Torsos is a great novel. Set in Cleveland, in the 'thirties, it fictionalizes the notorious Torso Slayer killings through the figure of Hank "Lucky" Lambert, a cop who knows more than he should of the gay underworld of the city. John Peyton Cooke's meticulous research shows, but the novel isn't at all sluggish - it moves at a breakneck pace to tour tramp dwellings, drug stores, chicken farms and bath houses in search of the elusive Torso Slayer. In the midst of mayhem there's a love story, as Lucky meets and romances the hustler Danny Cottone.

I am not a big reader of crime fiction, but this book reminded me, in good ways, of James Ellroy's fiction. Its panoramic portrait of the city, and its weaving of fact and fiction was complicated, visual, and paranoid, rather like Ellroy's vision of LA. John Peyton Cooke's anal-retentive Eliot Ness is a memorable character, but most memorable to me is his deft, rather audaciously complicated plotting, his sentimental, yet sometimes brutal depiction of male homoeroticism, and his incredibly evocative, though rather spare prose. A wonderful read.

Noone should miss the novel, especially those interested in Elliot Ness' search of a mass murderer.

We meet Hank and many other characters. Outstanding flavor of America's 20's

"The Lake" is a very fun read. The characters are portrayed very well. I would like to see much more from this author. Before I found "The Lake" in my grandmother's book collection, I had never heard of Mr. Jensen. I read horror (go Stephen King!) so naturally I loved it. I was surprised that is was so good. Because usually your better books are the more heard of ones. Like I said, I would like to see MUCH more from R. J. Jensen!

Unlike the people of the town of Haven, this book is harmless fun for mystery readers. Anyone with a brain will figure out what is going to happen well before it actually does happen yet the book remains interesting through the end. The least enjoyable aspect of this book is the cliche stereotyping of the people.

Haven, by John Peyton Cooke, is the story of a doctor, Cecelia Mak, and her husband, Mike. Cecelia is transferred to a little town in Haven, Idaho. Problems begin the moment they step into their new home. The people of the small town seem to be surprised that Cecelia is married to an Asian. Mysterious phone calls and pranks begin to take place. Mike suspects the Havenites are racists. But as events begin to unfold, a far worse conclusion is drawn that costs the lives of people. The way the story is written steps into the territory of Ira Levin and Stephen King. It is dark and very scary. Haven is a good book for people fascinated by the details of the Holocaust and what happened to some of the Nazis that fled Germany.

A unique mystery that ties right-wing rednecks with nazi germany. Although that sounds a bit strange, the book was actually very enjoyable. I highly recommend it for mystery buffs.