What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bomb Shelter
The past never rests easy in Arizona.
Forty years ago, a Phoenix reporter was killed by a car bomb in one of America's most notorious crimes. Three men went to prison - but was there more to the story of Charles Page's assassination? More than three low-level players? Did a kingpin order the hit and get away with it? And what was the real motive? Despite the work of teams of journalists and law and legal professionals, no one yet knows why.
It's a case custom-made for David Mapstone, the historian-turned-sheriff's deputy. And suddenly Mapstone's boss, newly re-elected Sheriff Mike Peralta, promises to reopen the investigation into the only murder of an American journalist, in the US, in modern times. Why?
The promise triggers new murders. The crimes are reenactments of Phoenix's mob-riddled past, where gangsters rubbed elbows with the city's elite amid crosscurrents of corrupt cops, political payoffs, gambling, prostitution, and murder, all shielded by the sunshine image of a resort city. But who is committing them? A former soldier who is an explosives expert and deadly with a knife? A woman with screen-siren looks and extraordinary computer skills? Or someone out of Phoenix's seamy, swinging Seventies with secrets to keep, even though the major power brokers are dead?
Mapstone will need all the help he can get. He enlists a PhD candidate and Black Lives Matter activist to help him comb through sealed archives of the original bombing. Mapstone's wife, Lindsey, a top hacker, rejoins the Sheriff's Office and plays a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with the perp or perps - one that goes from the digital to the real and risky world. Somewhere in the house of mirrors surrounding the Page case they must find the key that connects the past to the present.
In this swiftly paced, compelling new novel by journalist Jon Talton, the ninth in the David Mapstone series, a big city is trying to keep its darkest history off-limits.
- GenresMystery
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
About the author
Jon Talton
26 books94 followersJon Talton is the author of the David Mapstone novels, which follow the adventures of a historian-turned-deputy, working the mean streets of the urban West.
Jon's first novel, "Concrete Desert," was hailed by Kirkus as "an impressive debut." The Washington Post said it "is more intelligent and rewarding than most contemporary mysteries." The series has continued with "Camelback Falls," "Dry Heat," "Arizona Dreams" and "Cactus Heart." "Dry Heat" received Arizona Highways magazine's best fiction award in 2005.
Jon's first novel, "Concrete Desert," was hailed by Kirkus as "an impressive debut." The Washington Post said it "is more intelligent and rewarding than most contemporary mysteries." The series has continued with "Camelback Falls," "Dry Heat," "Arizona Dreams" and "Cactus Heart." "Dry Heat" received Arizona Highways magazine's best fiction award in 2005.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 29, 2020
A fictional story of real reporter "Buzz" Page and his death for daring to write about the crime and corruption by the mafia with ties to politicians and local celebrities in 1970's Phoenix, Arizona. Great suspense awaits and some things left me wondering where it would lead, like why was someone wanting a 40 yr. old cold case solved then killing people who were associated with the case? Good page turner with lots of unexpected twists. I enjoyed this one.
October 27, 2018
Jon Talton, a native of Phoenix, Arizona, currently works as business columnist for the Seattle Times. He is also an historian and mystery writer. "The Bomb Shelter" is the ninth in his series of mysteries starring David Mapstone, a detective in the Phoenix sheriff's department who specializes in cold cases and is, in many ways, Talton's alter ego.
Talton knows Phoenix and Arizona, continuing to write about this part of the country from an historic and economic perspective in his blog, Rogue Columnist, to which I subscribe. In many ways, "The Bomb Shelter" gives Talton the opportunity to insert many of the observations he regularly makes in his columns.
This is not a bad thing. Talton is opinionated, observant and knowledgeable. He also is nostalgic about the Phoenix of his childhood and outraged about what Arizona could be if real estate developers and state government -- which he dubs the "kookacracy" -- did not rule the roost.
"The Bomb Shelter" is more that his bully pulpit. In it, the author fictionalizes a 1976 car bomb that killed Arizona Republic crime reporter Don Bolles, who had gone to the Clarendon Hotel for an assignation with a source. The real-life event and its investigation exposed a side of Phoenix known to few people. The crime and the trials that found three men guilty of the plot to kill Bolles made national news. Talton doesn't only hypothesize about a past in which business and political wheeler-dealers rubbed shoulders with mobsters. He re-looks at the original crime through a series of copycat murders that connect the present to the past.
