D. E. Johnson

It’s summertime again in Grand Rapids—what better time to relax with a good book. Some of the best stories have a good guy to root for and a bad guy that the reader can jeer. And sometimes characters fall into that murky gray area in between. Good vs. evil is explored as the Grand Rapids Public Library ... (more)partners with area organizations to present the second annual GR Reads, a summer reading program designed for adults. Come discover the ten interesting books that our smart staff have selected that look at the good, the bad and everything in between, or join your neighbors for fun, informative programs that are inspired by the books. For a complete list of books and events, visit www.grpl.org/grreads or stop by any GRPL library.

Join us in celebrating the release of The Detroit Electric Scheme, the debut mystery from Kalamazoo author D.E. Johnson. The book is a fast-paced, detail-filled ride through early-1900s Detroit, involving murder, blackmail, organized crime, the development of a wonderful friendship, and the inside story ... (more)on early electric automobiles. Populated with fascinating characters, both real and fictional, from a then-flourishing Detroit, the book brings The Dodge brothers and Edsel Ford to life as they interact with denizens of the sordid underbelly of the Motor City, such as Vito Adamo, Detroit’s first Mob boss, and Big Boy, the bouncer at a saloon so notorious the newspapers called it “The Bucket of Blood.” This expertly plotted debut delivers with great research, wonderfully flawed yet likable characters, and a shattering climax.

Dan Johnson’s first book, “The Detroit Electric Scheme: A Mystery”, is already drawing rave pre-publication reviews. Be among the first to buy this historical mystery “set against the fascinating backdrop of the burgeoning electric car industry" when the author reads excerpts from the book during ... (more)Old Car Festival--Saturday, September 11, 2010, at 4:15pm in the Village Pavilion. The book is "filled with strong historical detail and dozens of real-life characters," including a seventeen-year-old Edsel Ford. Mr. Johnson will speak about some of his "research adventures," take questions and sign copies of the book. Copies of the book will be on sale before and after the talk.