Mondays with Columbo: ETUDE IN BLACK

(Revised 12/21/2024)

As the opening episode of Columbo's second season, Etude in Black has several things that make it sparkle: the interplay between Peter Falk and John Cassavetes; the witty, engaging script co-written by Steven Bochco; and some exceptional direction by Nicholas Colasanto (aka, Coach on Cheers).

But not all of the direction is exceptional...but more on that later.

John Cassavetes plays a conductor who is having an affair with his pianist. However, the pianist threatens to reveal the affair to his wife....and of course, his wife's mother just happens to be the orchestra's major funder. And Alex Benedict, the conductor....well, he just can't have this.

Move forward towards a very staged suicide....and in walks Columbo. That's when the sparkling begins.

It helps that Falk has worked with Cassavetes on several films; there's a lovely, charming interplay between the two men that always feels real but never becomes over the top. It also helps that Blythe Danner - looking like her daughter, Gwyneth Paltrow - provides a really strong support as the conductor's wife. There's never a false character beat, and the plot unfolds casually and naturally. (Since this is one of the longer Columbo movies, that lack of padding is sorely appreciated)

But the big clue that will lead Columbo towards his final conclusion...is telegraphed a mile away.

It's dwelt on in the beginning, and the audience is aware that it will figure into the story's resolution....and it's a poorly executed move on Colasanto's part. It's not enough to completely ruin the story, but it is enough to diminish the episode's punch.

Let's call this one an A minus - but even an A minus Columbo is still worth watching....

Especially on Tubi.

MONDAYS WITH COLUMBO: "Murder By The Book"

(Revised 11/28/2024)

In all honesty, I had no intention of starting this feature so early - or with this episode. But last night, out of boredom, I turned on MeTV and found myself drawn back into this episode.

(It also serves as a nice tribute to Martin Milner, who passed away yesterday).

This is considered the first "official" episode of Columbo the series (after two pilot films - Prescription: Murder and Ransom for a Dead Man). The film has a very impressive pedigree - it was one of Steven Spielberg's early works for Universal (along with Night Gallery and Duel), and was one of the first scripts written by Steven Bochco.

Yes, that Steven Bochco.

The plot concerns the breakup of a long-standing mystery writing team played by Jack Cassidy and Martin Milner. Of course, Ken Franklin (Cassidy) is not too happy with the breakup; after all, the loss of the partnership means losing the perks of celebrity....and a consistent income. (Seems that Jim Ferris - the silent part of the partnership played by Mr. Milner - was doing all of the work). So Ken Franklin engages in a plan to eliminate Mr. Ferris....

....and no, that's not a spoiler. Columbo perfected the "inverted mystery" for television the same way R. Austin Freeman used the form in his Victorian-era Dr. Thorndyke mysteries. (And trust me - his essay The Art of the Detective Story is your must-read about mysteries, slightly behind Raymond Chandler's The Simple Art of Murder. What's remarkable about Columbo - even at this early stage - is how well it plays to its strengths: the cat-and-mouse between Columbo and the murderer; the outright class-based conflict (between Cassidy with Columbo and Ms. LaSanka, his wannabe paramour), and the speculation as to what-will-trip-up-Cassidy.

(And that's part of why I'm not focusing on the 1980s revival - too many variations on the formula, and a little too much of their time).

But it's Jack Cassidy who nearly steals the show - his three performances in Columbo are the equivalent of Jack Klugman and Burgess Meredith's appearances on The Twilight Zone. Cassidy manages to swing between affability and implied menace with chilling ease. (If he looks familiar, he's this young lady's grandfather). Even as the victim, Milner creates an inherent likability and warmth in what should have been a one-note portrayal. It's to Milner's credit that by the end, the viewer takes great glee in Franklin's downfall....because he murdered such a nice, likable character.

Available via streaming on Tubi and DVD, Murder By the Book is a great intro film for newbies. Although I will not be discussing the films in chronological order, I am proud to introduce this as a first entry in this series.