He does a good job of filling in the blanks on relationships and characters: Mapstone, his wife, Lindsey, a skilled, high-tech criminologist, his sheriff and good friend Mike Peralta. He inserts real-life notables and events -- architect Will Bruder, Del Webb, Harry Rosenzweig , Barry Goldwater -- the excavation necessary for the accommodation of a mega shopping mall. He takes readers on car chases around today's Phoenix. A key scene ends with a "scuffle" at Dobbins Overlook on South Mountain.
Though the plot is filled with twists and turns, the story ends with a photo finish. Crime doesn't pay and Talton's handful of female characters play prominent roles. "The Bomb Shelter" is a good read, particularly entertaining for those of us who live here.
Talton knows Phoenix and Arizona, continuing to write about this part of the country from an historic and economic perspective in his blog, Rogue Columnist, to which I subscribe. In many ways, "The Bomb Shelter" gives Talton the opportunity to insert many of the observations he regularly makes in his columns.
This is not a bad thing. Talton is opinionated, observant and knowledgeable. He also is nostalgic about the Phoenix of his childhood and outraged about what Arizona could be if real estate developers and state government -- which he dubs the "kookacracy" -- did not rule the roost.
"The Bomb Shelter" is more that his bully pulpit. In it, the author fictionalizes a 1976 car bomb that killed Arizona Republic crime reporter Don Bolles, who had gone to the Clarendon Hotel for an assignation with a source. The real-life event and its investigation exposed a side of Phoenix known to few people. The crime and the trials that found three men guilty of the plot to kill Bolles made national news. Talton doesn't only hypothesize about a past in which business and political wheeler-dealers rubbed shoulders with mobsters. He re-looks at the original crime through a series of copycat murders that connect the present to the past.
He does a good job of filling in the blanks on relationships and characters: Mapstone, his wife, Lindsey, a skilled, high-tech criminologist, his sheriff and good friend Mike Peralta. He inserts real-life notables and events -- architect Will Bruder, Del Webb, Harry Rosenzweig , Barry Goldwater -- the excavation necessary for the accommodation of a mega shopping mall. He takes readers on car chases around today's Phoenix. A key scene ends with a "scuffle" at Dobbins Overlook on South Mountain.
Though the plot is filled with twists and turns, the story ends with a photo finish. Crime doesn't pay and Talton's handful of female characters play prominent roles. "The Bomb Shelter" is a good read, particularly entertaining for those of us who live here.
August 11, 2018
The mystery is acceptable, the history of Phoenix is exceptional.
March 9, 2019
This is my favorite book now.
I moved to Phoenix in 1979. This was a few years after the Don Bolles murder. We were very young, got both the Phoenix Republic (morning) and the Phoenix Gazette (afternoon) papers, and tried to make sense out of all of the Phoenix history reported pertaining to the case. Over the course of years, I went from 'learning to adult', to raising kids, being absorbed in work, and continuing to be amazed and sometimes horrified about this adopted state.
Jon Talton is an excellent writer (have read ALL of his books) and it is fun to read The Bomb Shelter and recall certain points, figure out which historical person he is talking about. Finishing the book was slowed because I kept googling events. I even tried to watch a Killing in the Family, screenplay by Sue Grafton, on youtube. (It's dreadful, don't.)
Mr. Talton's characters are realistic and vivid. I love the writing. It's intelligent and moves along. This is so well done. My previous favorite was South Phoenix Rules. Talton's books do not disappoint. There is no apparent sell-out factor (which means later publishings seem to have a high crap element). I was just so satisfied with the mystery, with the growth of the characters over time, with the back history of Phoenix and how this story traces the history so eloquently. Everything was great.
How do I get an autographed copy? Why isn't this a movie? This should be assigned reading for highschool freshmen.
I moved to Phoenix in 1979. This was a few years after the Don Bolles murder. We were very young, got both the Phoenix Republic (morning) and the Phoenix Gazette (afternoon) papers, and tried to make sense out of all of the Phoenix history reported pertaining to the case. Over the course of years, I went from 'learning to adult', to raising kids, being absorbed in work, and continuing to be amazed and sometimes horrified about this adopted state.
Jon Talton is an excellent writer (have read ALL of his books) and it is fun to read The Bomb Shelter and recall certain points, figure out which historical person he is talking about. Finishing the book was slowed because I kept googling events. I even tried to watch a Killing in the Family, screenplay by Sue Grafton, on youtube. (It's dreadful, don't.)
