In "Callahan's Secret," Spider Robinson really comes into his
own in his writing style. Like most Callahan's stories, it is narrated by
Jake Stonebender, and begins with a naked Jake on the roof running into a
lady, Mary, in the same state of attire. (No - most stories don't begin
with a naked Jake, they're narrated by him!) Jake is immediately
attracted to Mary and she certainly likes him, but the relationship
doesn't last long.
Enter Mickey Finn. With their first glance, a permanent bond between
Mickey and Mary is made. We learn that Mary is the daughter of Mike
Callahan, the proprietor and bartender of Callahan's Place, and of Lady
Sally the proprietor of a special house in Brooklyn. We also
learn more of Mickey Finn's unusual talents, one of which is to provide
patrons of Callahan's Place an unseen protection from the rain.
We are treated to the background of some of the patrons of Callahan's
and their kindness to each other. When Jake's beloved Lady McBeth breaks,
Fast Eddie, drives all the way to Ohio to pick up an expert to have Jake's
guitar mended. We meet Pyotr again, a little old man who drives all of
the patrons home when they have over indulged. He spends the night in
their home, doesn't eat and makes it so they don't have hangovers.
Spider offers a chapter on his thoughts. He explains the history of his
putting riddles in his short stories and shares with us, the overwhelming
response when he posted his PO box address. We see and enjoy some of
these riddles in the next chapter. Doc Webster offers some clues and the
patrons try to guess the answers and category. for example;
chickencoop; Forplay = Henry Kissinger Category Political figures
We meet the cheerful Charlies, a couple who make their living by helping
others smile. They turn to Callahan's patrons when they meet a teen named
Bill Walker who suffers in a way they can't help.
The thrust of the story involves group telepathy and the inspirational
loyalty and friendship shown to Mike by those who have known him. We
also learn a great deal more about the nature of Mike Callahan, his
family and the "mission" of Callahan's Place.
I believe "Callahan's Secret" is the best book of the Callahan's
series thus far - perhaps because it is a novel, and not a collection. It
is a must read, Spider at his best.