And as always, if you disagree, have suggestions for other episodes, etc, just leave them in the comments below.

The Ides of March - British Style

Normally, I've done rather lame jokes for the Ides of March, but here are two really cool video "celebrations" of this anti-holiday.

The first is Up Pompeii, a series I watched without my parents' approval. On before WTTW would show cheesy movies as part of its Summer Camp series, this show is....well, it's Benny Hill-ish without the slight twinkle:


Secondly, listen to the first hour of this video - it features Raffles, a character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's brother-in-law (no, really!), and it's titled "The Ides of March"....

KILLER Kellerman Review

One of the things that I really enjoy about Jonathan Kellerman's books is that they're a great meld of straightforward, hardboiled writing (like Robert B. Parker) and melding more high-concept ideas, merging the world of the average counselor/clinician with a strong thriller plot (the same way Sara Paretsky manages to integrate social justice and related concerns into her V.I. Warshawski books).

So reading Killer - Kellerman's latest entry in the Alex Delaware series - was a simple decision.
It's also the first Kellerman book that I've enjoyed in a long time - so much so that it made me nostalgic for my time in the social justice field.

But that's part of Kellerman's skill - very few writers could launch a full-out thriller with a clinical psychologist choosing to take on referrals from Los Angeles family court for parenting assessments. (Don't worry - it's not as bland as I say). In fact, one of the highlights very early in the book is when a judge compliments Dr. Alex Delaware for being more "assertive" than other child psychologists. When Delaware takes on a case of two sisters fighting over a child, it seems pretty cut-and-dried....or does it? One sister is a free-spirit; the other is a tightly wound clinician. And things....well, that would be spoiling...

One of Kellerman's main strengths is how he integrates "current events" into his books, but often does so from intriguing angles. He's done it before - from controversies around Bruno Betelheim in Bad Love to alternative treatments in The Web , and even taking on a certain celebrity couple in his last book - but Kellerman avoids the easy "top of mind" reference in his work. (Think Law & Order, especially Law & Order: SVU for examples of how not to do this). When Delaware's life is threatened, he finds himself again partnered with his friend, Lt. Milo Sturgis, and being pulled deeper into a central mystery...

And that's what makes the book work - for every moment of tension, there's a counterexample of Delaware using his clinical knowledge to break down a scene, whether it's talking with a client in prison or dealing with the outside world....this is definitely one of the most enjoyable entries in the series.

Buy this. Read this. Now.

5 Reasons Why I'm Watching IRONSIDE on NBC This Fall

As many readers of this blog know, I am deeply in the throes of a major "thang" for the classic Ironside series of the late 1960s/early 1970s. (So much so that I record the morning reruns on MeTV here in Chicago, and I've burned through several seasons on Hulu).

So when pal Ron of the awesome Zone 4 podcast  and Facebook page mentioned that this was being revived, my nearly burnt-out-by-cynicism-and-too-many-butter-omelets heart burst with joy. Why, do you ask? I've posted the trailer, and for your reading pleasure, here are five reasons why I'm glad this is coming (other than, well, it's Ironside).

1. It Is Both Timely and Timeless - although the notion of a "sitting detective" isn't new (both a classic pulp and mystery trope), there is something about a 21st century cop - all action and muscles - being struck down in his prime and using his smarts? Great idea. Plus, it can lead to some great Law & Order-esque storylines. 
2. Great Casting - honestly, Blair Underwood isn't exactly the first person I would think of to cast in the role....but he nails it. Plus, there's that guy from The Wire, and some other familiar faces. It's actually a good idea, unlike, say, casting Dirk Benedict as Columbo. Yes, that actually happened. 
3. It's a Classic Universal Franchise - In the 1970s, Universal seemed to have a monopoly on television mysteries, especially the classic "Sunday Night Mystery Movie." And let's face it, nobody wants to see a prime time version of McMillan and Wife. Ok, maybe me, but other than that...with "franchises" driving creativity in Hollywood, this may not be the best known brand, but if pitched right (say, "House as a cop"), you'll have a hit.
4. It's Part of a Current Trend - Like House, Monk, and the late, lamented Law & Order: Criminal Intent, it features a lead character with some particular quirks. Underwood's Ironside looks to be a lot more harder-edged and nastier, and although I don't necessarily like characters darkening...it seems to have potential.
5. New York Rather Than San Francisco- I just love New York's architecture, almost as much as Chicago's. Plus, it just seems much more appropriate to the character.