Mr. Talton's characters are realistic and vivid. I love the writing. It's intelligent and moves along. This is so well done. My previous favorite was South Phoenix Rules. Talton's books do not disappoint. There is no apparent sell-out factor (which means later publishings seem to have a high crap element). I was just so satisfied with the mystery, with the growth of the characters over time, with the back history of Phoenix and how this story traces the history so eloquently. Everything was great.
How do I get an autographed copy? Why isn't this a movie? This should be assigned reading for highschool freshmen.
February 18, 2018
I love David Mapstone mysteries and always look forward to a new one. This one does not disappoint as our Sheriff-Historian dwells into a 40 year cold case involving the murder of a journalist that opens a whole can of worms with various bad guys slithering out, including the mob and crooked politicians.
Highly recommended!
This book is due to be released in May, 2018.
Highly recommended!
This book is due to be released in May, 2018.
December 20, 2019
It felt like forever waiting for book 9 in this great series. It was worth the wait. I sincerely hope that the next one is in the making. I think the idea of following a historian employed by the police is a great idea. I love the way we get to know the current Phoenix Arizona constantly compared with how it once were. The characters is another great thing in this series, I strongly recommend it.
May 1, 2018
I always learn something fascinating about Phoenix's history when I read one of Jon Talton's David Mapstone mysteries. This time Talton works his magic on the very real 1978 car bombing death of reporter Don Bolles-- something that happened shortly after I moved to Phoenix. The author can still give me thrills when I read about an historian's excitement upon uncovering primary sources, and there are so many layers to this investigation and so many well-known names that I was compelled to keep reading faster and faster.
Talton does not let up on the tension or the action in The Bomb Shelter, and there's even some mood-lightening humor from time to time. It's fun to speculate about how close he came to solving the Bolles murder. His main characters-- Mapstone, wife Lindsey, Mike Peralta, and new addition Malik Jones-- are well-drawn and feel almost as though they're members of my family. Especially Mapstone. With his constant whining about the heat here in Phoenix, I want to look at him like he's my cousin Steve and say, "You're a native Phoenician. It gets hot here. Suck it up (and shut up)!"
This is a series I've loved since the first book, Concrete Desert. Talton is a gifted storyteller, and I love reading about the characters he's created and learning a bit about the fascinating history of my adopted hometown. It will be interesting to see where he takes his readers next.
Talton does not let up on the tension or the action in The Bomb Shelter, and there's even some mood-lightening humor from time to time. It's fun to speculate about how close he came to solving the Bolles murder. His main characters-- Mapstone, wife Lindsey, Mike Peralta, and new addition Malik Jones-- are well-drawn and feel almost as though they're members of my family. Especially Mapstone. With his constant whining about the heat here in Phoenix, I want to look at him like he's my cousin Steve and say, "You're a native Phoenician. It gets hot here. Suck it up (and shut up)!"
This is a series I've loved since the first book, Concrete Desert. Talton is a gifted storyteller, and I love reading about the characters he's created and learning a bit about the fascinating history of my adopted hometown. It will be interesting to see where he takes his readers next.
July 4, 2020
A newspaper reporter is assassinated in 1978. David Mapstone is a Maricopa County deputy and historian who looks into old cases and is led to re-open that case. With help from his wife Lindsey and a doctoral student Malik Jones, he uncovers a web of involvement with prominent persons in Phoenix that do not want him looking into this murder.
This is a fascinating story that, while fictional, describes early Phoenix and shady crooks who took advantage of the new city and state. Mr. Talton links this into a good story. I suspect that there is some truth to what happened, but I also liked the descriptions of locations and people he provided. Some prominent names are included (like Barry Goldwater) and there is reference to some recent characters and events in the city. You can obtain some 1940s Phoenix history at this link: https://www.roguecolumnist.com/rogue_....
I'm an Arizona resident who did spend some time in "the Valley," so the story reminded me of being there while also adding some interesting history.
This is a fascinating story that, while fictional, describes early Phoenix and shady crooks who took advantage of the new city and state. Mr. Talton links this into a good story. I suspect that there is some truth to what happened, but I also liked the descriptions of locations and people he provided. Some prominent names are included (like Barry Goldwater) and there is reference to some recent characters and events in the city. You can obtain some 1940s Phoenix history at this link: https://www.roguecolumnist.com/rogue_....
I'm an Arizona resident who did spend some time in "the Valley," so the story reminded me of being there while also adding some interesting history.
May 11, 2018
Another great David Mapstone mystery.
