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Jeri Howard Mystery #2
Till the Old Men Die
“A welcome addition to this tough genre.” The New York Times Book Review
“In recent years women private eyes have become big business, as anyone who’s been following the fortunes of Sue Grafton and Sara Paretsky can attest. Thanks to their success, the way has been opened for many other women to write mysteries uniquely their own. A fine example is Janet Dawson.” The Denver Post
“Janet Dawson’s new kid on the block, Jeri Howard, another Californian, is a kindred spirit of Dashiell Hammett’s Continental Op character.” USA Weekend
Filipino-American professor Lito Manibusan is dead, murdered in a San Francisco parking garage. His body was found by a fellow Cal State history professor – whose daughter is Oakland private eye Jeri Howard.
Several months after the funeral, mystery woman Dolores Cruz shows up on campus, claiming to be the dead man’s widow. Dolly wants the professor’s papers, but they’ve already been turned over to Dr. Manibusan’s next-of-kin.
Jeri discovers the pattern of death and deception leads from the Bay Area’s Filipino-American community all the way back to the Philippines and World War II.
After all, the past never dies. It’s just covered up.
“In recent years women private eyes have become big business, as anyone who’s been following the fortunes of Sue Grafton and Sara Paretsky can attest. Thanks to their success, the way has been opened for many other women to write mysteries uniquely their own. A fine example is Janet Dawson.” The Denver Post
“Janet Dawson’s new kid on the block, Jeri Howard, another Californian, is a kindred spirit of Dashiell Hammett’s Continental Op character.” USA Weekend
Filipino-American professor Lito Manibusan is dead, murdered in a San Francisco parking garage. His body was found by a fellow Cal State history professor – whose daughter is Oakland private eye Jeri Howard.
Several months after the funeral, mystery woman Dolores Cruz shows up on campus, claiming to be the dead man’s widow. Dolly wants the professor’s papers, but they’ve already been turned over to Dr. Manibusan’s next-of-kin.
Jeri discovers the pattern of death and deception leads from the Bay Area’s Filipino-American community all the way back to the Philippines and World War II.
After all, the past never dies. It’s just covered up.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 1993
770 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Janet Dawson
65 books71 followersJanet Dawson is the author of The Sacrificial Daughter, first in a new series featuring geriatric care manager. She has also written thirteen novels featuring Oakland private investigator Jeri Howard. Her first, Kindred Crimes, won the St. Martin's Press/Private Eye Writers of America contest for best first private eye novel. The most recent book in the series is The Devil Close Behind.
Her Jill McLeod historical mystery series features a Zephyrette sleuthing aboard the long-distance train called the California Zephyr in the early 1950s. The first in that series is Death Rides the Zephyr.
In the past, Dawson was a newspaper reporter and a Navy journalist. She has worked in the legal field and on the staff of the University of California Berkeley. She is a long-time member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
Her Jill McLeod historical mystery series features a Zephyrette sleuthing aboard the long-distance train called the California Zephyr in the early 1950s. The first in that series is Death Rides the Zephyr.
In the past, Dawson was a newspaper reporter and a Navy journalist. She has worked in the legal field and on the staff of the University of California Berkeley. She is a long-time member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 7, 2018
I loved this book. It's the Jeri Howard mystery I read first, and it got me started on them.
Jeri's father Tim Howard is a history professor at California State University at Hayward; one of his colleagues was murdered, and he found the body. He's still having nightmares months later. The colleague was Filipino, and his estate had been settled when a strange Filipino woman comes into the office claiming to be his widow. Nobody believes her, and Jeri takes the case, planning to prove her wrong. Through the course of solving this mystery, Jeri learns a lot about Filipino culture and meets an interesting Filipino man. But these books are not about romance, fortunately - they're about finding the truth, solving mysteries, and this they do extremely well.
Jeri's father Tim Howard is a history professor at California State University at Hayward; one of his colleagues was murdered, and he found the body. He's still having nightmares months later. The colleague was Filipino, and his estate had been settled when a strange Filipino woman comes into the office claiming to be his widow. Nobody believes her, and Jeri takes the case, planning to prove her wrong. Through the course of solving this mystery, Jeri learns a lot about Filipino culture and meets an interesting Filipino man. But these books are not about romance, fortunately - they're about finding the truth, solving mysteries, and this they do extremely well.
February 23, 2021
This is a deep, involving and complex story that deals with past injustices alongside a current murder. When a history professor is killed in a car park, it looks like a random killing. Then a woman turns up at his university, claiming to be his wife and alarm bells begin to ring. It’s time to call in private investigator Jeri Howard, whose father was a colleague of the dead professor.
