The Gathering Place

by Jon L. Breen

A dead man leaves his beloved book store to his niece who finds herself involved with a murder investigation and some rather convincing ghosts

Genres: Mystery

Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Kelly Wagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had been on my list for so long I forget why - did I see it mentioned in a list of books about books? Of bookstore mysteries? Anyway, finally found a cheap used copy. So, 35 years after it was published, this book seems quaint, as well as short - we've gotten used to things of 300+ pages even in genre fiction. Plusses: pleasant, occasionally amusing, plays by the classic rules of mysteries, reasonably satisfying villain. The odd psychic power our protagonist acquires is an unusual one, so that's different. Minuses: superficial, uses stereotypes to make somewhat one-dimensional characters, and particularly the professor boyfriend - the attempt at psychology talk is stupid, so far from what academia and research psychology is like that it was annoying.

[IAmNotACentipede · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though I don't know where I got this book (which I guess kinda adds to the fun of the novel), it has been sitting on my shelf for awhile.
I picked this up on a whim and I found it kinda charming and quaint.
There isn't really too much developed here in this story, there are some murder mystery and some supernatural elements. Both of which are kinda bland and presented in a more "cozy" setup than anything. 

This was a fine read but nothing remarkable. I'm not sure if it's because of the time period this was written or just the author's personal views but it seemed like he really didn't like women in a respectful way.

[Ron Kerrigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two types of ghosts are involved in this tale of murders that center around a used book store in Los Angeles. Not a heart-thumping thriller, but the slight supernatural touch is a vital part of the plotting.

[Nick Chianese · Rating 3 out of 5]

A stunningly silly and dated noir, oozing with cliches--

But if you're in the right mood, there's quite a bit of fun to be had. Far better than I expected.

[April · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had seen this book highly recommended, so I think my expectations were a little too high going in. The idea of the book is very cool; a spirited young female inherits a used book store from her distant uncle, who may have been murdered. When other deaths follow, she feels she needs to investigate. I was intrigued by the idea of mixing the supernatural with her detection, as she can also have some limited interaction with ghosts. But on actually reading the book, the genre-blending doesn't really work. Breen is much more focused on the mystery, which involves a ghostwriter, than on the supernatural part, which comes across as cursory. (SPOILER: All she can do is forge the signatures of famous dead authors.) I also thought her relationships, with a former boyfriend and with a current possible flame, don't seem very realistic or natural. Maybe this was one of the first books to blend mystery and magic; if so, it should get kudos for that, but I find other books I've read to do a much better job with the two.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I obviously liked this one more than most people.
I did find it a bit light on the supernatural and heavy on the murder mystery, but it was still enjoyable.