Book Reviews by the Reluctant

Honest book reviews, new discoveries, and reading recommendations for fellow book lovers. Find your next great read!

101 Things to Do with a Tortilla

101 Things To Do With Canned Soup

Brew Like a Pro: Make Pub-Style Draft Beer at Home

Once-A-Month Cooking: A Proven System for Spending Less Time in the Kitchen and Enjoying Delicious, Homemade Meals Every Day

Deadly Donuts: Book 10 in the Donut Mysteries (Volume 10)

Hong Kong Noir (Akashic Noir)

Vancouver Noir (Akashic Noir)

Vancouver NoirSam Wiebe - editorAudiobookAkashic Books continues its award-winning series of original noir anthologies, launched in 2004 with Brooklyn Noir. Each audiobook comprises all new stories, each one set in a distinct neighborhood or location within the respective city. Following the success of Montreal Noir and Toronto Noir, the Noir series travels to the West Coast of Canada. Brand-new stories by: Linda L. Richards, Timothy Taylor, Sheena Kamal, Robin Spano, Carleigh Baker, Sam Wiebe, Dietrich Kalteis, Nathan Ripley, Yasuko Thanh, Kristi Charish, Don English, Nick Mamatas, S.G. Wong, and R.M. Greenaway. From the introduction by Sam Wiebe: You might wonder what shadows could exist in Vancouver, rain-spattered jewel of the Pacific Northwest. Nestled between the US border and the Coast Mountains, the city's postcard charms are familiar, even to those who’ve never been here, thanks to the films and TV shows shot in Hollywood North: The X-Files and Deadpool, Rumble in the Bronx and Jason Takes Manhattan. Vancouver is the so-called City of Glass. A nice place, in any case, and much too nice for noir. Looked at from afar, Vancouver may seem idyllic. But living here is different - cold and baffling and occasionally hostile. While outsiders focus on high-test BC bud, locals see a heroin crisis: Vancouver is home to the first legalized safe-injection site in North America, now heavily taxed by overdoses resulting from street drugs cut with fentanyl. It's ground zero for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, a nationwide catastrophe involving the deaths and disappearances of hundreds of marginalized women. Money and status trample culture and community.... If Vancouver is a City of Glass, that glass is underneath our feet.

Vancouver Noir (Akashic Noir)Linda L. RichardsEbookThis "excellent anthology" of noir fiction set in Canada's City of Glass features all-new stories by Linda L. Richards, Sam Wiebe, Yasuko Thanh and more (Quill & Quire, starred review). For many people, Vancouver is a city of affluence, athleisure, and craft beer. But if look a little closer at this gentrified paradise, you'll find the old saying holds true: behind every fortune there's a crime. Hidden beneath Vancouver's gleaming glass skyscrapers are shadowy streets where poverty, drugs, and violence rule the day. These fourteen stories of crime and mayhem in the Pacific Northwest offer an entertaining "mix of wily pros, moody misfits, bewildered bystanders, and a touch of the supernatural" (Kirkus). Vancouver Noir features the Arthur Ellis Award-winning story "Terminal City" by Linda L. Richards, and the Arthur Ellis Award-finalist "Wonderful Life" by Sam Wiebe. It also includes entries by Timothy Taylor, Sheena Kamal, Robin Spano, Carleigh Baker, Dietrich Kalteis, Nathan Ripley, Yasuko Thanh, Kristi Charish, Don English, Nick Mamatas, S.G. Wong, and R.M. Greenaway.

Taste of Home 365 Days of Cookies: Sweeten Your Year with a New Cookie Every Day (Taste of Home Baking)

Cutie Pies: 40 Sweet, Savory, and Adorable Recipes by Dani Cone (29-Sep-2011) Hardcover

Mug Cakes: 100 Speedy Microwave Treats to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook: 650 Recipes for Everything You'll Ever Want to Make (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)

Taste of Home Casseroles: Over 150 Easy Meal in One Recipes Bonus Chapter Includes 8x8 Casseroles (Taste of Home Quick & Easy)

Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Cookbook: Lose Weight with 433 Foods You Crave!

Taste of Home: Casseroles: 377 Dishes for Families, Potlucks & Parties

Comfort Food The Cowboy Way: Backyard Favorites, Country Classics, and Stories from a Ranch Cook

Comfort Food the Cowboy WayKent RollinsEbookThe stars of the YouTube channel Cowboy Kent Rollins and the authors of the hit cookbook A Taste of Cowboy, Kent and Shannon Rollins, share more than 125 hearty recipes of comfort food for the family, with true chuck wagon stories. While real-life cowboy Kent Rollins and his wife Shannon sure have a busy life on the range, slinging hash, beating Bobby Flay on Food Network, and running their YouTube channel, Cowboy Kent Rollins, they never forget to take a moment to break bread and share around the dinner table. Kent and Shannon’s wisdom, warm generosity, and life-brightening humor are interwoven throughout Comfort Food the Cowboy Way, with stories and cowboy history, including tales from life on the range, growing up in a rural family, and the interesting characters they’ve met on the trail. The recipes included are equal parts hearty and scrumptious, from their classic Southern cooking and Western favorites to the more spice-forward Mexican-style dishes. There’s also backyard grilling and smoking, one-pot meals, and tips to add cowboy twists and authentic punched-up seasoning to all your cooking—and of course, all the recipes qualify as true comfort food the cowboy way, are easy-to-follow family recipes meant to be served up family style. With chapters spanning breakfast to dinner, plus grilling, desserts, and cowboy classics, this complete course of cowboy cooking is a must have for anyone wanting to slow down and enjoy a great meal, with even better company. French Toast CasseroleFried Macaroni and CheeseRed Eye Gravy and HamGrilled Steak and Chicken QuesadillasHearty Beef StewSmoked Queso DipSeafood Gumbo with Green Chile WineBeer Can ChickenPineapple Upside Down CakeChurros with Homemade Caramel Sauce

Comfort Food The Cowboy Way: Backyard Favorites, Country Classics, and Stories from a Ranch CookKent RollinsHardcoverThe stars of the YouTube channel Cowboy Kent Rollins and the authors of the hit cookbook A Taste of Cowboy, Kent and Shannon Rollins, share more than 125 hearty recipes of comfort food for the family, with true chuck wagon stories. While real-life cowboy Kent Rollins and his wife Shannon sure have a busy life on the range, slinging hash, beating Bobby Flay on Food Network, and running their YouTube channel, Cowboy Kent Rollins, they never forget to take a moment to break bread and share around the dinner table. Kent and Shannon’s wisdom, warm generosity, and life-brightening humor are interwoven throughout Comfort Food the Cowboy Way, with stories and cowboy history, including tales from life on the range, growing up in a rural family, and the interesting characters they’ve met on the trail. The recipes included are equal parts hearty and scrumptious, from their classic Southern cooking and Western favorites to the more spice-forward Mexican-style dishes. There’s also backyard grilling and smoking, one-pot meals, and tips to add cowboy twists and authentic punched-up seasoning to all your cooking—and of course, all the recipes qualify as true comfort food the cowboy way, are easy-to-follow family recipes meant to be served up family style. With chapters spanning breakfast to dinner, plus grilling, desserts, and cowboy classics, this complete course of cowboy cooking is a must have for anyone wanting to slow down and enjoy a great meal, with even better company. * French Toast Casserole * Fried Macaroni and Cheese * Red Eye Gravy and Ham * Grilled Steak and Chicken Quesadillas * Hearty Beef Stew * Smoked Queso Dip * Seafood Gumbo with Green Chile Wine * Beer Can Chicken * Pineapple Upside Down Cake * Churros with Homemade Caramel Sauce

