Xpress Reviews-The First Look at New Books
Jul 2, 2010The week ending July 2, 2010
Fiction | Nonfiction | Graphic Novels
Fiction
Collins, Max Allan. Quarry's Ex. Hard Case Crime: Dorchester. Sept. 2010. c.208p. ISBN 978-0-8439-6329-8. pap. $7.99. MYST
Following the pattern set in Quarry in the Middle, the hilarious hitman approaches B-movie director Arthur Stockwell, who has had a contract put on him, and offers to eliminate the assassin and whomever generated it-for some serious coin, of course. The twist (there's always one) is that Stockwell's current wife is Quarry's unfaithful ex-the one that drove him into a life of hired murder, and Quarry doesn't want her becoming collateral damage (he might like the pleasure of whacking her out himself). Add to the mix a secretly gay leading man, a former Playboy centerfold lead actress who'll get on her knees for anyone who can advance her career, and a top-level wiseguy financier posing as her mentor/love interest (he's in the closet, too) and things get cooking. The usual gratuitous sex and violence are more subdued here, but the laugh-out-loud humor flows freely-these books are a hoot!
Verdict Full-throttle paced, Quarry's Ex is another perfect beach/vacation/commuter page-turner. Grab it!-Mike Rogers, LJX/LJ
Hubbard, Susan. The Season of Risks: An Ethical Vampire Novel. S. & S. Jul. 2010. c.480p. ISBN 978-1-4391-8342-7. pap. $14. FANTASY
As a child born of a vampire father and human mother, precocious 15-year-old Ariella (Ari) Montero is a rarity in the vampire world. She continues her romance with youthful presidential candidate Neil Cameron. Humans are ignorant of the existence of vampires, but Cameron hopes to bring the vampire and human worlds together, which cannot be accomplished until he is elected to office. Ari's life has not always been an easy one. Only recently has she found her mother and been able to establish a close relationship. She has also suffered the horror of losing two friends to murder. Adding to her problems, Ari has become the target of a vicious identity theft scheme.
Verdict Vivid characters and deft plotting make this an excellent third addition to the "Ethical Vampire" series (after The Society of S and The Year of Disappearances). To best understand the characters and their motivations the books should be read in order. For paranormal and vampire fiction fans.-Patricia Altner, Columbia, MD
Hyland, Adrian. Gunshot Road. Soho Crime. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-1-56947-636-9. $25. M
The unforgettable and appropriately named Emily Tempest is back after debuting in the Ned Kelly Award-winning Moonlight Downs. She has been appointed an Aboriginal community police officer, an unusual assignment for the irreverent Emily, who often feels compassion for those on the other side of the law! When an old geologist dies, Emily alone is suspicious about his death. She bravely confronts her superiors, who see her more useful for making tea than as a serious homicide investigator. The Australian outback is an intriguing and bewildering setting where Emily's half-Aboriginal lineage enables her to read the people and landscape. Hyland, who knows and loves the area, writes with both quick wit and poetical beauty. Outstanding description, dialog, and diverse characters, along with an understanding of the clash of cultures and frustration with aspects of the Aboriginal life, make fascinating reading and minihistory/geography lessons for readers.
Verdict All mystery collections and collections with an emphasis on Australia must add this sequel, which promises more. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 1/10.]-Susan G. Baird, Chicago
Robinson, Cynthia. The Dog Park Club. Thomas Dunne Bks: St. Martin's. Jul. 2010. c.336p. ISBN 978-0-312-55973-1. $24.99. M
Robinson's debut mystery stars a gay opera singer, Max Bravo, a character with dramatic eccentricities. Max is between operas and comes to the rescue of Claudia, a friend whose husband has recently moved out. To get out of the house, Max and Claudia take her dog to the local dog park, where they meet up with Ed, an old hippie who lives in his van; Gator, an independently wealthy, unemployed game developer; Jordi, a Spanish software engineer; and Amy, a pregnant loan officer. When Amy goes missing, the group starts to investigate until an unidentified body is found and their probe turns dangerous. Unfortunately, the conclusion is not a resolution.
Verdict While interesting and enjoyable, this book is not a cozy mystery, a paranormal, or humorous fiction, although it has flavors of all three genres. It is more about what it isn't than what it is. [Library marketing campaign.]-Susan Hayes, Chattahoochee Valley Libs., Columbus, GA
Nonfiction
A Taste of True Blood: The Fangbanger's Guide. Smart Pop: BenBella. 2010. c.224p. ed. by Leah Wilson. ISBN 978-1-935251-96-5. pap. $14.95. TV
Just in time for HBO's eagerly anticipated third season of True Blood, Alan Ball's adaptation of Charlaine Harris's Louisiana vampire books, Smart Pop editor in chief Wilson assembles 18 essays by a ragtag assortment of pulp fiction authors, website contributors, and critics to explicate, e.g., a Marxist interpretation of class politics in the fictional town of Bon Temps, a deconstruction of the show's opening credits, the devolution of vampire Bill from stud to pussy, and many theories on vampires and race and sexuality. For the most part, the essays are mercifully devoid of the lethal semiotics found in Tauris' "Reading Contemporary Television" series and the University Press of Kentucky's "Philosophy of Popular Culture" series.
