Yes, I’m that “George Kelley” who wrote the Introduction to RAFFERTY/TO FIND A KILLER, the latest omnibus volume in the Stark House series of Lionel White novels.

I’m a huge fan of Lionel White’s work. White’s the King of Caper Novels and perhaps best known for Clean Break which Stanley Kubrick’s 1956 film, The Killing, is based on.

Back in 1979, I had ambitions of writing an article on Lionel White for Billy Lee and Bill Crider’s PAPERBACK QUARTERLY. But I didn’t have all of Lionel White’s books (no Internet to find and buy them!) so I took the bold move of writing to one of White’s publishers to see if I could contact the writer.

And, surprisingly, Lionel White replied! We corresponded for a few months. White sent me some of his books I lacked, and he was kind enough to answer some of my questions about his writing process.

Sadly, I was in transition from living and working in Wisconsin to living and moving to New York State and events put my Lionel White article on the Back Burner…until now!

Greg Shepard, Editor and Publisher of STARK HOUSE, asked me if I would write an Introduction to RAFFERTY/TO FIND A KILLER. I agreed, reread the books, and then remembered I had corresponded with Lionel White back in 1979. Did I still have those letters?

Sure enough, a search of my snail mail files from that era produced the Lionel White letters. I included them in my Introduction and I hope fans of Lionel White and his work will find new insights into the author.

Ted Hertel, who will be reviewing RAFFERTY/TO FIND A KILLER for GUILTY PLEASURES, had this to say after he read my Introduction: “That’s a fascinating set of correspondence from White — it seems that you, like me, never throw much of anything away (and more importantly, you can find it.  I’m not so lucky!).  Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I spotted it and enjoyed it.  A great contribution to the history of mystery.”

Rafferty (1959) tells the story of a powerful union boss who appears at a Congressional Hearing and finds his empire about to topple. The underworld connections, the women, the status, the money, the schemes, the wife and children, are all threatened as the dominos of command and wealth start to tumble. GRADE: B+

To Find a Killer (aka, Before I Die) is a novel from 1964 where a cop devises a perfect plan to kill his wife…but White supplies some cunning surprises! GRADE: B

I would hesitate to claim all of these 30 songs were “classics,” but I would say that while I was listening to these three CDs I was frequently thinking: “I haven’t heard this song in 50 years!”

When is the last time you listened to Little Peggy March? Or Ronny and The Daytonas? Or heard those timeless words: “Yummy Yummy Yummy, I have Love in my Tummy!”

Sixties Classics also include a number of instrumentals–a form that never hits today’s Billboard charts–Santo & Johnny’s “Sleepwalk,” Floyd Cramers’s “Last Date,” The Viscounts’s “Harlem Nocturne,” and Mancini’s true classic “Moon River.”