Lemon Larceny (Donut Shop Mysteries Book 15)

Custard Crime: Donut Mystery #14 (The Donut Mysteries)

Custard Crime: Donut Mystery #14 (The Donut Mysteries)Jessica BeckEbookBrand New From New York Times Bestselling Author Jessica Beck! Custard Crime, Donut Mystery #14 When the chief of police’s ex-wife is found dead, some folks think it was an accident, but Suzanne Hart’s boyfriend, State Police Inspector Jake Bishop, knows better. When he’s asked to investigate the crime, Suzanne is thrilled that he’s going to be nearby, but she’s also worried that the investigation might interfere with their relationship. Little does she know that it’s about to do much more than that as she and Grace work behind the scenes searching for the killer themselves. Praise for the Donut Mysteries by New York Times Bestselling Author Jessica Beck “A delight. Suzanne Hart is a lovable amateur sleuth who has a hilariously protective mother and great donut recipes! Readers will have a blast with this book.” —Diane Mott Davidson, New York Times bestselling author of Fatally Flaky “If you like donuts—and who doesn’t?—you’ll love this mystery. It’s like a trip to your favorite coffee shop, but without the calories!” —Leslie Meier, author of the Lucy Stone mysteries New Year’s Eve Murder and Wedding Day Murder “The perfect comfort read: a delicious murder, a likeable heroine, quirky Southern characters—and donut recipes!” —Rhys Bowen, Agatha and Anthony award–winning author of the Molly Murphy and Royal Spyness mysteries “A tribute to comfort food and to the comfort of small town life. With great donut recipes!”—JoAnna Carl, author of The Chocolate Cupid Killings “A yummy new treat in the culinary mystery genre. Skillfully weaving donut recipes throughout a well-plotted story, the author proves that life after divorce can be sweet; all you need are good friends, your own business, and comfort food. Delicious!”—Tamar Myers, author of Death of a Rug Lord and The Cane Mutiny “A cleverly plotted cozy mystery with a wonderful small Southern town…Fatally Frosted is a great follow-up to Glazed Murder. Suzanne is a great heroine, Ms. Beck has a sure-fire winner!”—Fresh Fiction “Along with the hilarious plot, author Jessica Beck treats the readers to a few recipes strategically placed within the novel. Sinister Sprinkles will keep you guessing until the very end.”—The Mystery Librarian “A sugary concoction that provides readers a glimpse through the donut hole of living in a small town.”—Harriet Klausner, Genre Go Round Reviews

The Gyre

Meat Illustrated: A Foolproof Guide to Understanding and Cooking with Cuts of All Kinds

Naturally Sweet Food in Jars: 100 Preserves Made with Coconut, Maple, Honey, and More

Bowls of Plenty: Recipes for Healthy and Delicious Whole-Grain Meals

Taste of Home What Can I Bring?: 360+ Crowd-Pleasing Recipes for Parties, Picnics, Potlucks, and Every Gathering (Taste of Home Entertaining & Potluck)

A Hidden Fate: A Novel

A Hidden Fate: A NovelCarol EfronPaperbackA poignant novel of love under fire about a woman who must find the courage to face an uncertain future—and an impossible choice. Baltimore, 1986. Julia and Matt are newlyweds, in love and eager to begin graduate school. Julia longs to leave behind haunting memories of her mother’s devastating decline in Maryland, but she unexpectedly learns the truth her father has hidden: Her mother died of a fatal genetic illness. Julia now faces a 50 percent chance of inheriting the same fate, and every child she longs to have will carry the same risk. When an unplanned pregnancy rocks their careful plans, Julia and Matt face agonizing uncertainty and impossible choices. Desires and convictions pull them toward starkly different paths, each possibly leading to misery. As the couple struggles to protect the fragile, fierce love that first bound them together, they face the cost of secrets and the ache of betrayal—but they also discover the hope of forgiveness.

A Hidden Fate: A NovelCarol EfronEbookA poignant novel of love under fire about a woman who must find the courage to face an uncertain future—and an impossible choice. Baltimore, 1986. Julia and Matt are newlyweds, in love and eager to begin graduate school. Julia longs to leave behind haunting memories of her mother’s devastating decline in Maryland, but she unexpectedly learns the truth her father has hidden: Her mother died of a fatal genetic illness. Julia now faces a 50 percent chance of inheriting the same fate, and every child she longs to have will carry the same risk. When an unplanned pregnancy rocks their careful plans, Julia and Matt face agonizing uncertainty and impossible choices. Desires and convictions pull them toward starkly different paths, each possibly leading to misery. As the couple struggles to protect the fragile, fierce love that first bound them together, they face the cost of secrets and the ache of betrayal—but they also discover the hope of forgiveness.

Marrakech Noir (Akashic Noir)

Marrakech Noir (Akashic Noir)Yassin AdnanPaperbackNorth Africa finally enters the Noir Series arena with a finely crafted volume of dark stories, translated from Arabic, French, and Dutch. “Armchair travelers will relish this collective look at Marrakech through the eyes of those who know its people and culture well.” ―Publishers Weekly “Marrakech Noir . . . stands out for its sense of humour, ranging from screwball to wry . . . The 15 stories in Marrakech Noir are translated from Arabic, French and Dutch, and the crimes within are suited to a city where extreme wealth and poverty brush shoulders. There are women fleecing men, youths fleecing elders, guides fleecing tourists, and stories where everyone is trying to cheat everyone else . . . And what better way to get to know a city than to meet its criminals?” ―The National (UAE) Akashic Books continues its award-winning series of original noir anthologies, launched in 2004 with Brooklyn Noir. Each book comprises all new stories, each one set in a distinct neighborhood or location within the respective city. North Africa finally enters the Noir Series arena with a finely crafted volume of dark stories, translated from Arabic, French, and Dutch. Brand-new stories by: Fouad Laroui, Allal Bourqia, Abdelkader Benali, Mohamed Zouhair, Mohamed Achaari, Hanane Derkaoui, Fatiha Morchid, Mahi Binebine, Mohamed Nedali, Halima Zine El Abidine, My Seddik Rabbaj, Yassin Adnan, Karima Nadir, Taha Adnan, and Lahcen Bakour. From the introduction by Yassin Adnan: Despite their variety, these stories remain rooted on Moroccan soil―allowing the contributing authors to bring readers closer to the linguistic, cultural, religious, and ethnic reality of Marrakech, whether Arab, Amazigh, African, or Muslim, as well as its historic Mellah―the Jewish Quarter. Here is the capital of tourism, the city of joy and sadness, the city of simple living, the city linked to international capitals through daily flights, the city of the new European community, a winter resort for French retirees, and a refuge for immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa. Marrakech is also known for its sex tourism and a new generation of crimes. All of these aspects of the city are reflected in these stories, no matter how sordid. The authors haven’t written only stories, they have tried to write Marrakech as well. Together their stories present a comprehensive portrait of the city, its sadness, violence, tension, and darkness, without neglecting its joyful spirit.

