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What's in a Name?
Five decades after war’s end, a rare-books dealer receives a strange visitor.
The guns went silent on November 11, 1918, never to fire again. Throughout the 1920s, unrest seethed across Europe, and Fascists battled Communists in the streets of Berlin, but democracy won out. For years, peace has prevailed around the world. But there is a part of Franklin Altman that misses the war.
A rare-books dealer living in New York City, Altman has devoted his life to studying the history of the Weimar Republic, when all of Europe hung in the balance and it seemed it would take but a single spark to set the world ablaze. Why did that spark never come?
Altman is musing on these questions one evening when a man comes into his shop. An aged German veteran with a limp and the faint shakes of Parkinson’s, he is about to teach Altman that in history, the devil is in the details.
The Bibliomysteries are a series of short tales about deadly books, by top mystery authors.
The guns went silent on November 11, 1918, never to fire again. Throughout the 1920s, unrest seethed across Europe, and Fascists battled Communists in the streets of Berlin, but democracy won out. For years, peace has prevailed around the world. But there is a part of Franklin Altman that misses the war.
A rare-books dealer living in New York City, Altman has devoted his life to studying the history of the Weimar Republic, when all of Europe hung in the balance and it seemed it would take but a single spark to set the world ablaze. Why did that spark never come?
Altman is musing on these questions one evening when a man comes into his shop. An aged German veteran with a limp and the faint shakes of Parkinson’s, he is about to teach Altman that in history, the devil is in the details.
The Bibliomysteries are a series of short tales about deadly books, by top mystery authors.
43 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2013
24 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Thomas H. Cook
96 books351 followersThere is more than one author with this name on Goodreads.
Thomas H. Cook has been praised by critics for his attention to psychology and the lyrical nature of his prose. He is the author of more than 30 critically-acclaimed fiction books, including works of true crime. Cook published his first novel, Blood Innocents, in 1980. Cook published steadily through the 1980s, penning such works as the Frank Clemons trilogy, a series of mysteries starring a jaded cop.
He found breakout success with The Chatham School Affair (1996), which won an Edgar Award for best novel. Besides mysteries, Cook has written two true-crime books including the Edgar-nominated Blood Echoes (1993). He lives and works in New York City.
Awards
Edgar Allan Poe – Best Novel – The Chatham School Affair
Barry Award – Best Novel – Red Leaves
Martin Beck Award of the Swedish Academy of Detection – The Chatham School Affair
Martin Beck Award of the Swedish Academy of Detection – Red Leaves
Herodotus Prize – Fatherhood
Thomas H. Cook has been praised by critics for his attention to psychology and the lyrical nature of his prose. He is the author of more than 30 critically-acclaimed fiction books, including works of true crime. Cook published his first novel, Blood Innocents, in 1980. Cook published steadily through the 1980s, penning such works as the Frank Clemons trilogy, a series of mysteries starring a jaded cop.
He found breakout success with The Chatham School Affair (1996), which won an Edgar Award for best novel. Besides mysteries, Cook has written two true-crime books including the Edgar-nominated Blood Echoes (1993). He lives and works in New York City.
Awards
Edgar Allan Poe – Best Novel – The Chatham School Affair
Barry Award – Best Novel – Red Leaves
Martin Beck Award of the Swedish Academy of Detection – The Chatham School Affair
Martin Beck Award of the Swedish Academy of Detection – Red Leaves
Herodotus Prize – Fatherhood
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 14, 2022
(B+) 76% | Good
Notes: On the nose with irony, no mystery, at least to me, I guessed the twist quite earlyish, but writing hooks you decently.
Notes: On the nose with irony, no mystery, at least to me, I guessed the twist quite earlyish, but writing hooks you decently.
May 15, 2023
I would recommend to anyone these Bibliomysteries. They not only are immediately engaging, but they seem to have a variety of content despite being labeled essentially mysteries. The "mystery" for most people will be resolved in the first few pages, because the novelette proposes an alternate history which is at the very least fascinating. The narrative transpires on Armistice Day 1968, fifty years after the end of WWI.