How many of these songs do you remember? Any favorites? GRADE: B+

1-1	The Isley Brothers–	Shout (Parts 1 & 2) Written-By – O. Isley*, R. Isley*, R. Isley*	4:42
1-2	Santo & Johnny–	Sleepwalk Written-By – Ann Farina, Johnny Farina*, Santo Farina	2:22
1-3	Ray Peterson–	Tell Laura I Love Her Written-By – B. Raleigh*, J. Barry	2:57
1-4	Floyd Cramer–	Last Date Written-By – Floyd Cramer	2:29
1-5	Lee Dorsey–	Ya Ya Written-By – B. Robinson*, C. Lewis*, L. Dorsey*, M. Levy	2:28
1-6	The Tokens–	The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Wimoweh) Written-By – Weiss*, Peretti*, Creatore*	2:43
1-7	Henry Mancini And His Orchestra–	Moon River Written-By – Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer	2:44
1-8	Ketty Lester–	Love Letters Written-By – Heyman*, Young*	2:42
1-9	Neil Sedaka–	Breaking Up Is Hard To Do Written-By – Greenfield*, Sedaka	2:20
1-10	Skeeter Davis–	The End Of The World Written-By – Arthur Kent, Sylvia Dee	2:36
2-1	The Viscounts–	Harlem Nocturne Written-By – Earle Hagen	2:24
2-2	Little Peggy March*–	I Will Follow Him (Chariot) Written-By – Altman*, Roma*, Stole*, Plante*, Gimbel	2:29
2-3	Gale Garnett–	We’ll Sing In The Sunshine Written-By – Gale Garnett	2:59
2-4	Ronny & The Daytonas–	GTO Written-By – John Wilkin	2:29
2-5	Glenn Yarbrough–	Baby The Rain Must Fall Written-By – Elmer Bernstein, Ernie Sheldon	2:22
2-6	Ssgt. Barry Sadler*–	The Ballad Of The Green Berets Written-By – Ssgt. Barry Sadler*, Robin Moore	2:30
2-7	The Lovin’ Spoonful–	Summer In The City Written-By – John Sebastian, Mark Sebastian, Steve Boone	2:41
2-8	The Box Tops*–	The Letter Written-By – Wayne Carson Thompson	1:56
2-9	The 5th Dimension*–	Up-Up And Away Written-By – Jim Webb	2:39
2-10	Jefferson Airplane–	Somebody To Love Written-By – Darby Slick	2:58
3-1	The Lemon Pipers–	Green Tambourine Written-By – Leka*, Pinz*	2:27
3-2	The Friends Of Distinction–	Grazing In The Grass Written-By – Harry Elston, H. Masekela*, Philemon Hou	2:55
3-3	Sopwith Camel–	Hello, Hello Written-By – T. Romeo*, W. Farrell	2:27
3-4	1910 Fruitgum Co.*–	Yummy Yummy Yummy Written-By – A. Resnick*, J. Levine	2:21
3-5	Merilee Rush & the Turnabouts*–	Angel Of The Morning Written-By – Chip Taylor	3:12
3-6	Brooklyn Bridge*–	Worst That Could Happen Written-By – Jim Webb	3:08
3-7	The Guess Who–	These Eyes Written-By – Cummings*, Bachman	3:43
3-8	Harry Nilsson–	Everybody’s Talkin’ Written-By – Neil*	2:46
3-9	Zager & Evans–	In The Year 2525 (Exordius & Terminus) Written-By – Rick Evans	3:15
3-10	The Youngbloods–	Get Together Written-By – Chet Powers	4:39

My favorite story in Verdict of 13 is Peter Dickinson’s “Who Killed the Cat?” It’s a science fiction story where a crew of aliens, including a human, land on a planet and the human discovers the alien Cat crew member is dead. The blob-like physician declares the Cat was murdered. But, why…and by whom?

I also enjoyed P.D. James’s “Great-Aunt Allie’s Fly-Papers.” Chief Superintendent Adam Dalglish investigates a death that happened 70 years ago…and actually solves the case.

“Twenty-One Good Men and True” by Dick Frances shows how to win a racing bet every time! Michael Gilbert’s “Verdict of Three” uses the Past to affect the Present.

Verdict of 13 includes an informative Introduction by Julian Symons who delivers a brief but interesting history of the Detective Club. This is a solid anthology. GRADE: B+

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

INTRODUCITON. Julian Symons — vii

James, P.D. Great-aunt Allie’s fly-papers — 1

Butler, Gwendoline. The rogue’s twist — 22

Francis, Dick. Twenty-one good men and true — 38

Gilbert, Michael. Verdict of three — 52

Brand, Christianna. Cloud nine — 65

Innes, Michael. Pelly and Cullis — 77

Highsmith, Patricia. Something the cat dragged in — 92

Fremlin, Celia. The postgraduate thesis — 112

Keating, H.R.F. Gup — 129

Underwood, Michael. Murder at St. Oswald’s — 144

Marsh, Ngaio. Morepork — 159

Dickinson, Peter. Who killed the cat? — 181

Symons, Julian. Waiting for Mr. McGregor — 197

I enjoyed The Bad Batch, Season 1, an animated series on Disney+. The formula for episodes of The Bad Batch over both Seasons 1 & 2 is Missions. No longer employed by the Empire, clones Hunter, Wrecker, Echo, Tech and Omega are just keeping a low profile in the Galaxy Far Far Away trying to survive. They make a living by doing odd jobs and mercenary missions while trying to avoid any Imperial entanglements.