Marrakech NoirYassin AdnanAudiobookBrand new stories by: Fouad Laroui, Allal Bourqia, Abdelkader Benali, Mohamed Zouhair, Mohamed Achaari, Hanane Derkaoui, Fatiha Morchid, Mahi Binebine, Mohamed Nedali, Halima Zine El Abidine, My Seddik Rabbaj, Yassin Adnan, Karima Nadir, Taha Adnan, and Lahcen Bakour. From the introduction by Yassin Adnan: "Despite their variety, these stories remain rooted on Moroccan soil - allowing the contributing authors to bring readers closer to the linguistic, cultural, religious, and ethnic reality of Marrakech, whether Arab, Amazigh, African, or Muslim, as well as its historic Mellah - the Jewish Quarter. "Here is the capital of tourism, the city of joy and sadness, the city of simple living, the city linked to international capitals through daily flights, the city of the new European community, a winter resort for French retirees, and a refuge for immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa. Marrakech is also known for its sex tourism and a new generation of crimes. All of these aspects of the city are reflected in these stories, no matter how sordid. The authors haven’t written only stories, they have tried to write Marrakech as well. Together their stories present a comprehensive portrait of the city, its sadness, violence, tension, and darkness, without neglecting its joyful spirit."

Marrakech Noir (Akashic Noir)Fouad LarouiEbookThis unique anthology of crime fiction features 15 original stories of "scandals, smugglers, and other sordid tales" by award-winning Moroccan authors (CrimeReads). At first glance, Marrakech may seem like an odd setting for noir fiction. Contemporary Moroccans call it The Joyful City—a place where locals are happy to joke about gossip and quick to forget stories of crime. But in Marrakech Noir, some of Morocco's finest authors address old wrong that have been kept hidden behind the city's ancient gates, and spin contemporary tales of poverty, grift, and violence in this global tourist destination. Marrakech Noir features brand-new stories by Fouad Laroui, Allal Bourqia, Abdelkader Benali, Mohamed Zouhair, Mohamed Achaari, Hanane Derkaoui, Fatiha Morchid, Mahi Binebine, Mohamed Nedali, Halima Zine El Abidine, My Seddik Rabbaj, Yassin Adnan, Karima Nadir, Taha Adnan, and Lahcen Bakour.

Baghdad Noir (Akashic Noir)

Santa Cruz Noir (Akashic Noir)

Santa Cruz Noir (Unabridged)Susie Bright (editor)AudiobookAkashic Books continues its award-winning series of original noir anthologies, launched in 2004 with Brooklyn Noir. Each book comprises all new stories, each one set in a distinct neighborhood or location within the respective city. Following in the footsteps of Los Angeles Noir, San Francisco Noir, San Diego Noir, Orange County Noir, and Oakland Noir, this new volume further reveals the seedy underbelly of the Left Coast. Brand-new stories by: Tommy Moore, Jessica Breheny, Naomi Hirahara, Calvin McMillin, Liza Monroy, Elizabeth McKenzie, Jill Wolfson, Ariel Gore, Jon Bailiff, Maceo Montoya, Micah Perks, Seana Graham, Vinnie Hansen, Peggy Townsend, Margaret Elysia Garcia, Lou Mathews, Lee Quarnstrom, Dillon Kaiser, Beth Lisick, and Wallace Baine. From the introduction by Susie Bright: Every town has its noir-ville. It's easy to find in Santa Cruz. We live in what’s called "paradise", where you can wake up in a pool of blood with the first pink rays of the sunrise peeking out over our mountain range. The dewy mist lifts from the bay. Don't hate us because we're beautiful - we were made that way, like Venus rising off the foam with a brick in her hand. We can't help it if you fall for it every time.... "If I lived in a place like this," visitors often say, "I'd wake up with a smile every day." Oh, we do, thank you for that. There's no beauty like a merciless beauty - and like every crepuscular predator, she thrives at dawn and dusk. You're just the innocent we've been waiting for, with your big paper cone of sugar-shark cotton, whipped out of pure nothing. We have just the ride for you, the longest tunnel ever. Santa Cruz is everything you ever dreamed, and everything you ever screamed, in one long drop you'll never forget. Full cast of narrators includes: James Patrick Cronin, Richard Ferrone, Susie Bright, Beth Lisick, Liza Monroy, Bailey Carr, Florence Cuddihy, Dan Bittner, P. J. Ochlan, Jon Bailiff, Derek Stephen Prince, Eliza Foss, Almarie Guerra, Therese Plummer, Michael Crouch, Nick Sullivan, Allison Hiroto, and Thom Rivera.

https://books.apple.com/audiobook/id1394160015

Santa Cruz Noir (Akashic Noir)Tommy MooreEbook"A new collection of short fiction stories explores a seedier side of this beach town filled with murder and mystery."—KAZU FM In Akashic Books' award-winning series of original noir anthologies, each book comprises all new stories set in a distinct neighborhood or location within the respective city. Following in the footsteps of Los Angeles Noir, San Francisco Noir, San Diego Noir, Orange County Noir, and Oakland Noir, "we get a series of crime stories rich with surf culture in a town loaded with itinerant spirits, typifying Santa Cruz as a place to be lost, or get lost, or lose yourself. That ethos permeates the stories in the collection, granting them an intriguing grittiness that might otherwise be missing. Concluding with a serious gutpunch of a story, Santa Cruz Noir is a worthy addition to the series" (San Francisco Book Review). This anthology features Elizabeth McKenzie's "The Big Creep," a Shamus Award finalist, and Lou Mathews's "Crab Dinners" and Dillon Kaiser's "It Follows as it Leads," which have been included in the Distinguished Mystery Stories of 2018 list in The Best American Mystery Stories 2019. It also includes brand-new stories by Tommy Moore, Jessica Breheny, Naomi Hirahara, Calvin McMillin, Liza Monroy, Jill Wolfson, Ariel Gore, Jon Bailiff, Maceo Montoya, Micah Perks, Seana Graham, Vinnie Hansen, Peggy Townsend, Margaret Elysia Garcia, Lee Quarnstrom, Beth Lisick, and Wallace Baine. "A thrilling, whip-smart book that will dazzle local lovers of crime fiction."—Good Times Santa Cruz "There are intricate plots, sketchier plots, dubious motives, inscrutable motives, downright creepiness, edgy stuff, and wonderful humor. Something for everyone's taste in noir."—Escape into Life

Lagos Noir (Akashic Noir)

Lagos NoirChris AbaniPaperbackAn anthology of noir stories set in the tumultuous metropolis, Lagos. Edited by Chris Abani, this collection brings together brand new stories from some of Nigeria's best loved writers. From the introduction by Chris Abani: The thirteen stories that comprise this volume stretch the boundaries of "noir" fiction, but each one of them fully captures the essence of noir, the unsettled darkness that continues to lurk in the city's streets, alleys, and waterways...Together, these stories create an unchartered path through the center of Lagos and out to its peripheries, revealing so much more truth at the heart of this tremendous city than any guidebook, TV show, film, or book you are likely to find.