Pretty soon, it becomes clear that the professor left a package that the bad guys want. But who would want to kill a professor, researching historical events in his homeland, the Philippines? This is what Jeri has to discover and it’s a slow torturous trail through the Filipino community in California where many are related by blood and marriage.
Who can she trust and believe? Who has a motive to kill the professor? More than that, what is the motive? It seems the answer lies in his research and the package everyone wants to find.
It’s a well-researched story with a detailed background and history of the people involved and their roots. More than once, I struggled with the names of characters and their relationships as the story unfolded. As the story progressed, I began to recognise the key characters and relationships, which helped to make sense of the players and suspects.
This early confusion didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story. The issues explored made this a private eye novel with a difference, which is always welcome, and added a depth to the background and characters that made the story more interesting and engaging.
This is the second book in the Jeri Howard series and I’m looking forward to reading more.
Pretty soon, it becomes clear that the professor left a package that the bad guys want. But who would want to kill a professor, researching historical events in his homeland, the Philippines? This is what Jeri has to discover and it’s a slow torturous trail through the Filipino community in California where many are related by blood and marriage.
Who can she trust and believe? Who has a motive to kill the professor? More than that, what is the motive? It seems the answer lies in his research and the package everyone wants to find.
It’s a well-researched story with a detailed background and history of the people involved and their roots. More than once, I struggled with the names of characters and their relationships as the story unfolded. As the story progressed, I began to recognise the key characters and relationships, which helped to make sense of the players and suspects.
This early confusion didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story. The issues explored made this a private eye novel with a difference, which is always welcome, and added a depth to the background and characters that made the story more interesting and engaging.
This is the second book in the Jeri Howard series and I’m looking forward to reading more.
February 10, 2021
The second of the Jeri Howard crime novels, and I must say I do like the style. These are from the early nineties so you slowly see technology catching up and changing, but also they get to sit with the style of the genre changing. These are still 90% the mystery, 10% personal stuff, possibly augmented here by the fact Jeri is initially motivated (and hired by) her father and a colleague of his getting murdered. Whilst this makes it vaguely personal, the book doesn't linger on her internal monologue much. As in the first novel she has a vague sexual dalliance with one of the people of interest, but otherwise it is a slow layering of the community around a crime. Here it is based around the Bay Area Filipino community, and the mystery itself ties itself back to issues in World War II, and present (early nineties) Philippines politics. Dawson had a knack for quick broad characterisation, and plays fair enough that there are enough clues for you to solve along if you pay enough attention. I'm looking forward to popping back in and out of this series and watching it progress.
April 22, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. The protagonist, Jeri Howard, is an interesting, engagin character and all the other characters are also very well crafted, feeling real. The mystery was well crafted, with any number of twists and turns, an introduction to the history and culture of the Philippines, and enough suspense to want to keep turning the pages. This was my first entry into this series and I look forward to reading more of the books (of which, I understand, there are quite a few).
September 24, 2019
If you devour mysteries, this is a good one, especially if you're familiar with the San Francisco Bay area. The plot is intriguing & the writing is capable. I particularly enjoyed following sleuth Jeri Howard into the local Philippine community. If I were reading this book on an airplane I'd have finished it. As it was, squeezing it in between other priorities, I set it aside (repeatedly), first because my sense of geography isn't strong enough for me to care what roads Howard takes to get to what destinations, & second, because I've read (and written) so much crime fiction that at this point I'm looking to be deeply engaged by a distinctive plot &/or characters, not just to take an entertaining break from reality.
May 19, 2018
An ages old cover up which followed a corrupt businessman across the Pacific
Taut, spellbinding story about one man trying to let the world know of his countryman's war crimes committed against his own people. When he is murdered, Jeri Howard, a PI, is hired by her father's university to solve the questions surrounding his death. Although Jeri is successful, it won't change man's treatment of one to another.
Taut, spellbinding story about one man trying to let the world know of his countryman's war crimes committed against his own people. When he is murdered, Jeri Howard, a PI, is hired by her father's university to solve the questions surrounding his death. Although Jeri is successful, it won't change man's treatment of one to another.
May 29, 2018
Jeri kept the story going and proved that blood is thicker than water. Even thou the daughter could not prove it. It was an interesting look into the war in the Philippines and how the locals were divided about the Japanese but still continued to hold power.