Where Hunter, the leader of the group of clones, was the focus of Season 1, Season 2 focuses on young Omega, who has become an effective bounty hunter/mercenary herself and a valued member of the clone squad.

While all of The Bad Batch characters can be inexpressive at times, Hunter can frequently be a bit wooden. Omega tends to light up the screen when she’s featured. Despite Omega’s youth and naivety, she’s bright and brave.

If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll enjoy this latest 16 episode series. GRADE: B

The Billboard Hot 100 began in 1958. Tom Breihan launched his Stereogum column in early 2018, “The Number Ones”— Breihan has been writing about every #1 hit in the history of the Billboard Hot 100, in chronological order ever since.

The Number Ones: Twenty Chart=Topping Hits That Reveal the History of Pop Music features Breihan’s choices as the key songs that influenced Rock ‘n’ Roll music. Just check out the Table of Contents below. My favorite chapter is “The Beach Boys — Good Vibrations.” Breihan presents the evolution of the song with its many changes. Brian Wilson spent $400,000 on the production of “Good Vibrations.” At the time, it was the most expensive single every made! But, Breihan takes the Extra Step of recounting what happened after “Good Vibrations” hit Number One. You’ll be surprised!

How many of these Number One songs do you remember? Any favorites? GRADE: A

Table of Contents:

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Chubby Checker-“The Twist” 11

(Released June 1960; hit #1 September 19, 1960; one-week reign; hit #1 again January 13, 1962; two-week reign.)

Chapter 2 The Shirelles-“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” 23

(Released November 1960; hit #1 January 30, 1961; two-week reign.)

Chapter 3 The Beatles-“I Want to Hold Your Hand” 35

(Released December 26, 1963; hit #1 February 1, 1964; seven-week reign.)

Chapter 4 The Supremes-“Where Did Our Love Go” 49

(Released June 17, 1964; hit #1 August 22, 1964; two-week reign.)

Chapter 5 The Byrds-“Mr. Tambourine Man” 67

(Released April 12, 1965; hit #1 June 26, 1965; one-week reign.)

Chapter 6 The Beach Boys-“Good Vibrations” 83

(Released October 10, 1966; hit #1 December 10, 1966; one-week reign.)

Chapter 7 George McCrae-“Rock Your Baby” 99

(Released April 1974; hit #1 July 13, 1974; two-week reign.)

Chapter 8 Fleetwood Mac-“Dreams” 113

(Released March 24, 1977; hit #1 June 11, 1977; one-week reign.)

Chapter 9 The Human League-“Don’t You Want Me” 127

(Released November 27, 1981; hit #1 July 3, 1982; three-week reign.)

Chapter 10 Michael Jackson-“Billie Jean” 141

(Released January 2, 1983; hit #1 March 5, 1983; seven-week reign.)

Chapter 11 Prince-“When Doves Cry” 159

(Released May 16, 1984; hit #1 July 7, 1984; five-week reign.)

Chapter 12 Bon Jovi-“You Give Love a Bad Name” 175

(Released July 23, 1986; hit #1 November 29, 1986; one-week reign.)

Chapter 13 Mariah Carey-“Vision of Love” 189

(Released May 15, 1990; hit #1 August 4, 1990; four-week reign.)

Chapter 14 Vanilla Ice-“Ice ice Baby” 203

(Released August 22, 1990; hit #1 November 3, 1990; one-week reign.)

Chapter 15 Puff Daddy-“Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down” (Featuring Mase) 217

(Released February 11, 1997; hit #1 March 22, 1997; six-week reign.)

Chapter 16 Britney Spears-“… Baby One More Time” 233

(Released October 23, 1998; hit #1 January 30, 1999; two-week reign.)

Chapter 17 T-Pain-“Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’)” (Featuring Yung Joe) 249

(Released February 20, 2007; hit #1 May 26, 2007; one-week reign.)

