In an interview in the recent issue of MYSTERY SCENE (now no longer a print magazine), Louise Penny talked about the AMAZON Prime Video series about to begin. She liked it–and she’s an “executive producer,” too.

Three Pines is a mystery television series starring Alfred Molina based on the novel series by Louise Penny, centered on Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. Diane and I have only watched four of the eight episodes but hope AMAZON decides to do a Second Season.

The format of Three Pines starts with a missing Indian woman. That is the long story arc. Inspector Gamache thinks he can find the missing woman…but her mother thinks she’s dead.

Then, in two episodes each Gamache and his team investigate other murder cases. The first is the execution of a self-help author named CC who is electrocuted while watching a neighborhood curling game. The second is the murder of a local psychotherapist in what’s considered a haunted house.

Some people like Alfred Molina as Gamache–other people don’t. I think the casting of this series is first rate. Diane has read all the Louise Penny series. GRADE: A

I’m a sucker for books like For the Love of Books (1999). The concept is simple. Editor Ronald B. Shwartz asked writers what their favorite book was. Shwartz received 115 responses and they’re all here in this volume.

Now some of the contributors listed more than one favorite book (which I’m okay with). Some authors came up with some real doozies!

I find books like For the Love of Books a browser’s delight! One of my favorite moments reading this book was Elmore Leonard’s advice: “I’ve learned it has to be fun or it isn’t worth doing.” (p. 149). Do you recognize these writers? Are any of your favorite writers represented here? GRADE: A

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Acknowledgements — xii

Introduction — xv

Diane Ackerman — 1

Robert Alter– 3

Ken Auletta — 5

Nicholson Baker — 6

Russell Banks — 7

Dave Barry — 8

John Barth — 13

Jacques Barzun — 15

Ann Beattie — 17

Louis Begley — 20

Madison Smartt Bell — 21

Anne Bernays — 23

Sven Birkerts — 26

Amy Bloom — 28

Roy Blount, Jr — 31

Robert Bly — 35

Benjamin C. Bradlee — 43

Rita Mae Brown — 44

Art Buchwald — 44

Christopher Buckley — 45

Ethan Canin — 49

Philip Caputo — 51

John Casey — 55

Robert Coles — 60

Robert Coover — 62

Robert Creeley — 65

Guy Davenport — 66

Rita Dove — 70

Gretel Ehrlich — 75

Joseph Epstein — 80

Anne Fadiman — 82

Clifton Fadiman — 85

Stanley Fish — 87

Penelope Fitzgerald — 90

Bruce Jay Friedman — 91

William Gass — 95

Sir Martin Gilbert — 98

Gail Godwin — 100

Nadine Gordimer — 102

Doris Grumbach — 104

Pete Hamill — 106

Jonathan Harr — 111

John Hawkes — 114

Anthony Hecht — 120

Edward Hoagland — 124

John Irving — 126

Justin Kaplan — 128

Susanna Kaysen –132

Alfred Kazin — 134

Tracy Kidder — 135

W.P. Kinsella — 139

Caroline Knapp — 140

Maxine Kumin — 141

Anthony Lane — 143

David Leavitt — 145

Elmore Leonard — 147

Doris Lessing — 149

David Lodge — 154

Phillip Lopate — 156

Norman Mailer — 158

William Manchester — 159

James McBride — 162

Bruce McCall — 165

Frank McCourt — 167

Elizabeth McCracken — 173

Joseph McElroy — 175

Thomas McGuane — 178

Ved Mehta — 180

W.S. Merwin — 182

Arthur Miller — 183

Sue Miller — 184

Peggy Noonan — 187

Joyce Carol Oates — 190

Sharon Olds — 193

Michael Ondaatje — 195

P.J. O’Rourke — 197

Amos Oz — 198

Cynthia Ozick — 199

Grace Paley — 201

Jay Parini — 201

Robert B. Parker — 206

Noel Perrin — 207

Marge Piercy — 209

Robert M. Pirsig — 211

Richard A. Posner — 214

Padgett Powell — 216

Reynolds Price — 219

James Purdy — 221

Mario Puzo — 222

Anna Quindlen — 222

Richard Rhodes — 225

Mordecai Richler — 227

Lillian Ross — 229

Judith Rossner — 233

Witold Rybczynski — 236

Orville Schell — 237

Joanna Scott — 240

Carol Shields — 243

Alan Sillitoe — 245

Neil Simon — 247

Mona Simpson — 248

W.D. Snodgrass — 252

Oliver Stone — 253

Mark Strand — 255

William Styron — 257

Gay Talese — 259

D.M. Thomas — 260

John Updike — 264

Kurt Vonnegut — 265

Wendy Wasserstein — 269

Paul West — 272

Richard Wilbur — 278

Geoffrey Wolff — 279

Tobias Wolff — 283

Herman Wouk — 285

Bibliographical Index — 287

About the Editor — 298

Vegas thinks both of these games will be close. The Eagles are favored by 2 1/2 points over the surging SF 49ers. The Chiefs are 1 point favorites over the Bengals. All four teams are talented, any of them could win. Who do you think will be going to the Super Bowl?

I’m a sucker for books about book stores and the people who run them. Estates Large and Small revolves around Phil Cooper has reluctantly closed his used bookstore and moved his business online. The Pandemic and the rise of ebooks forced Cooper to pack up his books and lug them to his home. And, this turn of events sends this 55-year-old book lover into an existential crisis.

Cooper smokes too much pot and listens to too much Grateful Dead music as he tries to plan his Future and deal with his fears. Obviously he’s confused about the looming financial mess and how he’s going to survive it. So, like any other intelligent book lover, Cooper turns to the Philosophy section of his books to explore 2,500 years of Western philosophy.

Luckily, Cooper meets Caroline, a postal worker and fellow book lover, who is passionate about philosophy…and sex. Caroline and Cooper explore the history of thought and the techniques of making love when you’re in your 50s. 

Estates Large and Small resembles a Hallmark movie spiced with philosophy and middle-age amour. GRADE: B

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?