The Chatham School Affair

Amazon.com

In 1926 Henry Griswald was a kid, a student of the lovely and unusual Elizabeth Channing, who had recently arrived in his coastal Massachusetts village to teach art at a private school run by his father. Decades later, the people of Henry's village are still racked by guilt and troubled by uncertainty--who, or what, drove Miss Channing to madness and murder? Henry Griswald, narrator of The Chatham School Affair, holds the key. Using the same dark, brooding tone that permeated Breakheart Hill, Thomas Cook has crafted a disturbing yet entertaining psychological thriller.

Book Description

Attorney Henry Griswald has a secret: the truth behind the tragic events the world knew as the Chatham School Affair, the controversial tragedy that destroyed five lives, shattered a quiet community, and forever scarred the young boy. Layer by layer, in The Chatham School Affair, Cook paints a stunning portrait of a woman, a school, and a town in which passionate violence seems impossible...and inevitable. "Thomas Cook's night visions, seen through a lens darkly, are haunting," raved the New York Times Book Review, and The Chatham School Affair will cement this superb writer's position as one of crime fiction's most prodigious talents, a master of the unexpected ending.

From the Paperback edition.

Customer Reviews:

Schooling for Mystery Writers.......2007-01-30

Some books lend themselves to discussion, and Thomas H. Cook's writing in "The Chatham School Affair" is perfectly suited to book-club group readings, particularly those attracted by presentation as well as plot. Classified alternately as mystery and suspense, Cook's fluid style fits comfortably with contemporary literature, and the haunting prose faultlessly complements his wind-blown Massachusetts coastal setting.
Narrated by an aging Henry Griswald, the story begins with his recollection on a new teacher's arrival in 1926 at the boy's school at which his father is headmaster. The young woman is both beautiful and mysterious, and the glamorous notions and exotic tales she includes as part of her daily art lessons quickly captivate young Henry.
It's clear, in his recounting of the events of his youth, that something devastating has occurred in Chatham, an event dramatic enough to alter forever the lives of the townspeople, and - even decades later - to incite casual references to those involved.
It isn't clear though, exactly what happened so many years ago.
Cook easily maneuvers between the present and memories of Henry's days as a student of Elizabeth Channing, and his portraits of the characters are so compelling that the intimation of tragedy seems almost incidental. As though revealed by ghosts flitting through the story, the cataclysmic event remains a mystery, and glimpses of the aftereffects provide the only clues as to what transpired that fateful day at Black Pond.
Even when Cook finally identifies his tragedy, he withholds enough cards to trump the initial surprise. The ending is startling and unconventional, and undoubtedly part of the reason "The Chatham School Affair" won awards from the mystery community.
It's a first rate novel, one that will create longtime fans of Thomas H. Cook, whose latest effort - "The Cloud of Unknowing" - is set for a January 2007 release.

A suspense that lasts and lasts.......2006-12-19

Yep! So, you have to slug your way through to the very last page to discover that Henry... Hey, I'm not going to tell you. Read it yourself, and no fair skipping to that last page. Now, our local white girls' book club appeared to have enjoyed the title, or at least pretended to have enjoyed the title and to have read it, at least until lunch was served and the topic of conversation was lost. Mr. Parsons declared Elizabeth Channing to be "sinister." She was actually put away, in the United States of America, for adultery, when serial polygamy is a national hobby! And, what is the deal with the female characters? Would a female author have presented them less harshly? Mrs. Griswald is a frigid old crone: "Men are all alike." Mrs. Reed was another vengeful old biddy out to kill her rival, or whoever got into her path. Was Alice Craddock driven insane by a monsterous chain of events or did she merely inherit that insanity from her mother? "Locked in a paddock. Where's your daddy gone?" Were the female characters treated meanly, out of a misoginistic literary nature or merely as an aid to the storyline? And, how did a giant of a cripple afford to rent a dock stall and build a sailboat when his miserly salary would probably not have covered rent and food for his family? Whoa! Stay tuned for more or read the book and judge for yourself. Above average recreational reading.

