Murder Books

I was impressed at how fast my book arrived, and in what great condition it was in. My grandson and I read it together on weekends!
Keep up the good work!

I love all the Hank books, and this is a great one for the Christmas season. These books are hilarious and more important to the young reader, fun to read. I'd also check the rest of the series.

Author of "Hobo Finds A Home" editor "Of A Predatory Heart"

I love to read hank the cowdog but once I got my security force welcome pack I started reading book #4 imediatly. it was a great book, with coyotes, buzzards, and gangster dogs. It is hillariousy funny, and I bet you will love it


Murder in the Middle Pasture (Hank the Cowdog, 4)

I love to read Hank the Cowdog books by John Erickson. I love to read differnt books. You can learn from them. Hank the Cowdog is a series about a dog on a ranch. He gets in trouble and thinks he is head of the ranch security. In Murder in the Middle Pasture, he runs into cannibals he calls the coyote brothers, Rip and Snort. He always out smarts them. I recommend these books to kids 10/11 years old. If you like dogs and ranches this is the book for you. Well, I love them!

In this fourth installment, Hank the cowdog, is up to his usual hilarious antics. The author uses colorful "Texas ranch lingo" and lets the reader see the world from a cowdog's point of view.

In "Murder in Middle Pasture", Hank faces the task of solving who has killed a calf. As the "Head of Ranch Security", Hank must track down the killers. While "tracking down clues", Hank's adventures include;interogating vultures, getting caught by the "coyote nation" and being on the verge of facing certain death. He also must deal with a pack of stray dogs who are trying to take over the ranch. Of course in the end our hero triumphs. But not until the reader has had alot of laughs along the way. I especially enjoyed reading this book aloud to my 9 year old son. We laughed continuously at Hank's antics. I would highly recommend the "Hank the Cowdog" books.

Barbara Reed weaves an absorbing and entertaining mystery around a glamorous and highly talented jazz singer, Liz Hanlon, who finds herself compelled to solve the shocking murder of her cousin.
The story derives much of its authentic feel from the author's own career as an active - and very talented - vocalist and musician. Those of us in that profession will immediately recognize the witty sarcasms that often pepper Liz's exchanges with her band members (and club managers).
Liz is a sometimes feisty yet sensitive character determined to use her resources, intellect and imagination, to see justice done.
It's an engaging story; if that weren't enough, Barbara offers a CD made up of original musical selections which beautifully serve the story line, and which are terrific music in their own right.
Five stars to the book and five stars to theCD!

Heroine Liz wants to sing and compose, but turns into an investigator when close friends are murdered and she receives messages which indicate she may be the next target. Can she uncover the killer before she follows in their footsteps? Tension and action mark this superbly crafted murder mystery.

Liz Hanlon is one of the most likable and likely mystery book heroine I have ever known. I met the author, Barbara, at a book signing event where she and her band performed as well. Barbara is such an intelligent, nice and charming lady that I almost felt like I met Liz Hanlon in person. And I loved her music! I definitely recommend the soundtrack as well. I cannot wait till the book two comes out so I'm going to read the book one again.

Barbara Reed is a Los Angeles jazz musician with twenty years of experience. High Notes Are Murder is accompanied by a CD of music containing Barbara Reed's original songs.

Liz Hanlon has a steady gig at a Brogino's Bar & Grille. It is one of thousands of such bars in America, where the beer swills, sweaty bodies dance to some underpaid hapless musician, who strives to make a living in the underworld of music. Liz is smart, funny, and is waiting for her big break, when she is called back to Germaine's West on Melrose Avenue. Germaine's can make or break a musician's career, and Liz spent one glorious week performing there with her crack band, but was never called back. Tony Perdusian is a famous booking agent who managed many successful musicians in the 1970's and offers Liz a breakthrough gig at Germaine's. At the same time, Liz's cousin Gina, beautiful femme fatale, surfaces as Tony's latest squeeze.

