Charles Ray Libros

Another in the Al Pennyback mystery series, set mainly in an old mansion in Washington, DC.

When asked to organize an exhibition on a theme of his choice, the Los Angeles artist Charles Ray chose that of moral and amoral space, which he took from sculptor Alberto Giacometti's description of one of his own works. "A four dimensional being writes poetry on a field with sculptures" is the title Ray gave to both the exhibition, which took place at Matthew Marks Gallery in New York, and this small, beautifully-produced volume, which accompanies it. Key artworks include Giacometti's 1948 "Standing Woman;" an untitled stack piece by Donald Judd; an ancient Greek kouros from roughly 600 B.C.; a sculpted piece of island marble from Attica; Mark di Suvero's 1960 "Hankchampion;" Jeff Wall's 1990 "A ventriloquist at a birthday party in October 1947;" and a series of 1969 sculptures entitled "The Fall of Man" by the American folk artist Edgar Tolson.

Ray Charles (1930-2004) led one of the most extraordinary lives of any popular musician. In Brother Ray, he tells his story in an inimitable and unsparing voice, from the chronicle of his musical development to his heroin addiction to his tangled romantic life. Overcoming poverty, blindness, the loss of his parents, and the pervasive racism of the era, Ray Charles was acclaimed worldwide as a genius by the age of thirty-two. By combining the influences of gospel, jazz, blues, and country music, he invented, almost single-handedly, what became known as soul. And throughout a career spanning more than a half century, Ray Charles remained in complete control of his life and his music, allowing nobody to tell him what he could and couldn't do.As the Chicago Sun-Times put it, Brother Ray is "candid, explicit, sometimes embarrassing, often hilarious, always warm, touching and deeply human-just like his music."

Who killed Henry Hawkins? Everyone would like to know.Henry Hawkins was an annoying, bullying man, who had confrontations with just about everyone, so when he turned up dead on the Potomac Valley Community golf course, with his head bashed in, just about everyone was suspect. Ed Lazenby, who barely knew the man, is drawn into the case when Hawkins' widow, Virginia, asks for his help to prove to the police that, despite statistics that show the murderer is usually someone close to the victim, she is innocent. Matters become complicated when Ed finds himself developing feelings for the lovely widow. Oh, what to do? Can logic and a commitment to the law win out over affairs of the heart?

The sermon reflects on the profound impact of President Lincoln's assassination on the nation, emphasizing themes of grief, unity, and resilience. It addresses the moral and spiritual lessons drawn from his leadership and the importance of maintaining hope and purpose in the face of tragedy. The preacher calls for collective healing and a commitment to the values Lincoln championed, urging the congregation to honor his legacy through acts of kindness and civic responsibility.

The murder of Gabriel Birdsong, found in his basement with no evidence or motive, leads to the disappearance of his granddaughter, Lena. Her aunt enlists private investigator Al Pennyback to locate her, but with no leads or clues, Al's search reveals unsettling secrets about Gabriel's life. As he delves deeper into the mystery, Al grapples with the implications of what he discovers, questioning whether he truly wants to find Lena amidst the dark revelations surrounding her grandfather.

Set in the New Mexico Territory, the story follows First Sergeant Ben Carter and his Ninth Cavalry as they arrive in Oakton to assist the sheriff amidst escalating tensions between brothers Dwight and James Oakley over their inheritance. As conflict looms, Ben discovers deeper complexities in the situation that require both his military expertise and diplomatic skills to prevent a violent outbreak. The narrative explores themes of family conflict, duty, and the challenges of maintaining peace in a turbulent environment.

The story follows Al Pennyback, who returns to East Texas to investigate a suspicious land deal involving his cousin Winston. Reluctantly revisiting his past, Al discovers that the seemingly lucrative offer hides dark secrets. As he delves deeper, he encounters danger and deception, revealing that some truths are worth killing for. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, the weight of family ties, and the complexities of confronting one's past.

Set against the backdrop of Bear Creek, Colorado, the story follows Caleb Johnson, a black mountain man living in solitude, and Benjamin Winthrop, a former Confederate officer seeking a fresh start in Oregon. Their paths cross when Caleb saves Ben from a hanging, leading to an uneasy alliance. As Ben hires Caleb to guide him, their relationship evolves amidst the challenges of their differing backgrounds and societal expectations, exploring themes of friendship, survival, and the complexities of human connection.

The story revolves around Al, a detective hired by Jackson Meredith to locate his missing wife, Caroline. Despite Caroline's father confirming her death in a car crash, Al suspects foul play and delves deeper into the case. As he investigates, he uncovers a web of secrets that suggests the crash may have been a murder, leading him on a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and revelations.