Verdict People love the show, but does anybody really care to read about Jason Stackhouse's arduous search of masculinity? The 100,000-plus people who will soon gather for the annual San Diego Comic-Con might. Strictly for fanboys and fangirls.-Barry X. Miller, Austin P.L., TX
Sanders, Dane. Fast Track Photographer: Leverage Your Unique Strengths for a More Successful Photography Business. rev. ed. Amphoto: Crown Pub. Group. 2010. c.240p. index. ISBN 978-0-8174-0001-9. pap. $16.99. CAREERS
Sanders (The Fast Track Photographer Business Plan) encourages the aspiring photographer to carefully self-reflect before pursuing either freelance or "signature brand" photography. In a personal, enthusiastic, and realistic tone, he guides readers through this decision using the Photographer DNA (Discovery, Negotiation, Activation) Assessment Tool. (It is unclear whether Sanders created this tool himself.) He integrates discussion of the DNA assessment and interpretation of its results with anecdotes about successful photographers, business aspects of photography, and change. Anecdotes are helpful in illustrating how other photographers applied their strengths to enhance their business. This book is distinct from Cliff and Nancy Hollenbeck's Freelance Photographer's Handbook: Success in Professional Digital Photography and Edward R. Lilley's The Business of Studio Photography because it is less prescriptive regarding photography. Sanders focuses as much on attitude, assuming that with motivation such skills can be learned.
Verdict Recommended for entrepreneurial photographers and those in other professions requiring strong self-awareness and vision realization skills (e.g., interior designers, event planners).-Eric Petersen, Kansas City P.L., MO
Tuscany and Umbria: The Collected Traveler. Vintage: Random. Jul. 2010. c.640p. ed. by Barrie Kerper. illus. ISBN 978-0-307-47490-2. pap. $19. TRAV
These days it seems everyone is dreaming of travel to Italy, particularly Tuscany, to take in the food, countryside, and people. While many travelers try to do and see everything in a short time, this book, the latest addition in the "Collected Traveler" series, emphasizes depth rather than breadth of experience. The collected articles from, among others, Fred Plotkin, Frances Mayes, and Faith Willinger are designed to inspire readers and help them to really understand the places they visit. The collection also contains an eclectic dictionary/encyclopedia of topics that aren't covered in the book in an apparent attempt to leave no stone unturned in introducing the reader to these regions of Italy.
Verdict A companion to a traditional travel guide, this book will help readers to plan and explore the areas of Tuscany and Umbria, including Florence, by providing a collection of articles, interviews, reading lists, and limited recommendations for places to stay, eat, and visit.-Sheila Kasperek, Mansfield Univ. Lib., PA
Graphic Novels
Tucci, Bill (text & illus.). Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion. DC. 2010. c.160p. ISBN 978-1-4012-2533-9. $24.99. GRAPHIC NOVELS
Sgt. Rock and Easy Company are brought back to life by writer/artist Tucci in this vibrant imagining of the real-life story of the "Lost Battalion." Trapped in the mountains of France by German forces, Rock and his company are knocking at death's door. While they wait it out against the Germans, a group of Nisei (Japanese American) soldiers go through hell to save Rock and his remaining soldiers. Realistic dialog and impeccably crafted artwork shine through on each page. However, the spotlight belongs to the characters. Full of such unique personality and grit, they are what will keep you reading page after page.
Verdict Well researched and beautifully crafted, this work welcomes back the series with open arms. Tucci's eye for detail in the script and the artwork takes the book to the next level. The result is an immersing read that will not only satisfy fans of war-related stories but also will entice those not familiar with the genre to give this beautiful graphic novel a chance.-Justin Hoenke, Portland P.L., ME
Ellis, Warren (text) & Darick Robertson (illus.). Transmetropolitan. Vol. 5. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4012-2819-4.
Ellis, Warren (text) & Darick Robertston (illus.). Transmetropolitan. Vol. 6. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4012-2818-7.
ea. vol: Vertigo: DC. c.144p. pap. $14.99. GRAPHIC NOVELS
These two volumes collect issues 31-36 of the groundbreaking "Transmetropolitan" series. It's best if you've read the first issues; otherwise, you will likely feel lost. Spider Jerusalem is a gonzo journalist modeled after legendary writer Hunter S. Thompson. Set in a futuristic dystopia in a perverse, lurid city-ostensibly New York-the stories show how Spider's omnipresence in the culture has caused him to become an overblown caricature of himself. No one takes him seriously anymore, and the government is out to get him, but Spider is one step ahead of the game. Using investigative prowess, and his fists, he ferrets out the backstory of President Callahan, whom he reveals via news feeds as a perverted, corrupt, horrible person.
Verdict Violence, graphic sexual situations, portrayals of dystopia at its worst. Deviant, twisted satire that romps through events reminiscent of real headlines. This satirical commentary on the contemporary world depicts a ruthless, cunning, savage journalist willing to use any means necessary to uncover the truth. With razor-sharp, quick-moving writing, and art that is crisp and clear, these volumes effortlessly evoke images of Hunter S. Thompson in readers' minds. Recommended for large adult collections.-Jeff Hunter, Royal Oak, MI
