3.93
Part of "Cliff Janeway" series
"The Bookman's Wake" by John Dunning is a captivating mystery novel that combines the thrill of a detective story with the rich world of rare book collecting. The book is the second in the series featuring protagonist Cliff Janeway, a former cop turned rare book dealer. In "The Bookman's Wake," Janeway becomes embroiled in a complex and dangerous investigation when a rare and valuable book, the Bay Psalm Book, goes missing. The book, one of the first ever published in America, is worth millions of dollars, and its theft sets off a chain reaction of events that puts Janeway's life in peril. As Janeway delves deeper into the world of rare book collecting, he uncovers a web of deceit, greed, and murder that threatens to destroy him. Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, including a ruthless book thief, a cunning rare book dealer, and a beautiful and mysterious woman who may hold the key to the Bay Psalm Book's whereabouts. Dunning's expertise in the world of rare books is evident throughout the novel, and his attention to detail brings the world of book collecting to life. The author's ability to weave intricate plotlines and create suspenseful scenes makes "The Bookman's Wake" a page-turner that is difficult to put down. Fans of mystery novels and those with an interest in rare books will find "The Bookman's Wake" to be a thrilling and engaging read. The book is a testament to Dunning's storytelling abilities and his deep knowledge of the world of rare book collecting. Whether you're a seasoned mystery reader or new to the genre, "The Bookman's Wake" is a book that is sure to leave you wanting more...
Matthew Pearl
The Dante Club
Fans of 'The Bookman's Wake' will enjoy 'The Dante Club' for its intricate plot and rich historical detail. Set in post-Civil War Boston, a group of literary luminaries, including Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and James Russell Lowell, join together to translate Dante's Divine Comedy. When a series of murders in Boston resemble the Inferno's punishments, the group must use their knowledge to catch the killer. Like 'The Bookman's Wake', 'The Dante Club' combines literature, history, and mystery in a thrilling narrative.
Learn MoreCaleb Carr
The Alienist
If you enjoyed the historical setting and suspenseful mystery in 'The Bookman's Wake', you'll likely appreciate 'The Alienist'. Set in 1896 New York City, a series of gruesome murders leads a criminal psychologist, a newspaper illustrator, and a police commissioner to team up and use the latest psychological and forensic techniques to track down the killer. The atmospheric setting and intricate plot will captivate readers who enjoy blending history, mystery, and literature.
Learn MoreUmberto Eco
The Name of the Rose
For readers who relished the historical and literary aspects of 'The Bookman's Wake', 'The Name of the Rose' is a must-read. In 14th-century Italy, a Franciscan friar and his young apprentice investigate a series of murders in a secluded monastery. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of intrigue, heresy, and forbidden books. Eco's novel, like Dunning's, combines historical detail, literary references, and a gripping mystery.
Learn MoreDonna Tartt
The Secret History
Fans of 'The Bookman's Wake' will appreciate 'The Secret History' for its richly drawn characters and intricate plot. Set in a small, elite Vermont college, a group of classics students become obsessed with recreating the rituals of ancient Greece. When a murder occurs, the group must work together to cover up their involvement, leading to a shocking conclusion. Tartt's novel, like Dunning's, explores the darker side of academia and the power of literature to shape and destroy lives.
Learn MoreDiane Setterfield
The Thirteenth Tale
If you were drawn to the gothic atmosphere and literary allusions in 'The Bookman's Wake', you'll likely enjoy 'The Thirteenth Tale'. A reclusive author, Vida Winter, hires a biographer, Margaret Lea, to tell her life story. As Margaret delves into Vida's past, she uncovers a web of secrets, twists, and turns that challenge her perceptions of reality and the power of storytelling. Setterfield's novel, like Dunning's, explores the darker side of literature and the blurred lines between truth and fiction.
Learn MoreCarlos Ruiz Zafón
The Shadow of the Wind
Fans of 'The Bookman's Wake' will appreciate 'The Shadow of the Wind' for its atmospheric setting and literary themes. In post-Civil War Barcelona, a young boy, Daniel, discovers a mysterious book called 'The Shadow of the Wind' by Julián Carax. As he searches for more of Carax's works, he uncovers a dark secret that threatens his life and those around him. Zafón's novel, like Dunning's, combines literature, history, and mystery in a captivating narrative.
Learn MoreElizabeth Kostova
The Historian
Readers who enjoyed the historical and supernatural elements of 'The Bookman's Wake' will find 'The Historian' a thrilling read. A young woman discovers her father's research on the historical Dracula and becomes embroiled in a dangerous quest to uncover the truth about the infamous vampire. Kostova's novel, like Dunning's, combines history, literature, and suspense in a captivating narrative.
Learn MoreA.S. Byatt
Possession
For readers who appreciated the literary allusions and academic intrigue in 'The Bookman's Wake', 'Possession' is a must-read. Two literary scholars, Roland Mitchell and Maud Bailey, uncover a secret love affair between two Victorian poets, Randolph Henry Ash and Christabel LaMotte. As they delve deeper into the poets' lives, they uncover a web of secrets, lies, and forbidden love. Byatt's novel, like Dunning's, combines literature, history, and mystery in a captivating narrative.
Learn MoreChina Miéville
The City & the City
Readers who enjoyed the noir atmosphere and unconventional structure of 'The Bookman's Wake' will find 'The City & The City' a compelling read. In the divided cities of Besźel and Ul Qoma, a detective, Tyador Borlú, investigates a murder that leads him to uncover a conspiracy that threatens to destroy the fragile balance between the two cities. Miéville's novel, like Dunning's, challenges the reader's perceptions of reality and the power of storytelling.
Learn MoreSarah Perry
The Essex Serpent
Fans of 'The Bookman's Wake' will appreciate 'The Essex Serpent' for its rich historical detail and atmospheric setting. In 1893 England, a young widow, Cora Seaborne, becomes fascinated by the legend of the Essex Serpent, a mythical creature believed to inhabit the local waters. As she investigates the legend, she becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a local pastor, leading to a shocking conclusion. Perry's novel, like Dunning's, combines history, literature, and suspense in a captivating narrative.
Learn More