Chapter 18 Soulja Boy Tell’em -“Crank That (Soulja Boy)” 263

(Released May 2, 2007; hit #1 September 15, 2007; seven-week reign.)

Chapter 19 Rae Sremmurd-“Black Beatles” (Featuring Gucci Mane) 277

(Released September 13, 2016; hit #1 November 25, 2016; seven-week reign.)

Chapter 20 BTS-“Dynamite” 293

(Released August 21, 2020; hit #1 September 5, 2020; three-week reign.)

Outro 313

Acknowledgments 317

Selected Bibliography 321

Index 325

Today’s NFL Division games feature four teams that could make it to the Super Bowl. Last year, the Cincinnati Bengals did make it to the Super Bowl…and almost won it! The 49ers may have the best defense in the NFL and certainly the rookie phenom, Brock Purdy…who is everything to San Francisco’s chances to going to the Big Dance. But, don’t count the Cowboys out!

The Buffalo Bills are 4-point favorites, but on some betting sites, the line has moved to 5 1/2 points. The Bengals have an injured Offensive Line while the Bills have an injured Secondary.

The 49ers have won the last two meetings with the Cowboys and are favored by 4 points. I’m expecting two close games. Who do you think will win?

The Kansas City Chiefs, after getting a week off to rest, face the Jacksonville Jaguars who pulled off an incredible come-back after being being over 20 points behind the LA Chargers. The Chiefs are 8 1/2 point favorites…but better be careful!

The Philadelphia Eagles have also been resting, but face a familiar rival in the NY Giants. This is the third time these two teams meet this season. The Eagles are 7 1/2 point favorites. Can the Giants pull off another upset like they one they achieved last week over the Minnesota Vikings? Who do you think will win these games?

I’ve read over a dozen Hugh Pentecost (aka, Judson Philips) mysteries and have at least a dozen more of his books sitting on my shelves waiting to be read.

Since I am an Uncle George to my nephews and nieces, I though I might try one of Pentecost’s Uncle George series.

Retired lawyer-philosopher George Crowder was a brilliant prosecutor who made a disastrous mistake that caused him to leave the legal profession and become a recluse.

But death of a wealthy local woman–killed by someone driving over her body…twice–lures Crowder out of his New England cabin to investigate. Another death soon follows: the prime suspect–the woman’s husband. Then Uncle George’s beloved twelve-year-old nephew Joey disappears.

George joins the search for Joey, but knows the boy is being held hostage by a suspect who wouldn’t hesitate to kill the boy. If you’re looking for a twisty mystery with plenty of old fashioned suspense, check out Choice of Violence. Have you read any of Hugh Pentecost’s mysteries? GRADE: B

Uncle George Series:

Choice of Violence (1962)
Around Dark Corners (1970)
The Copycat Killers (1983)
The Price of Silence (1984)
Murder Sweet and Sour (1985)
Death By Fire (1986)
Pattern for Terror (1990)

What a difference 17 years makes! A decade is an eternity in the Music Industry and what was hot in 1960 was pretty much forgotten by 1977. When 1977 rolled around, the Disco Era made in-roads on the BILLBOARD charts.

While Roy Orbison made the 1960 compilation, he only shows up as co-writer of Linda Ronstadt’s hit “Blue Bayou.”

New Orleans gets plenty of love from “Walking to New Orleans” by Fats Domino and “New Orleans” by Gary “U.S.” Bonds.

Styles in popular music come and go. Do you remember these songs? Any favorites here? GRADE: B (for both)

TRACK LIST:

1	Chic–	Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah) Written-By – Bernard Edwards, Kenny Lehman, Nile Rodgers	3:40
2	KC & The Sunshine Band–	I’m Your Boogie Man Written-By – Harry Wayne Casey	4:02
3	Atlanta Rhythm Section–	So In to You Written-By – Buddy Buie, Dean Daughtry, Robert Nix	3:15
4	Climax Blues Band–	Couldn’t Get It Right Written-By – Colin Cooper, Derek Holt, John Cuffley, Pete Haycock, Richard Jones	3:15
5	Pablo Cruise–	Whatcha Gonna Do Written-By – Cory Lerios, David Jenkins	4:15
6	Alice Cooper (2)–	You And Me Written-By – Alice Cooper (2), Dick Wagner	3:25
7	Stephen Bishop–	On And On Written-By – Stephen Bishop	3:01
8	The Marshall Tucker Band–	Heard It In A Love Song Written-By – Toy Caldwell	3:27
9	Firefall–	Just Remember I Love You Written-By – Rick Roberts	3:13
10	England Dan & John Ford Coley–	It’s So Sad To Belong Written-By – Randy Goodrum	2:52
11	Linda Ronstadt–	Blue Bayou Written-By – Joe Melson, Roy Orbison	3:53
12	Foreigner–	Feels Like The First Time Written-By – Mick Jones	3:50

	The Drifters–	Save The Last Dance For Me	2:25
	Hank Ballard And The Midnighters*–	Finger Poppin’ Time	2:35
	The Ventures–	Walk—Don’t Run	2:02
	Sam Cooke–	Wonderful World	2:05
	Jerry Butler–	He Will Break Your Heart	2:45
	Kathy Young And The Innocents (2)–	A Thousand Stars	3:08
	Roy Orbison–	Only The Lonely	2:25
	Jimmy Jones–	Good Timin’	2:06
	Brenda Lee–	Sweet Nothin’s	2:20
	Fats Domino–	Walking To New Orleans	1:55
	The Hollywood Argyles*–	Alley-Oop	2:40
	Jimmy Jones–	Handy Man	1:58
	Conway Twitty–	Lonely Blue Boy	2:13
	Rosie And The Originals*–	Angel Baby	3:29
	Sam Cooke–	Chain Gang	2:32
	Hank Ballard And The Midnighters*–	Let’s Go, Let’s Go, Let’s Go	2:20
	Neil Sedaka–	Calendar Girl	2:38
	Maurice Williams And The Zodiacs*–	Stay	1:31
	Gary “U.S.” Bonds*–	New Orleans	2:49
	Joe Jones (2)–	You Talk Too Much	2:34
	Billy Bland–	Let The Little Girl Dance	2:18
	The Safaris–	Image Of A Girl	2:33

Mike Resnick launches preacher, explorer, and con man Lucifer Jones on adventures where he crosses paths with dragons, drug lords, white slavers, gamblers, ghouls, assorted magical creatures, and beautiful movie stars. Put Indian Jones in a blender with Hunter S. Thompson and you’ll get the Right Reverend Doctor Lucifer Jones.

Mike Resnick’s accomplishments include 64 novels, 21 short story collections, 40 anthologies, two screenplays, and approximately 250 short stories-resulting in a couple of shelves of major awards (including five Hugos from 35 nominations).

The blurb on Lucifer Jones says it all: “Being a Thrilling Chronicle of Romance, Danger, Spectacle, High Adventure, Narrow Escapes, and Uplifting Triumphs Over Sinister Villains and Mystic Mages in the Exotic Continent of the East, as Recounted by the Bold, Daring, Handsome and Modest Christian Gentleman Who Experienced Them.”

If you’re in the mood for some wacky, funny, bizarre, and slap-stick adventures, this is the book for you! GRADE: B+

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

PART I: EXPLOITS (1926-1931)

• The Master Detective — 3
• The Sin City Derby — 20
• The Insidious Oriental Dentist — 39
• The Great Wall — 55
• The Abominable Snowman — 71
• The Land of Eternal Youth — 83
• Secret Sex — 96
• The Flame of Bharatpur — 111
• The Scorpion Lady — 126
• The Other Master Detective — 141

PART II: ENCOUNTERS (1931-1934)

• The Home-Made Man — 157
• Doubled and Redoubled — 172
• Treasure Hunting — 190
• The Lost Continent — 204
• Exercising Ghosts — 219
• The Werewolf — 231
• The Clubfoot of Notre Dame — 242
• The Crown Jewels — 257
• The Loch Ness Monster — 275
• A Tabernacle Is Not a Home — 286
• Death in the Afternoon — 297