Positive Press

I don’t buy new mysteries most of the time. They cost around $30 for a paperback, and surprisingly, only around $15 for a hardcover. The last book I got new was Michael Connelly’s The Waiting, but that went with a ticket to see the author speak at a bookstore in Marin County.

That event was outstanding, because, Michael Connelly is an upstanding gentleman. He represents his beloved characters well, is intelligent, considerate and brilliant.

His new book Nightshade was somewhat of a mystery to me in itself; a cipher. What would the new series look like? Would Sergeant Stilwell be unique? Would he be interesting? What would be the feel of the books? What was the island setting of Catalina like?

I put the book on hold with my local library. I buy most books used, and read them once they’ve been established, or check them out of the library; this keeps my costs down, as my writing is not the most lucrative enterprise. But for authors like Connelly, I’d be willing to plunk down some serious cash if I was flush.

I’d just finished the atmospheric period piece, Strangers in Time by David Baldacci, a satisfying departure for him, and Her Deadly Game, a near flawless book of mystery, by Robert Dugoni (he’s great, check him out!), and the Connelly entry was not yet available at the library for me.

So I went to my local branch for a book sale, and by chance, spotted Nightshade on the new releases shelf; I’ve come to realize that while the library keeps some reserves of hot new titles aside for holds, they must also have some regular circulating copies, and I’d hit the lottery on that one, and not for the first time.

I immediately checked the book out, and only then did I head to their book sale. A bagful of books for $6 was offered, but I am finicky, and only purchased one: A copy of the Mickey Haller book, The Brass Verdict, also by Connelly. The worn but sturdy paperback was only a dollar, and that was a bargain too good to pass up.

Later in the day, I settled down to dinner with the new Stilwell novel. My wife was having me fend for myself with a meal, something she occasionally does, so I was free to eat and read, but I did so carefully, not wanting to damage the pristine hardcover.

To my delight but not surprise, Connelly has created a very unique and vivid world in Stilwell’s Catalina, replete with interesting characters and intriguing episodes, and I am looking forward to reading more and seeing where the story takes me. Connelly is one of the masters of fiction.