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OFF-SEASON AND OTHER STORIES
by Jeremiah Healy
Five Star, June 2003
271 pages
$25.95
ISBN: 0786254386


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

OFF SEASON AND OTHER STORIES is a collection of 11 short stories with 2 of which are previously unpublished. As with any short story collection, some of the stories are stronger than others; however, none of these stories can be described as bad. Because these stories do not feature Cuddy, they do lack the familiarity and comfort that his other books create; yet, as the book continues, these new characters became just as interesting. Even though Healy is primarily associated with Cuddy, these stories show that Healy can create new and captivating stories and characters. In addition, these stories show that Healy can successfully write general fiction as well as mysteries.

The two previously unpublished stories are PROPORTIONATE RESPONSE and OFF SEASON. In PROPORTIONATE RESPONSE, a former military man moves to a rural town to finish his mourning process for his wife. Two neighborhood children decide that they want his canoe and steal it. An undeclared war is declared until rationality triumphs. This officer seems reminiscent of Cuddy and Cuddy's loss.

OFF SEASON tells the story of a Boston homicide cop who goes to a tropical island in the off-season. While there, he finds himself enmeshed in murder and local politics. This story is radically different from his previous works simply because it does not take place in Boston. Although Healy does not confine himself to only writing about Boston, it does play a large role in his characters' lives.

Jeremiah Healy's works evoke a strong sense of familiarity even when the situations and locations are unfamiliar. Although his books lack the wow factor of some overnight sensations, his books have the stability and strength that those lack. Healy's works always welcome the reader to his world, which is gritty and depressing yet still contains a ray of hope and redemption. As a reader (and fan), I can only hope that his works never lose this spark of life.

Jeremiah Healy is the author of the popular John Francis Cuddy series and, as Terry Devane, the Mairead O'Clare series. OFF SEASON AND OTHER STORIES is the third collection of his short stories.

Reviewed by Sarah Dudley, August 2003

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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