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.