Bookman's Wake

Rating:
Summary: A "Must Have" for the Mystery Reader
Review: One of those few books that is written by an author at the top of his craft and is a joy to read. The plot is interesting, although somewhat confusing as its multiple layers build up toward the end. The cast of characters were (with few exceptions) memorable, well drawn and believable. Their interplay and dialogue sparkle. Dunning has a gift for advancing the story, and conveying detail, through the character's words; avoiding the lengthy descriptive paragraphs that other authors must use to propel their stories. Worth searching for.

Rating:
Summary: A novel for lovers of Mysteries and of Books in general!
Review: The author maybe isn't as well known as say Dick Francis or Sam Llewelyn, but is similar to them in that he writes this novel giving us insight into the "rare" book trade along with a mystery that will grab you from the 1st page. Ex-cop turned Bookseller Cliff Janeway is a gritty, no-nonsense lover of books and part-time investigator. When asked to "retrieve" a woman known as "Eleanor Rigby" from Seattle for an old acquaintance, it seems like a quick and easy way to make some money to buy more "rare" books. It turns out that Janeway gets alot more than he bargained for! A sequel to his book, "Booked to Die", this novel follows in the same vein of Francis and Llewelyn in that it couples the author's love of books with a incredible mystery. Dick Francis KNOWS horse-racing, Sam Llewelyn KNOWS sail-boats, and John Dunning KNOWS books. All three KNOW mysteries! A must read!!

Rating:
Summary: A novel for lovers of Mysteries and of Books in general!
Review: The author maybe isn't as well known as say Dick Francis or Sam Llewelyn, but is similar to them in thathe writes this novel giving us insight into the "rare" book trade along with a mystery that will grab you from the 1st page. Ex-cop turned Bookseller Cliff Janeway is a gritty, no-nonsense lover of books and part-time investigator. When asked to "retrieve" a woman known as "Eleanor Rigby" from Seattle for an old acquaintance, it seems like a quick and easy way to make some money to buy more "rare" books. It turns out that Janeway gets alot more than he bargained for! A sequel to his book, "Booked to Die", this novel follows in the same vein of Francis and Llewelyn in that it couples the author's love of books with a incredible mystery. Dick Francis KNOWS horse-racing, Sam Llewelyn KNOWS sail-boats, and John Dunning KNOWS books. All three KNOW mysteries! A must read!!

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: The Bookman's Wake is one of the most entertaining stories I've ever read. It's one of those books that makes you want to sit through an entire course of John Dunning by John Dunning. A little history, a little mystery, a little wisdom, and then a lot of passion for books -- all doled out in even, experienced doses. Many thanks to Dunning

Rating:
Summary: An excellent and unusual mystery.
Review: The locale for this mystery is North Bend and Seattle, Washington. The genre is the rare book trade. The theme revolves around a fire, a dead author and a family who wants to keep their skeletons in the closet.

Rating:
Summary: Many redeeming factors . . .
Review: The worst thing I can say about the book is that the mystery itself is pretty convoluted. But, it was a pleasure to learn about the ins and outs of bookmen, dealers, and small press printing. I am sure that the field is fraught with intrigue which provides a natural context for a mystery novel. I also enjoy the fact that Dunning's characters are engaged in an interesting pursuit. In fact, one almost has the feeling of a student as the information about rare book collecting rolls out. I really enjoyed the book

Rating:
Summary: don't waste your time
Review: This book is flawed by dialogue full of cliches, and most of the characters are foul-mouthed. The mystery itself is so convoluted that I lost track of what was going on, lost interest, and only finished the book because I hate leaving one unfinished. I had read Booked to Die and found it to be ok for light entertainment, and the insight into the bookworld was a redeeming factor. Not so with Bookman's Wake. I have got to believe Mr. Dunning can do better than this.

Rating:
Summary: Booksellers should give it away
Review: This book is not only a great story, but it kindles interest in collecting books so much that booksellers should give it away. I have purchased at least 4 books on book collecting since reading it. I only hope more sequels follow

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating facts on books, but sophomoric writing and plot
Review: This book provides some interesting insights and fascinating details on book making but, as a mystery, it's dull and far too long. Dunning takes paragraphs and full pages to describe scenes that could be dealt with in a line or two. If ever there was a book in need of editing it's this one. It seems he's also determined to put in every trite phrase and hard boiled comment he's ever read in the Chandler and Hammett mysteries.

Rating:
Summary: John Dunning's Bookman's Wake
Review: This is a deliciously funny, suspensful book. I couldn't put it down. It is one of the few mysteries that is truely thrilling. I think that Mr. Dunning should write more books