to play his CDs in his new car he discovered there was no CD player. That has become an “option” for many auto companies.
When we got our new car we made sure it had a CD player, but the Subaru guy said they are phasing them out on certain models.
Jeff, Diane and I listen to audio books on our driving adventures.
I liked the first one, but haven’t continued with the series as I’ve had too much else to read. I may get to the second one this Summer.
Audio books are fine for longer trips, but for short trips like running to the market they don’t work, too chopped up. I would expect a CD player in a car I buy, though I don’t use the one I have often. Without CDs, what do they use?
Rick, Patrick and Katie either listen to Sirus/XM Radio in their cars or they connect their iPhone’s (or iPods) with Bluetooth and the speakers in their cars.
My experience is that Sirus/XM Radio has a very limited selection of classical and jazz and I want to hear my choice, not someone else’s. I don’t do music on my phone, which I rarely carry, and the iPod loading off the iMac. Bah.
My aunt had scores of 78’s, mostly Italian opera. Her son and I used them for slingshot targets or flung them like Frisbees! Luckily, she didn’t listen to them anymore! As far as I’m concerned, radio is free and that’s the only way I listen to it. I have a CD player but my dog destroys my CDs every time I take her for a ride!
Bob, some of those 78s could have been worth Real Money! They could have funded your casino excursions!
George – I read this one a month or so ago and really enjoyed it. When it came in, I immediately started reading which is pretty rare for me.
Scott, I rarely drop everything to read a particular book, but THE VINYL DETECTIVE SERIES falls into that category.
Scott, like you I’ve enjoyed all three books in this series. I enjoy the detail with the records and the mysteries that surround them. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series that will be published next year!
These sound interesting, but I wish they were non-fiction.
Jim, THE VINYL DETECTIVE SERIES contains plenty of real information about records. The mysteries in each book are clever and entertaining!
A different kind of mysteries, George. Had never heard of this before but now would definitely search for them. Thanks for sharing this.
neeru, yes THE VINYL DETECTIVE series is different. But, I find it refreshing and fun! I’m sure you’ll laugh as you read these books.