Wed 30 Dec 2015
Reviewed by Walter Albert: SHARON FIFFER – Dead Guy’s Stuff.
Posted by Steve under Bibliographies, Lists & Checklists , Characters , Reviews[7] Comments
SHARON FIFFER – Dead Guy’s Stuff. St. Martin’s, hardcover, 2002; paperback, 2003.
Jane Wheel is an antiques “picker” (similar to a book scout who finds books for dealers, Jane has a gift for spotting treasures among other people’s trash, which she then sells to e dealer who’s “sponsoring” her). Jane is not only a scout for other people, she’s also a collector of Bakelite. (Even after reading the book, I was a bit unclear about this product, but wife volunteered the information that she remembered it as plastics used in the manufacture of dinnerware. She then made a quick web search courtesy of Google and found that its use dates back to at least the 1930s and includes the manufacture of appliances and jewelry, among other products.)
This unfortunately reminded me of shows I go to where glassware predominates with books and magazine relegated to also-ran status. Still, the obsession in itself is still recognizable to any collector and who am I to look down on any knowledgeable collector, whatever the field?
Anyhow, Jane has found a collection of tavern memorabilia, which resonates with her tavern-owning parents who are renovating their bar and grill in Kankakee, Illinois.
To my mind, the whole subject is somewhat cluttered, and the novel is, too, with gangsters and long-buried family secrets in the mix. In addition, her marriage is shaky and and she and her husband are only maintaining a relationship for their teen-age son.
The Jane Wheel series —
1. Killer Stuff (2001)
2. Dead Guy’s Stuff (2002)
3. The Wrong Stuff (2003)
4. Buried Stuff (2004)
5. Hollywood Stuff (2006)
6. Scary Stuff (2009)
7. Backstage Stuff (2011)
8. Lucky Stuff (2012)
December 30th, 2015 at 4:30 pm
As what I sense is at least a semi-cozy series, this one sounds at lot more interesting than most. Not only does it have a lot of appeal to collectors, but by Book Five, Jane Wheel has also become a PI.
Not that I’ve read any, but I know I own at least the first 4 or 5.
December 30th, 2015 at 6:16 pm
Bakelite includes a lot of kitschy art deco looking things. I recall seeing quite a bit in my mother in laws shop though she specialized in carnival glass.
This is another series likely too cozy for me private detective or not.
December 30th, 2015 at 6:52 pm
And on another note entirely, just dropped by to wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.
December 30th, 2015 at 7:05 pm
Likewise, I’m sure, Richard!
December 30th, 2015 at 7:08 pm
David, Comment #2. I have the feeling that the PI gimmick was just that, a means to get Jane Wheel involved in more murder cases. Any reason I’d read one of her adventures would be the collecting aspect, but if there’s little or no detection involved, emphasis on the “coziness,” I’m sure it would be a one-time visit.
January 3rd, 2016 at 3:12 pm
Sounds too much like real life.
January 3rd, 2016 at 3:28 pm
Your life is more interesting than mine, Matt.