Ernest Hebert

This is one of the best novels that I have read so far this year. Howard Elman is an 80 something year old New Englander facing his last days with determination, humor and pride. His trusty side-kick, a 100 year old, "Cooty," is the subject of medical experiments involving memory and longevity. There is a large corporation lurking in the background who is trying to buy up all the properties in this small town in order to turn it into a resort/casino/party destination for vacationers. Someone cuts down Howard's prize elm tree. He embarks upon the journey to find out who did this. There is a lot of old folks humor in this charming read, silly stuff, wicked stuff and stuff stuff. Just ask the town gossip, she's got it all. Do not worry about reader the previous volumes in this series. This one makes sense on its own. My thanks to the author and LibraryThing for complimentary copy.… (more)