Chet And Lew
“Here’s a quote from an Amazon review of A Cat Was Involved,” Admin says. “I think you’ll like it: ‘Chet is the best narrator of crime fiction since Lew Archer.'”
“Whoa,” says Spence. “I love it. The Lew Archer novels, by Ross Macdonald, are my all-time favorites in the whole genre.”
“Mine, too. Do you think Macdonald was still getting better when he got sick?”
“I do,” says Spence. “What about the criticism that he basically wrote the same plot over and over?”
“Was it gripping every time?”
“Yup.”
“Then so what?”
Welcome Misty. Gracie and Rowdy: please try uploading again.
Ross Macdonald (Kenneth Millar):
Tags: A Cat Was Involved, Lew Archer, Ross Macdonald
This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 16th, 2012 at 8:44 am and is filed under Chet The Dog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
9:28 am on October 16th, 2012
I love Chet! I can’t say that of any other narrator that I’ve read…and I’ve read quite a bit. Go Chet!
Good morning all.
9:41 am on October 16th, 2012
Chet!…Chet is the only guy I would roll-over for…snort!
9:42 am on October 16th, 2012
Stover!…I sent in a few more Title suggestions last night…grunt!…I’m a s-h-o-e-in…chuffle!
9:44 am on October 16th, 2012
Chet–he’s the geatest!
Hi B, and Rio! I’ve sent in a couple of title myself….
9:48 am on October 16th, 2012
Ro-se!…Stoppit!…grunt!
9:50 am on October 16th, 2012
Rose!…My friend said to let you know your projects will be in the mail this Saturday…grunt!…You may or may not see photos before she ships them off. Oh, by the way, Beau will be included in the package….snort!
10:09 am on October 16th, 2012
“It was a Dark and Stormy Night…..”
10:18 am on October 16th, 2012
I don’t think I have ever read any Ross McDonald. He certainly looks dapper in that photograph.
“The rain splashed down in heavy fat drops.”
10:20 am on October 16th, 2012
I wonder when the new title will be announced.
Bear…?
10:32 am on October 16th, 2012
Bear!…Looks like he wants to start something this morning…heh!…”Then a Kat fell from the sky with a big thump.”
10:35 am on October 16th, 2012
Melanie – thanks for that. On the evening that my workplace toasted my retirement I wore a “Going out in style” t-shirt. Couldn’t play the song for them because it’s a bit obscene. Murphys are an acquired taste. My wife thinks I’ve gone over a mental cliff.
10:42 am on October 16th, 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI3LWQEskC4&feature=fvo&ad=25484938654
Does anybody else remember Candid Camera?
10:43 am on October 16th, 2012
“A bolt of lightening cracked across the sky like the whip of a drunken charioteer”
Rio – we know another guy you would roll over for. His name is Jim, Slim Jim….
10:46 am on October 16th, 2012
“Followed by a rainfall of pugs.”
10:52 am on October 16th, 2012
Terry: A look of innocence until they begin vocalizing.
“The kat, landing on his feet, found himself surrounded. But was it by friend or by foe?.”
10:53 am on October 16th, 2012
I totally agree with Stover’s first sentence this morning. I couldn’t and wouldn’t have said it better.
Rio, How about those Broncos last night?
Good Morning Everyone.
11:01 am on October 16th, 2012
Good morning all.
Cold but sunny here in northern Illinois this morning.
We will add something if the creative jucies start flowing.
11:01 am on October 16th, 2012
Staff – grew up in the sixties. Who could forget the talking mailbox?
11:09 am on October 16th, 2012
“The flash of lightening was soon followed by a boom of deafening thunder…the storm was upon them…..”
11:14 am on October 16th, 2012
“The kat’s tail lashed faster than the branches in the howling wind. His eyes narrowed as he…”
11:18 am on October 16th, 2012
Does anyone read Archer Mayor’s mysteries starring Joe Gunther? They are mostly based in the Brattleboro area if Vermont, about an hour from here. But his newest book brings the intrepid Joe to this here home town. Titled “Paradise City” which is the nickname of our town, the book is about jewel thieves and murder most foul. Sounds pretty good – though it’s no Chet and Bernie.
11:33 am on October 16th, 2012
T&G: We will be looking into the Archer Mayor series.
It is always fun to read books about familiar locale. Does the author change the names to protect the innocent?
11:38 am on October 16th, 2012
‘…bravely faced the intruders. “Why have you come?”, he asked…..’
11:47 am on October 16th, 2012
T&G — My dad has most of the Archer Mayor books and has read about 10 of them so far (as you know my folks like Vermont a lot, and actually I do too). He really likes them a lot, but because he is trying to read them in order, it may be a while until he gets to the newest one (since that is about the 22nd in the series). FYI, Archer Mayor was one of the other two authors that spoke at the Concord library event last November when my dad and mom got to meet Spence and saw him speak for my dad’s birthday. What my dad remembers most about Archer Mayor is that he has a pretty wry sense of humor in person. My dad thinks you will like the book, so definitely check it out.
Wookie the book scout
12:07 pm on October 16th, 2012
“And why are you wearing that heavy suit of armor in this rain? Yes, I see the pug on your back, but personally I would never send a dog out on a knight like this”
12:13 pm on October 16th, 2012
Good afternoon.
We think Chet makes the best narrator ever.
Staff, that video is funny, and yes we remember Candid Camera. Does anyone remember when they showed the Dancing Cop? He was a Reading cop (the rents” hometown), and a local legend. Everyone in Reading was juiced to watch him on Candid Camera.
12:15 pm on October 16th, 2012
T&G! I can’t top that one!
12:15 pm on October 16th, 2012
Wookie – we have read a lot of Mayor. Some of his books are very dark, but he is a great plotter.
One of the things that Mayor does, especially for charity and in support of local libraries is to donate the chance to be in his next book. Usually done by selling raffle tickets – the winner gets to be a character.
(Wonder if we could get OFA to donate something line that to the Snowhook auction)
Mayor also often names characters for people he knows. There are two people in this book whose names are very close to the real people who showed him around the area.
Our local police chief said the chief in the book is nothing like him because he himself would have caught the thieves long before Joe Gunther came to town.
12:18 pm on October 16th, 2012
O.Howlers: Good Grief! It’s afternoon already? And here I am just having breakfast.
12:33 pm on October 16th, 2012
It is lunchtime here, Bear. That is the daily meal where we are forced to provide for ourselves. Not to worry though.
12:54 pm on October 16th, 2012
O.Howlers: Sounds like youse may be up to some mischief!
12:56 pm on October 16th, 2012
Have never read the fellow’s books. (felt I had to say fellow because of that hat)
Love B.Stover’s comment.
Back from driving the Subaru to the Berg and that back up to the acupuncturist. The Subaru sounds like a mac truck. sigh . . time to take it in again.
“A blood red light appeared under the visor of the helmet . . “
1:00 pm on October 16th, 2012
SMILE! You’re on Candid Camera!
1:02 pm on October 16th, 2012
On a knight like this? Where do you come up with such clever stuff!
Speaking of getting to be a character in a book, Lisa Scottoline does something along those lines. People will donate to a particular charity, and then she names a character after them, and also mentions them and the charity in her Acknowledgments. Very cool!
Barb is shutting down the computer. Errand time and then a hair cut for her, nap time for moi. BBL
1:03 pm on October 16th, 2012
Rio! I will keep an eye out for the mailman. (and Beau)
1:59 pm on October 16th, 2012
Oh! A Knight like this! ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!
Thanks T&G, I needed that.
2:49 pm on October 16th, 2012
T&G — Thanks for the info on Mayor. Mayor is not the only author who does the character naming thing — Lisa Scottoline has done it as well (usually tied to donations to particular charities). I think that could be a great idea for Spence for an upcoming Snowhook auction — either a character name (for a two-legged character) or maybe even an actual character (for a four-legged character). My dad almost got named in an Art Buchwald column many years ago, but was outbid (it was a silent auction prize at a charitable event for the Boys and Girls Clubs).
Wookie
2:51 pm on October 16th, 2012
Mary, here,. Is there still room under the quilt?
My mama is now in hospice care, and it is an honor to sit by her bedside, holding her hand.. Soon she will be meeting with loved ones, and I know that there is a joyous celebration that is being planned upstairs. But for now, I have a lump in my throat and some leaky eyes.
Sometimes my family can be a bit retarded. I called my sister Barb and told her that she needs to come soon. This was on Friday. She has not called once to check on mom
.
My sister Sue has decided that this will be a good weekend to tile the kitchen and dining room floor. Which is right outside mom’s bedroom floor. Nope, it ain’t happening. Not on my watch.
Do they love my mom? Yes, they do, dearly. We each grieve in our way. But this weekend in about one thing and one thing only….and that is to give my mom the gentlest of passings.
Remember me in the circle tonight, and I will join in. Blessings.
2:52 pm on October 16th, 2012
Ohhh I think that would be a great idea. Alice and AbbietheKitty want cameo roles. They would pay big bucks. Or maybe many salmon bon-bons.
2:53 pm on October 16th, 2012
Wolfie,
My thoughts are with you.
3:04 pm on October 16th, 2012
Wölfie, your mom will be added to the prayer on Thursday night.
Please let me know if anyone else needs to be included.
Right now . . Callie, Gus & BooBear’s Dad and Maggie. And some others that are not named.
3:05 pm on October 16th, 2012
JEEZE LOUISE, I have not got the day right ALL DAY!
The prayer circle will be held at 9 pm Blog time on WEDNESDAY.
Hitting head on keyboard.
3:18 pm on October 16th, 2012
Mary: The quilt is tucked tightly around your shoulders. You are in my prayers asking for comfort and peace.
Melanie: Can I have the ‘h’ key off of your forehead. I need it to spell Siber-H.
3:19 pm on October 16th, 2012
Wolfie, strong prayers coming at you and your mom from Westchester. May the Creator embrace you, your mom, and her mom in the loving warmth of his arms.
3:21 pm on October 16th, 2012
Wolfie’s Mom, loving prayers going out to you and yours.
3:21 pm on October 16th, 2012
Okay, here’s the “H”. Of course, it’s left an imprint. sigh.
Wölfie. Can’t say much, because tears just well up.
3:45 pm on October 16th, 2012
Dear Wolfie’s Mom: Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
4:01 pm on October 16th, 2012
I realize that it may seem insenstive to included the request for the H from Melanie after prayers for Wolfie. Insensitivity was not my intent, and I hope not the impact. Wolfie, I have a special place in my heart for your mom and I want her to know that we will ensure she doesn’t go through this alone. What a wonderful gift to be with her mother at this time. Peace, love, comfort.
4:40 pm on October 16th, 2012
Wolfie – nothing but empathy for you. I didn’t tell the rest of the story, but the night after the funeral when I flew home to NY, my mom was rushed to the hospital, needing emergency surgery for a perforated ulcer. They weren’t happy about her chances of making it through the night, but she did. Now, she is out of the hospital and in rehab for the next month. During that time my brother, who also lives in Phoenix, called me not once. I got all my information from mom’s sisters. There are issues that will be addressed some other day.
4:54 pm on October 16th, 2012
Mary: I know that your mother feels comfort in your presence. I went through something similar. Best thoughts to you.
5:14 pm on October 16th, 2012
Terry: Glad to hear your mom is well enough to be out of the hospital. Thank you for sharing the pictures of fall colors. Our fall colors have long since been cluttered on the ground and are now covererd by snow. I think fall happened somewhere between September 1st and noon the next day.
5:22 pm on October 16th, 2012
Wolfie– You need to take extra special care of your mom the next few days; she will need that very much. And let her know that our prayers are with her at this difficult time.
Wookie
5:46 pm on October 16th, 2012
Wolfie: wishing you courage, strength and peace. Your presence is a very special gift you are giving your mom.
6:04 pm on October 16th, 2012
Wolfie and Mary, Our thoughts are with you. Sometimes families can be a comfort and sometimes they can add to the stress. I was lucky when my mom’s time came. The family members were there, and we were all on the same page. That helped.
6:19 pm on October 16th, 2012
Wolfie’s Mom, You will be in our prayers and we will be thinking of you. Many times it is just one person in a family that ends of taking care of everything. That can sometimes be a blessing in disguise.
7:17 pm on October 16th, 2012
Terry – thanks for sharing bright colors and light.
Wolfie’s Mom – please know prayer is with you as you help your mom.
7:32 pm on October 16th, 2012
We Plunderers are going through some rough seas lately. It is good that we have each other, and the quilt. Still, happiness and laughter is much needed. Hence, the pretty Fall colors from Terry lit up our hearts, and the “H” for Bella lit up our smiles.
7:36 pm on October 16th, 2012
Rio, what’s this I hear? Jason Giambi will interview for the manager’s job of the Rockies.
7:47 pm on October 16th, 2012
Wolfie: My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Melanie: Please include my dad in the prayers on Wednesday (tomorrow). Mom has decided not to have her pacemaker replaced and since the battery is almost gone…well…you know. Dad needs help accepting her decision. Actually, better include all us kids in the prayers as well. Sob.
8:00 pm on October 16th, 2012
Dawson, my prayers and heart are with you and your family.
8:05 pm on October 16th, 2012
Dawson & Staff: Thinking of you both amd adding you to our prayer list.
8:06 pm on October 16th, 2012
Dawson: the quilt is big enough for all of your family to take shelter. I am prayin for the same peace and comfort you and your family as for Wolfie’s family.
8:13 pm on October 16th, 2012
Dawson, check SDD.
8:37 pm on October 16th, 2012
Blog!…This here blog is too sad tonight…sniffle!… I was looking forward to catching up but now I think I will go lay in the corner and be quiet….snuffle!….I probably used the word “lay” wrong…guffle!
8:39 pm on October 16th, 2012
Dawson, We are there for you and Staff and your family.
8:42 pm on October 16th, 2012
We are eating chicken meat pie. So delish. The recipe is from Will Clower’s book.
8:45 pm on October 16th, 2012
Rio: “Laughter through tears, my favorite emotion.”. Name that movie.
8:45 pm on October 16th, 2012
Rio, you will go lie in the corner.
8:46 pm on October 16th, 2012
Or you will go lay yourself in the corner.
8:52 pm on October 16th, 2012
Thinking of you Mary and Wolfie.
Ever since the passing of BIL, I’ve been lighting candles. I find the scent and light comforting.
Got the word yesterday that my wonderful Grandma Chris’ last sibling passed away. He was 90. He was 18 years older than my Grandma, but they had a very close relationship. Uncle graduated from MSU with a degree in soil science, met his wife, went to Cornell for master and phd, then taught soil science at Univ of Il for 20 years. Traveled all over North America in a RV, loved to square dance and hike. He retired and built a house on the side of a mountain in Estes Park CO overlooking Rocky Mountain National Park. He lived a full, rich life, chock full of adventure, family and friends. He made a difference.
8:53 pm on October 16th, 2012
Bella! I know! I know!
Patsy and I are off to our slumbers. Maybe she’ll let me have more of the bed tonight . . Nah.
TTFN
9:02 pm on October 16th, 2012
Rebecca!…”This is it, I’ve found it, I’m in hell.”…snort!…Who said that line in your favorite movie?
9:11 pm on October 16th, 2012
Here Rio. This will cheer you up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNbc3ByGinw&feature=related
9:16 pm on October 16th, 2012
Rio: The same character who said, “I’ve just been in a very bad mood for forty years!”
9:19 pm on October 16th, 2012
Snort!…I love that character…Wheezer!….heh!heh!
9:25 pm on October 16th, 2012
“Take a whack at Wheezer! We’ll sell t-shirts, “I hit Wheezer Boudreaux!”
Staff: Great video. I used to have a herd of llamas; I loved when the crias started running. A few years ago, I asked AJ if I could get some pygmy goats. He said no, a decision for which I resented him, but when I became a Plunderer and learned of the wayward ways of goats, I had to change my loyalties.
9:30 pm on October 16th, 2012
Theater!…We are watching the new The Good Wife and I am always looking out for theater actors in this show…snort!…Well Nathan Lane showed up in this new episode. I was pretty amazed. I thought he was way too busy on Broadway to appear on a tv show….chuffle!
9:35 pm on October 16th, 2012
Jasper! I finally unwrapped the quilt your mum made and sent me so many moons ago. The bright colors in that quilt are comforting me.
Snowbella: Not all goats are bad…only those marauding ones.
I went from kayaking in the ocean one day to weather that SiberH and the Snowhook team would love the next. Shock!
9:42 pm on October 16th, 2012
Were you guys talking about Steel Magnolias with the 40 years of bad mood comment?
We are going to keep watching the debate. This one seems pretty heated! Night all.
9:44 pm on October 16th, 2012
Dawson: we’re practically neighbors again!
Jasper: What a life he led. Comfort and peace to those grieving his loss.
9:47 pm on October 16th, 2012
Jasper!…Geeze for a minute I thought ole Jasper had kicked the bucket the way Rebecca worded that last sentence…wuffle!
9:54 pm on October 16th, 2012
Rio: I should have worded it better.
10:21 pm on October 16th, 2012
Thieves! And, not the good natured Pancho and Lefty variety. A couple of guys in our small town just made the trip up our long drive way and gave me quite a scare because I didn’t recognize the vehicle. I met them out in the drive way, with Luna and Belle Starr, our WalMart greeters barking at my side. They knew they scared me—in Willow, it is rare to go onto a property uninvited. The driver waived down the window, waived and introduced himself. He is well know in the area, but I’ve never spoken with him before. They came to warn us that there are thieves making quick work of the area—stealing from properties and breaking into houses. He told me what truck to look out for and to be careful. He gave me his number so AJ can call him later.
10:30 pm on October 16th, 2012
Yeep!…Get all the guys in the house and lock yer doors Rebecca!…snort!
10:35 pm on October 16th, 2012
I wil, but first I need to go do dog chores. AJ has to work tonight.
10:38 pm on October 16th, 2012
Chores!…Well, be careful Rebecca!….sniff!… We have to go go bed now – someone is not feeling all that great. I think she is just tired and totally frustrated…wuffle!…Goodnight!
10:41 pm on October 16th, 2012
Rebecca, Drop in after chores to let us know you are OK. And LOCK THE DOOR!
Night all.
10:43 pm on October 16th, 2012
Mary, our thoughts and prayers are with your mom for peace. We thought she was doing much better. But life has it’s own way. Be sure to keep the quilt tucked up tight around both of you. It has a much needed warmth during the hard moments.
Dawson & Staff, is there hope that your mom will change her mind? It sounds like your Dad is not happy with her decision.
10:46 pm on October 16th, 2012
Keep a close eye out for anything out of the ordinary, Rebecca! Although anyone who would come onto the property that has over 70 dogs would have to be crazy!
11:07 pm on October 16th, 2012
Rebecca – you need to make a deal with that mouse that was hanging around your yard. Something like- no dogs will chew on your legs if you wander here, but feel free to attack any neer-do-wells that come up the driveway.
We here are saying prayers for all those who are in sorrow and or pain this night. Dad talked to some of his friends tonight, and there is thought that this us a time of great transition – when many if our elders will be leaving us. The advice we were given was “tell those whom you love that you do love, and that they have been important in your life”.
So- in case we haven’t mentioned it lately, we love all youse guys. You have taught us so many things, both factual and ideological. Thank you for wrapping your quilt of life and love around us.
11:09 pm on October 16th, 2012
MOOSE in the yard – not mouse. sigh
11:22 pm on October 16th, 2012
Ha Ha! We didn’t get why T&G thought a weenie little mouse would attack an intruder. LOL
Time for bed here. Keep the quilt wrapped snug around all of our Plunderer friends who are hurting tonight.
11:40 pm on October 16th, 2012
Chores are done and I’m locked in for the night. AJ shouldn’t be too late tonight. The gentlement that stopped by said they didn’t think the thieves had the intention of violence, just to steal.
T&G: Mouse! Savannah, our kennel nurse caught and ate a mouse during summer. They are her favorite, so I think we will have to settle for making a deal with the resident mouse.
Following in the Royal’s tracks, I want to let each of you know that I hold you very dear. You are the family we have chosen. Thank you for all yor kindness and support.
Last night I had the thought of the quilt, tucked around those in need of its comfort as usual, but my thoughts continued. As I made the last comment last night, I had te image of each Plunderer sleeping pleasantly under the quilt, surrounding those at the center who need it most. My thought as I closed down my computer, I thought I would slip under a corner of the quilt for the night.
11:44 pm on October 16th, 2012
Moose in the yard—not mouse. Double sigh.
11:48 pm on October 16th, 2012
Sending big hugs for Mary and dainty kisses for Wolfie during this sad time.
Wookie you dad must be a very small guy, that shirt seemed to fit you well
“When you least expect it,
You’re elected,
It’s your lucky day…….. ”
Mom has pneumonia so I guess that she was not malingering after all. But she actually feels better than she has in a while. Go figure!
11:54 pm on October 16th, 2012
Pumpernickel!
I had the yummiest pumpernickel bread when I was in the cities. I tried to make some today. First I forgot to put the caraway seeds in and then it wasn’t rising. I was about to throw it out when I got distracted…by the time I got back to the dough, it had doubled. I punched it down and made it into loaves, again forgetting the caraway seeds. When it was ready to bake I brushed with egg white and sprinkled the seeds on top. It smells good but I am sooooo ready for my nice soft bed with my special pillows.
12:00 am on October 17th, 2012
Pnemonia! Macy, that is not good. Save some of those dainty licks for your mama.
Dawson: Welcome to the north land.
12:08 am on October 17th, 2012
Carpola!
I should’ve greased the pan.
It’s been that kind of day. Goodnight all.
I’m sleeping in the middle of the quilt.
Gus and BooBear: Mom is not likely to change her mind.
12:11 am on October 17th, 2012
Tomorrow is a new day. I’m doing one last check of the parameter of the quilt to make sure it’s securely tucked around all those who need it. Good night, all.
6:19 am on October 17th, 2012
Staff, Dawson and family – our hearts go out to you.
Late meeting tonight and we’ll check in when we get home.
Good morning all. Take care of each other today, as always.