Frank Altman, a Manhattan bookseller, is lecturing at his bookstore about the Great War, its casualties, and consequences. When it is over, an older gentleman that recognizes him from the past engages him in a dialogue. They are both booklovers and wind up with a unique back-and-forth.
Like I said, these stories are short, thoroughly engrossing, and tickle the brain cells. Although the story is really good, the mystery is really something that does not engage the brain cells. It's too obvious after the first few pages, and some people might have an idea right after the first few paragraphs. Still it's a good novella that most will read in one sitting.
Frank Altman, a Manhattan bookseller, is lecturing at his bookstore about the Great War, its casualties, and consequences. When it is over, an older gentleman that recognizes him from the past engages him in a dialogue. They are both booklovers and wind up with a unique back-and-forth.
Like I said, these stories are short, thoroughly engrossing, and tickle the brain cells. Although the story is really good, the mystery is really something that does not engage the brain cells. It's too obvious after the first few pages, and some people might have an idea right after the first few paragraphs. Still it's a good novella that most will read in one sitting.
May 8, 2022
3.5*
February 20, 2022
There really isn't a mystery, though it is still a good story.
October 11, 2021
Interesting...."Mein Kampf" volumes 1 & 2 were written many years before Hitler was "ELECTED" Chancellor. Apply that to USA 2020 presidential election: people voted against Trump without even knowing the 40+ year history of Biden or the low rated history of VP Harris. A + B will always give you a C that you should pay attention to. Here in California, the education leaders want to eliminate the offering of Algebra till 11th grade. More "turning bulls into steers, because a farmer can't handle a bull". (think freedom of thought, and critical thinking). I've had many past conversation with people who were adults in 1930s Germany.
July 4, 2023
Interesting story, I went in blind so the twist got me. Less of a mystery and more of a philosophical point of view. I liked it.
February 13, 2024
Quite difficult to rate this short story.
A great introduction into a new author for me, and one I will now follow with renewed interest.
An alternative history is a clever concept and although difficult to carry off, the limited action here, confined in the bookstore and nearby restaurant in New York keeps things in check.
Clever title, too, that has a couple of references and meaning in the story and enables the story to fit firmly on this concept.
The conversation between two old school ‘friends’ who fought for Germany in the Great War was tense and with a degree of menace at times. I felt quite uneasy and had a sense of foreboding initially. These two, old men by 1968 and the 50th anniversary of the Armistice were worlds apart. Both in their life-experience and sense of history.
While there is no appreciation lost for the story by “guessing” quite early one of the protagonists involved. Indeed nothing could diminish the quality of the writing or story-telling qualities of the author. To read on is a joy and the telling sense in which the story concludes is perfect.
A true history lesson where Altman’s whole speech and arguments are baseless in another dimension or alternative universe. Hopefully, something to think about further and consider how perhaps our lives can impact positively upon others.
A great introduction into a new author for me, and one I will now follow with renewed interest.
An alternative history is a clever concept and although difficult to carry off, the limited action here, confined in the bookstore and nearby restaurant in New York keeps things in check.
Clever title, too, that has a couple of references and meaning in the story and enables the story to fit firmly on this concept.
The conversation between two old school ‘friends’ who fought for Germany in the Great War was tense and with a degree of menace at times. I felt quite uneasy and had a sense of foreboding initially. These two, old men by 1968 and the 50th anniversary of the Armistice were worlds apart. Both in their life-experience and sense of history.
While there is no appreciation lost for the story by “guessing” quite early one of the protagonists involved. Indeed nothing could diminish the quality of the writing or story-telling qualities of the author. To read on is a joy and the telling sense in which the story concludes is perfect.
A true history lesson where Altman’s whole speech and arguments are baseless in another dimension or alternative universe. Hopefully, something to think about further and consider how perhaps our lives can impact positively upon others.
February 16, 2022
Mystery Man
The identity of the mystery man at the center of this counter-factual narrative will be obvious to the reader after only a few pages, but this is a well-written, atmospheric story with a smart, if oblique, point to make about the nature of history and the people who make it.