Jeri was able to prove that blood was thicker than water. Even thou the daughter could not prove it. Interesting look into the war in the Phillipiness.
Jeri was able to prove that blood was thicker than water. Even thou the daughter could not prove it. Interesting look into the war in the Phillipiness.
September 3, 2018
Corruption, greed, politics, and murder
Story had all the elements that make for a good mystery. The basic story holds many pieces from the genre, however, how many new ways can you tell and old story? The characters are fairly developed and the author had many opportunities to add more hut did not take advantage. In the end it was an entertaining read that held my interest to the finale.
Story had all the elements that make for a good mystery. The basic story holds many pieces from the genre, however, how many new ways can you tell and old story? The characters are fairly developed and the author had many opportunities to add more hut did not take advantage. In the end it was an entertaining read that held my interest to the finale.
February 8, 2021
This was a much stronger outing than the first novel in the series. Jeri's father plays a larger role, as one of his good friends is murdered and someone is trying to get access to the deceased's papers. Some interesting background on the Philippines in the 80s as well as what that country suffered through in WWII give the novel additional texture. I also like the way in which Dawson shows off the Bay Area and not just San Francisco in this series.
April 30, 2021
Captivating
A thoroughly captivating mystery/murder book which keeps you on the edge, and not solely of your seat. The major character of all the action is the private investigator, Jeri Howard, who seemingly takes extraordinary risks, despite not always being in her best interests. Tenacious investigating eventually gets the prize but, not without some nervous moments. A great read for all lovers of murder/mysteries.
A thoroughly captivating mystery/murder book which keeps you on the edge, and not solely of your seat. The major character of all the action is the private investigator, Jeri Howard, who seemingly takes extraordinary risks, despite not always being in her best interests. Tenacious investigating eventually gets the prize but, not without some nervous moments. A great read for all lovers of murder/mysteries.
June 25, 2021
What a convoluted and twisted story. It peeled like a large onion with a cast of people who would do anything to cover up the past. There are too many characters in the story to make it comfortable to follow. The author did extensive research on the history of the Philippines and the book is a little heavy with this information. The author is an excellent storyteller and if you can dig in deep to follow through till the end it is well worth it!!
April 19, 2018
Interesting story about WW2 and the Phillipines. This story has several murders plus much history. From the
Pacific theatre. I like how the past impacts the present in this book. Nice light romance.. She tells you about people's pasts which are part of the story. Interesting book
Pacific theatre. I like how the past impacts the present in this book. Nice light romance.. She tells you about people's pasts which are part of the story. Interesting book
April 26, 2018
Worth reading
The story line runs well a d seems to be well-researched. Sometimes descriptions of places are a little overcome when they are irrelevant to the story. In the Kindle version there are several errors of transcription that are intrusive. I shall try to read more by this author.
The story line runs well a d seems to be well-researched. Sometimes descriptions of places are a little overcome when they are irrelevant to the story. In the Kindle version there are several errors of transcription that are intrusive. I shall try to read more by this author.
May 10, 2018
Great read
This was a really good book. I almost didn’t finish it, but I am glad I did. It was well written and I read it in 24 hours. Though someone does need to do a little proof reading as there were a few spelling mistakes. On the whole one of the best books I have read in a while. Thanks June
This was a really good book. I almost didn’t finish it, but I am glad I did. It was well written and I read it in 24 hours. Though someone does need to do a little proof reading as there were a few spelling mistakes. On the whole one of the best books I have read in a while. Thanks June
August 11, 2018
Love the San Francisco background
The author clearly knows San Francisco, but it seemed a bit dated. Once I realized it was written in 1993, it made sense. I liked the fast moving plot, and I leaned a great deal about Manila. I needed a cast of characters though as I kept losing track of who was who. I would read more of her work.
The author clearly knows San Francisco, but it seemed a bit dated. Once I realized it was written in 1993, it made sense. I liked the fast moving plot, and I leaned a great deal about Manila. I needed a cast of characters though as I kept losing track of who was who. I would read more of her work.
April 29, 2021
Good title for a good story. Jeri investigates a murder done to cover up a war crime and another done just for hate. I didn't know anything about Philippine politics or American involvement but now I find it enthralling. I now know a new word, Tagalog. Education and entertainment all in one book, enjoyed the read.
May 13, 2021
I enjoyed how all of the different timelines, locations, viewpoints and characters were interwoven throughout the book. I would have given it a higher rating, but three chapters in this ebook version were from another book and I believe at least one chapter (or at least one significant scene) was left out.