But Liz has been receiving creepy notes from a stalker. When she finds her cousin Gina dead, her big break starts evaporating before her eyes. She decides to play private eye with the help of an unlikely but brilliant investigator who worked with her brother when it is apparent that the police aren't going to be of much help:

"`Lieutenant, I can't live in a bubble, especially in my line of work. What are you going to do?' Lt. Wahlberg's reply was crisp. `We can't baby-sit you. Stay with friends. I can put a squad car in your neighborhood, but we're understaffed.' `What about the gun permit?' `You can have a registered gun in your home. A permit to carry is not possible.'"

Barbara Reed does a marvelous job of describing today's music scene. She spins a fascinating and plausible tale around Liz, which puts her squarely in the middle of the action. Liz must come to terms with the past in order to understand what is happening to her and to solve the murder. Liz herself is an alluring and enjoyable character whose wisecracks are hilarious, even in the midst of danger. As a fellow musician, this reviewer can attest to the veracity of Barbara Reed's commentary on the collapse of modern music venues for musicians. She knows of which she speaks. Keep those Liz Hanlon stories coming...they're great!

Shelley Glodowski, Reviewer

Recently, I bought a new novel at a book festival in Santa Barbara, CA, by an author I hadn't heard of before, and I so pleasantly surprised I had to share it with other readers. "High Notes Are Murder" is a step-by-step thriller, but Reed has managed to do it with not only suspense, but a bit of humor at the same time. The story is based within the music business, although not that glitzy, over-processed music business you usually see where everyone's a druggie. This is about normal people who strive to make a living with their creativity, and with that in mind, I'd have to say this book a double treat. It has a CD of music with it--the same music that's talked about in the story. So while you're reading about Liz Hanlon stepping on stage and facing hundreds of gaping listeners, you get to hear her sing the actual song in the book. It really was quite a thrill to hear a human voice and know that this was the woman I'd created in my own mind while reading. The story moves briskly through Liz's powerful desire to make music, and it makes you re-think that old saying "be careful what you wish for." She gets a great offer that should propel her into stardome, but it doesn't come cheap. Liz discovers a body at the foot of the stage where the big shows are about to be taped, and following the clues rattles some old family secrets loose. It just could be that Liz's uncle was part of a mob rip off twenty years ago. This news must be exposed if she's to find the killer, and also save her own career opportunity. In the end, she does it with class. I find myself really liking this woman, identifying with her really, and hoping the next book in the series was out already.

I have used other planned party products before, and found them very constrictive. This is nothing like those. It is much more fun. What is great about this book is that it gives you choices - you can lean on the fab ideas in the book, but you also gain the tools and the confidence to make your own party. A great book for everyone who loves throwing parties with a twist.

I found this book to be extremely entertaining reading. I will be having a Murder Mystery Party this year for sure. I am also thinking of buying a few for gifts for my closest friends and family. This is a original gift idea especially for the avid party throwers!

This is definitely the best book to read if you ever thought about throwing a Murder Mystery Party. And if you don't know what a Murder Mystery Party is, this is a must read. Joseph Franco has done an incredible job explaining this stuff.

I've gone to several Murder Mystery parties, and they're always a blast. Even if you've never hosted a party--or if you're not very good at it--Mr. Franco walks you through the process of creating a Murder Mystery step by step. If you're tired of the same ol' parties week after week, year after year, buy this book and shake things up. Your friends will thank you.

I've read Mr. Franco's book and I'm excited about hosting my first Murder Mystery Party. There are tons of ideas and suggestions and lots of help with getting started and personalizing your party. A must to own and a great gift.

In San Francisco, theatre producer Charley Fairfax and her spouse private investigator Jack meet Morgan Stokes, CEO of Zadkan, for lunch. Before the meal Charley pleads with Jack not to take a case involving computer geeks like Stokes. Ignoring his beloved Jack agrees to investigate who murdered his fiancée Clara Chen the firm's brilliant Vice President of Client Knowledge (a more interactive technical support cell).