Lagos NoirChris Abani - editorAudiobookAkashic Books continues its award-winning series of original noir anthologies, launched in 2004 with Brooklyn Noir. Each book comprises all new stories, each one set in a distinct neighborhood or location within the respective city. Now, West Africa enters the Noir Series arena, meticulously edited by one of Nigeria's best-known authors. Brand-new stories by Chris Abani, Nnedi Okorafor, E.C. Osondu, Jude Dibia, Chika Unigwe, A. Igoni Barrett, Sarah Ladipo Manyika, Adebola Rayo, Onyinye Ihezukwu, Uche Okonkwo, Wale Lawal, 'Pemi Aguda, and Leye Adenle. From the introduction by Chris Abani: Lagos has, like many coastal cities, a very checkered and noir past. It is the largest city in Nigeria and its former capital. It is also the largest megacity on the African continent, with a population approximating 21 million, and by itself is the fourth-largest economy in Africa.... It is rumored that there are more canals in Lagos than in Venice. Except in Lagos they are often unintentional. Gutters that have become waterways and lagoons fenced in by stilt homes or full of logs for a timber industry most of us don't know exists. All of it skated by canoes as slick as any dragonfly. There are currently no moonlight or other gondola rides available.... The 13 stories that comprise this volume stretch the boundaries of "noir" fiction, but each one of them fully captures the essence of noir, the unsettled darkness that continues to lurk in the city's streets, alleys, and waterways.... Together, these stories create an unchartered path through the center of Lagos and out to its peripheries, revealing so much more truth at the heart of this tremendous city than any guidebook, TV show, film, or book you are likely to find. "In the introduction to this excellent anthology, Abani welcomes readers to Lagos, Nigeria, a city of more than 21 million and an amazing amalgam of wealth, poverty, corruption, humor, bravery, and tragedy. Abani and a dozen other contributors tell stories that are both unique to Lagos and universal in their humanity.... This entry stands as one of the strongest recent additions to Akashic's popular noir series." (Publishers Weekly, starred review) "Lagos, the largest city in Nigeria, with a population of 21 million, has, like many coastal cities, a 'very checkered and noir past,' writes novelist Chris Abani in his introduction to this anthology." (BBC Culture) "The beauty of this book, which contains 13 stories from Nigerian writers, is that it serves as a travelogue, too." (Bloomberg, included in "The Darkest Summer Reading List for Those Bright, Beachy Days")

Lagos Noir (Akashic Noir)Jude DibiaEbook"A stellar cast of award-winning Nigerian authors . . . a must-read for crime lovers looking for something different."—Brittle Paper In Akashic Books's acclaimed series of original noir anthologies, each book comprises all new stories set in a distinct neighborhood or location within the respective city. Now, West Africa enters the Noir Series arena, meticulously edited by one of Nigeria's best-known authors. In Lagos Noir, the stories are set in "a city of more than 21 million and an amazing amalgam of wealth, poverty, corruption, humor, bravery, and tragedy. Abani and a dozen other contributors tell stories that are both unique to Lagos and universal in their humanity . . . This entry stands as one of the strongest recent additions to Akashic's popular noir series" (Publishers Weekly, starred review, pick of the week). The anthology includes stories by Chris Abani, Nnedi Okorafor, E.C. Osondu, Jude Dibia, Chika Unigwe, A. Igoni Barrett, Sarah Ladipo Manyika, Adebola Rayo, Onyinye Ihezukwu, Uche Okonkwo, Wale Lawal, 'Pemi Aguda, and Leye Adenle. "The beauty of this book, which contains 13 stories from Nigerian writers, is that it serves as a travelogue, too."—Bloomberg, "The Darkest Summer Reading List for Those Bright, Beachy Days" "With writers like Igoni Barrett, Leye Adenle, and E.C. Osondu contributing, Lagos Noir offers wildly different perspectives on both the city itself and the state of noir fiction. This book is almost like a world in itself, one that you'll want to dive back into and get lost in again and again."—CrimeReads, "One of the 10 Best Crime Anthologies of 2018"

Deep Fried Homicide: Donut Mystery #13 (The Donut Mysteries)

Deep Fried Homicide: Donut Mystery #13 (The Donut Mysteries)Jessica BeckPaperbackFrom New York Times Bestseller Jessica Beck, Donut Mystery #13!When Suzanne’s boyfriend, Jake, is shot in the line of duty, he comes to April Springs to recuperate. The only problem is the that the man Jake was trying to capture has a partner, a very bad man now intent on seeking revenge. Add another villain returning from Suzanne’s own past into the mix, and the donut shop owner’s normally tranquil world is suddenly turned upside down.

Deep Fried Homicide: Donut Mystery #13 (The Donut Mysteries)Jessica BeckEbookFrom New York Times Bestseller Jessica Beck Donut Mystery 13, Deep Fried Homicide When Suzanne’s boyfriend, Jake, is shot in the line of duty, he comes to April Springs to recuperate. The only problem is the that the man Jake was trying to capture has a partner, a very bad man now intent on seeking revenge. Add another villain returning from Suzanne’s own past into the mix, and the donut shop owner’s normally tranquil world is suddenly turned upside down. Praise for the Donut Mysteries by New York Times Bestselling Author Jessica Beck “A delight. Suzanne Hart is a lovable amateur sleuth who has a hilariously protective mother and great donut recipes! Readers will have a blast with this book.” —Diane Mott Davidson, New York Times bestselling author of Fatally Flaky “If you like donuts—and who doesn’t?—you’ll love this mystery. It’s like a trip to your favorite coffee shop, but without the calories!” —Leslie Meier, author of the Lucy Stone mysteries New Year’s Eve Murder and Wedding Day Murder “The perfect comfort read: a delicious murder, a likeable heroine, quirky Southern characters—and donut recipes!” —Rhys Bowen, Agatha and Anthony award–winning author of the Molly Murphy and Royal Spyness mysteries “A tribute to comfort food and to the comfort of small town life. With great donut recipes!”—JoAnna Carl, author of The Chocolate Cupid Killings “A yummy new treat in the culinary mystery genre. Skillfully weaving donut recipes throughout a well-plotted story, the author proves that life after divorce can be sweet; all you need are good friends, your own business, and comfort food. Delicious!”—Tamar Myers, author of Death of a Rug Lord and The Cane Mutiny “A cleverly plotted cozy mystery with a wonderful small Southern town…Fatally Frosted is a great follow-up to Glazed Murder. Suzanne is a great heroine, Ms. Beck has a sure-fire winner!”—Fresh Fiction “Along with the hilarious plot, author Jessica Beck treats the readers to a few recipes strategically placed within the novel. Sinister Sprinkles will keep you guessing until the very end.”—The Mystery Librarian “A sugary concoction that provides readers a glimpse through the donut hole of living in a small town.”—Harriet Klausner, Genre Go Round Reviews

Sweet Suspects (Donut Shop Mysteries Book 12)

Sweet Suspects: Book 12 in The Donut MysteriesJessica BeckPaperbackFrom New York Times Bestselling Author Jessica Beck, Donut Mystery #12, Flours for the Funeral!Suzanne and Grace must track down a killer when one of their old classmates is murdered at their high school reunion. There are plenty of suspects gathered back together in April Springs for the big event, and more than one former student’s secrets thought long buried in the past may end up coming back to haunt them all.

Sweet Suspects (Donut Shop Mysteries Book 12)Jessica BeckEbookNew From New York Times Bestselling Author Jessica Beck! Donut 12, Sweet Suspects Suzanne and Grace must track down a killer when one of their old classmates is murdered at their high school reunion. There are plenty of suspects gathered back together in April Springs for the big event, and more than one former student’s secrets thought long buried in the past may end up coming back to haunt them all. Praise for the Donut Mysteries by New York Times Bestselling Author Jessica Beck “A delight. Suzanne Hart is a lovable amateur sleuth who has a hilariously protective mother and great donut recipes! Readers will have a blast with this book.” —Diane Mott Davidson, New York Times bestselling author of Fatally Flaky “If you like donuts—and who doesn’t?—you’ll love this mystery. It’s like a trip to your favorite coffee shop, but without the calories!” —Leslie Meier, author of the Lucy Stone mysteries New Year’s Eve Murder and Wedding Day Murder “The perfect comfort read: a delicious murder, a likeable heroine, quirky Southern characters—and donut recipes!” —Rhys Bowen, Agatha and Anthony award–winning author of the Molly Murphy and Royal Spyness mysteries “A tribute to comfort food and to the comfort of small town life. With great donut recipes!”—JoAnna Carl, author of The Chocolate Cupid Killings “A yummy new treat in the culinary mystery genre. Skillfully weaving donut recipes throughout a well-plotted story, the author proves that life after divorce can be sweet; all you need are good friends, your own business, and comfort food. Delicious!”—Tamar Myers, author of Death of a Rug Lord and The Cane Mutiny “A cleverly plotted cozy mystery with a wonderful small Southern town…Fatally Frosted is a great follow-up to Glazed Murder. Suzanne is a great heroine, Ms. Beck has a sure-fire winner!”—Fresh Fiction “Along with the hilarious plot, author Jessica Beck treats the readers to a few recipes strategically placed within the novel. Sinister Sprinkles will keep you guessing until the very end.”—The Mystery Librarian “A sugary concoction that provides readers a glimpse through the donut hole of living in a small town.”—Harriet Klausner, Genre Go Round Reviews

Assault and Batter (Donut Shop Mysteries Book 11)

Assault and Batter (The Donut Mysteries)Jessica BeckPaperbackNew from Jessica Beck, the New York Times Bestselling Author of The Donut Mysteries, The Classic Diner Mysteries, and The Ghost Cat Mysteries. Assault and Batter, Book 11 in the Donut Mystery Series! When Emily Hargraves tells Suzanne that she's marrying Max, her ex-husband, Suzanne is happy enough for her, but when Jude Williams, one of Emily's old flames, decides to light the ceremony up, someone decides to extinguish his flame before he can act. Was it Max, the groom-to-be; Peter, his best man; Lisa, the woman Jude had been dating; her jealous husband, Frank; or perhaps it was Reggie Nance, a man who had reasons of his own to want to see Jude dead? Suzanne and Grace must act quickly and solve the murder before someone else ends up missing the reception, permanently. Praise for the Donut Mysteries by New York Times Bestselling Author Jessica Beck "A delight. Suzanne Hart is a lovable amateur sleuth who has a hilariously protective mother and great donut recipes! Readers will have a blast with this book." --Diane Mott Davidson, New York Times bestselling author of Fatally Flaky "If you like donuts--and who doesn't?--you'll love this mystery. It's like a trip to your favorite coffee shop, but without the calories!" --Leslie Meier, author of the Lucy Stone mysteries New Year's Eve Murder and Wedding Day Murder "The perfect comfort read: a delicious murder, a likeable heroine, quirky Southern characters--and donut recipes!" --Rhys Bowen, Agatha and Anthony award-winning author of the Molly Murphy and Royal Spyness mysteries "A tribute to comfort food and to the comfort of small town life. With great donut recipes!"--JoAnna Carl, author of The Chocolate Cupid Killings "A yummy new treat in the culinary mystery genre. Skillfully weaving donut recipes throughout a well-plotted story, the author proves that life after divorce can be sweet; all you need are good friends, your own business, and comfort food. Delicious!"--Tamar Myers, author of Death of a Rug Lord and The Cane Mutiny "A cleverly plotted cozy mystery with a wonderful small Southern town...Fatally Frosted is a great follow-up to Glazed Murder. Suzanne is a great heroine, Ms. Beck has a sure-fire winner!"--Fresh Fiction "Along with the hilarious plot, author Jessica Beck treats the readers to a few recipes strategically placed within the novel. Sinister Sprinkles will keep you guessing until the very end."--The Mystery Librarian "A sugary concoction that provides readers a glimpse through the donut hole of living in a small town."--Harriet Klausner, Genre Go Round Reviews For more on Jessica Beck, visit www.jessicabeckmysteries.net

