“Original Sins,” a modern noir crime thriller by Bob Houlihan of Akron, does not disappoint in its style, characters and plot.
Bill Delahanty, a claims adjuster at an insurance company, does the bare minimum to stay employed. He is summoned to an executive office for a meeting with a prominent lawyer, where he is offered the newly created position of head of corporate security, with an urgent first task: an accounting clerk has disappeared with some company accounts; Bill’s job is to find them and her.
Bill asks why the police or private security firms haven’t been involved, but his question is dismissed. He’s smart enough to know that these files must contain information damaging to the director and that the job is probably a scam, but he needs the substantial pay that comes with it; he is going through a divorce and his preschool son has a congenital condition that requires expensive care. Bill suffers from clinical depression and bipolar disorder, so he also needs the health insurance he lost when he lost his previous job.
Bill finds the woman and recovers the files within a day. That might satisfy his employer, but not the goons waiting for him in the parking lot when he gets back to work.
Bill, a morally upright man still in love with his wife, finds street smarts he didn’t know he had as he encounters mobsters and femmes fatales. He has the help of a faithful friend (the “who will help you move a body” kind) who provides shelter and muscle. His friend helps Bill interpret the records, which should prepare him for all the problems he will encounter. It does not.
“Original Sins” has a pronounced kinship with the work of Raymond Chandler, who is mentioned late in the book, in a scene that sets the stage for hoped-for future novels with Bill Delahanty.
“Original Sins” (209 pages, softcover) is $13.99 from online retailers. Houlihan has written four books for young adults, including “The River Kids of Munroe Falls.” He is an alumnus of the University of Akron and Kent State University.
‘A quiet greatness’
Myron T. Vernis of Akron has French, German and Italian cars in his famous and eclectic collection, but he has recently focused on Japanese cars, the subject of “A Quiet Greatness: Japan’s Most Astonishing Automobiles for the Collector & Enthusiast,” an astounding 35 pounds of eye candy he collected with fellow collector Mark R. Brinker, an orthopedic surgeon from Houston.
Vernis said he was inspired to renew his interest in Japanese cars by younger enthusiasts: “Their passion renewed my passion.”
The four enormous volumes cover 16 manufacturers, in alphabetical order from Diahatsu to Yamaha, with 2,200 images, most of them taken especially for the book, but also historical photos and images of marketing brochures.
The project uses the highest quality of photography, reproduction and materials – to say “no expense has been spared” is an understatement. Vernis said he and Brinker had “good cooperation” from everyone they asked for help, with full access to all the manufacturer’s archives.
In addition to the four main volumes, there is an 86-page supplement with an index, photo credits, race statistics and details such as engine and chassis designations.
“A Quiet Greatness” (1,400 pages, hardcover with case) is $350 from quietgreatness.com. Foreword by Jay Leno.
‘From sorrow to morning’
The death of a loved one is an almost universal experience, but there is no universal way to grieve.
University of Akron alumnus Wen Davison tells her moving, personal story in “From Mourning to Morning: One Woman’s Journey.”
In 2007, Davison lived with her husband, Chuck, whose health had been declining for five years with diabetes and prostate cancer, among other ailments; he was now showing signs of dementia. When he broke his elbow in a fall, the deterioration progressed.
Davison had the support of family, including her first husband, and her pastor and church members. She writes gracefully about the role her faith played, including inspirational reading and prayer.
“From Mourning to Mourning” (92 pages, softcover) is $17.95 from online retailers.
Events
Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library: The Online Author Talk Series continues with Dana White, author of “Organizing for the Best of Us and Decluttering at the Speed of Life,” 2 p.m. Tuesday. Register at smfpl.org.
Hudson Library & Historical Society: Actress Geena Davis, author of “Dying of Politeness: A Memoir,” talks about her childhood and career in a Zoom event at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Register at hudsonlibrary.org. A local writers’ fair will be held at 11 o’clock on Saturday.
Loganberry books (13015 Larchmere Blvd., Shaker Heights): Scott Simon speaks on “Scare Your Soul: 7 Powerful Principles to Harness Fear and Lead Your Most Courageous Life,” 7 p.m. Thursday.
Cuyahoga County Public Library (Middleburg Heights branch, 16699 Bagley Road): Stephen Markley of Mount Vernon, whose 2018 debut “Ohio” captures small-town values and prejudices, talks about “The Deluge,” an eco-thriller, Friday at 13.00 to 14.00. Register at cuyahogalibrary.org.
Reed Memorial Library (167 E. Main St., Ravenna): Writers Abby Collette (Ice Cream Parlor mystery series, also writing as Abby L. Vandiver), Misty Wilson (“Play Like a Girl,” her graphic memoir about being an only girl on her seventh grade soccer team), SA Schneider (“Embracing the Magic” middle grade fantasy series) and Cindy Jarrett (“Adventures with Grandma” storybook) will sign books from 14.00 to 16.00 Saturday.
Email information about books of local interest and event announcements at least two weeks in advance to [email protected] and [email protected] Barbara McIntyre tweets at @BarbaraMcI.
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