MYSTERY CASSETTE

Rating:
Summary: Blue Rose part 2
Review: Tom Pasmore is the central focus in Peter Straub's second Blue Rose book, "Mystery". It is just that; a very multi-layered intricate murder mystery surrounding a family on a small island in the Caribbean. During the middle 1960s, 17-year-old Tom is very curious about the murder of a woman who is rumored to be a local politcian's mistress. After that, he is approached by local excentric Lamont von Heilitz to help with the murder of Tom's own sister years before. Soon afterward Tom is sent to Wisconsin by his grandfather and begins investigating a murder up there many years before. Without giving too much away, all these murders are connected. This was a great book, even though I read "The Throat" first by mistake and already knew what the outcome was. But that hardly mattered; it was the details that was so fascinating. Tom Pasmore and Lamont von Heilitz (who is claimed to be the basis for 'The Shadow', the popular radio show at that time) seem very well drawn out, and I liked them both a lot. The only down point is the other characters, they are very one dimentional and shallow. But that is okay. The story and murders are very interesting, it will keep you turning the pages until the very end.

Rating:
Summary: Blue Rose part 2
Review: Tom Pasmore is the central focus in Peter Straub's second Blue Rose book, "Mystery". It is just that; a very multi-layered intricate murder mystery surrounding a family on a small island in the Caribbean. During the middle 1960s, 17-year-old Tom is very curious about the murder of a woman who is rumored to be a local politcian's mistress. After that, he is approached by local excentric Lamont von Heilitz to help with the murder of Tom's own sister years before. Soon afterward Tom is sent to Wisconsin by his grandfather and begins investigating a murder up there many years before. Without giving too much away, all these murders are connected. This was a great book, even though I read "The Throat" first by mistake and already knew what the outcome was. But that hardly mattered; it was the details that was so fascinating. Tom Pasmore and Lamont von Heilitz (who is claimed to be the basis for 'The Shadow', the popular radio show at that time) seem very well drawn out, and I liked them both a lot. The only down point is the other characters, they are very one dimentional and shallow. But that is okay. The story and murders are very interesting, it will keep you turning the pages until the very end.

Rating:
Summary: a truly beautiful and amazing story
Review: Tom's childhood was far from perfect, but he was one of the lucky few who had a magical life. If you are one of those of us who feel that our childhoods were some how magical, you will love this book. Stunningly mature, beautifully written, and shockingly surprising, you will want to read this over and over. I read it until the thing fell apart.
Tom grows up on an island where society is what life centers around. When his eyes become opened after a life threatening accident, he is plunged head first into one of the most startingly mysteries ever known, including a mystery of his own life.
This is one of my all-time favorite books. Do yourself a favor and read this. It will stay with you forever.