Steven Helmer Publications

Synopsis: Ever since movies became a form of entertainment, alcohol has been part of film history. In some cases, it has even been the cause of film history. This non-fiction book, which is illustrated by Edward Hemingway, shares drinking stories involving Hollywood actors, the places they frequented and even recipes for their favorite drinks. Review: As someone who loves classic, black-and-white films, I have taken a real interest in Hollywood history and the behind-the-scenes stuff that didn't necessarily make it into the newspapers when they happened. That's why, when I came across Of All the Gin Joints at my library, I decided it was worth taking the time to read. I finished it this morning and am pleased to say I made a good reading choice. There were a few things I found I liked about this book. One of them was the variety of actors, writers, producers, etc. that the stories were about. It was a good mix of well-known names and people I honestly had never heard about b...

Synopsis: General George S. Patton's legacy was one of military success and controversy, playing an instrumental role in the Allied victory over Nazi Germany during World War II but also angering his superiors with his tendency to go rogue and anger American allies with his statements to the press. Soon after being relieved of command for the latter, Patton infamously was killed in a car accident. However, this non-fiction book challenges the official cause and suggests it might instead have been an assassination. Review: I came across Killing Patton at a bookstore last weekend and while I didn't purchase it, I was intrigued enough to check it out from the library that following Monday. I finished reading it this morning and it turned out to be a good choice. George Patton is one of my favorite Americans from history but, to be honest, I didn't really know a whole lot more about him than what I learned watching the 1970 movie named after him. And frankly, I never even on...

Synopsis: In 1946, a serial killer terrorized the residents of Texarkana, a twin city along the Texas/Arkansas border, resulting in one of the largest manhunts in history and a media circus. This non-fiction book examines the murders and why nobody was ever convicted of the crimes. Review: I don't read true crime books very often, preferring fictional murder mysteries. However, even though I wasn't a huge fan of The Town That Dreaded Sundown , the movie did get me interested enough in the real murders to check out this book at our local library. After reading it, I have to admit I found it interesting. There are a couple things I found I really liked about this book. One of the main ones was the way the author did a great job explaining the details of the murders. The various slayings, ranging from attacks on lovers' lanes to a home invasion, combined with just how brutally the Phantom's victims were killed, made it understandable how the residents would live in fear u...