And now, who do I blackmail to pitch a script? Or at least get my hands on the writer's bible? 

The Game is Awry, Watson!

 I have to admit, I take my Sherlock Holmes seriously...but not too seriously. (Just take a look at my various posts for The Baker Street Blog). So I ignored the online criticism, set aside my preference for BBC's Sherlock, and simply decided to check out CBS' Elementary.

In short, this is an unexceptional, by-the-book series...so much so that I wonder if the only reason Holmes was used was to generate publicity.

Admittedly, I like the concept - Holmes-as-recovering-addict - that House MD flirted with, but never really engaged head-on. I'll admit that a more hard boiled Holmes might just be what television needs (in start contrast to the updated Victoriana of Sherlock). I'll even grant you that for network TV, there really can't be too much deviation from formula.

But Elementary's biggest sin is that it's too workman-like, from Rob Doherty's script to Johnny Lee Miller's and Lucy Liu's performances. Nothing about this show crackles, engages, or even demonstrates a willingness to run freely with the source material. In fact, you could easily substitute different names for the main characters, and it wouldn't have any effect.

(Although I can honestly say, given Miller's performance as Holmes, that Elementary has allowed me to slightly appreciate Robert Downey Jr.'s performance more. Downey might be reminiscent of Hugh Laurie, but Miller seems to be superficially channeling Basil Rathbone....but Downey at least tries to make the role his own; Miller never really catches fire. And Lucy Liu's Watson is....just there. None of the performances really engage the viewer, nor is there any intriguing deductions to be made in the entire case. Ironically, the only striking thing about this first episode is the direction, which is visually engaging...but plot wise, it's rather dull).

In short, the game has gone painfully awry for CBS' Elementary - it's biggest sin isn't that it rips off another series (because it doesn't), but that it really doesn't quite stand out in a network full of police procedural shows.

In short, you don't need to be a Holmes - or a Watson - to deduce that there might be better uses of your time.

More August Affiliate Mania Abounds

Remember awhile ago, I had posted some affiliate links for Archer?

Well, in an effort to drive traffic to the blog (as well as to get a little bit of extra cash for me and the kitty), I'm posting some cool pictures of some great merchandise from my other favorite show on F/X, Justified.

It's the kind of show that if you like a heady mix of Westerns and modernism, it's one of the better shows on television. I love it to death, and quite honestly, am looking forward to season three on DVD.

So here's the scoop - click on a picture, order from the store, and I get a wee bit of change. No obligation, but quite honestly - it prevents me from turning this blog into an advertising bonanza. (Plus, it keeps F/X happy).

Thanks for the indulgence!

Saving the World For 25 Cents a Case

Ironically, I don't remember how I was introduced to the character of Encyclopedia Brown....whether I had purchased the book at a thrift store, or it was a gift from one of my parents. But in the news of Donald J. Sobol's passing, it's very tempting for me to open my box of old books and dig my well-worn copy out of storage.

In a strange way, Encyclopedia Brown was an introduction for me into the world of mystery fiction...and (kinda sorta) pulp literature. Granted, the mysteries were relatively simple (after all, these were intended for younger people), and there was a briskness to the writing (so much so that there was an entire series of books), but there was a great, engaging tone which....well, at the very least led me into loving The Three Investigators as I got older.

It's also a shame that, for our current generation of media-saturated kids, there really is not an adequate equivalent. Yes, there are television shows that appeal to youth, and for older kids you have your usual suspects (like Hunger Games), but a nice, well-paced series for kids....well, I'm sure the parents out there will make suggestions.