The identity of the mystery man at the center of this counter-factual narrative will be obvious to the reader after only a few pages, but this is a well-written, atmospheric story with a smart, if oblique, point to make about the nature of history and the people who make it.
August 16, 2023
an alternate history story, not really a mystery >>
“What’s in a Name?” is a moderately interesting entry in the Bibliomysteries series, a “What If?” story. It’s not really a mystery—not a whodunnit, more like a whoisit or whatisit. The secret that’s revealed at the very end is one that’s easy enough to figure out early-on, as many clues are given.
“What’s in a Name?” is a moderately interesting entry in the Bibliomysteries series, a “What If?” story. It’s not really a mystery—not a whodunnit, more like a whoisit or whatisit. The secret that’s revealed at the very end is one that’s easy enough to figure out early-on, as many clues are given.
December 12, 2024
I guessed the old man's identity, but not many people are aware that Adolf's father, Alois Schicklgruber, changed his name on January 7, 1877, to "Hitler," the only form of the last name that his son used. Heil Schicklgruber would certainly not have had the same effect. Kristi & Abby Tabby Childlesss Cat Lady
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2022
Slightly interesting
This story Is slightly interesting not a true mystery but a philosophical opinion presented in the context of history and world experiences from two men of different yet similar backgrounds and a manuscript that causes a ironic twist to the tale
This story Is slightly interesting not a true mystery but a philosophical opinion presented in the context of history and world experiences from two men of different yet similar backgrounds and a manuscript that causes a ironic twist to the tale
March 21, 2023
Interesting premise
Reading the first page, I asked myself "What is this person talking about? This never happened!" But it is a fantasy. If only it had been true. I figured out the ending pretty quickly, but it was still interesting.
Reading the first page, I asked myself "What is this person talking about? This never happened!" But it is a fantasy. If only it had been true. I figured out the ending pretty quickly, but it was still interesting.
July 18, 2023
I love alternative histories…
And this is a good one. Even though I thought I saw the final twist coming, the pacing and characterizations made for a strong, moody narrative. And it does make you think… What if?
And this is a good one. Even though I thought I saw the final twist coming, the pacing and characterizations made for a strong, moody narrative. And it does make you think… What if?
October 4, 2023
Entertaining quick read
What's in a Name is a will written novella with an interesting story line. There are two will developed characters. Enjoy reading 2016
this is an novella e-book from the local library
What's in a Name is a will written novella with an interesting story line. There are two will developed characters. Enjoy reading 2016
this is an novella e-book from the local library
August 29, 2018
It's one of the Bibliomystery series of novellas, some of which are good. This one is an OK story, but nothing exceptional about it.
March 22, 2019
I really enjoyed this. It is essentially a conversation between two veterans of World War I, the mystery lies in their respective identities. Recommended.
December 14, 2019
Pas mauvais, mais immensément prévisible.
June 18, 2023
I just love a story like this!
January 15, 2024
75/100
Sweet tale.
Sweet tale.
December 30, 2024
I'm not sure what to make of it. My only idea makes no sense.
July 30, 2025
The mystery, such as it is, was telegraphed in the first half of the story, allowing the reader to wallow in the discomfort of empathy and sympathy.
August 30, 2020
Unfortunately, one would think that this series would be perfect for me, but I've read 3 or 4 of them, and not one of them has impressed me. Not necessarily bad, just - unimpressive. If Thomas Cook can't do it, I'm afraid no one can.
December 13, 2015
WAS WÄRE WENN?
Der 11. November ist ein Erinnerungstag für die Gefallenen des Ersten Weltkrieges. 1968 spielt diese Geschichte, und in New York finden zahlreiche Feierlichkeiten zum 50. Jahrestag des Kriegsendes statt - zur elften Stunde des elften Tages des elften Monats endeten 1918 die Kriegshandlungen mit der Unterzeichnung der Waffenstillstandserklärung. Im Rahmen dieser Feierlichkeiten hält der 75-jährige bibliophile Buchsammler Franklin Altman eine Rede, in deren Verlauf er der These widerspricht, dass der Lauf der Geschichte durch einen einzigen Menschen verändert werden kann.
