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The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

Publisher: Harper Perennial (August 1999) ISBN: 006099486X

Reviewed by Dana King, New Mystery Reader

The Professor and the Madman isn’t a mystery; it’s not really a crime story. The events described probably would not have happened were it not for a terrible crime, yet the crime itself is secondary to those events. Author Simon Winchester’s tale of two men brought together by a great undertaking is uplifting, melancholy, and compelling..

William Chester Minor was the son of well-to-do missionaries. Much of his early upbringing took place in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), where his regular exposure to nubile, naked, native girls was judged not to be in the young man’s best interest, and he was sent home to Connecticut.

Minor became an Army surgeon just in time to witness some of the Civil War’s worst horrors during the Battle of the Wilderness. Deeply scarred by what he saw, and by a punitive action he was forced to perform, Minor was treated for psychiatric disturbance and retired on full pension from the Army.

He thought an extended to England would relax his troubled mind, but his mind was past relaxing. His paranoid delusions led him to kill an innocent passer-by Minor believed was about to harm him and he was found not guilty by reason of insanity, destined to spend most of his remaining life at Broadmoor Asylum.

At Broadmoor Minor becomes aware of the nascent efforts to compile the first full dictionary of the English language, what we know today as the Oxford English Dictionary. How Minor becomes the dictionary’s primary contributor, and his interaction with the first editor, James Murray, is Winchester’s story.

And what a story it is, including a fascinating history of English dictionaries, as well as the techniques of their creation. The relationship between Minor and Murray is never far away, and the friendship that evolves is both charming and melancholy, as much because of the Victorian context as the knowledge that medical science offered nothing substantial to aid Dr. Minor other than to keep him from harm’s way.

Winchester tells a compelling tale of Minor’s tireless efforts to find words and citations for the dictionary, and of Murray’s growing dependence on his efforts. As time goes on, we realize Minor’s work for the dictionary may be all that slows the relentless progress of his illness, which today would be diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenia.

The story is told in plain, well-crafted, language. Winchester is a writer well aware of the emotional impact of understatement in the right circumstances. His prose makes Minor’s plight all too real, bringing home to the reader the unbearable sadness of someone forced to live with constant delusions of persecution. The author’s sympathy for Minor’s victim – as well as the widow and fatherless children – is set beside Minor’s grief over his action, and his efforts to make amends.

The book’s most chilling aspect is the knowledge that W.C. Minor is a man of many talents and formidable intellect, who is fully aware of his condition. The thoughts of such a man, knowing he is essentially powerless to control the errant wanderings of the same mind that provides his gifts, must be dark indeed. That Minor is able to throw himself so wholeheartedly into his work on the dictionary, and provide such value to a timeless document, is the triumph of a good man, betrayed by what should have been his most trusted property.

The Professor and the Madman doesn’t take long to read, so don’t hurry through it. Try to keep your feelings in the foreign context of Victorian reserve and enlightenment, and take advantage of Winchester’s talents to place yourself, for a thankfully brief time, in the mind of Dr. Minor, after which you’ll be grateful not only for Winchester’s work, but because you can step away from what haunted Minor.

Duck Blood Soup by Joseph Molea, MD

Publisher: iUniverse, 2002 ISBN: 0595218431

Reviewed by Narayan Radhakrishnan

Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. This uncensored cut and dry story of a psycho physician is not for everyone’s taste. And I for one would be very, very careful while going to a doctor.

Medical thrillers have been popular ever since Robin Cook popularized the genre, and Michael Palmer took it to greater heights. But this first book, Duck Blood Soup from Joseph Molea, a doctor who holds high qualifications in the field of drug abuse treatment was a real treat for my mystery loving mind- but sometimes too much for my stomach- the gore is a wee bit high.

Rocky VanSlyke is a doctor on the rise. But heavy work, odd hours, etc.- are slowly taking a toll on him. First it is a gentle stimulant, then the doctor falls prey to more vicious drugs. And slowly the doctor becomes a raving drug addict. The adverse effects of drug abuse, the lows and highs of an addict are portrayed in gory detail by the author.

I was disturbed by the book, yet happy that I read it. It was a warning that I needed, no.. no… a warning all should pay heed to. Highly recommended.

