Booked to Die

January 1, 1992
Denver cop and rare book collector Cliff Janeway is introduced in this engrossing whodunit from two-time Edgar nominee Dunning. A sensitive and introspective sort, Janeway chafes in the hard-edged role of law enforcer so often demanded of him. When a down-on-his-luck book scout named Bobby Westfall is murdered, Cliff at first suspects local thug and personal nemesis Jackie Newton. Newton's girlfriend, a victim of physical abuse, makes Cliff more determined than ever to nail Newton. Sensitivity notwithstanding, he goes after his quarry with both fists cocked and both barrels aimed, neglecting any semblance of correct police procedure. This ironic twist shapes the plot as Janeway delves further into his city's antiquarian book trade, whose practitioners display an expertise exceeded only by their greed. Crisp, direct prose and nearly pitch-perfect dialogue enhance this meticulously detailed page-turner. Mystery Guild alternate; paperback rights to Avon.

September 1, 2004
John Dunning's Booked To Die (Scribner. 1992. ISBN 0-684-19383-3. $19.95; pap. Pocket Star. ISBN 0-7434-1065-3. $7.99) is an engrossing but rather nontraditional police procedural starring Denver cop and avid rare books collector Cliff Janeway. Dunning himself owns a Denver bookstore, and his expertise is reflected in the authentic details peppering this story of Janeway's search for the murderer of book scout Bobby Westfall. Janeway combines his police skills with his knowledge of the antiquarian book trade to solve the mystery.

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.