Book Talk: 'Original Sins' is top-notch crime novel

"Original Sins," a contemporary noir crime novel by Bob Houlihan of Akron, does not disappoint in its style, characters and plot.

Bill Delahanty, checking claims in an insurance company, is doing the bare minimum to remain employed. He's summoned to an executive's office to a meeting with a prominent attorney, where he's offered the newly created position of chief of corporate security, with an urgent first assignment: An accounting employee has disappeared with some company financial records; Bill's job is to find them, and her.

Bill asks why the police or private security firms haven't been involved, but his questions are brushed off. He's smart enough to know that these files must contain information damaging to the executive and that the job probably is a sham, but he needs the significant salary that comes with it; he's 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 medical insurance he's lost as he lost previous jobs.

Bill finds the woman and recovers the files within a day. That might satisfy his employer, but not the goons who are waiting for him in the parking lot when he gets back to work.

Bill, a morally upright man who is still in love with his wife, finds street smarts he didn't know he had while encountering gangsters and femmes fatales. He has the help of a stalwart friend (the kind "that will help you move a body") who provides shelter and muscle. His friend helps Bill interpret the records, which should prepare him for all the trouble he's going to 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 featuring Bill Delahanty.

"Original Sins" (209 pages, softcover) costs $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'

Akron native Myron T. Vernis has French, German and Italian cars in his renowned and eclectic collection, but he has more recently focused on Japanese cars, the subject of "A Quiet Greatness: Japan's Most Astonishing Automobiles for the Collector & Enthusiast," the astonishing 35 pounds of eye candy he assembled with fellow collector Mark R. Brinker, a Houston orthopedic surgeon.

Vernis said that he was inspired to renew his interest in Japanese cars by younger enthusiasts: "Their passion renewed my passion."

The four huge volumes cover 16 manufacturers, in alphabetical order from Diahatsu to Yamaha, with 2,200 images, most photos taken especially for the book but also historical photos and pictures 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 that he and Brinker had "great cooperation" from everyone they asked for help, with full access to all manufacturer archives.

In addition to the four main volumes, there is an 86-page supplement with an index, the photo credits, racing statistics and minutiae like engine and chassis designations.

"A Quiet Greatness" (1,400 pages, hardcover in case) costs $350 from quietgreatness.com. The foreword is by Jay Leno.

'From Mourning to Morning'

The death of a loved one is a near-universal experience, but there is no universal way to grieve.

University of Akron alumna Wen Davison tells her moving, personal story in "From Mourning to Morning: One Woman's Journey."

In 2007, Davison was living with her husband, Chuck, whose health had been declining for five years with diabetes and prostate cancer among other ailments; he now was showing signs of dementia. When he broke his elbow in a fall, the deterioration advanced.

Davison had the support of family, including her first husband, and her pastor and church members. She writes gracefully of the part her faith played, including inspirational reading and prayer.

"From Mourning to Mourning" (92 pages, softcover) costs $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 her career in a Zoom event at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Register at hudsonlibrary.org. A local author fair will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Loganberry Books (13015 Larchmere Blvd., Shaker Heights): Scott Simon talks about "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): Mount Vernon native Stephen Markley, whose 2018 debut "Ohio" captures small-town values and prejudices, talks about "The Deluge," an eco-thriller, 1 to 2 p.m. Friday. Register at cuyahogalibrary.org.

Reed Memorial Library (167 E. Main St., Ravenna): Authors Abby Collette (Ice Cream Parlor mystery series, also writing as Abby L. Vandiver), Misty Wilson ("Play Like a Girl," her graphic memoir about being the only girl on her seventh-grade football team), S.A. Schneider ("Embracing the Magic" middle-grade fantasy series) and Cindy Jarrett ("Adventures with Grandma" storybook) sign books from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Email information about books of local interest, and event notices at least two weeks in advance to [email protected] and [email protected]. Barbara McIntyre tweets at @BarbaraMcI.

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