FRIDAY'S: Forgotten Books

FRIDAY’S Forgotten Books-May 23^rd 2008

Lonnie Cruse’s Forgotten Book: (Lonnie writes the Metropolis Mystery and the Kitty Bloodworth series) She contributes to Poe’s Forgotten Daughters and her personal website is below.

WE HAVE ALWAYS LIVED IN A CASTLE by Shirley Jackson

This book isn't totally forgotten, but many readers haven't heard of it. I heard about it a couple of years ago on DorothyL, an e-mail list for mystery readers, but no one's mentioned it lately. The title is, WE HAVE ALWAYS LIVED IN THE CASTLE, by Shirley Jackson.

The book features two sisters living alone in an old house and how they interact with the locals. And it features that wonderful house. I loved the ending. No, I loved the entire book!

Jackson died in the mid-sixties, when she was middle aged, yet her books are still loved and read by loyal fans. Her short story, THE LOTTERY, is taught in colleges all across the country as the example to end all examples. When I discovered CASTLE, I immediately read it twice, making sure I didn't miss a single word. It isn't a really a mystery . . . or is it? Jackson hooks her readers and reels them carefully in. And I always think I'm ready for the surprise at the end. I never am.

Shirley Jackson achieved the dream of all writers, to write something so timeless, it's still read and enjoyed nearly fifty years after her death. I hope you will check out Shirley Jackson's books, particularly WE HAVE ALWAYS LIVED IN THE CASTLE.

Lonnie Cruse
http://www.lonniecruse.com

Lonnie Cruse asked me a question or two at: http://poesdeadlydaughters.blogspot.com/

Here are some more selections. If I’ve left someone out, please advise and forgive. And many thanks to all of you for accepting the tap on the shoulder. Don’t wait for the tap though. Give me a ring at aa2579@wayne.edu if you have a book.

http://billcrider.blogspot.com/2008/05/forgotten-books-revenge-jack-ehrlich.html

http://noirwriter.blogspot.com/

http://doyouwriteunderyourownname.blogspot.com/

http://lindalrichards.blogspot.com/

http://victorgischler.blogspot.com/

http://jennydavidson.blogspot.com/

http://murderati.typepad.com/

http://jamesreasoner.blogspot.com/

http://therapsheet.blogspot.com/

http://johnmcfetridge.blogspot.com/

http://newimprovedgorman.blogspot.com/2008/05/spree-forgotten-books.html

http://dovegreyreader.co.uk

http://bookwitch.wordpress.com/2008/05/23/child-detectives/

http://socialistjazz.blogspot.com/2008/05/friday-forgotten-books-lee-hoffman.html

http://www.journalscape.com/woodstock/2008-05-23-12:48