But it's good that the books are still in print - this past year, I've been fortunate to be able to share the gifts of my childhood with my godson Logan. This year, he received a DVD of the German-based adaptation of The Secret of Skeleton Island. But last year....was a new edition of Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective.

I'm sure right now, he's probably doing what I did at his age....bugging the local librarian about getting more Encyclopedia Brown.

Public Domain Drive-In: THE DORRINGTON DEED BOX

Sometimes, reading a certain strand of fiction can start to feel a little bit similar after awhile; as a reader, I start to almost predict when a certain cliche or storytelling device comes into play. I also begin to stereotype a particular strand of literature. I've been exploring Victorian detective literature as a result of watching The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes on DVD (a British anthology series from the 1970s focusing on other detectives) - partially out of enjoyment, partially for a comic idea that I plan to write - and one character in particular has had a very striking effect on me.

Ladies and gentleman, I bring you Horace Dorrington, featured in The Dorrington Deed-Box, a collection of short stories by Arthur Morrison, for your reading pleasure.

Originally published in 1897, and almost near impossible to find on sale (there's a Kindle version for about a buck), Dorrington Deed-Box is unique in that it completely subverts the reader's expectations of detective fiction. Normally, the tendency is to pit a righteous detective who is neither "tarnished nor afraid" (to quote Raymond Chandler) against a corrupt police force....and an even more corrupt society. Morrison, probably best known for A Child of the Jago and creating Martin Hewitt (aka, "the guy whose stories took over after The Final Problem), gives us a unique twist - a corrupt, almost criminal detective against a corrupt police force in an even more corrupt society.

Unlike Raffles of The Amateur Cracksman, there's no overt contempt for high society or even a sense that the people he is threatening deserve their treatment: for Horace Dorrington, a dishonest profit is still a profit. Although these stories can be a little uneven in quality, what's striking about the collection is how unrepentant Morrison is in showing Dorrington's behavior - it seems matter of fact in describing how, say, Dorrington attempts to outswindle a con artist, or even attempt to drown a client before uneasy truths are discovered.  It's a very intriguing book, and quite honestly, well worth reading for even a casual fan of Victorian literature.

In a strange way, Dorrington Deed-Box has me considering volunteering for Librivox. Oh, sure, I would have to work on a community project, but bringing this audiobook to life? It's worth putting on an already crowded schedule because this is quite an enjoyable tome. And definitely worthy of committing to mp3.

And it's freely available in a variety of formats via the Internet Archive. Download it. Tell your friends. You'll thank me later.

The Romance of Crime

One of the advantages to living near a Chicago Public Library branch is that I can essentially "catch up" on my reading on an extremely frugal budget. (Full disclosure - I also use the library when I'm employed). I've been indulging my love of mystery novels, especially those of the hard-boiled type. (My comic reading has been minimal, and quite frankly, I think I owe my comic shop an apology after purchasing everything in my pull file).

Robert B. Parker's Painted Ladies is the next-to-last Spenser novel that he wrote before passing early last year. In a way, his passing has helped me get back into re-reading many of my favorite Parker/Spenser novels, such as Early Autumn, Ceremony, and Mortal Stakes. I won't claim that Painted Ladies is comparable to those earlier novels, because quite simply - it isn't. Like much of Parker's Spenser novels of the past ten years, they're simply really good reads. Thankfully, Parker's latest Spenser novel actually has a little bit more of a mystery to it, and is able to introduce aspects of the Holocaust as part of the plot without making it seem either cliche or maudlin - although he's not a political writer, Parker is able to throw in a slightly more political slant that does not seem forced or moralistic. Painted Ladies is the work of an author who is confident enough in his writing and characters that he avoids the arrogance that many current best selling writers may indulge in. Although Parker is no longer with us, the fact that he has a very strong back catalog makes his work unavoidable, and Painted Ladies demonstrates proof that he has retained many of his strengths.

One author whose work I love precisely for her politics is Sara Paretsky - or, more accurately, I love her ability to weave social and political themes into her stories without coming across as heavy-handed: Paretsky focuses on the effects of social issues and politics more than she does lecturing on inherent evils. Body Work, her latest novel, is pretty good....but for me, it's a mixed bag.

It does have a slight whiff of timeliness, focusing on an Iraq War Veteran and how he relates to a very provocative performance artist, and the book did seem to take a bit of time to get there. (The first chapter is posted online; please judge for yourself). However, it does gain traction, and quite frankly, is another one of Paretsky's better books.

However, there is one aspect of the book that is not so welcome - the introduction of VI Warshawski's cousin Petra as a major character. Introduced in Hardball (the previous VI Warshawski novel), Petra is kind of....well, Paretsky herself has stated she's comic relief, but quite frankly, the character has a very slight cousin Oliver-ish quality to her, complicating the plot for no other reason than...well, it might need to be complicated. Expanding the family is one thing, but Petra....seems off. Granted, she has only appeared fully in one book, but hopefully, either the character will be explored further, or will be written out. (Hopefully, the latter)

Maybe living in a city like Chicago - with a history of a romantic view of crime and corruption - have me intrigued and draw me towards books that deal with complexity and the mysteries of existence. Although these are not "great literature", these are two solid works by authors writing to their strengths.

Both highly recommended.

"Just Pull a Columbo...."

For some actors, it's tough to do them justice when they pass - take the recent passing of Peter Falk, for example.

No matter how someone may want to focus on his other work - his stage work, In Cold Blood, his numerous movies with director John Cassavettes, only one role remains - Lt. Columbo.

Admittedly, Columbo's a character that now seems quaint, and antiquated, and quite frankly, old fashioned - and of course, you can provide the obvious "modern-quirky-character-whom-Columbo-has-influenced", but there's a lot more to Falk's work than that.

First, Columbo is from a much different time in broadcast television - a time when an expanded 90 minute movie about a character could be shown on one of the "big three networks". (In fact, there was only "the big three networks"). Quirky detectives were quite the rage in the 1970s, but focusing on a guy who solved "inverted mysteries" (where the viewer knows the outcome, but doesn't know how the perpetrator will get caught) didn't exactly scream "ratings winner."

But what made these mysteries popular was Falk's performance - although people easily saw the "bumbling" Columbo, there were times when the detective lost his cool. (Check out the last fifteen minutes of the 1968 pilot, "Prescription: Murder" on the Columbo - The Complete First Season DVD set). But it was Falk's ability to show the sharp mind - and possible deviousness - of the character beneath that "bumbling" that made it stand out.

There's also personal resonance for me - as many of you know, I have training in counseling, and have some diagnostic skills in that area. (I'm like Hugh Laurie on House, MD only without the Vicodin. Or the limping). One of the biggest skills I learned when working with clients was to "just pull a Columbo" when unsure about something. Crudely, it was looking at small inconsistencies within a client's story and gently confronting them. (This is a gross understatement, admittedly, and having not worked directly with clients for years, I may be misremembering). But it was that ability to "observe, rather than see" that put Falk - and Columbo - in the same realm as another great detective, Sherlock Holmes.

We may never see an actor like Falk - or a character like Columbo - again

Oh, and just one more thing.....

We actually are losing a character this week who is quite like Columbo. I'll write more about him - and his accompanying franchise - tomorrow.

An Air of Mystery: Ellery Queen on DVD

It was, ironically, the best birthday gift I received this year, and I bought it for myself.

It was an Amazon "Gold Box" deal, and although yes, I am an affiliate, I don't get anything back if I order from myself. This was one of my favorite series when I was a kid - when the occasional episode turned up on A & E (and later, MeTV here in Chicago), I would watch ceaselessly.

And of course, the gem I'm talking about is the Ellery Queen Mysteries DVD collection - six discs chock full of television that does what many fans think current television does - respect the viewer's intelligence.

Now admittedly, a mid-1970s series that takes place in the late 1940s is going to seem somewhat dated. But coming from the production team of Levinson & Link, Ellery Queen is an adaptation of the classic "play fair" mystery character, and the series is a top-notch, well-written adaptation. (I'm sure, if fanboy culture existed back then, there would be flame wars about how the show "betrayed" the character. It's been awhile since I've read any Queen novels, so please view this statement in context). It's a good middle ground between Columbo and Murder, She Wrote....and even though Ellery Queen lasted one season, each episode is a well-polished gem.

What  makes the shows work is, quite frankly, the two well-cast leads. Jim Hutton portrays Queen as, well, a slightly absent minded guy (and his handling of the "challenge to the viewer" segments at the end - rather than coming across as arrogant, they're almost conspiratory in tone), and who seems to stumble towards the solution. Of course, David Wayne plays Inspector Richard Queen, his father, and the two have a very strong chemistry.

(One note - only two of the stories are straightforwarded adaptations of Queen works, and one - "The Adventure of the Mad, Mad Tea Party" - seems almost in-jokey in retrospect when you consider one of Wayne's best-known roles).

In short, this is definitely one of the better mystery series - a well-crafted throwback to older times when detecting didn't mean rapidly edited science (I'm looking at you, CSI franchise) or a guy being a jerk for 45 minutes (that means you, The Mentalist).

Because, ultimately, all television mysteries live in the shadow of Levinson & Link.

Definitely worth checking out.

Bullets, Beer, and Boston

Some days, it just doesn't pay to sneak a peek at Twitter while I'm working.

Taking a break from a project, I meant to just check my Twitter feed, and received the emotional gut punch of learning of the passing of Robert B. Parker.

In my twenties, I read quite a few hardboiled detective novels, thinking that Raymond Chandler, Jim Thompson, and Dashiell Hammett spoke to me in my semi-loner, I'm-my-own-man mindset. At least, I thought they did...until I watched Spenser: For Hire.

From there, it was a short leap to Parker's books, and for me, Spenser (with an S, like the poet) was maybe the first tough guy whom I could realistically aspire to be. Literate, smart, tough, with his own ethical code and exceptional culinary skills...in many ways, Spenser seemed to be the perfect template for a guy like me who was trying to find his identity, his values, his way of being in the world. Parker's writing resonated with me on a much deeper level, since he just didn't write about crime, but he wrote about people and relationships, with all their complexities.

One key example is my favorite Parker novel, Early Autumn, in which Spenser provides a troubled young man guidance, helping the boy determine his own needs and desires. What could have easily been a trite novel becomes a very strong, character-based study not only of a man willing to live up to his own code of honor, but a young person breaking free of the dysfunctional styles of his parents.

(I also have to admit, Parker's prose is the type that looks very easy to write...until you actually try to do it. I was inspired to try to create my own mystery character in college. I have a nice large pile of rejection slips to show that just because something looks easy, it takes a lot of effort to make it seem easy. Perhaps the only two things that Spenser has influenced in me is a strong urge to visit Boston...and a love of beer)

In recent months, I've been on something of a Parker renaissance, enjoying Parker's novel of Young Spenser entitled Chasing the Bear (with a one line summary of Spenser's moral philosophy that's short yet eloquent; the most recent Spenser novel entitled The Professional (which reads a lot like classic Parker), Early Autumn and I just finished reading Promised Land. (My next Parker novel for review will be Ceremony, but only because I recently read the sequel, Hundred-Dollar Baby.

In short, I could talk about how Parker single-handedly saved the detective genre...but I won't. I will say that I think Parker's novels are worth reading and rereading...and that someone ought to adapt one of them as a graphic novel. Maybe I'll take up that task.

Anyway, it's worth adding to my collection of rejection letters.

RIP, Robert B. Parker. You'll be missed.