This is a fictionalization of a real story of Arizona Republic reporter Don Bolles who was killed in a bombing here in phoenix. I knew the reporter, donated blood to him after the bombing to try and keep him alive. I covered the trials of the people accused of the bombing and even the retrials. The author has woven the facts of the bombing with the fictional storyline skillfully. He changed many of the names, but as I was reading it my brain translated it to the real names. It’s a perfect vehicle for David Mapstone to solve the case that has a interesting twist in the end. I highly recommend this book as a great read, as I will recommend all of Jon’s other books in the series. Read them in order as he continues the same story throughout the series.
This is a fictionalization of a real story of Arizona Republic reporter Don Bolles who was killed in a bombing here in phoenix. I knew the reporter, donated blood to him after the bombing to try and keep him alive. I covered the trials of the people accused of the bombing and even the retrials. The author has woven the facts of the bombing with the fictional storyline skillfully. He changed many of the names, but as I was reading it my brain translated it to the real names. It’s a perfect vehicle for David Mapstone to solve the case that has a interesting twist in the end. I highly recommend this book as a great read, as I will recommend all of Jon’s other books in the series. Read them in order as he continues the same story throughout the series.
March 11, 2019
This book is a fictionalized account of the famous Don Bolles murder. Bolles was a reporter who was lured to an interview where a bomb was planted in his car. Forty years later people are still not satisfied that the real perpetrators were found. As a Phoenician, I've always been interested in this event and this book did not disappoint. Talton always does an excellent job of describing both the physical and psychological Phoenix, but this book seemed to rise above the others in that aspect. The mystery was very good but for anyone wanting to read about the dirty little secrets of this seemingly beautiful, clean community this is for you.
May 14, 2018
Jon Talton you are a genius! Your David Mapstone mysteries have always captivated me, but the Bomb Shelter blew me away (no pun intended). Based on a real-life Phoenix mystery, I couldn’t read fast enough to find where this mystery would take me. I was very familiar with the Don Bolles bombing, and was fascinated by your expertise in weaving the details of that into your narrative. You are a master at incorporating the history of Phoenix into your stories, which makes me appreciate my adopted home town all the more. I eagerly await David Mapstone’s next adventure!
November 26, 2018
I hadn't read a Jon Talton book for a few years, and after reading this book, I am sorry I waited so long. This story, based partly on true events, is a page-turning mystery and a solid police procedural investigation. The city of Phoenix is a major character, as is the overwhelming heat. David Mapstone is a dogged investigator, and how unique he is as both a policeman and an historian. The book kept my interest from the start to the end. I won't allow too much time to pass before I read another Jon Talton book.
June 25, 2018
As I grew up in Phoenix, I always enjoy reading the Mapstone series. Jon's description of places I went and people I knew add an extra element to these entertaining stories. This book was a page turner. The events surrounding the story happened when I was a young adult, and I never believed the news accounts. Whether fact of fiction The Bomb Shelter brought it all back to me. My daughter was an infant at the time, now she is reading and enjoying this book as much as I did!
March 27, 2018
3.5 *
Forty years ago a car bomb kills a Phoenix investigative reporter. The crime was never solved. David Mapstone is called in when a new crime reenacts the earlier crime. As always, a solid mystery and the great sense of place makes the Mapstone books perfect to read on my March stay in Phoenix.
Forty years ago a car bomb kills a Phoenix investigative reporter. The crime was never solved. David Mapstone is called in when a new crime reenacts the earlier crime. As always, a solid mystery and the great sense of place makes the Mapstone books perfect to read on my March stay in Phoenix.
March 19, 2019
Barely 3 stars. We get it, you're from Phoenix, do you have to name all of the streets and bars and restaurants to prove it? This was chosen as a book club entry for the Scottsdale Libarary. It's frankly poorly written and repetitive with multiple plots you could drive a Mack truck through. Skip it.
May 6, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery based on the Don Bolles murder and subsequent investigation and trials. Creates a plausible theory for the murder. For those of us who grew up in Phoenix during this time, the reminiscences of how Phoenix was back then were wonderful. Ironically, my allergy center is across the street from the now Clarendon Hotel. I read this in two sittings.
April 16, 2019
Talton is best, and best is wonderful when he's writing about Arizona--its history, the way it feels to be there, breathe its air, drive its streets, and he has a great gift for making the past present and felt.
May 3, 2018
Great
Another great David Mapstone tale. I have enjoyed all of Jon Talton's stories. Excellent writing and compelling suspense. Highly recommended.
