Discover John Dunning, the mystery writer / bookscout

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By jstankevicz


John Dunning at the microphone


The bookman's bookman

For me John Dunning is a trifecta interest hit - mystery author, old time radio authority, and to make it really sweet he writes mysteries about book collecting and old time radio! A bookscout is an individual who hunts for books in various locations and then resells them for a profit. John Dunning has been doing this for years. First selling books from a store, but then after he became a published mystery author, he moved to Internet sales.

Thus Dunning's Janeway books are full of insights and anecdotes about the world of book collectors and the scouts and stores that find and offer the collectible books. No small irony that Dunning's early Janeway books are prized mystery book collectibles themselves.

Dunning's series about Cliff Janeway, bookscout and bookseller, are well written mysteries that satisfy the book lover, or the mystery fan in general. Since we see Janeway evolve in the books, it's one of those series best read in order. But don't let that hold you back from starting any of the books because they stand alone well. His latest book, "The Bookwoman's Last Fling", also brings in the world of horse racing, one of his early career stops.

I first came upon John Dunning through his Encyclopedia of Old Time Radio. If I could only have one book on the shelf about Old Time Radio (OTR), Dunning's encyclopedia would be that book. It's a massive volume with lots of facts and interesting information on thousands of shows.

Recommendations

To try the Cliff Janeway series, start with "Diehard".

To read a WWII mystery intertwined with 1940's radio, try "Two O'Clock, Eastern Wartime".

To explore the fascinating world of old time radio, get "On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio".


Two O'Clock, Eastern Wartime Two O'Clock, Eastern Wartime
Price: $2.98
List Price: $7.99
On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio
Price: $46.62
List Price: $75.00

Booked To Die

Booked to Die:  A Mystery Introducing Cliff Janeway Booked to Die: A Mystery Introducing Cliff Janeway
Price: $12.95
List Price: $24.00

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