Write Me a Murder: Director's Note

I have this reputation of only doing murder mysteries, but when you look at my back catalogue, I’ve only done four.  The last one was Dial M for Murder (which coincidentally was also written by Frederick Knott), and that was in 2012! While this may be an unearned reputation, it’s not an unfair one.   Because, truth be told, I always want to do a murder mystery. I love them.  Challenge me to a Columbo trivia contest; you lose every time.  Think you’ve read more Murder, She Wrote books than me?  You haven’t.

So here we are again. Murder is in the air. Now, I love a traditional drawing room mystery.  You’ve got your eccentric cast of characters with a devious murderer tossed in, you’ve got your brilliant detective, and they all end up in a room where our hero drops some knowledge on us.  Case closed, right?  Good times.  But Frederick Knott will have none of that.  He lulls you into a smug feeling that you’ve figured it out. You can see it coming a mile away.  But can you? Now you’re not so sure. Wait, that wasn’t supposed to happen. Then you’re going down a new path.  The road forks and you find an unexpected way forward.  Now you see it, but just as it comes into focus, the curtains swing closed.  Frederick Knott gets us again.

You know what, maybe I’ll just lean in to it.  Seven years is too long between murder mysteries.      -NG

Press Release: Write Me a Murder

The Valley Theatre returns with a staging of Frederick Knott’s twisty mystery Write Me a Murder directed by Nic Gunning.  Performances are set for Saturday, October 27, at 7pm and Sunday, October 28, at 2pm in the Nancy Howe Auditorium of the David A. Howe Public Library.

Frederick Knott, the author of the Hitchcock classic Dial M for Murder and the thrilling Wait Until Dark, was adept at taking the audience for an unexpected ride. In Write Me a Murder, the death of the Rodingham patriarch stirs conflict between two estranged brothers, one a playboy (Jeff Babbitt) and the other a successful author (Stephen VanValkenburg) called home by the family doctor (Alison Reusser). Sensing discord, an opportunistic businessman (Christopher Tetta) with designs on the family estate makes the Rodinghams an offer they can’t refuse. However, things become complicated when a story written by the younger Rodingham and the businessman’s wife (Joanna Bates) plants the seed for the perfect murder. If the would-be killer puts the story to practical use, they put everything at risk and will need to make sure they stay one step ahead of the cops (Christopher Winkens and Hannah Mills Woolsey) at all times. So, the question becomes… is there such a thing as the perfect crime?

Find out on Saturday, October 26, at 7pm and Sunday, October 27, at 2pm in the Nancy Howe Auditorium of the David A. Howe Public Library (155 N. Main Street, Wellsville, NY).  The performances are sponsored by the Friends of the Library and will be presented free of charge.

Joanna Bates sat down for an interview on the All the Books Show to discuss her experience playing Julie Sturrock.  Find it here: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/off-the-books-write-me-a-murder

Book Review: Batman Nightwalker: The Graphic Novel

Batman Nightwalker: The Graphic Novel
*****

Thanks to my peeps at NetGallery for giving me a sneak peek.

Young Bruce Wayne hits 18 and suddenly he's a billionaire and everybody wants to piece.  While trying to navigate that he also gets pulled in to a mystery with an enigmatic lady and doesn't know who he can trust.
I haven't read the book this was based on, but I thought this story was great.  The art looks cool and they actually manage to pull of the whole superhero-before-he's-a-superhero story.  I've read enough of those to know that's not easy. Seems most fall into one of two pits.:  they either lean to hard and everything becomes a "get it? GET IT?!" moment or they go so far in the other director that the characters become unrecognizable.  I'm impressed with the authors ability to lead you along a familiar path while making everything new.  Well done.

Book Review: The Batman Who Laughs

The Batman Who Laughs
by Scott Snyder
*

I'm always anxious to see what new things DC is throwing at us an was pleased to get early access through NetGalley.

