FRIDAY’S FORGOTTEN BOOKS #657: HORIZON By Helen MacInnes

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Helen MacInnes, sometimes referred to as the Queen of Spy Writers, also wrote a variety of suspense novels. Horizon, published in 1945, follows the adventures of wounded British soldier Peter Lennox. Lennox was an artist in civilian life, but after enlisting in the British Army, Lennox now struggles with the injuries to his hands received during his capture at the fall of Tobruk. His dreams of returning to his artistic pursuits, now threatened by his wounds, forces Lennox to consider a future where he can never paint again.

Horizon starts with Lennox as a POW in an Italian prison camp. When the Italians surrender to the Allies, Lennox finds himself recruited to help a band of resistance fighters. Lennox has the language skills and knowledge of the local terrain to assist the resistance fighters against the Nazis.

Building a resistance movement, guarding against moles and infiltrators, dealing with a growing Nazi presence in Northern Italy all fuel the suspense in Horizon. Peter Lennox has to confront his demons and map a new direction for his life while contributing to the war effort in a different fashion. Helen MacInnes delivers a compelling war novel with credible characters in dire situations. GRADE: B+

MOTOWN 40 FOREVER [2-CD Set]

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This 2-CD set celebrates Motown’s 40th Anniversary in 1998. There’s a mix of 40 “hits” from mostly the heyday of Motown’s success. A few songs from the later years of Motown are included, but you’ll notice a sharp fall-off in quality.

In the 1960s, many of these songs were part of the soundtrack of my Life. I was a huge fan of Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves, Mary Wells, Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops, The Temptations, and the Supremes.

Do you remember these songs? Any favorites here? GRADE: A-

Tracklist:

1-1The Marvelettes–Please Mr. Postman
Producer – Brianbert
Written-By – Brian Holland, Freddie Gorman, Georgia Dobbins, Robert Bateman, William Garrett		2:27
1-2Smokey Robinson & The Miracles*–Shop Around
Producer – Berry Gordy
Written-By – Berry Gordy, William “Smokey” Robinson		2:46
1-3Martha Reeves & The Vandellas–(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave
Producer – Brian Holland & Lamont Dozier
*Written-By – Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier & Edward Holland		2:43
1-4Mary Wells–My Guy
Producer – Smokey Robinson
Written-By – William “Smokey” Robinson		2:53
1-5Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell–Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing
Producer – Ashford & Simpson
Written-By – Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson		2:15
1-6Four Tops–I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)
Producer – Brian Holland & Lamont Dozier
*Written-By – Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier & Edward Holland, Jr.		2:43
1-7The Originals–Baby I’m For Real
Arranged By – Paul Riser
Producer – Marvin Gaye, Richard Morris (2)
Written-By – Anna Gaye*, Marvin Gaye		3:18
1-8Jimmy Ruffin–What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted
Producer – William “Mickey” Stevenson*, William Weatherspoon
Written-By – William Weatherspoon, James Dean*, Paul Riser		2:59
1-9Eddie Kendricks–Keep On Truckin’
Producer – Frank Wilson, Leonard Caston
Written-By – Anita Poree, Frank Wilson, Leonard Caston		3:32
1-10Jackson 5*–ABC
Producer, Arranged By – Berry Gordy, Deke Richards, Alphonso Mizell*, Freddie Perren
Written-By – Berry Gordy, Deke Richards, Alphonso Mizell*, Freddie Perren		2:57
1-11Diana Ross & The Supremes*–Stop! In The Name Of Love
Producer – Brian Holland & Lamont Dozier
*Written-By – Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier & Edward Holland, Jr.*		2:53
1-12Stevie Wonder–My Cherie Amour
Producer – Henry Cosby
Written-By – Henry Cosby, Stevie Wonder, Sylvia Moy		2:53
1-13Gladys Knight & The Pips*–Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye)
Producer – Joe Porter
Written-By – Jim Weatherly		4:22
1-14The Temptations–Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
Directed By [Orchestration Direction] – Jerry Long
Producer – Norman Whitfield
Written-By – Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield		3:47
1-15Marvin Gaye–What’s Going On
Arranged By – David Van DePitte
Producer – Marvin Gaye
Written-By – Al Cleveland, Marvin Gaye, Renaldo Benson		3:42
1-16Diana Ross & The Supremes*–Someday We’ll Be Together
Producer – Johnny Bristol
Written-By – Harvey Fuqua, Jackey Beavers, Johnny Bristol		3:27
1-17The Temptations–Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone
Arranged By, Conductor – Paul Riser
Producer – Norman Whitfield
Written-By – Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield		6:58
1-18Jackson 5*–I’ll Be There
Arranged By – Bob West
Producer – Hal Davis
Written-By – Berry Gordy, Bob West, Hal Davis, Willie Hutch		3:58
1-19Smokey Robinson & The Miracles*–Tears Of A Clown
Producer – Henry Cosby, Smokey Robinson
Written-By – Henry Cosby, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder		3:00
1-20Diana Ross–When You Tell Me That You Love MeProducer – Peter AsherWritten-By – Albert Hammond, John BettisProducer – Peter AsherWritten-By – Albert Hammond, John Bettis4:12
1-21Martha Reeves & The Vandellas–Dancing In The Street
Producer – William “Mickey” Stevenson
*Written-By – Ivy Hunter*, Marvin Gaye, William “Mickey” Stevenson		2:39
2-1Rick James–Superfreak
Producer, Arranged By – Rick James
Written-By – Alanzo Miller*, Rick James		3:24
2-2Dazz Band–Let It Whip
Arranged By – Dazz*, Reggie Andrews
Producer – Reggie Andrews
Written-By – Ndugu Chancler*, Reggie Andrews		4:06
2-3Johnny Gill–Rub You The Right Way
Producer – Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
Written-By – James Harris III, Terry Lewis		4:14
2-4Jermaine Jackson–Let’s Get Serious
Arranged By – Stevie Wonder
Producer – Jermaine Jackson, Stevie Wonder
Written-By – Lee Garrett, Stevie Wonder		3:33
2-5Teena Marie & Rick James–Fire & Desire
Producer, Arranged By – Rick James
Written-By – Rick James		5:46
2-6Rockwell–Somebody’s Watching Me
Producer, Arranged By – Curtis Anthony Nolen, Rockwell
Written-By – Rockwell		3:55
2-7The Temptations–My Girl
Producer – Smokey Robinson
Written-By – William “Smokey” Robinson		2:43
2-8Edwin Starr–War
Producer – Norman Whitfield
Written-By – Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield		3:22
2-9Diana Ross–I’m Coming Out
Producer – Bernard Edwards & Nile Rodgers
Written-By – Bernard Edwards & Nile Rodgers		3:54
2-10Lionel Richie–All Night Long (All Night)
Producer – James Anthony Carmichael, Lionel Richie
Written-By – Lionel Richie		4:15
2-11DeBarge–All This Love
Producer – Eldra DeBarge*, Iris Gordy
Written-By – Eldra DeBarge		4:09
2-12The Commodores*–Three Times A Lady
Producer – The Commodores*, James Anthony Carmichael
Written-By – Lionel Richie		3:38
2-13Shanice–I Love Your Smile
Producer, Arranged By – Narada Michael Walden
Written-By – Jarvis Baker, Narada Michael Walden, Shanice Wilson, Sylvester Jackson		4:23
2-14Boyz II Men–I’ll Make Love To You
Producer – Babyface
Written-By – Babyface		3:58
2-15Stevie Wonder–Superstition
Producer – Stevie Wonder
Written-By – Stevie Wonder		4:01
2-16Marvin Gaye–Let’s Get It On
Producer – Ed Townsend, Marvin Gaye
Written-By – Ed Townsend, Marvin Gaye		4:01
2-17Today–Him Or Me
Producer – Gene Griffin, Teddy Riley
Remix – Timmy Regisford
Written-By – Gene Griffin, Larry McCain, Larry Singletary, Lee Drakeford, Wesley Adams		4:20
2-18Dennis Edwards Featuring Siedah Garrett–Don’t Look Any Further
Arranged By – Dennis Lambert, Paul M. Jackson
*Co-producer [Associate Producer] – Paul M. Jackson, Jr.*
Producer – Dennis Lambert
Written-By – Dennis Lambert, Duane Hitchings, Franne Golde		4:04
2-19Jackson 5* Featuring Black Rob–I Want You Back ’984:20

WEDNESDAY’S SHORT STORIES #38: PEOPLE VS. WITHERS & MALONE By Stuart Palmer & Craig Rice

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People VS. Withers & Malone collects the screwball comedy/mysteries of Stuart Palmer and Craig Rice. Ellery Queen’s “Introduction” gives the details of Palmer’s and Rice’s friendship over the decades.

This collection of stories features the collaboration of two sleuths, John J. Malone, alcoholic and womanizing lawyer of Craig Rice’s mystery books, and the canny schoolteacher, Hildegarde Withers, created by Stuart Palmer. These stories were written by Stuart Palmer, with Ms. Rice contributing an idea or plot point, but otherwise apparently not involved in writing process. 

