Trouble comes to LEGOLAND and our hero Emmitt (Chris Pratt) and his love interest Lucy (Elizabeth Banks) try to save the day. But Lucy gets kidnapped by “aliens” and Emmitt has to take a trip to Systar to rescue her. On the way, Emmitt meets Rex Dangervest (also voiced by Pratt) and his spaceship run by raptors. Things get silly when the Evil Queen (Tiffany Haddish) wants to marry “Man of Bats” (Will Arnett). If you’re in the mood for some laughs and silliness, watch The LEGO Movie 2. GRADE: B+

In this latest STARK HOUSE volume, long-time FFB participant, J. F. Norris (Pretty Sinister Books), provides an informative and lively essay “Jean Potts,” an introduction to very canny writer. The first novel in this wonderful STARK HOUSE omnibus, Go, Lovely Rose (1954), won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel. The novel begins with the death of Mrs. Henshaw, a woman universally disliked. Mrs. Henshaw’s body is found dead at the bottom of some stairs. The late Mrs. Henshaw had been a “housekeeper” to Doctor Buckmaster, his daughter Rachel, and son, Hartley. After Mrs. Henshaw’s death, which may or may not be accidental, Rachel returns home to look after her brother…who may be a suspect. Jean Potts captures the anxieties and suspicions of the 1950s in this chilling psychological thriller.

The Evil Wish (1962) deals with an innovative situation: two sisters, Marcia and Lucy Knapp, plot to murder their father. Dr. Knapp plans to marry his much younger nursing assistant and then disinherit his daughters. But, ironically, on the very day Marcia and Lucy plan to kill their father, Dr. Knapp and Pam the nurse die in a car accident. End of story, right?…not quite. Jean Potts allows the guilty conscience of each of the sisters to breed doubt, deceit, and treachery. The Evil Wish will keep you up late at night long after you finish reading it. The Evil Wish was a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best Novel. I hope STARK HOUSE reprints more of Jean Potts’s unique novels. GRADE: B+ (for both)

Alastair Reynolds’ SHADOW CAPTAIN runs aground about a third of the way through its 426 pages. One of the crew of the Revenger–a former pirate space ship–is injured while performing some maintenance on the hull of the ship. Sisters Adrana and Arafura Ness and their crew decide to take their injured crew member to Wheel Strizzardy, a nearby space station for doctor’s assistance and provisions. What they find on Wheel Strizzardy is a society dominated by criminal elements and a leader, Glimmery, who holds power through torture and violence.

The story slows to a crawl as Adrana and Arafura attempt to deal with aliens called the Crawlies and escape Glimmery’s web of deception alive. Not enough action for my taste. My review of the first, and much better book in this series, REVENGER, can be found here. I have a very strong feeling there’s at least one more book planned featuring the Ness sisters. Perhaps SHADOW CAPTAIN suffers from the dreaded “middle book of a trilogy letdown.” GRADE: B-

When I visited my allergist for my yearly checkup, she consulted her iPad and said, “Your mattress is 10 years old. Time for a new one.” So Diane and I started our search for a new mattress. Christmas, New Year’s, and the Polar Vortex delayed us a bit, but we finally found a mattress we both found comfortable: the Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress. We chose the “firm” mattress from the many options. We’re also getting the 9-inch box spring and a new bed frame. Are you due for a new mattress?

Imagine all the set pieces on a stage on wheels. And further imagine the cast moving all those props around as the action on the stage changes from scene to scene. Diane and I were delighted with this stage version of Jane Austen’s classic novel (which I reread before I saw this play). The story of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, whose father dies and leaves them, their young sister Margaret, and their mother, in financial difficulties reflects the harsh English society of 1811. Given their plight, Elinor and Marianne are open to marriage to a suitably wealthy man. But Jane Austen provides plenty of romantic difficulties. Marianne falls in love with a scamp named John Willoughby. Elinor falls in love with Edward Ferrars, a young man whose fortune is controlled by his mother who decides who he will marry.

Kristen Tripp Kelley (no relation) plays the sensible sister, Elinor. Renee Landigan–a friend of my daughter Katie–plays the flighty Marianne. The rest of the cast of the Irish Classical Theatre production play multiple roles (including pretending to be dogs!) with humor and cleverness. The sold-out performance we were part of didn’t seem 2 1/2 hours long because the action on the stage was so energetic. If you get a chance to see this play version of Sense and Sensibility, you’ll enjoy it. Are you a fan of Jane Austen? GRADE: A-

For 200 years, the Crispinite Order of the Novum Mundum–a group of monks–have lived in a monastery on Park Avenue. But now, real estate interests want to demolish the monastery and replace it with a new, modern 37-storey office building. Brother Benedict discovered that the monastery was in danger and tried to stop the project. But the Dwarfmann Investment Management Partners (DIMP) have already bought up the adjoining properties surrounding the monastery and are poised to level all existing structures.

