First edition as new

I discovered Dunning’s books twenty to thirty years ago. I tried to read all his books as they came out. Too long ago to recall which I actually read. That means even if I read them now its like the first time.
This story about a childhood friend of Erin’s being accused of murder and Janeway’s evolvement in her defense explores a small Colorado mountain town and the challenges of a young man who is an autistic savant artist. Clever character development from the kindly old small town lawyer to the stupid mean deputy who enjoy’s being a bully. Plenty of unexpected twists to keep the pages turning. ( )

I expected more from this book, I think -- the idea that a retired police officer sells antique books gave me hope for an interesting plot, but this one I did not find appealing. The characters were predictable, and while there a couple of interesting plot twists, they were also a bit too deus ex machina. ( )

[This is a review I wrote in 2007]

** More great work from the book detective Cliff Janeway**

The fourth book in the Cliff Janeway "bookman" series from John Dunning, and they are still running strong. I can't recommend them enough for all book people - collector's, dealers, and anyone interested in the incredible prices books sometimes fetch at auction! - my word of advice, don't take them too seriously!

This series is to be read and enjoyed for what they are - a detective crime series with quite a lot of a "bookish" twist. John Dunning (a bookseller himself for many years) writes superbly and draws you straight into the plot - you might find yourself running to keep up!

In "The Sign of the Book", Cliff finds he just can't resist his girlfriend's (hot-shot lawyer, Erin) request for him to go and check out the books (and the murder scene) of her ex-best-friend's late husband, and Erin's ex-boyfriend. Erin's estranged childhood friend has been accused of the murder and Erin's not too sure if she wants to get involved. The twist to the tale lies in the intricacy of telling genuine signed books from the fakes... and it's good to see that Cliff's human after all in this book - he doesn't always get it right...

Start with book one, "Booked to Die"; then "The Bookman's Wake" & "The Bookman's Promise". You won't regret it. ( )

A solid addition to the Janeway series - I didn't figure it out till almost the end. I liked the stronger focus on book selling inside information than some of the other books but it was a strong mystery as well. Recommend the series. ( )