In the aftermath of the Dark Knights: Metal saga, Batman is faced with a grotesque Batman/Joker amalgamation.  Things get worse from there.
Snyder and crew do and excellent job sustaining the tone and keeping things consistent and immersive.  The Elseworlds tales have a long history and can make for great story telling. It can be interesting to subvert the norm with a twisted story like this, but is tailored to a very specific taste. (Not mine.)  I found it to be unpleasant, ugly and unnecessary. 

Book Review: Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass

Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass
Mariko Tamaki
**
I'm a big fan of Mariko Tamaki, having particularly enjoyed her take on Supergirl with "Being Super." Harley Quinn isn't a character that does much for me.  Still, I was anxious to read this because of the author and was pleased to get an advanced copy from NetGalley.
I have give props for retelling the origin in a way that still works with the character we know, while stripping away the darker, pseudo-sexual parts. With the way this character is being used now, that makes absolute sense.  I just wish this was better. The evil rich tycoon is an overused villain and I thought going to that well lacked teeth. I also found some of the supporting cast, Mama in particular, to rely on dated stereotypes. That being said, the art was good, and Harley and Ivy have a relationship that is engaging. I also enjoyed this take on a proto-Joker and felt that Bruce Wayne was used just enough. There were things to like about this, but as a whole, I think it falls short. 

Book Review: Harry's Last Tax Cut

Harry's Last Tax Cut

by Jim Weikart

I came across this book when I ran a report for items in my library that have never circulated. We use them for a special Lonely Hearts Book Club segment on the library radio show, The All the Books Show. We take a look at the books and try to figure out why they haven't circulated. You can find the full episode about this here. 

This one has a goofy 90s cover that looks like a Biblical tract and is about a tax specialist who is also an amateur detective. I started reading samples and it just cracked me up. I was hooked. So I decided to sit down and read it cover to cover. 

It is the second, and last, of the the Jay Jensen mysteries, a sequel to Casualty Loss. I haven't read that but was able to keep up. The premise is that Jay Jensen and his bisexual business partner, Carol, get caught up in a tax related prostitution and murder scandal. Jay is the guardian of his nephew and niece whom he "inherited" after his brother's death. (Now, I think 'inherited' is a weird term to use, but it only adds to the charm.)

Jay makes dumb mistakes and falls in love while stumbling through an open murder investigation of an almost-business partner named Harry Sage. Harry had a mistress and his wife is in a cult, but don't worry about it. Meanwhile, Carol has fallen for the same woman as Jay (this happens instantaneously and irrevocably for both characters) adding hurt feelings and awkward conversations to a situation that is already beyond the job description of your typical enrolled-agent. (I don't know what that means either.) Jay Jensen makes his way through this twisty mystery meeting colorful characters such as the Johnsons, Judy, Jackie, Jennifer, Julia and Judith (different from Judy). Also, there's a Cheryl to go with the aforementioned Carol, but I'm getting bogged down. I think Jay sums it up best, "I seem to attract more than my share of trouble - tax trouble, that is."

Was this a mess? You betcha. Were mistakes made? Most certainly. Did it result in an intriguing mystery that kept me guessing the whole time? The answer is yes. Will I be reading book one? You know that I will. I think you should too. 

Also, at one point an embittered prostitute spits a human finger in someones face and that person then clumsily tosses it into a river. 

You're welcome.

Book Review: Dear Justice League

Dear Justice League by Michael Northrop
Junior Level Graphic Novel
**
I was excited to get a preview copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I'd heard about it at the ALA conference and thought the idea sounded fun.  Basically, kids text questions to their favorite superheroes and actually get answers.
The concept is clever and I really enjoyed the look of the book.  The character designs stayed true to the source material but still felt modern and fun. Unfortunately, I don't think the formula for the stories really worked. I found the book to be a little repetitive and dull.
The individual sections don't really work as stories because they are always working towards answering a pretty weak question.  This is where I feel it really misses the mark.  I assumed when I heard the format that this would be something that was fun and helpful for kids.  Why not ask real questions that kids are concerned with: how to fit in, how to deal with bad news, etc.  Instead we get things like does Aquaman smell like fish. That might have worked as a funny one thrown in, but unfortunately it isn't funny.  Ultimately, I think this struggles to find a tone.  I know what reading level it is, but I have no ideas on what audience it's for.