Charley persuades Jack to let her go undercover as an employee at Zadkan though his heiress wife cannot use a computer beyond turning on the CPU and monitor. However, even though she does speak the vernacular of the office, everyone assumes she is a genius though no one knows at what. When someone tries to kill her, Jack panics; when their families talk about infants Jack goes into cardiac arrest, but never loses sight of keeping Charley safe while uncovering a killer who has murdered again.

Mindful of a modern day Thin Man due to the interplay between high society Charley and cynical Jack, HOW TO SUCCEED IN MURDER is a fine investigative tale. The whodunit is cleverly devised as the audience will wonder who the culprit and why. However, this fun mystery belongs to the newlyweds and the eccentric theatrical cast who turns Jack upside down and flattens Nob Hill.

Harriet Klausner

I very much enjoyed this second outing by Margaret Dumas. All the gang is back and having even more fun than the last time.

I stayed up late reading this book--I really enjoyed reading this mystery set in San Francisco, the second in the series. It's funny, especially the Flank character, and makes you wish you had such a cool and close-knit group of friends as Charley does. While you're reading it, you feel part of that fun group.

Margaret Dumas has given us an unlikely sleuth in Charley, the ultra-rich, ultra-bright and ultra-funny repertory theater madam whose adventures and line-up of delectable characters start with her sexy, if mysterious, husband, Jack. When murder strikes, then again and yet again, among the characters who comprise ZAKDAN, a high-tech company, Jack and his "firm" are hired to investigate. Enter Charley and her unlikely cohorts who must join in; they go undercover, bluffing their way into the organization as "experts." After all, some of them are actors or wanna-be's. Romping over the San Francisco landscape, drinking lots and eating California-style as SF demands, our heroine and her trusty team eventually find enlightenment in the midst of car crashes, death in the steam room and consults in the empty-except-for-the-bed mansion that Charley and Jack have bought. Roller blading throughout is a techie wizard of a 10 year old who helps to tie it all up.
The second in what is to be a long series, HOW TO SUCCEED IN MURDER amounts to a fun read of the nicest order.

This book continues the adventures of Charley and her friends on a fun mission that is a great addition to "Speak Now." Readers new to Charley need not worry, you can jump right in with this one; but it will be more fun if you have read the first book. Guys, don't be afraid of the mention of "chick-lit" - this is just a great read! I hear there are plans for more books in this series - I can't wait!

Scott Kaufman writes with an exactness and an eloquence that only a background in legal training, coupled with astute observation of human nature, can produce. The characters draw us to them, or repulse us, in either case, they provoke a reaction. As exciting as a roller-coaster ride, this novel is of the highest order in legal suspense writing.

Highly recommended!

Scott Kauffman is a brillant writer, I couldn't put the book down! I will be first in line to buy his next book. Highly recommended.

I adored this book, insightful, brilliant a heart breaker. Cant wait for his next novel

If you like a deep thinking and deep feeling thriller, this is it. I was surprised at the quality of the writing and the imagery. Very insightful. Spins, relates, and teaches at the same time. No doubt this was taken from the author's real life background. The character development is gripping. The locations as if you were there. Stunned that this is his first novel. I am sure there will be more.

Attorney Calvin Samuels left the prosecutor's office to become a public defender in the hopes that he could make a difference in the lives of some of his clients. He takes a particular interest in John Rogers, who could have done hard times for theft as this was his second offense; Calvin cajoled a credible witness into testifying that Rogers was sincere in going straight, attending college classes while waiting for the judge's ruling.. He gets probation, but soon after Rogers is found with two bullets in his head and eyes burned out by a cigarette lighter.