The Hunting Wind by Steve Hamilton

Publisher: St Martins Mass Market Paper; ISBN: 0312980264

Alex McKnight, the reluctant P.I. of Hamilton's series set in Paradise, Michigan, is back and as likable as ever.  When an old friend from his minor league baseball days comes to visit seeking Alex's help in finding an old love, Alex is slowly drawn in against his better judgment.  This story offers many twists and turns, some that confuse, most that delight, that will engage the reader and make them glad they came along for the read.  Alex is a likable guy that we definitely want to see more of, and maybe even with a little romance thrown in.  Maybe his new one coming out in May will give us this.

Rating 4 bolts

In The Blink Of An Eye by Wendy Corsi Staub

Publisher: Pinnacle Books; ISBN: 0786014237

Horror Suspense:  A mystery wrapped up with a ghost story makes for an exciting and page-turning read in Staub's new paperback.  When Julia, a resident of a community for spiritualists, finds herself confronted with murderous forces, she must find the culprit before others are targeted.  With the help of her dead best friend's lover, and a myriad of other interesting characters, Julia explores mysterious past events in order to possibly save the life of her best friend's blind daughter who also appears to have the magical gift of communicating with those who have passed.  This book comes highly recommended!

5 bolts

Every Move You Make  by Jill Jones 

Publisher: St Martins Mass Market Paper; ISBN: 0312980973

Romantic Suspense:  When Regan McKinney moves to San Francisco to begin a new life after a failed marriage, she finds more than she ever bargained for.  A serial killer is targeting red heads, like her sister and herself, and she soon finds herself in more danger than she could have ever imagined.  Her new lover, and her new job, are both unable to keep her feeling safe, as she spins head-on into a course wrought with peril.  This is a fun and easy read with plenty of suspense and enough romance to keep the reader satisfied.  Although the savvy reader may guess the culprit before the finish, there are enough curves to keep one guessing nevertheless.  This is an entertaining and satisfying read for suspense lovers. 

Over Tumbled Graves by Jess Walter

Publisher: Regan Books; ISBN: 006103200X

Suspense:  Let me start by saying that if I could, I would give this first fictional effort of Walter's 6 bolts.    Not only is the suspense riveting, but the characters are so finely developed that you will feel you know them intimately by the end of the book.  An intellectual novel that goes above and beyond the usual requirements of this genre, it is surprisingly emotionally haunting and thrilling at the same time.  Serial killer novels seem to be a dime a dozen these days, but this one truly transcends most others with it's touching and sometimes humorous portrait of its characters.  Revolving around an older detective, Alan Dupree, and his younger co-worker, Caroline Mabry, as they struggle to come to terms with an unknown evil, it fairly reads itself.  There are many surprises along the way, with the final one making the reader question where the line should be drawn to separate criminal from hero.  This is a must read for anyone who appreciates superb story telling along with their mystery.

Kiss of Evil by Richard Monatanari

Publisher: Harper Mass Market Paperbacks; ISBN: 0380795345

Suspense:  Detective John Paris, a middle-aged Cleveland  cop, is facing the battles that so many detectives seem to face; a broken marriage and no personal life.  When a string of seemingly related murders attack his city, he is one of the first to realize they all have ties to a fallen officer, Michael Ryan.  As the narrative switches points of view amongst the myriad of characters, the reader is taken on an exciting and thrilling ride that builds to a feverish pitch.  This is a well written novel, like the others from this author, and is a must-read for those who like well-defined characters and exciting plot lines.

Tracking Time  by Leslie Glass

Publisher: Signet; ISBN: 0451202287 (Paperback)

Suspense:  April Woo is back in her role as an NYPD detective.  When an old acquaintance of hers, psychiatrist Jason Frank, asks her to find a missing man, she and Jason become embroiled in a case that ends up bigger than either one would have ever suspected.  Everyone from disturbed mental clients to embittered teenagers are on the list of suspects.  And the tension mounts even further when her long time boyfriend tries to take over the case.  This is one of Glass's best novels featuring April Woo.  Jason Frank is a welcomed addition, with his finely developed character showing emotion and depth all too often missing in such novels.    