Good reading.......2006-08-09

Thomas Cook has a unique writing style. He brings the reader from the present back to the past and then forward again, each time adding just one more small piece to the full story. Great writer!

One of my favorite authors.......2006-02-27

Thomas Cook is at the top of my list for suspense novels. The book captures your attention in the first paragraph. His writing style creates a picture, feeling, and the scene. The first person narrative allows you to feel and picture the story as the narrator unfolds the story line. Chatham School Affair was excellently written like many of Thomas Cooks other novels. The suspense is constantly building throughout his books and there are twists and turns that are never predictable. "Red Leaves" was the first Thomas Cook novel I read and I became an avid fan of his writing style. Thomas Cook is at the top of the list for suspense authors.

Top-Notch Fiction.......2005-09-29

I read a fair number of works of literature and many, many mysteries.
Prior to Chatham School Affair I had not read anything by Thomas Cook,
and did not know what to expect. But now having read it I am
pleased to report that I thoroughly enjoyed this book about a slice of life
(and death) in a small, conservative town in 1920s Coastal
Massachusetts. I have lived in small towns and villages (though none of
them were in the NE USA). From personal experience I am able to say
that Cook paints a believable word-picture of small town residents.
Cook's tale of an unmarried teacher's affair with a married male
colleague, and the ensuing tragedy, all of it as seen through the eyes
of a boy student, certainly kept my attention from start to finish.

At first I didn't like the author's use of flashbacks, but in no time at all I
came to see them as an effective tool for use in telling the story. Cook's
writing style is not "arty." Instead, his use of English is straightforward
and unencumbered. This reader took in the story effortlessly. It was as
if it was unfolding three-dimensionally and in color before my eyes.

My local library places this book in the Mystery shelves. I believe that
it would be more accurately placed among Contemporary Literature.

Chatham School is a moving story, expertly told. I usually shy away
from books having depressing themes; but this one is extraordinarily
good, and not at all off-putting. To Thomas Cook: "Good work."

Average customer rating:

The Chatham School Affair

Manufacturer: Recorded Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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ASIN: 0788706225

Product Description

Unabridged audiobook in clamshell case, very good condition tho. x-library, Edgar Award winning mystery novel and romance set in New England, young boy's coming of age, 7 cassettes

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The Chatham School Affair
Thomas H. Cook
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NWDNWC

4 Titles By Thomas H. Cook Streets of Fire Evidence of Blood The Chatham School Affair Moon Over Manhattan (with Larry King)

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4 Titles By Thomas H. Cook Streets of Fire Evidence of Blood The Chatham School Affair Moon Over Manhattan (with Larry King)
Thomas H. Cook , and Larry King
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000MG0GN8

Product Description

4 Titles By Thomas H. Cook Streets of Fire Evidence of Blood The Chatham School Affair Moon Over Manhattan (with Larry King). four mmpb books.

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The Chatham School Affair
Thomas H. Cook
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WL5T30

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The Chatham School Affair
Thomas H. Cook
Manufacturer: Indigo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000VMI2KC

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The Chatham School Affair

Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GYCV48

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The Chatham School Affair
Thomas H. Cook
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NQI7OW

The Chatham School Affair [Paperback] by Thomas H. Cook

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The Chatham School Affair [Paperback] by Thomas H. Cook
Enid Blyton
Manufacturer: Pan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WEXEWK

The Interrogation & Sacrificial Ground & The Chatham School Affair ( Set of 3 Books )

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The Interrogation & Sacrificial Ground & The Chatham School Affair ( Set of 3 Books )

Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GSA0VK

The Mask: the Third Book of the Watchers
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The Mask: the Third Book of the Watchers
Stuart Gordon
Manufacturer: Macdonald & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0708883249

The Watcher's Mask
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The Watcher's Mask
Laurie J. Marks
Manufacturer: DAW
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0886775108

The Watcher's Mask
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The Watcher's Mask
Laurie J. Marks
Manufacturer: DAW Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000J6C6AC