Feeling he let down his friend John by not staying in touch, Calvin vows to provide the best defense possible for Mark Alexander, on trial for murder. He travels all over the state interviewing potential witnesses and family members of the people his client is accused of killing. The most damning evidence comes from Mark's ex-wife Allison Morris who will testify for the prosecution. After seeing her and others, Calvin begins to question whether his client committed murder including the killing of a mutual acquaintance, John Rogers.

Scott Kauffman has written an exciting legal thriller in which the public defender uses his own time and money to track down witnesses and learn the truth; Calvin goes the extra marathon for his clients. The two prime cases (that of Rogers and Alexander) that make up the story line are fast-paced and a thrill to follow as Calvin's idealism and work ethic pushes him to be all that he can be and more. Readers will appreciate this dedicated defense attorney and feel for him when he begins to have doubts about Alexander's innocence.

Harriet Klausner

Take this one to the beach but put on a lot of sun screen before you go. The plot will grab you and the afternoon and pages will fly by. Wall does a great job of keeping the narrative moving while evoking the beauty and unique culture of the coastal South Carolina lowcountry.

Arriving on the island (Hilton Head) for one of my quarterly visits, I stopped at the book store and was attracted to the "Local Authors" table. I picked up In for a Penny and took it to my villa.

I got so involved in the plot, and taken by recognizing the settings, that I read well into the night and straight through the next day. I enjoyed everything about this book, including the wonderful quotes from Bartlett's.

On day 3 I went back to the book store and bought the second in the series. I did force myself to do things in addition to reading for the remainder of my stay, but I am now hooked and will savor reading all of the Bay Tanner mysteries.

Excellent plot with interesting characters! This is a great mystery with lots of twists and turns - has excellent and accurate descriptions of the South Carolina coast and its people. A great "beach" read, perfect for anyone who loves a good mystery or wants to escape in an engrossing story...

The package had arrived by the time I got home from work on Friday. I tore into the package and then tore into the book. Didn't stop until I finished on Saturday! The book may be called "In for a penny", but you will be "In" for a great read!

In for a Penny was a good solid read with well-drawn characters that had believable relationships between them. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Mr. Arthur Miller is a personal friend of mine and for as long as I have known him he has been telling me this story of his connnection to Emmett Till and how it has affected his life. So to now see it in a book for public consumption is really a beautiful thing. His perspective is a very unique one but this book also shows the many other parts that contributed to the Civil Rights Movement that isn't being taught in school. This book should be required reading in every public high school in America. Our children need to know who came before them so they can appreciate what they have now. Thank you Arthur Miller.

This book included the ugliness and the beauty of growing up poor to middle class and black in America. It reminded me of the burden placed upon black people to carry your race.
Most black parents that I knew said the same thing to there children, Don't embrassed your people, meaning black people. Thanks Art Miller I truly enjoyed your Journey to Chatham.

This book puts a personal perspective on an event that touched many and helped spark a movement. Set in a time and place in which all the children in the neighborhood "belonged to" all the adults in the neighborhood, the story illustrates the way the sense of innocent safety Black children in Chicago enjoyed was robbed from them when Emmett "Bo" Till was murdered. Documenting a community founded on love and trust, the story indicts the community based on hatred and fear that allowed Emmett to be killed and his murderers to go free. Simple and beautiful in its language, the book speaks appropriately to children as clearly as to adults. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the way an individual, a family, a neighborhood, and a whole people were affected by that single, horrible event.

This writer, who evidently grew up at a very interesting time. Tells a story about America. An America that I was unfamiliar with. I forgot that the people, and the neighborhood were Black. This is an All-American story that all Americans should read. We can all be stronger and better if we heed the words of the author.

An important and insightful book, that take the reader to a new place of compassion and agony. It's more than a story of Emmett Till's death but a honest reflection of a part of our disonorable history. More than a good read it's a necessary read.

Since my son is taking a course at Cornell Summer College from Professor Brumberg, I thought I would read one of her books to get an idea of how she thinks and writes (a gross generalization that often works for me). I expected a scholarly but dry account of 15-year-old murderer, Charley Miller. I did not expect a dramatic and compelling historical novel that rivals today's best books. "Kansas Charlie," is extremely well researched and written in a simple, direct and contemporary style. Although she attempts to be fair and objective, it's obvious that Professor Brumberg wrote this novel to advance her own unarguably poignant point-of-view regarding juvenile justice and how little progress has been made since the Victorian Age. But, who can blame her when political maneuvering rather than an interest in solving an important social issue often blunts real progress? I'm certain my 16-year-old son is in extremely good hands.

Well Researched book for a murder case by a juvenile back in the 1890's that can be easilly related to cases that happen today. This story of Kansas Charley is well written and a sad situation where a child that could not find a place in society had slipped through the cracks of the government that should of protected him.

Kansas Charlie's life is a great reality check for someone who's read too many Horatio Alger books. I read this book very quickly. Dr. Brumberg tells the story well - the prose is lean and engaging, the historical details are perfect. (I can imagine a movie or documentary of this book). The book stayed with me long after I read it. What's remarkable is how little has changed in the last 110 years. Troubled, impulsive boys with access to guns still kill. Prosecutors' and politicians' desire for the death penalty for juvenile murderers is still politically motivated.

Kansas Charley is a fascinating book which ably combines American social and cultural history, developmental psychology, and legal studies. The book traces the story of an orphaned yboy who descends into impoverished and desperate circumstances. He ends up killing two other youths and is ultimately put to death. Kansas Charley recounts this history, but does more. The book paints a fascinating picture of 19th century social life and places Charley in context. It also does an excellent job of connecting modern day attitudes towards juvenile crime and punishment with their historical roots. This book is very timely given current debates over the fate of Lee Boyd Malvo and other children who kill. I'm a professor of U.S. cultural history and think this is a wonderful addition to the scholarship on the history of childhood and the history of American social life.

The simple title, "Kansas Charlie", belies what's between the cover of this scholarly, but extremely emotional saga. It is a sad tale that has vast implications for what we see a century later. Dr. Brumberg doggedly followed the trail of Charles Miller, accurately depicting the many stages of his personal tragedy. As a pediatrician and an advocate for children, there were times during my reading when I wanted to jump into the story and offer my help to this unfortunate youth. The author descriptively takes us back to a setting where the reader could easily say, "That was then...". Her arguement is persuasive enough where we could say, "Things haven't changed so much..."
The dockets in our juvenile courts are still full.
Despite this being a truly heinous crime, the conflict between political force and progressive social movements determined Charlie's fate. True to her profession as a historian, Dr. Brumberg succeeds very well in time transport for her readers, permitting them to gauge whether or not we've come very far in how we regard children. This is very readable history and very few readers will walk away from it without a strong opinion about juvenile justice.

The Kindaichi Case Files is one of my favorite manga series. I have tried to read other mystery mangas but none of them can stand up to the intrigue of Kindaichi's Case Files. Kindaichi is a really down to earth laid back guy who has a very high IQ and knack for noticing the small details nobody else sees. One of the greatest things about this manga is the fact that there are clues to solving the case in the drawings. So if you look carefully enough you maybe able to find the casebreaker before Kindaichi does. Compare that to other mystery mangas where you really have no idea what's going on until the main character reveals the solution. With every case, you will notice your ability to solve the cases begin to improve. This is one of the few mangas that will exercise your mind as well as entertain you.

Personally, I believe this is one of the best detectives book I've read. There are so many little details that the main character points out that it's amazing! If you're the type that loves both manga and mystery this is highly recommended

I am a long time fan of Kindaichi and I am thrilled to see that it is finally available in English from Tokyo Pop! The series was very popular in Japan spawning a 50+ episode anime series, 2 animated movies, 2 live action TV series, a live action movie, 2 series of manga, novels, bilingual comics, english novels(printed in Japan), as well as loads of special editions and merchandise!