Book Review: DC Superhero Girls: Spaced Out

DC Superhero Girls: Spaced Out
by Shea Fontana

***

I've been a fan of this series since the early days and was pleased get to get an advanced copy from Net Galley.  As always, the series looks great.  This volume in particular was colorful and visually interesting. The author knows this world and has a good handle on her versions of these characters.  It's always nice to see this world expand, but this one was pushing it a little.

New Green Lantern Jessica Cruz is on her way to Oa with Star Sapphire and Supergirl along for the ride. On the way Supergirl gets caught up in a plot involving Kryptonian survivors and the dreaded Phantom Zone.  Meanwhile on Earth, Flash and Krypto get into some shenanigans.

I enjoyed the story, as I usually do with this series.  However, it's hard to really buy these versions of the characters going into space, let alone the Phantom Zone.  I applaud the author for taking steps to keep things fresh, but I feel like maybe it's gotten a little too far from the initial premise this time around.  This type is story is better served in a more grounded setting.  I prefer it when this series sticks to what it does best, exploring the relationships and adventures happening in and around Super Hero High.  Still fun, just not quite right.

I interviewed author Shea Fontant for the All the Books Show!  Find it here. 

Book Review: Catwoman V.1: Copycats

Catwoman V.1: Copycats
by Joelle Jones
**

I was a big fan of the wedding volume that preceded this so was anxious to get my hands on this NetGalley advanced copy.
Catwoman can be a fascinating character and I actually was kind of digging her Batman Returns esque costume in this volume. If I had to level a critique at this run so far it would be that Catwoman feels like a side character in her own book. It left the collection without a real centerpiece.  After the epic wedding saga, I would have preferred Catwoman to go back to her roots with a simple, classic cat burglar tale. The shady political intrigue found in this book could make an interesting story, but as is it left a little choked. It almost feels like Catwoman could be completely excised from the story and you'd hardly notice. Catwoman stories work best when you've got a birds eye view into Selina's world. (See the Brubaker/Cooke run for a great example.)  I feel the character was under utilized here.

In any kickoff volume you expect a little exposition, but from Catwoman you also expect fun. You need it. This was not a fun read.  Here's hoping the second volume finds its groove.

Book Review: Action Comics V.1: Invisible Mafia

Superman: Action Comics V.1: Invisible Mafia
Brian Michael Bendis
*****

Props to my pals at Netgalley for the early access.

I was excited about the prospect of Bendis taking on Superman but have been on the fence with the previous two volume. (Man of Steel left me underwhelmed but I thought Phantom Earth was a little closer.) I'm happy to report that this one found the sweet spot.

With Lois and Jon still gallivanting around the cosmos with angsty Jor-El, Clark is getting down to business and settling back in to his life.  Things go off the rails when a rash of crimes are blamed on Superman and a mysterious cloud lady gets in to some shenanigans.

As Dean Cain can attest, I love Superman stories though focus on Clark's everyday life and struggling to find a balance with the power he has.  Clark certainly took center stage in this volume and I thought Bendis did a great job of making the Daily Planet and crew feel like an actual newspaper. Superman is there plenty, but he's not moving planets or fighting some crazy powerful monster menace.  To me, this is the right mojo.

I also appreciate sidelining Jon and Lois.  Don't get me wrong, I'm a Lois fan tried and true. And I think Jon was a good addition.  That doesn't mean I want to read about everyone's favorite nuclear family, the Supers all the time. This is a clever way to recapture some of that old school feeling without just erasing those relationships.  Hats off to Bendis for the subtle dig at Spider-man's infamous One More Day nonsense that did just that.

I hate to rate Superman comics low because he's my pal, so I am pleased to report that this gets tops marks.

To hear more about some of my old-school favorite Superman stories tune in to this special episode of the All the Books Show.