"Die römische Geschichte hätte denselben Verlauf genommen, wenn es Caesar nicht gegeben hätte", fügte Altman jetzt hinzu, "und Frankreich wäre auch ohne Napoleon denselben Weg gegangen (...) Auch wenn eine Nation nach einem Helden sucht, der ihr hilft, die Lebensfreude und den Glauben an sich selbst wiederzufinden, (...) entsteht Geschichte jedoch durch große Kräfte, nicht durch große Männer."
Altman hat gut reden, denn schließlich hat es - trotz aller Befürchtungen - keinen Zweiten Weltkrieg gegeben. Nach dem Vortrag bleibt einer der Zuhörer sitzen und spricht den Redner an - wie sich herausstellt, haben beide in ihrer Jugend dieselbe Realschule in Linz besucht. Doch das Leben hat es mit dem alten Mann im Publikum offensichtlich nicht so gut gemeint wie mit Altman. Recht heruntergekommen wirkt er, und außerdem zittern Kopf und Gliedmaßen, was auf eine Parkinson-Erkrankung hindeutet. Bei einem gemeinsamen Essen, zu dem Altman den Fremden aus seiner Vergangenheit einlädt, spricht dieser viel aus der Zeit vor New York. Bitter ist er geworden, denn weder seine Kindheit war schön, noch die Erlebnisse im Krieg oder in der Zeit danach.
Die Augen des Alten wurden kalt. "Es ist gefährlich, ein Volk zu erniedrigen. Ein Volk kann auf so etwas reagieren wie ein in die Enge getriebenes Tier." Altman nickte. "Das ist wahr. Und dann sucht es nach einem Helden. Das war der Inhalt meiner Rede heute Abend. Einen großen Führer. Aber ein Held kann die Geschichte einer Nation nicht verändern."
Den ganzen Abend lang trägt der Fremde ein dickes, in Packpapier gewickeltes Bündel mit sich herum - ein Manuskript, wie er verrät. Etwas, das er geschrieben hat und das er mit sich führt, wohin er auch geht, denn es steht für den, der er mal war und für den, der er gerne geworden wäre. Doch an diesem Abend trennt er sich von seinem Lebenswerk und überlässt es Altman und seiner Sammlung deutscher Nachkriegslektüre. Und Altman beginnt zu lesen...
Klar, ein interessantes Spiel mit der Geschichte treibt Thomas H. Cook hier: was wäre, wenn es den Zweiten Weltkrieg nicht gegeben hätte? Aber bereits nach dem Lesen des Klappentextes war zu erahnen, um wen es sich bei dem Alten aus dem Publikum handelte, so dass hier für mich der Überraschungseffekt fehlte. Auch waretete ich lange Zeit auf ein spannendes Ereignis, eine spannenden Wendung, weshalb ich eher besorgt die schrumpfende Zahl der noch zu lesenden Seiten beobachtete. In flüssigem Schreibstil beschreibt diese Kurzgeschichte eine Möglichkeit von 'was wäre gewesen, wenn' - nicht mehr, aber auch nicht weniger.
Dies war nun der letzte Band der Reihe (13 Folgen gibt es insgesamt), in der es immer um Kriminalfälle geht, die im Zusammenhang mit Büchern stehen: mit alten Büchern, seltenen Manuskripten, unschätzbaren Stücken. Und natürlich geht es auch um diejenigen, die sie unbedingt haben wollen: Buchhändler, exzentrische Sammler, Bibliothekare, Buchliebhaber - oder einfach: Leser.
Insgesamt hat mir die Reihe ein großes Lesevergnügen bereitet! ☺
© Parden
Der 11. November ist ein Erinnerungstag für die Gefallenen des Ersten Weltkrieges. 1968 spielt diese Geschichte, und in New York finden zahlreiche Feierlichkeiten zum 50. Jahrestag des Kriegsendes statt - zur elften Stunde des elften Tages des elften Monats endeten 1918 die Kriegshandlungen mit der Unterzeichnung der Waffenstillstandserklärung. Im Rahmen dieser Feierlichkeiten hält der 75-jährige bibliophile Buchsammler Franklin Altman eine Rede, in deren Verlauf er der These widerspricht, dass der Lauf der Geschichte durch einen einzigen Menschen verändert werden kann.