Donald E. Westlake takes this business scheme and turns it into comedic gold. Brother Benedict and his fellow monks attempt to come to grips with the threat that faces them. But a life of contemplation doesn’t quite prepare them for the Dirty Tricks real estate moguls will resort to in order to make money and seize property.

Brother Benedict, isolated from the Real World since joining the Order 10 years ago, encounters temptation in the form of beautiful Eileen Flattery. Eileen, the daughter of the builder of the new office building, falls in love with Brother Benedict…and he falls in love with her. But, can this star-crossed young couple topple a real estate empire and save the monastery? Westlake’s wonderful story will keep you guessing and laughing right up until the very end. GRADE: B+

The New England Patriots are 2 1/2 point favorites over the LA Rams. I’m still sulking because the Saints (who should be in this game) got robbed on the “no call” fiasco. And I would have preferred the up-and-coming Kansas City Chiefs to the perennial cheaters, the New England Patriots. That being said, we’ll probably watch some of the Super Bowl. I’ll have a book in my lap for most of the game, looking up if someone scores. Who do you think will win the Super Bowl this year? Are you rooting for one of these teams?

Tomorrow, February 3rd, is world-class artist Robert McGinnis’s 93rd Birthday. As a teenager, I was drawn to paperbacks with McGinnis cover artwork before I knew who Robert McGinnis was. That explains all the DELL Mike Shayne and Signet “carter brown” books I read in the 1960s. But, my interest in Robert McGinnis is dwarfed by the interest Art Scott took in the artist and his work. Art Scott has EVERY paperback that Robert McGinnis did a cover for! Art has met Robert McGinnis, had a caricature drawn by McGinnis, owns original McGinnis artwork, and has written two insightful introductions to two books of McGinnis artwork.

Art Scott suggested that we celebrate this iconic paperback artist. Art also suggested we check out these two links:

Robert McGinnis: A Life in Paperback Art

http://killercoversoftheweek.blogspot.com/

Do you have a favorite Robert McGinnis cover?

The Great science fiction series : stories from the best of the series from 1944 to 1980 by twenty all-time favorite writers edited by Frederik Pohl, Martin Harry Greenberg, and Joseph Olander came to my attention through the great web site, BLACKGATE.COM. John O’Neill reviewed this forgotten classic book from 1980 here.. I had never heard of this book before reading John O’Neill’s review. John also pointed out that The Great Science Fiction Series cost over $100 at online booksellers. Fortunately, the Buffalo Erie County Public Library had a copy which I took out and read.

Many of the stories in The Great Science Fiction Series are familiar: “Hothouse” by Brian W. Aldiss, “The Cloud-Sculptors of Coral D” by Ballard, “Surface Tension” by James Blish, “Ararat” by Zenna Henderson, “The Great Magic” by Fritz Leiber, etc. Most SF readers know about Saberhagen’s “Berserker” stories and Larry Niven’s “Known Space” series. Some of these series expanded after The Great Science Fiction Series was published in 1980. This anthology features a bibliography of the series and informative introductions to the stories and the series included in this volume. I hope I can find a copy at a reasonable price so I can add it to my book collection! How many of these series do you remember? GRADE: A
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Introduction by Frederik Pohl ix
Hothouse Series Introduction by Brian W. Aldiss 1
“Hothouse” by Brian W. Aldiss (The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, February 1961) 3
Nicholas van Rijn Series/Technic History Introduction by Poul Anderson 32
“A Little Knowledge” by Poul Anderson (Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact, August 1971) 34
The Wendell Urth Series Introduction by Isaac Asimov 52
“The Talking Stone” by Isaac Asimov (The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, October 1955) 54
Vermilion Sands Series Introduction by J. G. Ballard 71
“The Cloud-Sculptors of Coral D” by J. G. Ballard (The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, December 1967) 72
Cities in Flight Series Introduction by James and Judith Blish 86
“Bridge” by James Blish (Astounding Science Fiction, February 1952) 88
Surface Tension/The Pantropy Series Introduction by James and Judith Blish 112
“Surface Tension” by James Blish (Galaxy Science Fiction, August 1952) 114
The Feghoot Series Introduction by Grendel Briarton (R. Bretnor) 150
“Through Time and Space with Ferdinand Feghoot” by Reginald Bretnor (The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, May 1956). 152
The White Hart Series Introduction by Arthur C. Clarke 154
“The Reluctant Orchid” by Arthur C. Clarke (Satellite Science Fiction, December 1956) 155
Tales from Gavagan’s Bar Introduction by L. Sprague de Camp 164
‘The Ancestral Amethyst” by L. Sprague de Camp and Fletcher Pratt (The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, August 1952) 166
The People Series Introduction by Zenna Henderson 173
“Ararat” by Zenna Henderson (The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, October 1952) 175
Retief Series Introduction by Keith Laumer 194
“Ballots and Bandits” by Keith Laumer (If, September-October 1970) 196
The Change War Series Introduction by Fritz Leiber 221
“No Great Magic” by Fritz Leiber (Galaxy Magazine, December 1963) 223
The Dragonriders of Pern Series Introduction by Anne McCaffrey 259
“The Smallest Dragonboy” by Anne McCaffrey (Science Fiction Tales, 1973) 261
Helva/The Ship Who Sang Series Introduction by Anne McCaffrey 273
“The Ship Who Sang” by Anne McCaffrey (The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, April 1961) 274
Known Space Series Introduction by Larry Niven 290
“A Relic of the Empire” by Larry Niven (If, December 1966) 292
Berserker Series Introduction by Fred Saberhagen 308
“Sign of the Wolf” by Fred Saberhagen (If, May 1965) 309
Slow Glass Series Introduction by Bob Shaw 317
“Burden of Proof” by Bob Shaw (Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact, May 1967) 318
The AAA Ace Series Introduction by Robert Sheckley 331
“The Lifeboat Mutiny” by Robert Sheckley (Galaxy Science Fiction, April 1955) 332
In Hiding/Children of the Atom Series Introduction by Wilmar H. Shiras 343
“Opening Doors” by Wilmar H. Shiras (Astounding Science Fiction, March 1949) 344
City Series Introduction by Clifford D. Simak 373
“Aesop” by Clifford D. Simak (Astounding Science Fiction, December 1947) 374
The Instrumentality of Mankind Introduction by John J. Pierce 400
“The Game of Rat and Dragon” by Cordwainer Smith (Galaxy Science Fiction, October 1955) 402
Notes on Contributors 416
Copyrights 420