Neither Tarnished Nor Afraid

Crime isn't a disease, it's a symptom

About one month ago, I discussed how much I was looking forward to rereading Raymond Chandler's The Long Goodbye as part of the Chicago Public Library's "One Book, One Chicago" program. It was a good chance for me to revisit my youth, as well as, well, get reacquainted with one of my favorite writers.

Obviously, this is going to be a positive review, but my first impression upon rereading this was how cinematic the writing is...and how Robert Altman's film really missed the point of the novel, sacrificing its meditations on friendship, corruption, and creativity to create a slightly more generic private eye film. (I still like the film on that basis...however, I'm willing to adapt it in screenplay form for an HBO mini-series. It deserves that kind of treatment).

The novel begins with Chandler's hero Phillip Marlowe meeting up with Terry Lennox at a bar. (As, well, all good noir should begin). As the two men become friends, Lennox asks Marlowe to drive him to Mexico, no questions asked. As the novel progresses, Marlowe finds himself "babysitting" for an alcoholic writer named Roger Wade...and throughout the novel, Marlowe finds himself revisiting Lennox, who makes his presence known, even though he is reported to have killed himself in Mexico.

What impresses me, years after first reading this, is how eminently quotable this book is - this is Chandler writing at the top of his game. It was also written at a very traumatic time in Chandler's life, as he was dealing with his wife's illness, decline, and death. (Which may also account for the "social criticism" that permeates the novel - this is Chandler at his most cynical and venomous, but his remarks sting not with harshness, but honesty). Remarkably, it is the only Chandler novel that did not recycle stories previously published in Black Mask.

Despite the "historical significance" that the novel has...it also burns with razor-sharp language. It feels like it could have been written yesterday, despite taking place in the early 1950s. It doesn't quite make me feel like I first read it in my twenties, but that's all right...because it hits with a much stronger impact upon rereading it at this point in my life.

And it's proof that good literature - no matter what genre - will stand the test of time.

I am planning to head up to the Harold Washington Library this Saturday for the 11:00 am discussion group. If you're planning on attending, please don't be shy in saying "hello". In fact, if anyone's interested in a pre-event Panera Bread gathering, I'm game.

Highly recommended.

But That's Midnight to You

Like many young men in their 20's, my reading tastes had gravitated towards the hard-boiled school of writing. Part of it was that, in that time, I had some ideal of being a knight errant - a noble loner who took on a corrupt system but would not become corrupt himself.

As many readers of this blog may be aware, I have championed Raymond Chandler's work - unlike many hard-boiled writers, Chandler's craft was just as strong as his atmospherics. His ability to write sharp one-liners while simultaneously creating a Los Angeles that could only in prose was remarkable. (So much so that I visited the city - twice - but was never able to track down what is now known as Raymond Chandler Square). It's a style of writing that seems deceptively simple...until you try to do it yourself. (And believe me, I did. Badly.)

So, heartened as I was after finishing some Robert B. Parker novels given by a fellow comics blogger (hint: he's a cute little stuffed bull), I was surprised to see that the Chicago Public Library's "One Book, One Chicago" selection as The Long Goodbye, Chander's last great novel. (Not coincidentally, several Chicago area crime writers will be blogging about the book during April as well). It's been awhile since I read it - in fact, the last time I encountered the piece was through Robert Altman's film adaptation (which I absolutely enjoy - and I do not like Altman's movies).

It's one of the many things that are an excellent reminder of why I moved back to Chicago - in fact, it's coming on my first anniversary back. An excellent book by an excellent author in a great city...but here's what I would like to encourage anyone reading to do:

• If you live in Chicago, and read this blog, and want to do one of the many discussion groups about the book, let me know. More than willing to meet more cool people.
• If you are new to Chandler, I would suggest starting with The Big Sleep and follow it with Farewell, My Lovely before tackling The Long Goodbye.
• Finally, support your local public library - not only are they great places to find good reads, but several librarians are also extremely cool bloggers.

But all in all, I'm extremely enthusiastic - it's not every day one gets to revisit one's youth.

I only hope I'm up to the challenge.