tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6992549624367884914.post-60189952943301906032008-04-12T07:10:00.000-07:002008-04-12T07:17:43.611-07:00DAMNED IN PARADISE is Collins's eight novel in his Nathan Heller Series. Heller, a Chicago detective, has been involved in many famous crimes of the 20th Century. Collins is known for weaving together fact and fiction.<br /><br />DAMNED IN PARADISE is based on the famous ALA Moana Case and the Massie murder trial (1931-1932). Despite its extensive basis in history, this is a work of fiction. Most of the characters are real, including: Clarence Darrow, Isabel Bell, Chang Apana, (The Real Charlie Chan), Clarence "Buster" Crabb, Mayor Jimmy Walker, and many others.<br /><br />This is an interesting story of life in the U.S. during the early '30s. Americans on the mainland in "Paradise" still suffer the crash and depression.<br /><br />The ALA Moana "Rape" Case and the Massie murder trial make for exciting reading. Collins is a very fine writer and the effort is worthy of your attention.<br /><br />Ernie AielloDenville Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831813283081513823noreply@blogger.com