The Sign of the Book

Authors have chosen some unusual backgrounds for their private investigator protagonists. But with the possible exception of Tim Cocky's undertaker-investigator, John Dunning's sometimes PI Cliff Janeway, who also happens to be a bookseller, is certainly unique."The Sign of the Book" is the fourth Janeway novel. Cliff Janeway, proprietor of a small used book shop in Denver, is called upon by girlfriend/lawyer Erin D'Angelo to help out her childhood friend, Laura Marshall, accused of murder. To complicate matters, the victim is Laura's husband but also Erin's former lover, before he was stolen away by Laura. Notwithstanding their personal rift, Laura would like the still-embittered Erin to represent her in the trial, so Cliff is asked to check out the circumstances before Erin decides if she even wants to see Laura again. Kind of like "Desperate Housewives of the Rocky Mountains." But thanks to Dunning's easy style and compelling dialogue, it works. While Laura has confessed to the crime, there are some obvious discrepancies between her story and the crime scene. And an unusual and very valuable collection of signed books in the Marshall home seems incongruous with husband Bobby's lifestyle.It didn't take long to get thoroughly engrossed in this classic whodunit, while at the same time being educated in the rather obscure but interesting rare book trade. Close inspection of the plot may raise some eyebrows, but that is a very minor distraction to a tightly wound mystery with likeable characters balanced with sufficient action and suspense. All things considered, top-notch entertainment and a highly recommended read.

THE SIGN OF THE BOOK about the former cop-turned used book dealer Mr. Cliff Janeway clearly is Mr. Dunning's best novel yet in this series. One would gather from this great thriller that once a cop, always a cop or something like that. Mr. Janeway gets right onto solving the strange murder of his silent partner/erstwhile sleeping companion's ex-boy friend who has become a collector of signed first editions. Mr. Janeway hasn't lost any of his temper, detective skills or his nose for smelling out a liar or has he?The story progresses with much ease for the reader and goes down as nicely as a fine French pastry. Unlike some mysteries, you don't get a glimpse of the least bit of scaffolding here. There are of course tidbits about rare books and their prices that Mr. Dunning's fans anxiously await with each new volume. Janeway prices signed first editions of Capote's IN COLD BLOOD, Frost's IN THE CLEARING, Larry McMurtry's THE DESERT ROSE, just to name a few. These references blend right in with the story line, never becoming just literary trivia for trivia's sake. There is also quite a poignant reference to A FAREWELL TO ARMS near the end of the book.Mr. Dunning also gives a very accurate description of the different kinds of judges-- the good, the bad, the ugly-- as well as good commentary about book fairs.Given the nature of what Mr. Dunning writes about here, it is appropriate that he signed the dust jacket of this book-- or is that his signature? I'm sure I speak for his other fans when I say that we are all ready for him to sign all our first editions of his Janeway stories-- to increase their resell value of course but only in the estate sales!

Sign of the Book has our author, John Dunning, hitting his stride again in the latest Cliff Janeway novel. Although still not up to his earliest novels in this series, it is much better than Bookwoman's Last Fling.In this book we have our hero helping an old "friend" of Erin's prove her innocence in the murder of her husband. Again, the author gives us a good twist at the end, and this time it is believable.The author is superb at "setting the scene" for the locals referenced in the book and he makes you feel like you are right there along with Janeway as he stumbles forward in his search for the truth. The characters that Dunning creates are realistic and believable in their actions, unlike many authors that have their characters acting in ways that are not appropriate for them.An example from this novel would be the actions of the judge in the small Colorado town of Paradise - a well thought our set of actions that closely resemble those actions that a small town judge would actually take. His character Lenny, the deputy, also is well thought out and his actions certainly ring true.This is an enjoyable book and I look forward to the next book in this interesting series.

I first read one of John Dunning's novel's in 2014, and I have been a fan of his ever since. The main character is retired Denver cop, Cliff Janeway, who owns and operates a rare book store in Denver. The book store theme gives Janeway's stories a different perspective from other mysteries, and is one that I enjoy. I have been involved in pricing and selling rare books, and if you are a book lover (not just a book reader) holding a Dickens first edition, or a 16th century Bible in your hands sends a thrill up your spine.The Sign of the Book tells the story of the murder of a man who has an unusual collection of autographed books, and Janeway is brought into the story by his lover, Erin D'Angelo, who is the defense attorney of the murdered man's wife. Janeway determines that the signatures in the books are authentic, but he has a funny feeling that they are forged. Whether they are genuine or forged is critical to the outcome of the murder investigation. The story has some interesting twists and turns that lead to a startling conclusion. .

Excellent book.

Exactly what was advertised and arrived as predicted.