To the editor:

“Thief of Hubcaps” could be Bob McAllister’s masterpiece. The Island Treasure winner anthologizes 22 stories which vary with all the tones of life experience. Some are so funny they had me roaring with laughter at the seamless blend of suspense and humor.

And since the book deals with life, some stories inevitably involve death’s effects upon the living. The suicides of a bright student and an older brother; the pointless slaughter of grebes on the beach; the mysterious demise of an old friend; and loved ones succumbing to infirmities of age are powerful examples. The reader will feel immense compassion for these characters.

In fact, you won’t want the book to end. You’ll find yourself re-reading many of the funny or poignant tales, because they’ll stay with you. That is ultimately the greatest strength of these stories.

BIRKE DUNCAN

Poulsbo