Judi Culbertson

1970. This offering is a biting satire on white racism. It masquerades as an anthology from the non-existent "White Trumpet" magazine, "the unfailing voice of today's racial moderate." It features a collection of articles on various subjects of interest to these so-call racial moderates: whites who say I'm not prejudiced, but I don't want those people in my church, school, neighborhood. There are pieces on how to keep your daughter from marrying a black man and how to keep your son from show more going to teach in ghetto public schools when he could make good money as a divorce lawyer. Much of it is focused on how to keep your church from becoming integrated. It is very funny, but also shocking and appalling. And it's really sad how little has changed. Almost as relevant today as when it was written. show less

I really enjoyed this story of Delhi, bookstore owner and book enthusiast. The mystery and intrigue of this book really had me hanging on to the very end! I was trying to figure out whodunit all of the way through.
The characters in this book are so diverse and interesting. I couldn’t help but to find myself wanting to know more about each one. Their individual personalities had be drawn in from the get-go!
There is nothing better than an interesting mystery to solve. I will admit, I show more didn’t figure it out until close to the end. I think many will find that to be their case too. There is a reason for this… However, I think if I tell you the reason, it may ruin it for you in some ways. All I can say, is pay careful attention to what you find out about the supporting characters and the roll they play in the family. This book is a page turner and is very hard to put down! show less

In "Illustrated Death," Delhi is hired to appraise recently deceased Nate Erickson's book collection and unwittingly becomes entrenched in a murder investigation and family dramas.

The narrative and dialogue are crisp and frequently humor laced.

An interesting and varied array of characters are present and develop throughout the story.

The accompanying plot mysteries include twists and turns but are not farfetched which allow enjoyment throughout the tale.

Overall, a fun read!

By far my favorite of all the anti-clutter books I had read at this point, though Dana K. White now takes top position for me. But after reading this one, I stopped reading books on the topic and got busy, because I finally had an overall plan in my head rather than just piecemeal solutions. Her approach makes so much sense! Years later, I decided to actually buy the book instead of borrow from the library and then I re-read it periodically for a new hit of inspiration. My bedroom has never show more again descended to its usual pre-Judi chaotic level, but, until I found D. K. White, I needed more help to clear up the rest of the house! show less