I really liked the title story, “People VS. Withers & Malone,” where Withers and Malone hunt for a missing witness in the murder trial of a Malone client and wind up pulling off some courtroom pyrotechnics in Perry Mason style.

 In “Cherchez la Frame,” the two sleuths travel to Hollywood to look for the missing wife of a Chicago gangster and find her strangled with Malone’s tie in his hotel bathroom. As usual, Withers has to crack the case to save Malone.

The first Withers and Malone collaboration, “Once Upon a Train” (original title: “Loco Motive” and published in 1950) sets the pattern for the rest of the series. This spoof of the Murder-on-the-Orient-Express genre takes place on the Super-Century train traveling from Chicago to New York. A naked dead man is found in Withers’s compartment while the murder weapon was conveniently planted in Malone’s adjoining compartment. A clever combination of quick thinking by Malone and a revealing dream by Withers solves the murder.

If you’re in the mood for some screw-ball mayhem with a dollop of humor thrown in, I recommend People VS. Withers & Malone. GRADE: B+

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

AN INFORMAL INTRODUCTION BY Ellery Queen — 7

PREFACE BY SUART PALMER — 13

Once Upon a Train — 17

Cherchez La Frame — 49

Autopsy and Eva — 81

Rift in the Loot — 115

People VS. Withers & Malone — 151

Withers and Malone, Brain-Stormers — 203

THE CHAIR [Netflix]

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Sandra Oh plays Professor Ji-Yoon Kim, the newly appointed chair of the English department at Pembroke University. Like many colleges and universities, Pembroke is facing declining enrollments and budget problems. As the first woman ever chosen as Chairperson of the English department, Sandra Oh’s character faces a tenure battle with her elderly staff over a young black colleague. She also has strained relationship with her well-known professor, Bill Dobson (the former Chairman of the English department). In addition to all her work problems, Ji-Yoon Kim has to deal with her difficult adopted daughter.

This Netflix 6-episode series has a talented cast and realistic situations present on most campuses right now. Anyone who has worked in a college or university will recognize the various types of faculty members and administrators. Very realistic! I’m hoping The Chair attracts enough of an audience for a Second Season. And thanks to Michael Padgett for recommending The Chair. GRADE: B+

THE TURNOUT by Megan Abbott

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I took Katie for ballet and dance lessons for years so I’m familiar with the setting of Megan Abbott’s The Turnout. Dara and Marie Durant run The Durant School of Dance. Dara and Marie were trained by their demanding mother. When their parents die in a car accident, Dara and Marie decide to run the dance school with Dara’s husband, Charlie.

Marie teaches the little kids. Dara, demanding like her mother and more talented, teaches the older students. Charlie, who used to be their mother’s best student, is now dealing with crippling injuries from his years of dancing. Charlie handles the scheduling, paperwork, and the bill paying/business aspects of the dance school.

After a fire damages one of the dance studios, Dara, Marie, and Charlie agree to hire Derek, a contractor, to repair the damage. Derek reminds me of the cunning stalker in John D. MacDonald’s Cape Fear (aka, The Executioners), Max Cady. Derek slowly starts to dominate Marie and enrages Dara as the annual performance of The Nutcracker looms. Derek’s presence triggers a series incidents full of growing dread.

The Turnout shows how secrets slowly fester and suddenly blossom into terror. Of all of Megan Abbott’s books, The Turnout is my favorite. GRADE: A

PITTSBURGH STEELERS VS. BUFFALO BILLS

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Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills take on Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers at balmy Highmark Stadium today. The temperature is supposed to be in the mid-70s with a stiff breeze. The game is a sell-out so 65,000+ screaming fans will be in attendance. The Bills are 6 1/2 point favorites. How will your favorite NFL team perform today?

FRIDAY’S FORGOTTEN BOOKS #656: DAUGHTER OF TIME By Josephine Tey

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I’ve had Josephine Tey’s mysteries on my shelves for decades. Last week I decided to read one of Tey’s books and I chose The Daughter of Time (1951). Friends who have read Josephine Tey’s works rave about The Daughter of Time. Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard, while recuperating from a broken leg, finds himself drawn to a portrait of Richard III. That fascination leads Grant into investigating the heinous crime Richard III is supposed to be behind: the murder of his brother’s children to protect his crown.

Clearly, investigating a crime hundreds of years old is the coldest of cold cases, but Josephine Tey provides Grant with the help of facts from the British Museum and an American scholar to clarify whether Richard Plantagenet was really behind the killings of the Little Princes in the Tower.

