Deaths on Pleasant Street: The Ghastly Enigma of Colonel Swope and Doctor Hyde by Giles Fowler

Deaths on Pleasant Street: The Ghastly Enigma of Colonel Swope and Doctor Hyde by Giles Fowler

No one in Independence, Missouri found the circumstances to be overly suspicious when the wealthy Swope family, benefactors of Swope Park in Kansas City, fell ill with typhoid in 1909. People began to whisper, however, when three members of the Swope family died. When news broke the matriarch of the family had accused her son-in-law, Dr. Bennett Clark Hyde, of triple homicide, as well as introducing typhoid to the Swope mansion, society and the media couldn't get enough of the juicy story that would become the "trial of the century."

251 pages.

Extraordinary Black Missourians: Pioneers, Leaders, Performers, Athletes, and Other Notables Who've Made History by John A. Wright, Sr. and Sylvia Wright

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

Missouri TV personalities such as Julius Hunter, news anchor, journalist, and author, musicians W.C. Handy and Count Basie, and politician Freeman Bosley, Jr. are some of the black Missourians who are in this wonderful book.  240 pages.

Whatever Life Throws at You by Julie Cross

"Seventeen-year-old Annie Lucas is too young to remember her dad's glory days as a pitcher for the Yankees. So when her father is offered a coaching position with the Kansas City Royals, Annie is intrigued to see the baseball side of her dad. Of course, knowing he'll be a mentor to hot young rookie pitcher, Jason Brody, certainly makes it more enticing."

Whatever Life Throws at You was the perfect vacation/summer read! Annie is a sensible, yet fun heroine. It was a relief to read such a well-rounded young girl's perspective. I also enjoyed the Missouri setting (even if there were a few inaccuracies) and Royals references. Jason Brody is hot, fun and interesting. Brody and Annie's friendship was genuine and made me laugh, while also including some truly swoon-worthy romantic moments. I believe this novel is considered "New Adult."

373 pages

"Derek" by B.G. Thomas

This novella is the story of how the end of Derek's marriage to a woman makes him finally come to terms with the fact that he's gay.  The story takes place in Kansas City, where the local LGBT community helps him adjust to his truth.  There's are some hippy and new age vibes to it, but I thought it added to the atmosphere of acceptance.  72 pages (Kindle edition).

Jazz by Gary Giddins and Scott DeVeaux

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

Traces and talks about the evolution of jazz. Parishes of New Orleans sparked the fermenting of jazz, later Chicago became a magnet when southerners moved north. Kansas City was hot in the 30’s and LA was in the 50’s, but New York became the focus where jazz matured.

Audio:  29 hrs. 45 min.

Print:  619 pages

The Substitute by Denise Grover Swank

Summary: "Megan Vandemeer meant to tell her parents about her broken engagement, but a month and a half later she finds herself boarding a plane home to her wedding. Having stretched avoidance to its limits, it's time to come clean--a terrifying prospect since her mother is sure to blame her rather than her cheating, emotionally frigid ex. A couple of drinks and two Dramamine later, Megan finds herself spilling her sob story to the tall, dark, and handsome stranger in the seat next to her. With only one week left to save his business, Josh McMillan boards a plane to Kansas City in a last-ditch effort, leaving the details to chance. An unexpected answer is delivered in the form of the beautiful brunette beside him."

The Substitute is the first book in The Wedding Pact series, and I initially picked it up after seeing that it takes place in Kansas City, MO! Overall, I enjoyed the book, but the pacing was a bit weird. It had a ton of detail packed into the beginning of the book, but then sped through the juicy stuff at the end. I liked the characters, and I'm excited to read the next two books which focus on Megan's friends, Libby and Blair. The three girls made a pact about their weddings when they were younger, hence the name of the series. 


364 pages

Kansas City Style: A Social and Cultural History of Kansas City as Seen Through Its Lost Architecture by Dory DeAngelo and Jane Fifield Flynn

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

Quality Hill neighborhood for 20 years was the most prestigious.  Kansas City Stockyards started from a small beginning 'til by 1886 more than 100,000 were processed through their yards.  Many individuals and  organizations contributed information and photos for this book.  The Grillett Special Plate cost 40 cents at Wolferman's Store.  232 pages.