*ahem*

Hajime Kindaichi is the grandson of the famous Japanese detective Kousuke Kindaichi, a popular fiction character(much like Sherlock Holmes) who was popular in 70's and 80's. Kindaichi is a genius, especially when it comes to solving difficult crimes. Miyuki Nanase is Hajime's oldest friend and she often accompanies him on his adventures.

Each Kindaichi story is a murder mystery(often serial murder) where the murders are carried out in a seemingly impossible way. Kindaichi puts the clues together and finds the link between the victims until he figures out who the murderer is. Then, usually, he tricks the murderer into giving himself(or herself!) away.

Volume 1 "The Opera House Murders" is the tale of Fudo High's drama club who take a trip to an island to prepare for the drama competition in the wake of the suicide of their best actress. One by one, members of the drama club are being murdered in ways that mimic the play they are rehearsing, The Phantom of the Opera. After the first murder all lines of communication with the outside world are cut by a vicious storm and the fact that someone has cut the line on the boat.
I won't say anymore because I don't want to spoil the mystery......

As with all Tokyo Pop titles the print quality is lacking, but for the price there is no sense in complaining. The translation isn't as smooth as it could be. Some of the truly beautiful prose found in both the original Japanese and the bilingual editions are lost. Sometimes the dialogue is choppy and the jokes don't translate well, but overall it isn't a bad translation. One nice thing about the TP editions is the fact that each book is one self contained mystery. The mysteries in the original editions often spanned 2 or 3 smaller books.

Kindaichi is a wonderful read. I loaned my bilingual editions to all of my friends and everyone, male and female, anime fans and otherwise, enjoyed them.

I highly reccomend this to fans of manga and anime, as well as fans of mysteries. Even if you don't normally read mystery stories(like me) give Kindaichi a try. You'll probably enjoy it.

Another plus of these books is the fact that they have a great repeat factor - after the mystery is solved it's fun to read them again and look for the clues(which are there!) that point to the killer!

Just for fun: There is a sequel to this particular storyline. The first animated Kindaichi movie(not currently available R1) is "Return to Hotel Opera" and it draws heavily on the events of this storyline and further explores the past tragedy of the owner. The animated movie is based off a Japanese Kindaichi novel(which is quite a bit better than the animated film - they changed many things in the anime) which is avialable in both Japanese and English, though you may have a tough time finding the English edition outside of Japan.

I stumbled apon this accedentily, sorry for spelling, on the Tokyopop web site. I read the plot and fell in love. I am a HUGE fan of manga and murder mysteries so I got it and I LOVE it it's an amazing manga!!! You also get some major BANG for your BUCK, It's over two hundred paged and only [$$$] which is god for a manga. I can't wait for the rest to come out I promise you I'll buy them all. And if the anime series coems out I'll but that too :)!!

I love mystery, novel or manga. Kindaichi series is one of the greatest Mystery I have ever read along with Agatha's Ten Little Indian and Edogawa Rampo's Japanese Tales of Mystery and Imagination. The English version seems pretty accurated. The only question I have is How many cases TokyoPop planned to release? So far, it seems like they will release 12; however, I remember they are much more than that. I'm not remember exactly how many since it've been awhile since I read them, and the serie end couple years ago. I think the manga serie alone has at lease 19 full cases and some shorter cases.
After this manga serie end, the creator also created another manga serie I don't remember the name, I think it's Dun, Detective School or something along that line. The serie has the same theme and feeling as Kindaichi series, althought I don't like it as much. I hope TokyoPop will bring it here for manga fan in US to enjoy also.

What a wonderful book! In addition to being a terrifically exciting story, Jackson, the author, vividly creates a sense of time and place. One is transported to America at the turn of the century - a period of transition and change in which Frank Grigware, the protagonist, is innocently and irreparably caught. This book succeeds on every level. Outstanding!