I found Pure Disco 1 and Pure Disco 2 at a local GOODWILL Thrift shop. At first glance, I was leery. I’ve seen collections of hit songs “reinterpreted” by some obscure groups. But, no! In this case, the original artists perform their original hits. I did a little more investigation and learned there’s a Pure Disco 3 and a Pure Disco 4. I’m already tracking them down online so a future FORGOTTEN MUSIC may feature those two gems, too.

Pure Disco 1 includes some of my favorite disco hits: “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer, “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, “If I Can’t Have You” by Yvonne Elliman, and “Don’t Leave Me This Way” by Thelma Houston.

Pure Disco 2 includes “Turn the Beat Around” by Vicki Sue Robinson (GloriaE Estefan also had a hit with her version), “Flashdance” by Irene Cara, “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” by ABBA, “Ring My Bell” by Anita Ward, and “It’s Raining Men” by the Weather Girls. There’s plenty of wonderful disco music on these two CDs. How many of these hits do you remember? Are your favorite disco tunes here? GRADE: A
TRACK LIST: PURE DISCO 1:
1. YMCA – Village People
2. Celebration – Kool & The Gang
3. Dancing Queen – Abba
4. Hot Stuff – Donna Summer
5. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
6. You’re The First, The Last, My Everything – Barry White
7. I Need Your Lovin’ – Teena Marie
8. Knock On Wood – Amii Stewart
9. I Love The Nightlife – Alicia Bridges
10. Flashback – Imagination
11. That’s The Way (I Like It) – K.C. & The Sunshine Band
12. Best Disco In Town – Ritchie Family
13. If I Can’t Have You – Yvonne Elliman
14. Oops Upside Your Head (I Don’t Belive You Want To Get Up And Dance) – Gap Band
15. Love Hangover – Diana Ross
16. Cuba – Gibson Brothers
17. Funkytown – Lipps, Inc.
18. Got To Give It Up (Part One) – Marvin Gaye
19. Don’t Leave Me This Way – Thelma Houston
20. I Feel Love (Rollo & Sister Monster Mix Radio Edit) – Donna Summer
21. Bonus Track: The Grease Megamix – John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John
TRACK LIST: PURE DISCO 2:
1. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
2. (Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty – KC & The Sunshine Band
3. Turn The Beat Around – Vicki Sue Robinson
4. Macho Man – Village People
5. We Are Family – Sister Sledge
6. Flashdance…What a Feeling – Cara, Irene
7. I Just Want to Be Your Everything – Gibb, Andy
8. Everlasting Love – Carlton, Carl
9. Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe – White, Barry
10. Rock the Boat – Hues Corporation
11. Love Rollercoaster – Ohio Players
12. Upside Down – Ross, Diana
13. Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry
14. The Hustle – McCoy, Van
15. Love’s Theme – Love Unlimited Orch
16. Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) – ABBA
17. Fly, Robin, Fly – Silver Connection
18. Ring My Bell – Anita Ward
19. It’s Raining Men – Weather Girls
20. Last Dance – Summer, Donna
21. Diva Megamix: Reach Out I’ll Be There/Hot Stuff/I Found Love [Now That] – Gaynor , Gloria