April 11, 2022
Incredibly boring, too long, too much history of the Philippines, and too many characters. My preferred genre is female sleuths, some PIs, but mostly accidental pursuers of criminals. But this main character very stupidly puts herself in harms way without any backup. Apparently she thinks she is a superhero. I prefer more realistic characters.
August 9, 2022
I was hooked again and spent too much of my day caught up in this mystery. Jeri Howard gets herself into too much trouble. I want to say, "Stop. You don't need to accuse someone without backup for yourself." But she survives, of course!
I appreciated the back story of the Phillipines and like that it sends me to Wikipedia to refresh my memory about the Marcos and their sucessor.
I appreciated the back story of the Phillipines and like that it sends me to Wikipedia to refresh my memory about the Marcos and their sucessor.
April 4, 2024
These books are great mysteries. Private eye Jeri Howard meticulously follows her instincts to uncover the truth. The characters are well developed and interesting. You can get bogged down in location descriptions, but they are part of the process I suppose. There is not a lot of blood and guts, which I appreciate.
January 13, 2025
This book is well written and has an intricate plot. The plot depends on lots of coincidences and related parties. Like, everyone is connected to someone else. The book could be improved by pruning- the resolution drags on and on and overall there are too many words ( and so many cups of coffee). The MC remains hard to identify with, though her care for her dad humanizes her a bit.
November 24, 2025
Over populated
Good story, but
I found that it was hard to keep track of all of the players. It all started with the murder of a colleague of Jeri's father. She is asked by the University to investigate. From that point on, complications arise and arise. Every time you turn around, there's a new character added to the story.
Good story, but
I found that it was hard to keep track of all of the players. It all started with the murder of a colleague of Jeri's father. She is asked by the University to investigate. From that point on, complications arise and arise. Every time you turn around, there's a new character added to the story.
April 23, 2018
Female PI, but not hardboiled.
I liked how the mystery unfolded, clue by clue. I also liked that the female PI, while independent, was not hardboiled or too cynical, and there was a surprising but welcome lack of profanity.
I liked how the mystery unfolded, clue by clue. I also liked that the female PI, while independent, was not hardboiled or too cynical, and there was a surprising but welcome lack of profanity.
April 23, 2018
Political intrigue
Very interesting story spanning history of a family from a grandfather when he was a young man at war in Manila and his children and grandchildren and friends of the family who help unravel the mysterious deaths surrounding them
Very interesting story spanning history of a family from a grandfather when he was a young man at war in Manila and his children and grandchildren and friends of the family who help unravel the mysterious deaths surrounding them
May 9, 2018
Historical Suspense
Likeable protagonist, interesting characters and lots of plot twists and surprises. Highly recommended for those who like a good story, somewhere between bloody hard boiled and cozy mysteries.
Likeable protagonist, interesting characters and lots of plot twists and surprises. Highly recommended for those who like a good story, somewhere between bloody hard boiled and cozy mysteries.
September 5, 2018
International intrigue
Jeri is a PI with an interesting case. Check out a woman claiming to be the wife of a recent murder victim. Since her father found his friend dead, she also has a personal interest.
Jeri is a PI with an interesting case. Check out a woman claiming to be the wife of a recent murder victim. Since her father found his friend dead, she also has a personal interest.
December 9, 2020
still enjoying the series.
this one is about the death of one of her father's colleagues from the Philippines. Not only is the plot interesting, but you learn a bit about Philippine politics in the 80s.
this one is about the death of one of her father's colleagues from the Philippines. Not only is the plot interesting, but you learn a bit about Philippine politics in the 80s.
May 13, 2021
Action from beginning to end!
A great historical perspective of the Phillipines interspersed with interesting characters, California sites and east bay locations all easily identifiable! A fun read.
A great historical perspective of the Phillipines interspersed with interesting characters, California sites and east bay locations all easily identifiable! A fun read.
June 21, 2021
Interesting Read
Intrigued by the title, the book was not really my type of read. I did find the history associated with the book interesting. Also interesting insight to the Philippines culture.
Intrigued by the title, the book was not really my type of read. I did find the history associated with the book interesting. Also interesting insight to the Philippines culture.
February 19, 2023
Riveting
A few generations of murderers who finally get sorted. Justice sometimes comes very slowly, but eventually it comes. A very intricate plot with history carefully woven throughout.
A few generations of murderers who finally get sorted. Justice sometimes comes very slowly, but eventually it comes. A very intricate plot with history carefully woven throughout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews