Verda Mae Pugh
December 26, 2012
Three silent films, with live music
January 2, 2013
The RACKETEER
By John Grisham
Doubleday $28.95
Someone’s murdered federal judge Raymond Fawcett, and other than the killer, only one person knows who did it – and why. “The Racketeer,” former attorney Malcolm Bannister, currently residing in a federal prison camp having served five of his 10-year sentence, would be delighted to reveal all to the FEDS – for a price; his freedom. And that’s not all; he demands total immunity, the $150,000 reward, a new identity and witness protection. The pages turn fast in this ingenious novel that’ll have you cheering for the “bad guy.” It’s suspenseful yet lots of fun.
The HOT COUNTRY
By Robert Olen Butler
The Mysterious Press $25
Hot Country? You bet. The U.S. has invaded Mexico during its 1914 civil war mainly to protect it from a German takeover. Christophe Marlowe (Kit) Cobb, American news reporter, is there sending dispatches to his paper, along with cables to his mother, an entertainer on Basin Street in New Orleans. In this seriocomic adventure, Cobb attempts to enlist the aid of bandit Pancho Villa to side with the Americans. He arrives only moments before a German official who came ashore from a German ammunition ship in the middle of the night.
PHANTOM
By Jo Nesbø
Knopf $25.95
Harry Hole is more conflicted than ever as he hurries back to Oslo when he learns that Oleg, the son of Rakel, the woman he loved and lost, is jailed and charged with the murder of a drug addict. Harry, a recovering alcoholic who had, in addition to losing Rakel, lost his job with the police force, now must take on the challenge of proving Oleg’s innocence independently. Trouble is, he has to contend with antagonistic police officers, drug lords and even Oleg himself. Expect twists at every turn and an unbelievable surprise ending.
The FORGIVEN
By Lawrence Osborne
Hogarth Books $25
Dr. David Henniger and his wife Jo, an unhappy couple who spend much time arguing, are on their way for a wild weekend with his college friend, Richard, when in the middle of still another argument, David hits and kills a young man on the dark and dusty Moroccan road. Not knowing what else to do, they put the dead boy in the back seat of their rental. When the father appears to retrieve his son’s body for the funeral, he invites (in effect demands) that David return with him, which David does while dreading what compensation will be demanded of him. Soon, both he and Jo are seeking forgiveness.
BLOOD LINE
By Lynda La Plante
Bourbon Street Books $14.99
Police investigations of murder are often tedious, boring and frustrating, as Det. Anna Travis experiences in this case. When Alan disappears and the bed he shares with his fiancee, Tina, is soaked in blood, police are sure he was murdered and label his fiancee the number one suspect. Only one problem: There is no body. Is it possible that Alan is the actual killer, and he’s running for his life? Anna’s efforts to solve the case are further complicated when her superior, who also is her past lover, is looking over her shoulder.
The AGE OF MIRACLES
By Karen Thompson Walker
Random House Audio $35
One day the earth’s rotation mysteriously begins to slow, and days and nights, continually get longer and longer. The whole world is affected, but we are mostly concerned with the effect on pre-teen, Julia, who really, really, doesn’t need this on top of her boyfriend problems and the erratic behavior of her parents. How does it end: With a bang, or a whimper? I won’t tell. Beautifully read by Emily Janice Card.
LOUISIANA ALMANAC 2012 Edition
Edited by Milburn Calhoun
Pelican Publishing $24.95
It’s as regular as a New Year: the arrival of Publisher Calhoun’s annual compendium, updating all manner of facts and figures for our beloved state. From the tallest buildings, the longest bridges, the hottest elections to the oldest oak trees, which incidentally, are members, and officers, of the Live Oak Society. This is a must-have volume for every Louisiana home library.
The prolific writer John Grisham’s latest novel, “The Racketeer,” draws praise from Gumbo Entertainment Guide columnist Ray Saadi, who says it is an “ingenious novel that’ll have you cheering for the ‘bad guy.'”
“The Racketeer”
“The Hot Country”
“Phantom”
“The Forgiven”
“Blood Line”
“Louisiana Almanac 2012 Edition”