Assault and Batter (Donut Shop Mysteries Book 11)Jessica BeckEbookFrom Jessica Beck, the New York Times Bestselling Author of The Donut Mysteries, The Classic Diner Mysteries, and The Ghost Cat Mysteries. ASSAULT AND BATTER, Book 11 in the Donut Mystery Series! When Emily Hargraves tells Suzanne that she’s marrying Max, her ex-husband, Suzanne is happy enough for her, but when Jude Williams, one of Emily’s old flames, decides to light the ceremony up, someone decides to extinguish his flame before he can act. Was it Max, the groom-to-be; Peter, his best man; Lisa, the woman Jude had been dating; her jealous husband, Frank; or perhaps it was Reggie Nance, a man who had reasons of his own to want to see Jude dead? Suzanne and Grace must act quickly and solve the murder before someone else ends up missing the reception, permanently. Praise for the Donut Mysteries by New York Times Bestselling Author Jessica Beck “A delight. Suzanne Hart is a lovable amateur sleuth who has a hilariously protective mother and great donut recipes! Readers will have a blast with this book.” —Diane Mott Davidson, New York Times bestselling author of Fatally Flaky “If you like donuts—and who doesn’t?—you’ll love this mystery. It’s like a trip to your favorite coffee shop, but without the calories!” —Leslie Meier, author of the Lucy Stone mysteries New Year’s Eve Murder and Wedding Day Murder “The perfect comfort read: a delicious murder, a likeable heroine, quirky Southern characters—and donut recipes!” —Rhys Bowen, Agatha and Anthony award–winning author of the Molly Murphy and Royal Spyness mysteries “A tribute to comfort food and to the comfort of small town life. With great donut recipes!”—JoAnna Carl, author of The Chocolate Cupid Killings “A yummy new treat in the culinary mystery genre. Skillfully weaving donut recipes throughout a well-plotted story, the author proves that life after divorce can be sweet; all you need are good friends, your own business, and comfort food. Delicious!”—Tamar Myers, author of Death of a Rug Lord and The Cane Mutiny “A cleverly plotted cozy mystery with a wonderful small Southern town…Fatally Frosted is a great follow-up to Glazed Murder. Suzanne is a great heroine, Ms. Beck has a sure-fire winner!”—Fresh Fiction “Along with the hilarious plot, author Jessica Beck treats the readers to a few recipes strategically placed within the novel. Sinister Sprinkles will keep you guessing until the very end.”—The Mystery Librarian “A sugary concoction that provides readers a glimpse through the donut hole of living in a small town.”—Harriet Klausner, Genre Go Round Reviews

Fenway Park: A Salute to the Coolest, Cruelest, Longest-Running Major League Baseball Stadium in America

The Chicago Cubs: Story of a Curse

The Chicago Cubs: Story of a CurseRich CohenPaperbackThe New York Times bestselling author of Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football “knocks it out of the park” (Vanity Fair) in this captivating blend of sports reportage and memoir, exploring the history of the 2016 World Series champions, the Chicago Cubs. When Rich Cohen was eight years old, his father took him to see a Cubs game. On the way out of the park, his father asked him to make a promise. “Promise me you will never be a Cubs fan. The Cubs do not win,” he explained, “and because of that, a Cubs fan will have a diminished life determined by low expectations. That team will screw up your life.” Cohen became not just a Cubs fan but one of the biggest Cubs fans in the world. In this book, he captures the story of the team, its players and crazy days. Billy Sunday and Ernie Banks, Three Finger Brown and Ryne Sandberg, Bill Buckner, the Bartman Ball, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo―the early dominance followed by a 107 year trek across the wilderness. It’s all here, in The Chicago Cubs: Story of a Curse―not just what happened, but what it felt like and what it meant. Featuring extensive interviews with players, owners, and coaches, this mix of memoir, reporting, history, and baseball theology―forty years in the making―has never been written because it never could be. Only with the 2016 World Series can the true arc of the story finally be understood.

The Chicago Cubs : Story of a CurseRich CohenAudiobookA captivating blend of reportage and memoir exploring the history of the Chicago Cubs For Rich Cohen and millions of other fans, the Chicago Cubs have always been more than a team: they've been the protagonists of a King Arthur epic, in search of the Holy Grail that is winning the World Series. A chronicle of the last few miraculous seasons as experienced through the prism of Cubs history, The Chicago Cubs tracks the famous curse, which was placed on the team in 1945 by the infamous owner of the Billy Goat Tavern, who was ejected from Wrigley Field when he tried to bring his goat into the grandstand for the fifth game of the World Series. He vowed the team would never get back to the championship. And they haven't-until now. Cohen follows the Cubs' early days as the first powerhouse baseball team, winners of the 1907 and 1908 World Series; their storied players, such as Billy Sunday, the 2nd baseman who became the most popular preacher in America; their old stadiums; their owners, from chewing gum magnate William Wrigley to Thomas Ricketts, CEO of Ameritrade; and their time between the two World Wars; all of it leading up to the momentous last World Series appearance and the breaking of the famed curse. A captivating blend of reportage and memoir, drawing on Cohen's extensive interviews and travels with recent Cubs players, owners, and coaching staff, The Cubs is a portrait not only of a team, but also of a city, of a game, and of what it means to be a perpetually disappointed fan who is finally rewarded.

https://books.apple.com/audiobook/id1639641861

The Chicago Cubs: Story of a CurseRich CohenEbookThe New York Times–bestselling author "knocks it out of the park," exploring the history of the 2016 World Series champions, the Chicago Cubs (Vanity Fair). When Rich Cohen was eight years old, his father took him to see a Cubs game. On the way out of the park, his father asked him to make a promise. "Promise me you will never be a Cubs fan. The Cubs do not win," he explained, "and because of that, a Cubs fan will have a diminished life determined by low expectations. That team will screw up your life." Cohen became not just a Cubs fan but one of the biggest Cubs fans in the world. In this book, he captures the story of the team, its players and crazy days. Billy Sunday and Ernie Banks, Three Finger Brown and Ryne Sandberg, Bill Buckner, the Bartman Ball, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo—the early dominance followed by a 107-year trek across the wilderness. It's all here, in The Chicago Cubs: Story of a Curse—not just what happened, but what it felt like and what it meant. Featuring extensive interviews with players, owners, and coaches, this mix of memoir, reporting, history, and baseball theology—forty years in the making—has never been written because it never could be. Only with the 2016 World Series can the true arc of the story finally be understood. "A marvelous distillation of all things Cubs, the history, the jinx, the glorious redemption of 2016, complete with a rainstorm sent by the Lord God Almighty. You'll rip through it faster than a plastic cup of Old Style . . . " —Chicago Sun-Times

Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines

Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly ConfinesStuart SheaPaperbackIn spring 1914, a new ballpark opened in Chicago. Hastily constructed after epic political maneuvering around Chicago’s and organized baseball’s hierarchies, the new Weeghman Park (named after its builder, fast-food magnate Charley Weeghman) was home to the Federal League’s Chicago Whales. The park would soon be known as Wrigley Field, one of the most emblematic and controversial baseball stadiums in America. In Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines, Stuart Shea provides a detailed and fascinating chronicle of this living historic landmark. The colorful history revealed in Wrigley Field shows how the stadium has evolved through the years to meet the shifting priorities of its owners and changing demands of its fans. While Wrigley Field today seems irreplaceable, we learn that from game one it has been the subject of endless debates over its future, its design, and its place in the neighborhood it calls home. To some, it is a hallowed piece of baseball history; to others, an icon of mismanagement and ineptitude. Shea deftly navigates the highs and lows, breaking through myths and rumors. And with another transformation imminent, he brings readers up to date on negotiations, giving much-needed historical context to the maneuvering. Wrigley Field is packed with facts, stories, and surprises that will captivate even the most fair-weather fan. From dollar signs (the Ricketts family paid $900 million for the team and stadium in 2009), to exploding hot dog carts (the Cubs lost that game 6–5), to the name of Billy Sianis’s curse-inducing goat (Sonovia), Shea uncovers the heart of the stadium’s history. As the park celebrates its centennial, Wrigley Field continues to prove that its colorful and dramatic history is more interesting than any of its mythology.

Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly ConfinesStuart SheaEbook"One of the best books ever written about the Cubs, their home and the fans who flock there to watch them, win or lose."—Rolling Stone In spring 1914, a new ballpark opened in Chicago. Hastily constructed after epic political maneuvering around the city's and organized baseball's hierarchies, the new Weeghman Park (named after its builder, fast-food magnate Charley Weeghman) was home to the Federal Leagues Chicago Whales. The park would soon be known as Wrigley Field, one of the most emblematic and controversial baseball stadiums in America. In this book, Stuart Shea provides a detailed and colorful chronicle of this living historic landmark and shows how the stadium has evolved to meet the shifting priorities of its owners and changing demands of its fans. While Wrigley Field today seems irreplaceable, we learn that from game one it has been the subject of endless debates over its future, its design, and its place in the neighborhood it calls home. To some, it is a hallowed piece of baseball history; to others, an icon of mismanagement and ineptitude. Shea deftly navigates the highs and lows, breaking through myths and rumors, in a book packed with facts, stories, and surprises that will captivate even the most fair-weather fan. From big money (the Ricketts family paid $900 million for the team and stadium in 2009), to exploding hot dog carts, to the curse-inducing goat, Shea uncovers the heart of the stadium's history. "More than any other American institution, baseball most wholeheartedly welcomes half-baked history and curdled lore. It's fun, after all; what grinch wishes to poke at the tale of Babe Ruth's called shot? But more often than not the real stories are even more delicious, and no one has gathered more of them than author Stuart Shea. His book is an unceasing delight."—John Thorn, official historian, Major League Baseball and author of Baseball in the Garden of Eden

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ICQO8V6?orim_id=9780226134307&tag=ebbdaily-20&product_form=ebook&sid=d12b1c9a9aa26a569b54240487b2052e&src=ebb-nl&cohort=&pid=65bfd51427395c1b0401fc47&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EBB%2010-17-26%20PM%20Blast:%20Late%20Night%20Baseball&utm_term=EBB_SubList_Daily%20PM_Sports%20Preference&lctg=65bfd51427395c1b0401fc47

Autumn Glory: Baseball's First World Series

Autumn Glory: Baseball's First World SeriesLouis P. MasurPaperbackA suspenseful account of the glorious days more than a century ago when our national madness began, the first Major League Baseball World Series. A post-season series of games to establish supremacy in the major leagues was not inevitable in the baseball world. But in 1903 the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates (in the well-established National League) challenged the Boston Americans (in the upstart American League) to a play-off, which he was sure his team would win. They didn't--and that wasn't the only surprise during what became the first World Series. In Autumn Glory, Louis P. Masur tells the riveting story of two agonizing weeks in which the stars blew it, unknown players stole the show, hysterical fans got into the act, and umpires had to hold on for dear life. Before and even during the 1903 season, it had seemed that baseball might succumb to the forces that had been splintering the sport for decades: owners' greed, players' rowdyism, fans' unrest. Yet baseball prevailed, and Masur tells the equally dramatic story of how it did so, in a country preoccupied with labor strife and big-business ruthlessness, and anxious about the welfare of those crowding into cities such as Pittsburgh and Boston (which in themselves offered competing versions of the American dream). His colorful history of how the first World Series consolidated baseball's hold on the American imagination makes us see what one sportswriter meant when he wrote at the time, Baseball is the melting pot at a boil, the most democratic sport in the world. All in all, Masur believes, it still is.

