A REVIEW: John Straley Offers New, Old in Latest Crime Tale

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Category: News

Created on Thursday, 14 November 2024 13:07

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“Big Breath In,” John Straley, Soho Press. Publishing date: Nov. 12, 2024. 288 pages. Hardcover $28.95.
With “Big Breath In,” mystery writer and former Sitkan John Straley takes us in many directions, both new and familiar.
What isn’t new is the Pacific Northwest. Most of the novel is set in Washington State, a place Sitkans know well. And Southeast Alaska – where Straley’s Cecil Younger series and the Cold Storage novels take place – is featured prominently, through flashbacks.
Straley came to Sitka in 1977, and along with being a private investigator and a poet has been writing his acclaimed novels here since 1991. Locals will enjoy surmising on his references – for example filling in last names after “Mark and Nancy,” or guessing whether Booster the fictional dog is related to Booster the whale Lab dog.
Another element that isn’t new is strong female characters, which Straley has been making more and more central to his books over the years. Here the heroine is Delphine, a whale biologist who everyone will immediately recognize as inspired by his wife, the renowned marine biologist Jan Straley.
What will be new to his faithful readers is his choice to immerse us in a world of motorcycle riders. We get to meet all sorts of people who simply like motorcycles, or ride with organized groups.
There’s murder and graphic violence in the book. The plot mostly revolves around terminal illness and human trafficking, so it’s surprising that “Big Breath In” isn’t dark or depressing. This is mostly thanks to Straley’s layering homages to motherhood, motorcycle riding, whales, and life in general into the book. There are spots of outright humor, such as when a character tells the police that they are “kind of in a gang but actually we are a 501c3 organization.”
“Big Breath In” is yet another John Straley book worth adding to your shelf. The nights are getting longer and darker; it’s time to pour a cup of your favorite beverage, play a Mountain Goats album, and ride along with Delphine, private eye.
    – Paul Norwood

John Straley. (Sentinel File Photo)

Straley to Talk
About New Book
Former Sitkan John Straley will talk about his new book, “Big Breath In,” at a gathering 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at Sitka Public Library.
The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase, to be signed by Straley. The former longtime Sitkan has written 13 other crime novels as well as books of poetry. His honors include the Shamus Award and a Spotted Owl, and his books have been featured on such programs as the CBS Sunday Morning and on Fresh Air with Terry Gross.
Those wanting more information may call Margot at 907 747-4028 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.