THE MASK OF CTHULHU - and - THE TRAIL OF CTHULHU - The Return of Hastur; The Whippoorwills in the Hills; Something in the Wood; The Sandwin Compact; The House in the Valley; The Seal of R'lyeh; The House on Curwen Street; The Watcher from the Sky
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THE MASK OF CTHULHU - and - THE TRAIL OF CTHULHU - The Return of Hastur; The Whippoorwills in the Hills; Something in the Wood; The Sandwin Compact; The House in the Valley; The Seal of R'lyeh; The House on Curwen Street; The Watcher from the Sky
August (re: H. P. Lovecraft) Derleth
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N5G9WK

THE MASK OF CTHULHU - and - THE TRAIL OF CTHULHU: The Return of Hastur; The Whippoorwills in the Hills; Something in the Wood; The Sandwin Compact; The House in the Valley; The Seal of R'lyeh; The House on Curwen Street; The Watcher from the Sky
Average customer rating:
THE MASK OF CTHULHU - and - THE TRAIL OF CTHULHU: The Return of Hastur; The Whippoorwills in the Hills; Something in the Wood; The Sandwin Compact; The House in the Valley; The Seal of R'lyeh; The House on Curwen Street; The Watcher from the Sky
August (re: H. P. Lovecraft) Derleth
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NRT64Q

Book Description

Growing up on the rough streets of Newark, New Jersey, Rameck, George, and Sampson could easily have followed their childhood friends into drug dealing, gangs, and prison. But when a presentation at their school made the three boys aware of the opportunities available to them in the medical and dental professions, they made a pact among themselves that they would become doctors. It took a lot of determination—and a lot of support from one another—but despite all the hardships along the way, the three succeeded. Retold with the help of an award-winning author, this younger adaptation of the adult hit novel The Pact is a hard-hitting, powerful, and inspirational book that will speak to young readers everywhere.

Customer Reviews:

Following in People's Footsteps.......2007-06-15

We Beat the Streets by three doctors, Sampson, George, and Rameck, is a nonfiction book. This story is about three friends that go to a medical school and they wanted to be different doctors. I learned that people should hang out with the people who want to bring you higher to a higher grade. I like this book becouse it has a lot of adventure and mystery.Other will like it because it has magnificent stories that will make you want to read more. -by Kevon Pierrot

Read Aloud to students.......2007-03-10

This book is an excellent read aloud book for teachers of young African American males. It encourages and helps them realize that no matter how badly one's life begins, it doesn't have to stay that way. It's a great discussion starter to help young people voice their concerns in a format that normally would not be available to them.

Extremly Good.......2006-12-06

Chris Cummings

We Beat the Streets

This book "We Beat the Streets" can show people, it doesn't matter were you come from. You can always become something even if you live in the ghetto.

This Book is about three doctors, George Jenkins, Sampson Davis and Rameck Hunt, and all three of them come from a New Jersey city, Newark. All three of them fulfill there dream and go to college. In the book there are incidents from the lives of all three doctors about them living in the bad areas of Newark when they were kids. They did some bad things at first in there lives but then they realized later on in there life that the street life won't pay off in the end. As the reader reads this book they will follow Sampson, Rameck and George as there journey from first grade through medical school. See them achieve there goals. In this book "We Beat the Streets" it shows tragedy of street life and how still living in bad communities you can always achieve your goals.

The content of "We Beat the Street" was edited really good for such young readers, making it a want to read book for this age level. The style of this book was simple but also attractive which will catch reader's eyes. Also the message was to the reader is excellent. It puts a warning to readers and also it's a inspiration, and encourages higher education, especially for those who doubt their ability to achieve there education goals. "We Beat The Streets" was one of the best books I have ever read on a subject like this. I extremely recommend this book to readers.

Beat the Street.......2006-10-16

In this work three African American doctors tell the story of how they used their brains, loyalty, and few good chances to escape their tough urban neighborhood, go to college and medical school, and become doctors. The book is targeted for an adolescent audience, although there is an adult version, called "The Pact" available. At the end of each chapter, the doctors give some advice to young people who want to achieve more than those around them expect.

Quote: "Young people need positive role models and guidance in their lives. There is no underestimating a positive figure in a child's life."