I confess I wasn’t expecting such a suspenseful tale with so much history behind it. After reading The Daughter of Time I wanted to drop everything and watch a performance of Shakespeare’s Richard III! Robert Barnard’s fine “Introduction” provides more insights into the book and the author. GRADE: A

ALL THAT I AM By Santana

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Jeff Meyerson mentioned Carlos Santana’s CD of duets in a comment a few weeks ago. I have a number of Santana CDs scattered throughout my Collection (yes, I’m trying to get more organized!). But, fortunately, I found my copy of ALL THAT I AM and listened to it again.

My favorite song is “I’m Feeling You” with Michelle Branch and The Wreckers with its energy. I also enjoyed Anthony Hamilton on “Twisted.”

Joss Stone and Sean Paul do a nice job with “Cry Baby Cry.” And Santana ends the album with “Da Tu Amor” with some classic Santana guitar riffs. Jeff was right about this album: it’s one of Santana’s best! Are you a fan of Carlos Santana? GRADE: A

Track Listing:

  1. “Hermes” – 4:08
  2. “El Fuego” – 4:17
    • Written by Carlos Santana, Jean Shepherd and Richard Shepherd
    • Produced by Carlos Santana
  3. “I’m Feeling You” – 4:13
  4. “My Man” – 4:37
  5. “Just Feel Better” – 4:12
  6. “I Am Somebody” – 4:02
  7. “Con Santana” – 3:18
    • Featuring Ismaïla and Sixu Toure, also known as Touré Kunda
    • Written by Carlos Santana, Ismaïla Toure and Tidane “Sixu” Toure
    • Produced by Carlos Santana
  8. “Twisted” – 5:11
  9. “Trinity” – 3:33
  10. “Cry Baby Cry” – 3:53
    • Featuring Sean Paul and Joss Stone
    • Written by Lester Mendez, Sean Paul, Kara DioGuardi and Jimmy Harry
    • Produced and Arranged by Lester Mendez
  11. “Brown Skin Girl” – 4:44
    • Featuring Bo Bice
    • Written by Jamie Houston
    • Produced by Lester Mendez and Jamie Houston
    • Vocal Arrangement by Jamie Houston
  12. “I Don’t Wanna Lose Your Love” – 4:00
    • Featuring Los Lonely Boys
    • Written by Henry Garza, Ringo Garza and Joey Garza
    • Produced by Carlos Santana
    • Additional Production by John Proter and Los Lonely Boys
  13. “Da Tu Amor” – 4:03
    • Written by Carlos Santana, Andy Vargas, and Gary Glenn
    • Produced by Carlos Santana

WEDNESDAY’S SHORT STORIES #37: EXOTIC ADVENTURES OF ROBERT SILVERBERG Edited by Robert Deis & Wyatt Doyle

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Robert Silverberg is one of my favorite Science Fiction writers, but back in 1959 Silverberg started writing for a men’s magazine called Exotic Adventures. Silverberg wrote under a number of pseudonyms and sometimes wrote ALL the stories in an issue of the magazine!

For the first time, these exotic adventure stories have been collected and this volume includes original cover artwork and interior black & white illustrations. It’s wild and wacky and offbeat stuff! Check out the titles below! GRADE: B+

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

ADVENTUROUS BEGINNINGS, introduction by Robert Deis & Wyatt Doyle

CAMPUS HELLCAT (as David Challon)

SAFARI OF DEATH (as Leon Kaiser)

I WAS A TANGIER’S SMUGGLER (as Donald Gorman)

BRIDE OF THE JAGUAR GOD (as Malcolm Hunt)

NUDIST PARADISE ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA (as Martin Davidson)

TAHITI, LUSTY ISLAND OF UNTAMED WOMEN (as Leonard Colman)

EGYPT’S CITY OF PROSTITUTES (as David F. Killian)

RADIANT JADE: THE CHINESE MATA HARI (as Sam Mallory)

SABA, LAND OF LOVE-STARVED WOMEN (as Len Patterson)

OPIUM DEN IN VIETNAM-adventure (as Lawrence F. Watkins)

ISLAND OF EXILED WOMEN-article (as Lin Charles)

THE ARABIAN SLAVE GIRL RACKET (as Jim Hollister)

A TEMPORARY HUSBAND IN LADAKH (as Karl-Heinz Kirschner)

WOLF CHILDREN OF INDIA (as Ronald Bradman)

I WATCHED THE SECRET SEX RITES OF UGANDA (as Richard Banham)

LOVE HUNGRY GIRLS OF JAPAN (as Nick Thomas)

I ESCAPED FROM THE SOVIET SLAVE CAMP (as Anna Lukacs)