"Die römische Geschichte hätte denselben Verlauf genommen, wenn es Caesar nicht gegeben hätte", fügte Altman jetzt hinzu, "und Frankreich wäre auch ohne Napoleon denselben Weg gegangen (...) Auch wenn eine Nation nach einem Helden sucht, der ihr hilft, die Lebensfreude und den Glauben an sich selbst wiederzufinden, (...) entsteht Geschichte jedoch durch große Kräfte, nicht durch große Männer."
Altman hat gut reden, denn schließlich hat es - trotz aller Befürchtungen - keinen Zweiten Weltkrieg gegeben. Nach dem Vortrag bleibt einer der Zuhörer sitzen und spricht den Redner an - wie sich herausstellt, haben beide in ihrer Jugend dieselbe Realschule in Linz besucht. Doch das Leben hat es mit dem alten Mann im Publikum offensichtlich nicht so gut gemeint wie mit Altman. Recht heruntergekommen wirkt er, und außerdem zittern Kopf und Gliedmaßen, was auf eine Parkinson-Erkrankung hindeutet. Bei einem gemeinsamen Essen, zu dem Altman den Fremden aus seiner Vergangenheit einlädt, spricht dieser viel aus der Zeit vor New York. Bitter ist er geworden, denn weder seine Kindheit war schön, noch die Erlebnisse im Krieg oder in der Zeit danach.
Die Augen des Alten wurden kalt. "Es ist gefährlich, ein Volk zu erniedrigen. Ein Volk kann auf so etwas reagieren wie ein in die Enge getriebenes Tier." Altman nickte. "Das ist wahr. Und dann sucht es nach einem Helden. Das war der Inhalt meiner Rede heute Abend. Einen großen Führer. Aber ein Held kann die Geschichte einer Nation nicht verändern."
Den ganzen Abend lang trägt der Fremde ein dickes, in Packpapier gewickeltes Bündel mit sich herum - ein Manuskript, wie er verrät. Etwas, das er geschrieben hat und das er mit sich führt, wohin er auch geht, denn es steht für den, der er mal war und für den, der er gerne geworden wäre. Doch an diesem Abend trennt er sich von seinem Lebenswerk und überlässt es Altman und seiner Sammlung deutscher Nachkriegslektüre. Und Altman beginnt zu lesen...
Klar, ein interessantes Spiel mit der Geschichte treibt Thomas H. Cook hier: was wäre, wenn es den Zweiten Weltkrieg nicht gegeben hätte? Aber bereits nach dem Lesen des Klappentextes war zu erahnen, um wen es sich bei dem Alten aus dem Publikum handelte, so dass hier für mich der Überraschungseffekt fehlte. Auch waretete ich lange Zeit auf ein spannendes Ereignis, eine spannenden Wendung, weshalb ich eher besorgt die schrumpfende Zahl der noch zu lesenden Seiten beobachtete. In flüssigem Schreibstil beschreibt diese Kurzgeschichte eine Möglichkeit von 'was wäre gewesen, wenn' - nicht mehr, aber auch nicht weniger.
Dies war nun der letzte Band der Reihe (13 Folgen gibt es insgesamt), in der es immer um Kriminalfälle geht, die im Zusammenhang mit Büchern stehen: mit alten Büchern, seltenen Manuskripten, unschätzbaren Stücken. Und natürlich geht es auch um diejenigen, die sie unbedingt haben wollen: Buchhändler, exzentrische Sammler, Bibliothekare, Buchliebhaber - oder einfach: Leser.
Insgesamt hat mir die Reihe ein großes Lesevergnügen bereitet! ☺
© Parden
August 19, 2014
It's trying to be a sort of "alternate history" mystery, but it just ends up being highly predictable, in a sort of silly way.
April 9, 2017
Another good short story with an interesting twist. These bibliophile mysteries have all been very good so far.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews