[Darren]

Just finished reading another batch with some notes and thoughts.

Titanic: I had read the first two books years ago but couldn't find the third book for the longest time. I enjoyed finally getting to read the entire trilogy. A nice work of historical fiction. I also enjoyed throwing JtR into the mix. Loved seeing Katz's Deli pop up in there too (one place that's always been on my travel list). Did you do a lot of research for this series?

Nose Pickers series: This was so much fun. For the age range, I'd put this series near the top of that grouping. Loved the nod to Adams with a repeated version of "Don't Panic!". Had to read "Corinthian leather" in Ricardo Montalban's voice. Made me think of the hilarious Rhino Party with repealing the law of gravity. A wonderful read overall.

39 Clues: I've just read your first entry in this series and I plan on saving these until close to the end. While you do a masterful job in recapping previous events, there are an awful lot of characters, plus there are some rather large gaps between the books that you've penned in the series. I think too big a leap will not keep me engaged and invested, so I plan on reading the entire series.

I dug the joke about decomposing (reminded me of the Monty Python "Decomposing Composers" song). I liked learning about Nannerl, whom I'd never heard of before. I totally dig the whole National Treasure vibe. I've always dug the genre of a historical scavenger hunt. The pyramid of cans was a nice callback to Bruno & Boots. The part that resonated the most with me was the record shop, named Disco Volante (not only a James Bond reference but the album title of a quirky band I enjoy), and the purchase of some albums by some bands I like, capped off with a Frank Zappa album. Two of my favourite artists coming together (yourself and FZ) like a Reese's peanut butter cup. Do you like Zappa or was it a shorthand for something odd and eccentric?

Hi, Darren,

Well, you're nothing if not persistent. I didn't know it was possile to find "Nosepickers" anywhere! You and I seem to be the only two peple in the world who appreciate it.

Titanic. I did tons of research and found it fascinating. Jack the Ripper was just to amuse my editor, who ended up loving it. As for Katz's Deli, it's the only place on Earth where the sandwich maker will cut off a piece of the brisket he's planning for your sandwich and hand it to you over the counter for your final approval. Not sanitary, but very Katz's. I once witnessed two veiled Muslim ladies sharing a table and lifting their veils to stuff corned beef into their mouths. You don't see that every day!

As for Frank Zappa, sure, why not?                                                                                                        -Gord-