Another great David Mapstone tale. I have enjoyed all of Jon Talton's stories. Excellent writing and compelling suspense. Highly recommended.
July 2, 2018
I enjoyed reading another of Talton’s books that takes place in my hometown. This one is based on the Don Bolles murder in the 70’s.
July 16, 2018
Long and somewhat tedious. How much truth and fiction?
I l;earned much about Phoenix and Arizona if nothing else.
I l;earned much about Phoenix and Arizona if nothing else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2019
Very nostalgic for someone who has grown up in the Phoenix area.
November 22, 2019
Nov 2019 I do enjoy the character of David Mapstone. I agree with another Goodread - Andy Plonk who wrote "The mystery is acceptable, the history of Phoenix is exceptional." Well said!
September 8, 2020
2nd book in this series....have become to really like the chsracterx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2026
I will admit my bias up front. I live in Phoenix, and Jon Talton was a personal friend. That said, I highly recommend The Bomb Shelter.
For years, I had a signed copy sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read. It took Jon's passing earlier this year to finally move it to the top of my reading list. Having finished it, I only wish I had read it sooner.
Drawing inspiration from the murder of Arizona Republic investigative reporter Don Bolles, Talton created a compelling fictionalized account of one of the most infamous crimes in Arizona history. More than a murder mystery, the novel captures a Phoenix that was rapidly growing, ambitious, and often driven by powerful interests operating behind the scenes.
What makes the book especially enjoyable for longtime Phoenicians is trying to figure out who and what inspired the fictional characters and events. Talton knew Phoenix history as well as anyone, and as I read, I found myself wishing I could sit down with him one more time and ask which real people were hiding behind some of the characters. I suspect the answers would have been fascinating.
The novel stands on its own as an engaging work of crime fiction, but it is also a love letter to and a critique of Phoenix, written by someone who understood the city better than most.
If you enjoy Arizona history, political intrigue, or mysteries rooted in real events, The Bomb Shelter is well worth reading.
For years, I had a signed copy sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read. It took Jon's passing earlier this year to finally move it to the top of my reading list. Having finished it, I only wish I had read it sooner.
Drawing inspiration from the murder of Arizona Republic investigative reporter Don Bolles, Talton created a compelling fictionalized account of one of the most infamous crimes in Arizona history. More than a murder mystery, the novel captures a Phoenix that was rapidly growing, ambitious, and often driven by powerful interests operating behind the scenes.
What makes the book especially enjoyable for longtime Phoenicians is trying to figure out who and what inspired the fictional characters and events. Talton knew Phoenix history as well as anyone, and as I read, I found myself wishing I could sit down with him one more time and ask which real people were hiding behind some of the characters. I suspect the answers would have been fascinating.
The novel stands on its own as an engaging work of crime fiction, but it is also a love letter to and a critique of Phoenix, written by someone who understood the city better than most.
If you enjoy Arizona history, political intrigue, or mysteries rooted in real events, The Bomb Shelter is well worth reading.
June 10, 2021
Dr David Mapstone, Deputy Sheriff and historian works to close another old unsolved case from the past. A case that was maybe closed but under suspicious circumstances and for which his boss Mike Peralta is being taunted with.
Lives are at stake. David and wife Lindsey, crack computer white hat, put their lives on the line to try to get to the bottom of this old case.
And the dead body count increases.....
Lives are at stake. David and wife Lindsey, crack computer white hat, put their lives on the line to try to get to the bottom of this old case.
And the dead body count increases.....
January 4, 2021
Really enjoyed the twists in this one. I like that Talton hasn't turned Mapstone into a Superman who never screws up. He's human. He bleeds. When he gets kicked in the ribs, he hurts. Some great, great writing in this one.
I'll admit that part of the ending threw me, and I still haven't quite figured it out. But it's a great story.
I'll admit that part of the ending threw me, and I still haven't quite figured it out. But it's a great story.
May 25, 2021
Talton has another hit
Great mystery born of real events. Lots of twists of fate and fondness for history of the crazy place that Phoenix has been. I live in the Willo neighborhood for 40 years and he captures the spirit to a tee.
Great mystery born of real events. Lots of twists of fate and fondness for history of the crazy place that Phoenix has been. I live in the Willo neighborhood for 40 years and he captures the spirit to a tee.
December 13, 2020
If you grew up or lived in Phoenix this book gives you an awareness of power and corruption in the 50s, 60s and 70s. A good mystery and tour of the city is a bonus benefit.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews