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Michael Cohen
Michael Cohen is Professor Emeritus at Murray State University. His book Murder Most Fair: The Appeal of Mystery Fiction was published by Fairleigh Dickinson University Press and is available on Amazon.com. |
Erle Stanley Gardner, The Case of the Self-Taught Lawyer
As WKMS signed onto air 40 years ago, many mourned the death of author Erle Stanley Gardner, best known for the popular Perry Mason series. Mystery fan Michael Cohen takes a look at the life and work of the uncommon author in this commentary, which he calls "The Case of the Self Taught Lawyer."
Amanda Cross' Kate Fansler debut is 'uncommon mystery'
Now that schools across the region are back in full swing, it's once again time to dawn that literary hat and pick up a good read. Commentator Michael Cohen recommends an academic murder mystery by Carolyn Heillbrun, who wrote under the pseudonym, Amanda Cross. Cohen peaks through the pages of her first novel starring literature professor Kate Fansler, titled In The Last Analysis.
"Knots and Crosses by Jedediah Berry"
This year, BBC reported that Edinburgh, Scotland was the most desirable place to live in the United Kingdom because of its “atmosphere” and “positive reputation.” Step into gothic Old Town or the Edinburgh Vaults and you’ll see that such was not always the case. Author Ian Rankin strides through the city’s grittier side in his book, Knots and Crosses, in which police detective John Rebus must investigate the case of the Edinburgh Strangler. Michael Cohen peaks through the pages of this ‘Tartan Noir’ series.
"The Manual of Detection by Jedediah Berry"
Literary critics can’t help comparing Jedediah Berry’s debut mystery novel, The Manual of Detection to the works of Franz Kafka, Jorge Louis Borges or Ray Bradberry. One could argue the case for these comparisons simply because the book is difficult to define in its originality. Michael Cohen addresses this conundrum as he peaks through the pages of this cerebral, absurdist Uncommon Mystery.
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