I picked this book up on a whim and once started I couldn't put it down. It is a great true story of the real old west. Young men seeking adventure, train robbers, unjust imprisonmemnt, daring escapes and more. You should really give this one a try!

I cannot recommend this book highly enough! I loved every single page, and I hated to see it end. (For me, that's rare.) Action, adventure, excitement, and suspense...all set in, to quote the book's subtitle, "the vanishing west."

Well worth the money and well worth reading. In fact, I think I'll read it a second time.

In 1906, the twenty year old Frank Grigware announced to his family that he was going to see the world. They had been living in eastern Washington for years, and he wanted to see more of the West than Spokane. His mother understood completely; it is not an uncommon occurrence for a young man to want to roam before settling down to respectable ways. He hooked up with his best friend Frank Golden, and they figured they would do some prospecting in northern Idaho. A tough life loomed, but Grigware had no idea that he would as a result be accused and convicted of a crime he did not commit, incarcerated in the toughest prison in existence, escape from the prison, and remain on the lam from his country for the rest of his life. The astonishing story of Grigware's life is told in _Leavenworth Train: A Fugitive's Search for Justice in the Vanishing West_ (Carroll & Graf) by Joe Jackson, who shows that Grigware was guilty of nothing but naïveté when he associated with train robbers. He was, however, found as guilty as the rest of them, and a quick decision gave all the defendants life imprisonment, at Leavenworth, the first US federal penitentiary.

It was only six months into his sentence that Grigware, who the prisoners could tell was not really one of them, was let in on an escape by four other prisoners. Using the classic ploy of threatening with guns skillfully crafted of wood from one of the shops and blackened with shoe polish, they hijacked a train that regularly supplied the prison. Grigware was the only one not captured quickly, and for the next 24 years was one of America's most wanted men. The trail was long cold, even after President Woodrow Wilson commuted the sentence of the other robbers because the evidence in the case was so lacking. The FBI refused to back down, and it spied on members of Grigware's family, which was sadly fractured by his escape. Grigware in sorrow knew he could communicate with none of them, but set up a respectable life in Canada, becoming a Canadian citizen and a well-liked member of the community of Jasper, Alberta. He was not found until 1934, and what happened afterwards is of great charm. There was a groundswell of Canadian public opinion against any sort of extradition; even the game warden circulated a petition. The mild Grigware had made many friends, and he was the sort of reliable citizen Canadians wanted. Grigware's wife (who had not known of his past), when the press reported her simple statement, "Nothing will ever break up our home," made up the minds of any Canadians that had doubts on the issue. It became an international incident, and a clash of redemptive versus retributive justice.

Grigware was reunited with his family, which had long thought him dead; the meeting with his aging mother could not have been sweeter. But he could not return with her to the US, nor return for her funeral. President Roosevelt waived extradition, but no pardon was ever issued, so if he ever came back to the US, he could land right in Leavenworth again. That result would seem preposterous as the decades went by, but in 1957, J. Edgar Hoover was still sending out directives that insisted that agents monitor Grigware's relatives in case he were to show up. Every FBI memo issued about him screamed that HE WOULD KILL OR BE KILLED RATHER THAN BE RECAPTURED, a rumor that had arisen in 1911 and which still headlined Hoover's directives about Grigware, who was then seventy-one years old. This exciting and frustrating story, crammed with period detail, reminds us that courts are not always right and that as much justice as was available in this case came from the hearts of ordinary women and men.

Veteran Virginia crime journalist Jackson strips bare a capricious justice system as "the servant of time and place and ambition." In that, this book is a philosophical sequel to his Pulitzer-nominated "Dead Run," a contemporary exploration of Death Row.

Jackson is an immensely appealing writer and a graceful reporter. "Leavenworth Train" is meticulously documented, but the engaging narrative flows seamlessly. Grigware was dead long before Jackson took up his story, but the haunted fugitive comes alive in these absorbing pages, a headlong flight into justice and mercy.