07/02/2006

Mystery receives 'Superior' treatment

By Al Parker

A murder mystery for adult readers and several titles of interest to young readers are among recent releases. Here is a brief summary of each:

n "Superior Death," (Avalon, 262 pages) is the debut novel, and first of three Lake Superior Mysteries, from Marquette writer Matthew Williams. His hero, Vince Marshall, is a small-town reporter in the U.P. town of Apostle Bay. Vince deals with looming deadlines, a wife he suspects is cheating, an eccentric boss and a pesky toddler. The last thing he needs is to have his mother become a suspect in the death of a mysterious woman — a story that he's covering for the local newspaper. As Vince probes the woman's death, he comes up against the town's police chief, an influential family and others who are trying to kill the story for their own reasons. Though it lacks even a single pastie, "Superior Death" is a U.P. treat, full of deception, deceit and self-discovery.

Of interest to younger readers:

New titles that may interest younger readers include:

n "Duke's Tails: Duke Finds a Home," (Bush Brothers & Co., 32 pages) has been written by Duke, the bean-peddling spokesdog for Bush's Baked Beans. This little tome tells the tale of how Duke was adopted and found a happy home with Jay Bush and the Bush family. Duke has dedicated this little book to other pets in need of loving homes. Duke and the Bushes are teaming with the American Humane Association and donating proceeds from this book to help place homeless pets with families.

n Former Munson Medical Center employee Jerry Pociask has penned a touching tale in "Call Me Grandpa: A Man's Wish for His Grandchild," (Life Management, 30 pages). Pociask's first book focuses on a grandfather-to-be who makes a prayerful secret deal with a higher power and learns a valuable life lesson in the process. Illustrator Marsha Grill provides compelling graphics to accompany Pociask's poignant prose.

n "The Bump on Santa's Noggin," (Mitten Press, 32 pages) features author Jeffrey Schatzer as the title character, with assistance from Mark Bush and Don Rutt. This delightful tale is a follow-up to the acclaimed, "The Bird in Santa's Beard." When young Milo McMostly leaves a toy on the school room floor, Santa takes a tumble that causes him to forget who he is and what he does. Readers follow along as Santa tries to recover his identity. He learns who he is not, but can he remember who he is in time to save Christmas? Illustrations are done by Ty Smith.

n Carl R. Sams and Jean Stoick have recently released their critically acclaimed "Lost in the Woods" book on DVD. This latest video offering from the photographer/author couple — "Lost in the Woods: The Movie" — is the story of a newborn fawn who becomes a point of curiosity to other forest creatures. In addition to the charming tale, the DVD includes several special features, including an educational seek-and-find game that will have parents and children learning and laughing.

Al Parker, of Traverse City, is an award-winning writer and longtime bibliophile.