Set in the world of rare books, this bestseller was an instant success with mystery fans who find Dunning's adept combination of sharp-edged suspense, compelling characters, and knowledgeable book lore irresistible. The murder of a harmless book dealer draws Denver homicide detective Cliff Janeway into an extraordinary quest. Suddenly his sources become victims, and he begins to understand that rare editions can cost lives.
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"This is a great mystery that leaves you guessing until the end. Cliff Janeway is more than likable in all his gruffness. My reading of this book has produced two major results: 1) I definitely want to read the next in the series and 2) I want to be a bookman!! (Or bookwoman.)"
— Jenn (4 out of 5 stars)
" Liked it. Liked the characters and the 'feel' of the book. Too bad, for me, my unability to warm up to the concept of ' first edition' and all that turned around it. "
— Stefano, 2/11/2014" I love all of Dunnings books. He writes mysteries which center around the lives of those who are involved in the book business of some sort or another. Perfect for an addict like me. "
— Chrismpadgett, 2/10/2014" Booked To Die starts a wonderful storyline featuring Cliff Janeway. He's a Denver detective turned bookseller. This story is well plotted and very tight. The characters are perfectly believable. It was a fast-paced read and thoroughly enjoyable. "
— Michelle, 2/9/2014" Enjoyed by the entire book club. "
— Margaret, 2/9/2014" I listened to this via Audible. It was a great read. I am not a big mystery reader, but I thought this was quite fun with some good surprises. Definitely worth reading and a good mystery. "
— Jessica, 1/24/2014" i read the first two books of this series and i really liked them. they're fun. and you get to learn about used books. "
— Chrissie, 1/24/2014" Eh. Interesting plot and topic, but kind of weirdly written. Did I miss something? Why were the last few chapters so weird? "
— Rebekah, 1/21/2014" Fun read. Another author to look into further. "
— Edie, 1/20/2014" I loved this book. It had a good mystery and you learned about antique and old books. You have a mystery and history lesson in one book. "
— Jacquelynn, 1/20/2014" I didn't like the main character at first-- too much of a caricature of the private dick in film noir movies-- but twists in the middle and second part of the novel changed all that, redeeming the whole story. "
— Ramon, 12/27/2013" I loved being driven around Denver with this classic 1940's-style detective. Learning about bookscouting was interesting~ I hadn't known anything at all about it. "
— Branwynne, 12/21/2013" A good murder mystery but an even better look at the world of book collectors. I didn't know anything about this world and I love books. I liked the main detective character but sometimes he was a little unbelievable. Overall, a book that kept my interest even if the end wasn't overly satisfying. "
— Susie, 12/10/2013" I like that the detective is into old books, but the characters are completely black and white, and the author comes right out and tells you everything about them. You don't learn about the characters gradually through inferences in the action. Lazy! "
— Carolyn, 9/15/2013" The best part about it is the great description of old books and the book retail business. "
— Inês, 9/3/2013" i couldnt stop reading though it is long story.It seems i match Edgar wiined works.also,this book is very interesting for book lover because hero is a dealer of the rare books. "
— Hirosasazaki, 7/27/2013" Just my type of mystery- where I learn some new information along with solving a murder. I liked the main character a lot and I love books so this was a perfect read. "
— Liz, 5/1/2013" Hotshot cop turns rare book dealer. Interesting! "
— Jack, 4/18/2013" This is a solid mystery and one that I enjoyed reading. Extra bonus if you love books and the idea of owning your own bookstore. I liked it enough to want to continue the series. "
— Amy, 1/24/2013" For me, it was a best page turning novel. It was excellently written and It surprises me evrytime i discovered the mysterious characters in the story. It makes me want to be a detective book dealer haha "
— Sharlene, 11/21/2012" First book I've read about "book men." Interesting background info on collectors, decent mystery. Will read more by Dunning "
— Denise, 6/13/2012" Like all the references to characters in classic books. Fun. "
— Maureen, 1/15/2012" For the book lover here is a mystery story which involves the "catch a thief" of first edition books. A very nice and exciting read about--what else--books!!! "
— Tinytextiles, 10/23/2011" Lots of fun and a good education in the rare book trade. Highly recommended! "
— Sara, 8/18/2011" The Janeway books always provide a fun, entertaining read, and if you like book collecting and dealing, an extra interest factor. "
— Robert, 6/8/2011" Love this series - what could be better - mystery series around used books!! "
— Robin, 3/12/2011" The most fun I have had in a long time. Great read "
— Martha, 2/22/2011" An ok murder mystery set in the world of book collectors and dealers. Light reading for recovering from a car accident. Didn't move me to want to read more of the same author or series. "
— Ruth, 2/4/2011" If you love books and you like the idea of early detective novels...this is for you! Really enjoyable. "
— Akrista, 1/4/2011" I love all of Dunnings books. He writes mysteries which center around the lives of those who are involved in the book business of some sort or another. Perfect for an addict like me. "
— Chrismpadgett, 1/3/2011" After a slow start, this book took off in the second half. I'll definitely read more Cliff Janeway mysteries. "
— Nancy, 12/21/2010" I loved this book. It had a good mystery and you learned about antique and old books. You have a mystery and history lesson in one book. "
— Jacquelynn, 11/21/2010" Just my type of mystery- where I learn some new information along with solving a murder. I liked the main character a lot and I love books so this was a perfect read. "
— Liz, 11/19/2010" A great subject, and very well delivered in this Denver bookman-turned-detective (actually vice versa) premier mystery. I loved the verisimilitude of the rare book dealings more than the rather routine plot and supporting characters. "
— Gene, 11/10/2010" I didn't like the main character at first-- too much of a caricature of the private dick in film noir movies-- but twists in the middle and second part of the novel changed all that, redeeming the whole story. "
— Ramon, 11/10/2010John Dunning has revealed some of book collecting’s most shocking secrets in his bestselling series of crime novels featuring Cliff Janeway. Those books have won the prestigious Nero Wolfe Award, been New York Times Notable Books, and becoming New York Times and Book Sense bestsellers. Dunning is also the author of the Edgar Award–nominated Deadline, The Holland Suggestions, and Two O'Clock, Eastern Wartime. An expert on rare and collectible books, he owned the Old Algonquin Bookstore in Denver for many years. He is also an expert on American radio history and the author of On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio. His other jobs have included glass cutter, racetrack groom, and political publicist. He lives in Denver, Colorado.
George Guidall, winner of more than eighty AudioFile Earphones Awards, has won three of the prestigious Audie Award for Excellence in Audiobook Narration. In 2014 the Audio Publishers Association presented him with the Special Achievement Award for lifetime achievement/ During his thirty-year recording career he has recorded over 1,700 audiobooks, won multiple awards, been a mentor to many narrators, and shown by example the potential of fine storytelling. His forty-year acting career includes starring roles on Broadway, an Obie Award for best performance off Broadway, and frequent television appearances.