The Debt Collector  by Lynn Hightower

Publisher: Dell Pub Co; ISBN: 0440225329

Female Detective Series:  Sonora Blair is back in her role as a Cincinnati detective.  In this outing she faces not only a gruesome crime in the form of a home invasion that left 4 people dead, but also faces her own personal loss of faith and confidence.  Blair is the only one  who believes a dying woman's last words that there was a third man involved, and it's up to her to solve this last riddle long after the case has been closed.   Not only is this a suspenseful read, but the characters are finely drawn with real human failings and attributes all to often missing in this genre.  Blair, a working single mother, faces the daily battle between career and children which often conflicts with her battle on the streets between good and evil.  She is real woman, and the reader will easily empathize with the difficult choices she faces.

Staff rating:  5 bolts 

Some Survive by James Preston Girard

Publisher: Onyx Books; ISBN: 0451410211

Suspense: When a high-class call girl flees to Wichita after stealing some very expensive items from her wealthy and elderly clients, the lives of some from her past and present are severely impacted.   One is her estranged twin sister, Jess, now living 25 miles away in Sand Castle, and Lassiter, the lonely and possibly dying detective who has many secrets of his own.  Although a slightly uneven thriller, there is much more positive to be said about this book.  The characters are worth getting to know, and one will find themselves feeling great empathy for most of them.  And although there are some complaints about the loose threads left with one particular character, this is still a worthwhile read that should provoke at least a small modicum of emotion in the reader.

Staff rating:  4 bolts

Mapping the Edge by Sarah Dunant

Publisher: Random House (Paper); ISBN: 0375758615 (Paperback)

Suspense: Anna, a single mother, leaves her 6 year old child with friends and heads for a last minute trip to Italy.  When she fails to return, different scenarios are offered in separate story lines explaining her disappearance.   This is a nifty trick that leaves the reader constantly guessing which one is real.   This approach to the mystery of Anna's disappearance adds much to this novel that works on all levels.  Themes such as relationships, loyalty, and betrayal are poignantly written about, adding wonderful depth to this enthralling mystery.  

Tell No One by Harlan Coben

Publisher: Dell Pub Co; ISBN: 0440236703 (Paperback) Feb. 2002

Suspense:  David Beck, a pediatrician, lost his wife 8 years ago, and in many ways has never gotten over it.  When mysterious emails begin to arrive indicating the possibility that she may still be alive, Beck is sent into a complete emotional tailspin.  This book comes highly recommended for many reasons, Beck is truly likable, and his unrequited love for his wife is beautifully written.  The mystery itself will keep the reader guessing, while tugging at the heartstrings.

Quiet Time by Stephanie Kane

Publishers:   Bantam Books, 2002 ISBN: 0553581740 (Oct. 2001)

For those of you who read the author’s fantastic debut work Blind Spot- is Quiet Time as good the earlier. The answer is no- Quiet Time is much much better. It is a superb legal and psychological thriller that left me glued to the pages. Kane is fabulous storyteller and she really knows how to keep our attention riveted to the work.

            The Scott Family seems to be the classic American middle class. Warren Scott is the total family man and the master of the Scott House. His wife Peggy and Tim and Laura epitomizes the symbol of an All American family. Sari Siegel is the classmate and fiancée of Tim Scott. One fine day Peggy is found brutally murdered and Warren stands accused of the crime. However charges against Warren are dropped for lack of evidence. But Sari’s dream of a perfect married life with Tim Scott is soon shattered and she soon leaves town. Ten years later as a hotshot lawyer she returns to spot of the crime and together with Ray Burt the detective in charge of the initial investigation launches an intense look into the hidden facts behind the murder. What follows is an intense mystery where the untruths, the half-truths and the truths are revealed.

            Taut but simple, intense but engaging narration makes Quiet Time an engrossing read. Ever since James Patterson popularized the psychological thriller genre and John Grisham reinvented the legal thriller, I was on the lookout for books that successfully combines both these mystery sub genres. And the author has successfully mixed in the right proportion the elements of both sub-genres to give us a topnotch page-turner.

            A worthy read and an even more worthy buy, a book to be savored. Curl up with this book in the evening. Guaranteed, the suspense will keep you warm in those cold chilly nights.

                                                                            -Narayan Radhakrishnan

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New Mystery Reader Magazine  editor@newmysteryreader.com