From Publishers Weekly
Denver cop and rare book collector Cliff Janeway is introduced in this engrossing whodunit from two-time Edgar nominee Dunning. A sensitive and introspective sort, Janeway chafes in the hard-edged role of law enforcer so often demanded of him. When a down-on-his-luck book scout named Bobby Westfall is murdered, Cliff at first suspects local thug and personal nemesis Jackie Newton. Newton's girlfriend, a victim of physical abuse, makes Cliff more determined than ever to nail Newton. Sensitivity notwithstanding, he goes after his quarry with both fists cocked and both barrels aimed, neglecting any semblance of correct police procedure. This ironic twist shapes the plot as Janeway delves further into his city's antiquarian book trade, whose practitioners display an expertise exceeded only by their greed. Crisp, direct prose and nearly pitch-perfect dialogue enhance this meticulously detailed page-turner. Mystery Guild alternate; paperback rights to Avon. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
George Guidall quite simply becomes Cliff Janeway, Denver ex-detective turned bookseller. He inhabits this character and makes listeners completely believe in the story. Credit should go, of course, to John Dunning, who lovingly created this 1992 story, which has a way of staying with any reader. But Guidall just makes it more resonant. There are a few dated references, but they set the time and place rather than detract. Guidall, like Dunning, has an air of teaching in the prose and its presentation. Just glimpse a bit of the bookman's life and thoroughly enjoy this audiobook. R.F.W. -- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine


From Kirkus Reviews
Dunning, twice nominated for the Edgar (a pair of paperbacks), deserves to win one for this Denver cop-turned-bookman tale--a lively, seductive primer on how to open a bookstore, spot a first edition, warehouse it, price it, and enjoy it for its own sake. Cliff Janeway quits the force when he is suspended pending the outcome of brutality charges brought by his nemesis, Jackie Newton. Long a collector and frequenter of Denver's Book Row, Janeway rents space, hires the charmingly efficient Miss Pride as his assistant, and opens Twice Told Books. And, on his own time, works on a case that the Denver force has no leads on: the murder of book scout Bobby Westfall. As Janeway goes deeper and deeper into the book business, he manages to pinpoint Bobby's last day--the book dealers he sold to, the collector he bought from, and the big score he was double-crossed out of. Then a book-scout friend of Bobby's and the estimable Miss Pride are executed at Twice Told Books, and Janeway ups his investigative pace, which involves meetings (and romance) with a highly secretive rare-book dealer; scrutiny of a collection appraisal; and schmoozing with the owners along Book Row, until an alibi, like some book spines, cracks. Janeway, who can be tough, sensitive, and passionate, is a credible hero, both as cop and as book-lover. Moreover, the mystery holds its own with the atmospherics. Happily for fans, Dunning, a rare-book dealer himself, plans further Janeway books. -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


Review
Boston Sunday Globe I am...an unabashed admirer of John Dunning's Booked to Die. No one...can fail to be delighted by the sort of folkloric advice Janeway carries with him.

ANNOTATION

Tough, book-loving homicide detective Cliff Janeway believes Jackie Newton is to blame for the recent murder of a down-and-out rare book hunter. And when Janeway treats Newton to a brutal helping of off-duty justice, it costs him his badge. But that doesn't mean his investigation is over. . . .

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Denver homicide detective Cliff Janeway may not always play by the book, but he's an avid collector of rare and first editions. After a local bookscout is killed on his turf, Janeway would like nothing better than to rearrange the suspect's spine. But the suspect, sleazeball Jackie Newton, is a master at eluding murder convictions. Unfortunately for Janeway, his swift form of off-duty justice costs him his badge.

Turning to his lifelong passion, Janeway opens a bookshop — all the while searching for evidence to put Newton away. But when prized volumes in a highly sought-after collection begin to appear, so do dead bodies. Now Janeway's life is about to change in profound and shocking ways as he attempts to find out who's dealing death along with vintage Chandlers and Twains.

About the Author:
John Dunning is the author of two Cliff Janeway mysteries: Booked to Die, which won the prestigious Nero Wolfe award, and The Bookman's Wake, which was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. His other novels include the Edgar Award-nominated Deadline as well as The Holland Suggestions, all of which are available from Pocket Books. A full-time writer and book dealer, he owned the Old Algonquin Bookstore in Denver for ten years.

John Dunning is also a radio historian and a former radio show host. His enthusiasm for the world of radio informs his latest Scribner hardcover, Two O'Clock Eastern Wartime. He lives in Denver with his family.

FROM THE CRITICS

Philadelphia Inquirer

A standout piece of crime fiction....Compelling page-turning stuff.

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Irresistible....An outstanding novel.

Denver Post

A knockout...one of the most enjoyable books we've read in a long time.

NY Times Book Review

A joy to read....[A] whodunit in the classic mode.

Publishers Weekly