I picked this book up because it is the only one recommended by more than one of my ninth graders. I enjoyed the anecdotes about the childhood and teenage years of the young men, but mostly I appreciated their frank discussion of the challenges their lives presented, the choices they needed to make, and the belief of many in their neighborhood that they would never get out. I think young people would enjoy the work even more than I did, since the authors were careful to target students.

ew........2006-08-20

I, for one, am not a fan of inspirational stories. I honestly thought that this is one of the most stupid books I ever read. I had to read this for summer reading and I really did not enjoy it. At all. Yay, so three boys from the ghetto became doctors. Incredible. Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn. Don't waste your time. It's stupid.

We Beat the Street: How A Friendship Pact Led To Success

Average customer rating:

We Beat the Street: How A Friendship Pact Led To Success
George Jenkins and Rameck Hunt Drs. Sampson Davis
Manufacturer: Dutton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MVI44Q

Average customer rating:

Beat the Street

We Beat The Street: How A Friendship Pact Led To Success
Helaine W.; Draper, Sharon M.; Draper, Sharon; Jenkins, George; Hunt, Dr. Rameck Fendelman
Manufacturer: Dutton Childrens Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J4U8OK

Customer Reviews:

Beat the Street.......2006-10-16

Little Irish Cookbook 86 ed
Average customer rating:

Great Value for the Money

Wonderful compilation of basics & showy dishes

Little Irish Cookbook 86 ed
John Murphy
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
English, Scottish & Welsh | European | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0877014000

Customer Reviews:

Great Value for the Money.......2001-03-03

I recently picked up this book at an Irish import shop to add to my collection of Celtic cookbooks. The compact format makes it easy to use, and the recipes are delicious. If you are looking for just a few recipes to use on St. Patrick's Day, and don't want a large format book, than this is the one for you. Clear directions and simple ingredients make it a winner. (Other Irish cookbooks I recommend for those willing to spend a little more money are The Irish Heritage Cookbook, Classic Irish Recipes, and Celtic Folklore Cooking -- which provides some ancient history behind the recipes.) Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone!!!!

Wonderful compilation of basics & showy dishes.......1999-03-18

I LOVE this book! I refer to it several times each year. Great simple recipes plus the traditional St. Patty's Day meal of Corned Beef, etc. Includes personal memories of the author about when dishes were served as well as any regional variations.

A Little Irish Cook Book (International Little Cookbooks)

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A Little Irish Cook Book (International Little Cookbooks)
John Murphy
Manufacturer: Appletree Press Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

A Little Book of Irish Baking (Little Cookbook)

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one book with 2 titles

A Little Book of Irish Baking (Little Cookbook)
Marion Maxwell
Manufacturer: Appletree Press (UK)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0862815347

Book Description

This mouthwatering collection of recipes from Ireland's rich baking tradition is a wonderful introduction to Irish breads and cakes. From oatcakes and soda bread-long an essential staple of the Irish diet-to the richer fare of festival specialties, revised favorites, and cherished family recipes, food lovers will be able to re-create the authentic taste of Ireland. The recipes are simple to follow and include baking instructions for Wheaten Bread, Buttermilk Scones, and Porter Cake, as well as more unusual fare such as Irish Chocolate Cake, Vanilla and Lemon Curd Cake, and Flakemeal Crunchies.

Customer Reviews:

one book with 2 titles.......2006-09-23

I bought both the authors books, A LITTLE BOOK OF IRISH BAKING and A LITTLE BOOK OF SCOTTISH BAKING. I was surprised that all of the illustrations are the same, and many of the recipes are identical although she did change the title of a few of the recipes.
Also the recipes are written for a european audience so some of the ingredients are unfamiliar. It would have been better if the author had written one book and called it THE LITTLE BOOK OF IRISH & SCOTTISH BAKING but she didn't so save your money and pick one of her books.

Average customer rating:

10-Pak Little Irish Cookbook Hc
John Murphy
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0877019835

Average customer rating:

10-Pak Little Irish Cookbook Hc 96

Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0811893022

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