The latest book in Akashic Books’ “City Noir” series is Buffalo Noir. Lawrence Block grew up in Buffalo and Joyce Carol Oates grew up nearby so you’re getting stories by writers who really know the area. I’ve enjoyed previous volumes in this series and recommend you check them out. If you’re a fan of Noir writing, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. And you’ll learn that there’s more to Buffalo than just massive amounts of snow and the Buffalo Bills. GRADE: B+
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Introduction
PART I: BUFFALO UNVEILED
“Dr. Kirkbride’s Moral Treatment Plan” by Christina Milletti
“It’s Only for Forever” by Tom Fontana
“The Ehrengraf Settlement” by Lawrence Block
“The Bubble Man of Allentown” by Dimitri Anastasopoulos
PART II: HEARTS AND MINDS
“Falling on Ice” by Lissa Marie Redmond
“Parkside” by S. J. Rosan
“Chicken Noodle’s Night Out” by John Wray & Brooke Costello
“Peace Bridge” by Connie Porter
PART THREE: BLOODLINES
“Valentine” by Joyce Carol Oates
“The Odd” by Ed Park
“Good Neighbors” by Gary Earl Ross
“Hand” by Kim Chinquee
About the Contributors

Scott Cupp recommended this Young Adult series here. Abigail Rook, a feisty young woman from England, arrives in New Fiddleham (aka, Boston) in 1892. She’s penniless, but persistent. Abigail applies for a job as an assistant to R. A. Jackaby, a detective specializing in “paranormal” investigations. Yes, there are elves, goblins, dragons, and banshees in these adventures. If you’re a fan of magical creatures and Sherlock Holmes-like cases, you’ll enjoy Jacaby and Beastly Bones. GRADE: B (for both)

With the DC Universe expanding with Super Girl, The Flash, and Arrow these animated features aimed at a younger audience still have the power to entertain. This DVD features super villains from Lex Luthor, Sinestro, to Darkseid. If you’re looking for some escapist fun, you’ll find it here.

Since the Paris attacks, Niagara Falls has been lit in the colors of the French flag to show solidarity with the people of France.

With the Bills unlikely win in the Meadowlands over the Jets on Thursday Night Football (weren’t those uniforms hideous!), the Bills are off until their Monday Night Football game against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots next week. With two wins over the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets in four days, the Bills are in the thick of the battle for a Playoff berth. How is your favorite NFL team going to do today?

Wild winds lashed Western New York the past couple of days. Our Japanese Maple still had leaves before the 60 mph winds hit. You can see what the Japanese Maple looks like after the wind storm. The red leaves are everywhere! Snow is in the forecast. I have Big Orange ready to go! How’s the weather where you are?

Last week for FFB I reviewed Women Crime Writers: Four Suspense Novels of the 1940s. This week, I’m reviewing the companion volume, Women Crime Writers: Four Suspense Novels of the 1950s. Mischief by Charlotte Armstrong (1950) is the weakest story in this collection. A sociopathic babysitter threatens the child she’s supposed to take care of. In The Blunderer by Patrickia Highsmith (1955) a man commits a murder and another man wants to commit a murder. Their paths cross with unexpected consequences.

The Beast in View by Margaret Millar (1955) is the best mystery in this volume. Millar uses the novel (for the time) device of multiple personalities to tell a compelling story. Millar keeps the reader guessing right until the conclusion. I liked Fools’ Gold by Dolores Hitchens (1958) because Hitchens shows what happens when peer pressure builds to produce murder. Three young people plan a theft, but of course things go wrong and deaths result. Women Crime Writers: Four Suspense Novels of the 1950s offers better novels than the previous volume. I hope the Library of America continues this series.

Somebody’s Knockin’ on My Door”
“Key to the Highway”
“Tell the Truth”
“Pretending”
“Hoochie Coochie Man”
“You Are So Beautiful”
“Can’t Find My Way Home”
“I Shot the Sheriff”
“Driftin’ Blues”
“Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out”
“Tears in Heaven”
“Layla”
“Let It Rain”
“Wonderful Tonight”
“Crossroads”
“Cocaine”
“High Time We Went”

Read More: Eric Clapton’s ‘Slowhand at 70’ Film Is Coming to DVD and Blu-ray | http://ultimateclassicrock.com/eric-clapton-slowhand-at-70-dvd/?trackback=tsmclip

Roald Dahl’s classic book, Matilda, the story of a brilliant young girl who is mistreated by her narcissistic parents, transforms into a high-energy play in Matilda, The Musical. I was impressed with the performance of little Gabby Gutierrez as Matilda. She delivers a spunky rendition of a brave girl trying to overcome the cruel forces around her. Matilda’s parents send her to a wretched school run by the imperious Agatha Trunchbull who rules her students by force. Bryce Ryness is terrific as the hideous Head Master. My main complaint about Matilda, The Musical is the music. Yes, it’s loud and energetic, but not very memorable. I’d recommend this play for the story, but it needs better music. GRADE: B