Among many hobbies that people enjoy are picking up a good book! The problem is picking the right book. "A Good Book" is a very subjective thing, since people's interests are so varied. Some prefer sci-fi, some like a good murder mystery, others like a good romance or historical novel, while others prefer non-fiction. Here you will find some interesting titles complete with Dick's reviews. Then it's up to you to decide!

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 About Dick:

Born and raised in Northeast Minneapolis, Dick Solem went to Edison High for 2 years and transferred to Osseo High in Osseo, MN.

After graduating from high school, Dick went to the University of Minnesota.  Married right after graduating from the U, Dick and his new bride, Colleen, traveled to San Antonio, Texas to begin a 3 year tour of duty with the U.S. Air Force.  After a stint in Japan, Dick left the Air Force.  He and his wife returned to Minnesota where he started a 25 year career in the Life Insurance industry.  During that time, his family grew. His 3 children all have had successful careers.  After retiring from the Life Insurance industry, Dick assisted in establishing a successful advertising agency in the Twin Cities Metro area. 
 
Besides being an avid reader, Dick has spent a lifetime as a collector.  For the past 25 years, he's had a "love affair" with English Toby Jugs and his collection presently has over 450 pieces.

In "The Scarecrow" by Michael Connelly, we once again meet journalist and crime writer, Jack McEvoy.  Jack was the protagonist in Connelly's earlier novel, "The Poet."  Despite being the golden boy for several years because of his actions in bringing The Poet to justice and his award winning book which chronicled the story, Jack is now learning that fame can be fleeting.  He is about to join the ranks of the unemployed, as his paper, The Los Angeles Times, is downsizing and he is one of the targets.  Despite the usual practice of immediately removing the chosen subject of removing the chosen subject from the premises, Jack has been given 2 weeks notice and he has decided to make full use of that time to come up with the quintessential murder story.

Jack decides to center his investigation of a young, confessed killer on the societal influences and indifference that were the basis for his action.  But Jack soon discovers that the confession was no confession at all, and he finds evidence that an earlier killing in Las Vegas has all the trademarks of the recent murder.  It's almost as if someone had very explicit requirements for the victims.

Slowly Jack becomes aware that someone knows his every move.  And, indeed, this "someone" is well aware of any move against him.  This is The Scarecrow, who is in a position to monitor movements and activities of almost anyone he wishes, and God help anyone who crosses him!  And now that he's on to Jack's investigation, bad things begin to happen to Jack.

With the help of FBI agent, and former lover, Rachel Walling, Jack seeks out the mysterious Scarecrow.  Murder follows murder, and the ending, though horrific, is certainly appropriate.

Michael Connelly has written a number of #1 best sellers, including "The Brass Verdict" and "The Lincoln Lawyer."  I particularly like his series of Harry Bosch novels.  Connelly is a former journalist himself.  As an aside, his Harry Bosch character is the inspiration for "Dirty Harry" of movie fame.  Enjoy!

View the archive of Dick's past book reviews here.