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barbaravb's review against another edition
3.0
From now on, I'm only buying a book if it's a first edition. This novel has opened my eyes!
shammons's review against another edition
3.0
I picked this book up a while back at a library sale. I had this on my list to check out of the library, as it is the first in a series of murder mysteries. Denver cop, Cliff Janeway, knows as much about books as he does about being a police officer. A case he is working on escalates and he ends up resigning his police job and opening a bookstore on Denver's Book Row. The story follows both his progression from one profession to another, as well as the murder mystery we are introduced to in the very beginning (as well as other murders along the way!) I must admit, I didn't figure all of this one out, so I enjoyed the twists and turns along the way. It took me a bit to "get into" this book and the characters, but I did end up enjoying it. I might look for more in this series in the future, although I'll use my local library and not purchase them from now on :)
branwynnemay's review against another edition
3.0
I loved being driven around Denver with this classic 1940's-style detective. Learning about bookscouting was interesting~ I hadn't known anything at all about it.
lumbermouth's review against another edition
3.0
Eh. Interesting plot and topic, but kind of weirdly written. Did I miss something? Why were the last few chapters so weird?
wemedgeway's review against another edition
4.0
Listened to this on Audible… Father’s Day trip to pick up the twins in Seymour, Texas.
Slightly corny and too many cliches, but it’s hard to beat books about books. Looking forward to the next one.
Slightly corny and too many cliches, but it’s hard to beat books about books. Looking forward to the next one.
therealbookaholic's review against another edition
4.0
I love all of Dunnings books. He writes mysteries which center around the lives of those who are involved in the book business of some sort or another. Perfect for an addict like me.
indio_ink's review
4.0
I didn't like the main character at first-- too much of a caricature of the private dick in film noir movies-- but twists in the middle and second part of the novel changed all that"","" redeeming the whole story.
crafalsk264's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Cliff Janeway has been a cop for 10 years with a very expensive and complicated hobby—collecting rare books. As a detective he is assigned to the murder of Bobby the book scout who had recently left hints around that implied he had a “find” that would surprise everyone. Janeway is also juggling a long term feud with a career criminal bully named Jackie Newton. Newton attracts his dog and his date on a day when Janeway is trying to interview him regarding Bobby’s murder. When Jackie’s date, Barbara, turns to Janeway for protection, things begin to heat up resulting in Janeway bullying the bully. When the inevitable complaint comes, Janeway resigns and begins to become a book dealer.
Janeway leaves the force and opens a rare book store. Now he is managing space renovation, gathering stock, hiring employees, and dead bodies which crop up on a regular basis.
I have been aware of this series for years but never read any of Dunning’s work. But I like this one so I plan to read the next soon. The plot line was interesting the characters were enjoyable so I would recommend to mystery fans.
cfc's review against another edition
3.0
Only a devout bibliomaniac will love this mystery, which kind of falls flat at the end. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it.
innae's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this first installment of the Cliff Janeway series. I think I liked it better after he left the force. The whole story had a bit of the old noir style, very Philip Marlowe. I loved the atmosphere being the Denver Metro, made it kind of fun to read about places that are real (and imagined? I think?) I look forward to book #2.