Et cetera : What we're reading: Night Passage

Some of you will recall a television series that aired between 2005 and 2015, starring Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone. This series of nine programs went on to sell as a DVD collection. Quite by accident I was informed by a patron that these programs were originally a series of books written by Robert B. Parker! Oh, joy and ecstasy! I just read #1, titled 'Night Passage,' and can hardly wait to read more of the series!

Just in case you didn't know, or missed the television shows, let me encourage you to get this book as soon as possible. The book opens gently with Jesse standing at a railing, looking out over the Pacific Ocean. A patrol car spotlights the solitary figure and a young cop approaches, no doubt assuming (as I did) that this was a drunken man, contemplating the taking of his own life. Jesse, though slightly drunk, is calmly sobering up before heading out on a cross-country trip.

Jesse was happily married to Jen, an aspiring actress, until she began to sleep with a guy who promised to make her a star. His response was alcohol, then divorce. He still loves her, but can't be her husband. Jen refuses to give up, and calls him daily to proclaim her love. Soon, Jesse is a full-blown alcoholic, and begins to drink on the job. After several warnings, Jesse loses his job. After a long and unsuccessful job search, the town of Paradise, Massachusetts hires him to be their new Chief of Police. Jesse has to ask himself why they would want a drunken cop, but takes the job. The job seems straightforward enough, until Jesse, wanting to shape up and fly right, insists on following the rules. Soon, it is clear that Jesse is meant to be a figurehead only, and that he needs to follow rules that make no sense. Jen keeps calling, Jesse keeps pushing the boundaries, and something has to give.

I really liked this book and am ready for #2! 'Night Passage' is available at VPL and on Libby as an ebook and an audio book. Relax and read!

~Love, Connie