Book Review: Dirty Water - A Red Sox Mystery

Jere Smith from A Red Sox Fan in Pinstripe Territory sent me an advance copy the new book Dirty Water that he co-wrote with his mother, Mary-Ann Tirone Smith. The book is a mystery is set in Boston in the middle of the 2007 season. Together the authors spin a compelling murder mystery that Sox fans are sure to enjoy. While the story is about solving a crime, there is a good helping of Red Sox involvement; everyone from Big Papi to the Sox equipment manager makes an appearance. Jere's outstanding knowledge of the Red Sox organization, its players and history is evident throughout the book. You do not have to be a diehard Sox fan to enjoy the book but if you are you won't be disappointed.

The book begins with a baby that is left at Fenway Park and quickly evolves into a murder mystery that involves the Boston Police Department, the FBI, and a look at the shady underside of baseball. The characters and plot of the book reflect the social and cultural diversity of Boston along with great descriptions of the local geography. With well developed characters and a fast paced plot the Smiths have a solid hit that baseball and mystery fans will enjoy. I would suggest you get the book when it comes out next month and keep it for one of those winter months when you need a good Red Sox fix before spring training rolls around.

For more information and reviews of the book check out the book's blog.

Read more...

Book Review: "The Greatest Game" by Richard Bradley

Last night we witnessed another chapter in the history of the greatest rivalry in sports as the Red Sox stole the show in what was supposed to be a day for the Yankees. In The Greatest Game Richard Bradley takes us back to perhaps the biggest moment of the Sox/Yanks rivalry; the playoff of 1978.

Bradley's book does not just follow how the game unfolded but he tells about the entire 1978 season in New York and Boston. He brings old names like Fisk, Munson, Billy Martin, and Don Zimmer back to their prime, making it seem like they just stepped off the field and are getting ready for the second half of the season. He also does an excellent job at showing what a transitional time the late 70's were for Major League Baseball with the onset of free agency and the rise of big-market teams.

As a Sox fan I don't agree with the title of the book because no game can be the greatest if the Yankees come out on top. However, Bradley reminds us that the 1978 playoff game was not just Bucky F'n Dent's home run nor Yaz's pop up for the third out in the ninth anymore than the '86 World Series was just about Buckner. There were so many other storylines to the season and the game like Matin and Jackson's relationship or Mike Torrez on the mound for the Sox to face his former team that he believed never appreciated him.

The Greatest Game is a good read and something Red Sox and Yankee fans could enjoy as we get closer to the 30th anniversary of the game.

Read more...