Massachusetts Books

I was just looking for a quick mystery to read but got much more. Being from Boston I was intrigued by the setting of the book [Boston] and while reading it I enjoyed recognizing places I know well. Only someone who knows both the city and it's crime could write about it this accurately. I was also impressed with the easy humor that Johnny Barnes incorporates into the dialog. The dialog flows easily and naturally and some of the best laughs come at some of the tensest moments. [as all good laughs do!] Written before the much touted book MYSTIC RIVER, by Dennis Lehane,[another local boy] DEAD MEN TALK, has the same quality characters and real life setting. They both posess an ability to write from inside the different characters heads, not just the lead character. In my opionion this book [as stated on the back cover] could easily be translated into film.
I recently read an article about the author and it stated that he has completed a second book titled, SLEEP WHEN I'M DEAD which continues the saga of lead character Jack Kelly. I will definetly read it. Johnny Barnes obviously is able to write and having been in police work for over 20 years adds all the authenticity one needs to write a good murder mystery. My only complaint was that it could have been longer because the characters were enjoyable. Hope there's lots more Jack Kelly to come!

The story opens with Asey trying to avoid one of cousin Jenny's friends until the woman shows up with a 22 rifle. Then he wants to know why. It's early 1940's war time, the women are organizing themselves into the Women's League to Defend America at all Costs with Action. Asey, of course, opposes the whole idea of women running around with firearms and tells them to return the assorted weapons that they've gathered. But then, he's shot at as he heads off to the Yacht Club and once there, he finds a woman guest has been poisoned. She'd called and wanted to talk to him too. He's off detecting with some help from a reporter and his pretty young illustrator AND the local housewives with their guns. They've decided he might be doing defense work and needs protection. Sometimes their efforts are rather ineffective, such as when one of these gals with a gun doesn't recognize him, but other times they prove to be a Godsend. There are bits here and there that are laugh out loud funny.
Everyone is obsessed with listening to the radio for war news, there's a second poisoning, but as always Asey manages to sort it all out and even relents about women bearing arms.
Not Atwood Taylor at her very best, but still an entertaining read.

As a first in the Merry Folger series, this book provided all the great elements of a classic mystery: developed characters, suspense & a puzzle to gnaw your teeth on. The death of Peter Mason's brother draws detective Merry Folger into a relationship with the bog owner, providing a touch of romance woven into the web of mystery. The characters are so well written, without being sentimental, that by the end of the book, you feel they live next door - you want to know what happens next in their lives. The mystery itself rates with the best of them, and the setting of Nantucket is so well written, you'll want to be on the next ferry - but not without someone watching your back!

as the Massachusetts ratification of the Constitution was pivotal as went the subsequent states deciding the issue. As it was, the Constitution was only ratified by 19 votes; but were it not for John Hancock's extreme vanity, and greed, it most likely would not have been ratified.

_Caveat_: As this is a reprint of the 1856 volume, it is not possible that it cites to the books listed on this page as being cited to. Who puts this database together?

This is a book detailing the entire history of a Boston neighborhood I lived in for 5 years ('89-'94). And...it's good! It's well-written, comprehensive, & thoroughly researched.

The point of the book was how the neighborhood rebounded after degenerating into one of the worst & most notorious housing projects in the country. Due to a few local businessmen dedicated to their home city & a team of local community leaders (strong-willed housewives & grandmothers, mainly), the neglected, miserable-looking brick buildings were eradicated (along with the tainted "Columbia Point" name) & smartly-designed townhouses & apartment complexes took their place. The key to it all was the fusing of considerable private funds (the local businessmen) with state & federal funds to create an attractive profit-generating mixed-income developement that would appeal to professionals while at the same time treating the poorer long-time residents as equal partners in community decisions. In addition, because of all the funding, the landscaping was greatly improved, a private security force was created, and amenities like tennis courts, a gym, & a pool were added. And as a result, Harbor Point WAS a decent place to live.

Brilliant!

Why can't ALL housing projects be redone like this?

This book is easy to read, unlike many family histories and genealogies. Mr Cummings has researched every nook & cranny of the Comins Family, even to having DNA tests done with willing male descendants.
It is more than worth the money you will pay for it!!
As one of the Family, I appluad Abbott L Cummings skill and diligence in putting together an excellent history from a mish-mash of previous (most with errors) researchers.
I'll be buying other books by this author, as will many other relatives!
ks

This was an interesting book which explains much more than who did what. It takes the time to discuss each individual so that you may better understand the phenomenon of the trials as a whole. It helps you understand how a few bored, dowarless girls could manipulate an entire town.

Disaster in Lawrence: The Fall of the Pemberton Mill is a fascinating book about the little-known collapse of one of the major mills in late 19th century Massachusetts that resulted in the deaths of many workers, including young children put to work to support immigrant families. The tragedy is the tremendous loss of life when women and children were forced by poverty to work long hours six days a week for wealthy mill owners. Occurring in the Robber Baron era of the late 19th century, the disaster is movingly brought to life by Oickle 's amazingly detailed account. The book includes loads of illustrations from contemporary sources--I found it very sad but compelling reading and highly recommend it to those who love history and anyone interested in social justice as well as those who just enjoy a good read.

Discovering America is a fascinating account of one woman's growth in political awareness.It is a personal memoir that transcends the personal, branching out to become an incisive analysis of important events in recent American history. Intensely involved with a number of causes--civil rightd, women's rights, labor issues,anti-war activities--Mary Wentworth has written a book that displays both clarity and passion, a rare combination.

My husband grew up in Dorchester, MA, and has remained close with his childhood friends over 55+ years. We've had a party for the "Guys" and their gals, just after Labor Day, for the past several years. The theme for 2001 was "Dorchester". We always give out goodie bags and last year's main item was Anthony Mitchell Sammarco's book "Images of America - Dorchester". Our son had given my husband that book on his birthday the year before and he really loved it. I can't tell you how pleased our friends were when they received the same book in their gift bag. They sat around looking through them and reminiscing about places they used to know like the stores, homes, schools, churches and parks. We even had a quiz on the old neighborhood awarding prizes to the top three winners. Next month my high school, Roslindale High School, is holding their 45th reunion. For the door prize we are giving a copy of Anthony's book "Images of America - "Roslindale", which I am anxious to see myself. Hopefully, it will arrive on time. There are many books in the Images of America series of cities and towns all over our country. I'm thrilled the towns where my husband and I grew up were chosen as "Image" worthy. Well done Mr. Sammarco and thank you!