The Bookwoman's Last Fling

A Cliff Janeway Novel

By: John Dunning

Narrated by: George Guidall

Rare book dealer, ex-homicide cop, and private eye, Cliff Janeway is resourceful, impulsive, and hell-bent for danger. A unique character in crime fiction, Janeway is beloved by bibliophiles and mystery fans alike. In The Bookwoman's Last Fling, John Dunning puts Janeway back in the saddle, literally.

Tempted out of his bookstore into the world of horseracing, Janeway accepts an invitation from wealthy horse trainer H.R. Geiger to travel to Idaho and look at some rare first-edition books. The books are stunning, flawless children's classics that render the usually eloquent Janeway speechless. It's a collection worth millions of dollars, a fact that Janeway would be happy to discuss with Mr. Geiger if the man wasn't dead. Janeway becomes convinced that someone has been cherry-picking the book collection for personal profit. Soon he's off on Geiger's cold trail, to the California Races at Golden Gates Fields and Santa Anita Park.

Bringing together his inside knowledge of both books and horseracing, John Dunning provides another memorable, hard-boiled detective adventure, filled with all the authenticity and delicious trivia that fans have come to expect from the Bookman series.

©2006 John Dunning (P)2006 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Dunning's exceptional gifts at plotting and characterization should help win him many new readers, while the horse-racing angle is sure to lure Dick Francis fans." (Publishers Weekly)
"Bursting with inside dope about forged autographed copies and other dastardly examples of book fraud...it's great fun thumbing the pages with Janeway, who knows his business and takes a keen, almost sensual pleasure in a virgin edition." (The New York Times Book Review)

Cliff Janeway always makes me smile...

I love that there are these fun, laugh out loud, moments in all the Janeway books. I am also amazed at the new things I learn every time I read one. This was a great story line...more new facts about the book world, and everything I would want to know about horseracing stables. Just always fun tidbits . I also love George Guidall. Great narration every time.

Always entertaining

This 5 book series was engrossing, entertaining and fun to listen to. Dunning is a great storyteller and the narrator was fantastic.

Good read

I was happy to see another book in John Dunning's "The Bookman" series. I wish there had been more about book collecting in this one but the subject was certainly a key factor in the plot. The ending was a little weak but overall it was an engrossing read.

Gotta love Janeway

A favorite character of mine. The mixture of books and mystery is fun. It feels like I am learning while I am reading a good story. Now add the track what an interesting life and set of jobs. in the middle of it all is Cliff and Erin trying to understand the human condition. A few well spent evenings on my part. Over too soon.

Another Good Book in the Cliff Janeway Series

I like the books by John Dunning. If you are new to the Cliff Janeway series, I suggest that you read them in order.

1. Booked to Die

2. The Bookman's Promise (currently not being offered on Audible, hopefully they will bring it back)

3. The Bookman's Wake

4. The Bookwoman's Last Fling

The Bookwoman's Last Fling has a bit more character development, and many more leads to chase down.

Readers, who like the Cliff Janeway, enjoy the journey of the story besides just trying to get to the end. This books pace is a bit slower, much like classical literature.

The narrator, George Guidall does an excellent job reading. I love this reader! Four years ago, I use to pick books by readers, sorted by "average Customer Rating" instead of genre.

Well written-page turner

Enjoyed the book tremendously. His story soused true, and the twists and turns were fun to follow. Recommend to those who love a mystery.

Learning about horses and book collecting

These are good, solid or hard boiled detective stories with good context. They feel a little bit dated, but are still interesting.

Unputdownable

The Cliff Janeway series of Mr Dunning are true mysteries. You will learn the booktrade but that is just a taste of what is in this literate, exciting and endearing set of stories. Five stars dont cut it!

Here's Looking at You, Kid.

Embarrassingly anachronistic dialogue. Unless I misheard, this was supposed to have taken place in the 2000's but it sounded like the Old Radio Theater of which Dunning is supposedly an aficionado. Not worth the 'sawbuck' I paid for it. I'd rather watch Rockford reruns for free.

Unusual story line, great narrator

The story was at times hard to follow. I am glad I listened to the book rather than read it. The narrator was excellent and he kept me interested in the book.