Nutcrackers and Coca-Cola

I started collecting Nutcrackers when I was in elementary school. I've been sitting here trying to remember why or how it started and I can't. I also had a collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia. I don't remember the genesis of that either, but that's on brand at least. Like Elvis and all things 1950s it plays to that vintage Americana vibe that has always appealed to me. Nutcrackers though. I don't know. It was probably started as a Christmas thing.  I know it wasn't necessity. It's not like I was sitting around with a bunch of in-shell nuts wondering about the next step. 

I had them in all shapes and sizes.  I had favorites.  I had display shelving.  I carefully packed them in newspaper each time we moved, which was often. I remember once being in Lakeland, Florida, and seeing one that was nearly as tall as I was.  It was $100 and I was desperate to get it. (I did not.)  As a side note, on that trip to visit my great-grandma in Lakeland I got in to collecting stuffed Winnie the Poohs. That one never went anywhere. The Nutcrackers lasted though, until the last move of my childhood.  I was in 11th grade and I never unpacked them.  They were in a closet and I'd think about them from time to time, but there they stayed carefully wrapped in newspaper. 

Ultimately, I think it was about control. It probably could have been anything unique. Unlike the Coke stuff this didn't fit any pattern or adhere to what other people liked about me.  It was just mine.  I could arrange and rearrange them anyway I liked. It was something I took pride and comfort in. So wherever those boxes ended up, thanks fellas. 

Real quick, why does Coke taste so much better in glass bottles?

Book Review: The Last Age of Magic

Justice League Dark V.1: The Last Age of Magic
****

I've always wanted to get into the DC magic stuff, so I jumped at the chance to snatch this from NetGalley.
DC's magic titles have always intrigued me but I've never been able to get in to them. It has been hard to find good hop on points, even in the New 52 era.  I'm happy to report that I found Last Days of Magic, to be a great starting point.  The characters referenced events from stories I hadn't read, but it was intriguing instead of off-putting.  Overall I found this to be a very successful start.
The story deals with a slew of magic based characters coming together to basically save magic itself.  That's a good hook.  I rarely think of Wonder Woman as a magical character, a point she makes quite well in the story, but it totally makes sense.  And really, hats off to anyone who can make a successful go of Detective Chimp.  I have a soft spot for that character and was pleasantly surprised to see him not only be taken seriously, but given something serious to do. I'm all in for the follow-up volume and am now going to seek out the events referenced in the story that I haven't yet read.  Well done my friends.

Book Review: Superman: The Unity Saga: Phantom Earth

Superman Vol.1: The Unity Saga - Phantom Earth
***
Thanks to my pals at NetGalley for the review copy.

I go off on little tangents where I prefer certain characters for a while.  I might devour a Flash run (hello Rebirth) or sit in a circle of trades reading a Green Lantern run in chronological order (looking at you Blackest Night), but Superman transcends these whims. I'm always in the mood for Superman.
I have to admit that it is exciting to see the OG Superman back in the trunks going on an adventure.  It took me a while to get into the Rebirth era, but by the Truth run I was all in. Now that we are beyond that, I have been looking forward to this Bendis run and was eager to get started.  I was hoping to love it, but only clocked in at liking it.
I have to say upfront, my problems with this book come down to personal preference.  I have never been a fan of Zod or "Krypton is back!" plotlines. It's just not the way I prefer my Superman.  I like simple stories that allow Superman's goodness to shine through. (See Grounded)
But let's put that aside and focus on the story at hand. In a nutshell Superman finds out what really happened to Krypton and when Supergirl attempts to capture the villain using the Phantom Zone projector a little more than she intended gets sucked into it.  With Lois and Jon off with Jor-el, a lonely Superman has to tackle this issue with the aid of the Justice League.  There's some great stuff in here between Superman and the Martian Manhunter.  Everything with Flash cracked me up. We end on an intriguing note which was a pretty successful cliffhanger.
The dialogue is quippy without being cute and the book looks great. The story feels a little 90s throwback, but I assume that's intentional.  While I would have preferred a different kind of Superman story, there's a lot a good here and I'm ready for more.

To hear more about some of my old-school favorite Superman stories tune in to this special episode of the All the Books Show.