Hardscrabble Road

I've read the reviews so far and, frankly, am dissapointed in what most say. first, it is true that there is a lot that is irritating in this book (personally I am sick and tired of Bennis and of Gregor's endless "puzzlements" that range from her vagaries to the state of being in the comtemporary world. But second (and. to me far more important) are the themes that pulse below and through the plot. the status of the homeless in America's big cities; the juxtaposition of fear and religion; contemporary academic life...there are so many. Primary for me are Haddam's comments on the state of polical life in America. she does this so well through her characters (why do we desipise Neil Savage? Jiggs Tyler?) and through Tibor (who I find almost always speaks for the author). In fact, I've assigned my freshman writing class a research paper into which they must incorporate refereences to Hardscrabble Road, Bill O'Reilly's Culture Warrior and Al Frankin's Lies and the Lying Liars... so far about 1/2 my students 'get it' in terms of what Haddam is saying. I wish people would treat Haddam's books as something more than 'just' a murder mystery'

A right wing talk show host's murder drives the action. The story also involves puzzles in academia. These stories are timely and Haddam raises questions about real life as well as fictional characters. The justice of committees enforcing campus rules is examined and contrasted with common sense and the American legal ideal. Haddam entertains and provokes thought. She has her own view but respects the reader's intelligence. Jane Haddam succeeds again in creating a real puzzle with her usual cast of characters and friendly neighborhood in the background. Long time Demarkian fans will wonder about Bennis as does Gregor. Will Bennis return? Wesley V. Hromatko

If you haven't tried them yet, this is a very good, very readable, but intelligent series with strong plots, characters and more. Gregor Demarkian is a retired FBI man of some repute who ends up living on the street where he grew up. While the street is still an Armenian-American enclave, the financial success of so many of its residents has changed it from an area of immigrant tenements to an upper middle-class community, still populated by many of the people he grew up with. The early books of this series were fabulous, but then, as with many series, it seemed like the focus was shifting from the scenario or murder to the characters and their ongoing lives and relationships. With this book, Jane Haddam pulls everything back into place. The tension is there in the ongoing relationships, the plot is thick and twisted with no clear sense of who are the bad and good guys, etc. A great intelligent, but fun read. Enjoy.

Philadelphia radio talk show host Drew Harrigan is extremely poplar by the fanatical right-wing who appreciate his law abiding throw away the key approach to justice in which liberals are the cause of all things wrong in America as they are soft on crime; he especially goes after drug criminals from the users to the sellers to the growers. However, ironically the inflammatory rabble rouser is arrested for illegal possession of prescription drugs; if convicted, the evidence is overwhelming, his show could collapse. An alcoholic homeless person Sherman is considered to be Drew's supplier. However, someone apparently wanted to reduce the evidence against Drew as Sherman Markey is poisoned and dies. The Justice Project's Edmond "Chickie" George hires former FBI Agent Gregor Demarkian to learn who killed their late "client" Sherman and whether as many believe it ties back to Harrigan and his arrogant supporters. What seem relatively simple turns out to be complex as Gregor and the Philly police and DA struggle through a labyrinth filled with suspects from all sides of the political, religious and academic spectrum This is a terrific whodunit that readers will fully appreciate except perhaps a certain talk show host. The story line is fast-paced yet enables the readers to see the same event from multiple viewpoints. In his twenty-first appearance, the Armenian American sleuth is at his best seeking justice for the disenfranchised with an investigation that takes him all over the place. Fans of the series will take immense delight in Demarkian's efforts and newcomers will discover an American tradition. Harriet Klausner

Gregor Demarkian has always fascinated me. I began reading books in this author's series in the middle of the group and had to go back, buy the first one and read them in order. The author has always given me something to think about. And this entry, "Hardscrabble Road," is no exception. Haddam has pointed out more than one issue the country needs to confront. The plot is complex and unusual, the characters are interesting and drawn with depth, the issues are timely -- what more could a reader ask for? I give great thanks for any motnth that has a Demarkian book on the publishing list.