Autumn Glory: Baseball's First World SeriesLouis P. MasurHardcoverA suspenseful account of the glorious days a century ago when our national madness began A post-season series of games to establish supremacy in the major leagues was not inevitable in the baseball world. But in 1903 the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates (in the well-established National League) challenged the Boston Americans (in the upstart American League) to a play-off, which he was sure his team would win. They didn’t—and that wasn’t the only surprise during what became the first World Series. In Autumn Glory, Louis P. Masur tells the riveting story of two agonizing weeks in which the stars blew it, unknown players stole the show, hysterical fans got into the act, and umpires had to hold on for dear life. Before and even during the 1903 season, it had seemed that baseball might succumb to the forces that had been splintering the sport for decades: owners’ greed, players’ rowdyism, fans’ unrest. Yet baseball prevailed, and Masur tells the equally dramatic story of how it did so, in a country preoccupied with labor strife and big-business ruthlessness, and anxious about the welfare of those crowding into cities such as Pittsburgh and Boston (which in themselves offered competing versions of the American dream). His colorful history of how the first World Series consolidated baseball’s hold on the American imagination makes us see what one sportswriter meant when he wrote at the time, “Baseball is the melting pot at a boil, the most democratic sport in the world.” All in all, Masur believes, it still is. Louis Masur, a professor of history at City College of New York and the editor of Reviews in American History, is the author of 1831: Year of Eclipse. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and children. A postseason series of games to establish supremacy in the major leagues was not inevitable in the baseball world. But in 1903 the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates (in the well-established National League) challenged the Boston Americans (in the upstart American League) to a play-off, which he was sure his team would win. They didn't—and that wasn't the only surprise during what became the first World Series. In Autumn Glory, Louis P. Masur tells the riveting story of two agonizing weeks in which the stars blew it, unknown players stole the show, hysterical fans got into the act, and umpires had to hold on for dear life. Before and even during the 1903 season, it has seemed that baseball might succumb to the forces that had been splintering the sport for decades: owners' greed, players' rowdyism, fans' unrest. Yet baseball prevailed, and Masur tells the dramatic story of how it did so, in a country preoccupied with labor strife and big-business ruthlessness, and anxious about the welfare of those crowding into cities such as Pittsburgh and Boston (which in themselves offered competing versions of the American dream). His colorful history of how the first World Series consolidated baseball's hold on the American imagination makes us see what one sportswriter meant when he wrote at the time, "Baseball is the melting pot at a boil, the most democratic sport in the world." All in all, Masur believes, it still is. "Autumn Glory is a book to be savored in all seasons. Louis Masur vividly recreates a bygone year not only of immortals such as Cy Young, but also of forgotten diamond heroes with monikers such as Ginger Beaumont, Kitty Bransfield, and Noodles Hahn; a time when players rode to the stadium through cheering throngs in open barouches, and when, inning after inning, derby-hatted, cigar-smoking fans waved red parasols and belted out music-hall ballads until their throats were raw."—William E. Leuchtenburg, William Rand Kenan, Jr. Professor Emeritus, University of North Carolina "Autumn Glory is a book to be savored in all seasons. Louis Masur vividly recreates a bygone year not only of immortals such as Cy Young, but also of forgotten diamond heroes with monikers such as Ginger Beaumont, Kitty Bransfield, and Noodles Hahn; a time when players rode to the stadium through cheering throngs in open barouches, and when, inning after inning, derby-hatted, cigar-smoking fans waved red parasols and belted out music-hall ballads until their throats were raw."—William E. Leuchtenburg, William Rand Kenan, Jr. Professor Emeritus, University of North Carolina "As the World Series turns a hundred years old this year, I can think of no better way to celebrate than reading Autumn Glory. Louis Masur drops us back a full century to relive the first World Series, and in his hands the games lose none of their excitement and flavor. The era comes vibrantly alive in this wonderful baseball book."—Jules Tygiel, author of Past Time: Baseball as History "[This book offers] a well-crafted chronicle of the turbulent events leading up to the first championship series played between the pennant winners of the National and American Leagues. It also provides a balanced and detailed account of the Series. Masur's narrative strategy, similar to that used by Jane Leavy in her recent best-selling biography of Sandy Koufax, is to alternate chapters on historical background with those on the games played in the series . . . The strategy works perfectly because it reflects the leisurely pace of baseball. The gaps between pitches, innings, games, and seasons have always invited fans to talk about baseball history and are a good part of the reason the game evolved into our national pastime . . . Writing a perfect baseball book is as difficult as pitching a perfect game, but Louis P. Masur comes close in his well-written double narrative of 'baseball at its apogee.' Among the several books out this spring in recognition of the centennial of the first World Series, Autumn Glory, with its eloquent prose and balanced research, is clearly a winner."—Richard Peterson, Chicago Tribune "In a perfect world, there would be a book this good about every World Series."—Rob Neyer, author of Feeding the Green Monster "Autumn Glory brings one back to those halcyon days when players and owners alike eschewed money for honor, and when Boston actually used to win the World Series. An invaluable resource for all fans of the game."—Kevin Baker, author of Paradise Alley "Louis Masur's Autumn Glory is the best researched and most eloquent account of the first World Series yet written. He provides ample evidence why the first modern fall classic became a beloved American tradition."—Glenn Stout, coauthor of Red Sox Century "This is a book that every baseball fan will enjoy. History-minded Americans will love it, too. It's a marvelous look at the Americans of 1903. What a great way to celebrate the one-hundredth anniversary of the World Series!"—Thomas Fleming, author of The New Dealers' War: F.D.R. and the War Within World War II "Drawing on newspapers of the day and archival materials, Masur (history, CCNY) presents the story of the initial World Series pitting pennant winners from the rival National and American leagues. In interspersed chapters, the author focuses on each of the eight games between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Boston Americans (later the Red Sox) and broader developments affecting the national pastime. The game-by-game accounts compel the reader’s attention, and the examinations of the battle between the two circuits, the carving out of the so-called National Agreement, and the 1903 pennant races are intriguing, too. As related by Masur, early 20th-century major league baseball seems both familiar and somewhat distinct from the contemporary version . . . Masur provides texture for the first World Series, highlighting the fans overflowing onto the playing field, inclement weather conditions, and seemingly ever-present gamblers . . . An enjoyable read."—Library Journal "Masur (History, CUNY) offers a marvellous account that is a perfect complement to the other book on the same subject, historian Roger Abrams's The First World Series and the Baseball Fanatics of 1903. Both are slender and rich in detail, but Masur takes the reader more dramatically into each game, every inning, pitch, and at-bat. Each game of the eight-game series gets its own chapter and to these the author adds contextual information dealing with the establishment of the two leagues, the agreement to play a showdown series, and the basic agreement that led to the creation of the national pastime. This is a book to be read in one enjoyable sitting. The bibliography is complete, the scholarship impeccable. Highly recommended. All collections; all levels."—S. Gittleman, Tufts University, Choice "At the beginning of the previous century, baseball had two competing business leagues. In 1903, a deal was reached to hold a championship between the winners of the two leagues. The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Boston Americans played the first post-season championship. Several years later this event became knows as the World Series, and post-season championships became a way of American professional sports life—throughout the century and still today, a century later. Baseball fans and early twentieth-century history buffs will fully enjoy this deep look at the debut of the premier event of the national pastime . . . Masur provides a grand slam with [this] wonderful look at the first World Series."—The Midwest Book Review "At the heart of this book by Masur (1831: Year of the Eclipse) are eight in-depth, almost play-by-play, retellings of the games of the 1903 World Series between ...

Autumn Glory: Baseball's First World SeriesLouis P. MasurEbookA suspenseful account of the glorious days more than a century ago when our national madness began, the first Major League Baseball World Series. A post-season series of games to establish supremacy in the major leagues was not inevitable in the baseball world. But in 1903 the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates (in the well-established National League) challenged the Boston Americans (in the upstart American League) to a play-off, which he was sure his team would win. They didn't—and that wasn't the only surprise during what became the first World Series. In Autumn Glory, Louis P. Masur tells the riveting story of two agonizing weeks in which the stars blew it, unknown players stole the show, hysterical fans got into the act, and umpires had to hold on for dear life. Before and even during the 1903 season, it had seemed that baseball might succumb to the forces that had been splintering the sport for decades: owners' greed, players' rowdyism, fans' unrest. Yet baseball prevailed, and Masur tells the equally dramatic story of how it did so, in a country preoccupied with labor strife and big-business ruthlessness, and anxious about the welfare of those crowding into cities such as Pittsburgh and Boston (which in themselves offered competing versions of the American dream) . His colorful history of how the first World Series consolidated baseball's hold on the American imagination makes us see what one sportswriter meant when he wrote at the time, "Baseball is the melting pot at a boil, the most democratic sport in the world." All in all, Masur believes, it still is.

Discover Your Next Favorite Book: Reading Insights & Tips

Explore other Linktrees

Ken Eurich@keneurich

Skylar Sorkin@skylarsorkin

jimgaffigan@jimgaffigan

BNC Map@bncmap

padmalakshmi@padmalakshmi

royelotis@royelotis

Boze vs The World@bozevstheworld

Deuxmoi@deuxmoi

elan.media@elan.media

Camryn Bynum@camrynbynum

Robby Hoffman@robbyhoffman

About this account

ssims30BookReviews

To help keep our community authentic, we're showing information about accounts on Linktree.

JoinedOctober 2026

I dare say I’m your basic, garden-variety bookworm. I love to read and always have. Reading isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s a passion. You’ll also find book tours and spotlights here. Why? Because what better way is there to discover interesting new authors and books to add to my ever-growing To-Be-Read pile?