It's All One Case: The Illustrated Ross Macdonald Archives

For writers of mysteries or for fans of Ross Macdonald's many novels, this is a fascinating book based on some 47 hours of taped interviews in the 1970s by Rolling Stones writer Paul Nelson. The talks are wide-ranging, discussing Chandler and Hammett and the Romantic poets as well as Macdonald's early life and career. There are wonderful pieces of illustration: Macdonald manuscripts and handwritten pages from his notebooks, book jackets showing how crime novels were once promoted by publishers in multiple countries, and some of the Hollywood stars who appeared in films based on Macdonald's novels. Published in 2016, It's All One Case takes us back 40 years to the time when Ross Macdonald was beginning to wrap up a 30-year career.

-- but for whatever reason the blurbs and advertising materials aren't stating what this is: Namely, the transcripts of 39 hours worth of interviews that Kenneth Millar (aka Ross MacDonald) gave to a reporter for "Rolling Stone" magazine back in 1976. (And RS never did publish the interviews, by the way; nor have they appeared in print anywhere else -- until now).Don't misunderstand: The photos and illustrations that accompany the text are all beautiful. But they're just the garnish. The text is the main course. And it's fascinating.

The book just arrived and browsing it assures me of a 5 star rating! This is a resource that I shall enjoy for as long as I have eyesight. The layout is very fresh to my mind... with sections on Mr MacDonald's early years , his influences and his own work divided up into smaller chapters. The chapters are profusely illustrated courtesy of collector Jeff Wong ,and there is a Q&A with Mr MacDonald running through the entire book. It is my understanding that the author Kevin Avery basically took the material that Paul Nelson had been developing through many conversations and crafted this edition. Whether you want to learn about Mr MacDonald's books, thoughts on his writing , other writers, or life itself, you will find it here.

The photos are outstanding, and the interview with Ross MacDonald is worth reading.

Having just received my copy and started reading and marveling at its wonderful design, I can only say that the care that was taken to make the story of Kenneth Millar's life in his own words is remarkable. Kevin Avery is to congratulated for making this exceptional book both inviting and compelling. Anyone who read the great mystery novels of "Ross Macdonald" and wanted more should own and treasure "It's All One Case."

My copy of this beautiful book arrived just yesterday. It illustrates Mr. Millar's early years, as well as his influences on his work. It describes in great detail the writing process, and it is fascinating. It shows the development of a writer, and one who cared a great deal about his craft. This is a book to be savored.

This is an amazing book. Love the super long interview and details included in that but it also shines from the sheer quantity and quality of the book covers (as well as a whole lot more). Truly a work of love and I am so glad I bought this book. Totally recommended