Bobby UnderwoodBesprekingen

Just like the terrific “The Turquoise Shroud” and its follow-up novel “The Long Gray Goodbye”, these 3rd and 4th installments of Bobby Underwood’s Seth Halliday mystery series hit their own home runs.

In “Eight Blonde Dolls”, Private Investigator Seth and his wife Caroline decide to dock their boat and set up a new home on Key Largo. All is bright and sunny as we watch love grow between the lovely couple. Romance in the hands of this gifted writer is like listening to the best of Sergio Mendez & Brasil.

But, of course, the bliss is interrupted by a new murder mystery that takes Seth to Dubrovnik, Croatia, then Monte Carlo and Miami. If you’ve never been to these places, Underwood paints a picture of them with words that make you want to hop on a plane and experience each locale for yourself.

The mystery itself is as creepy as anything you could find in the strangest FBI files. Throughout this thriller, Seth has plenty of help from loyal friends we’ve met in the two previous novels. These fully-developed characters add lots of humor, action, and color to the story.
We also learn more of Seth’s history, and what we learn packs a wallop as hard as a George Foreman shot to the ribs.

There were some scenes that just blew me away because of how well-written they were. One of them was an interrogation of a suspect by a female detective. I don’t believe I’ve ever read an interrogation scene so superbly drawn.

As with all of Underwood’s books, the dialogue is the cream of the crop. A lot of people consider Hemingway the master of dialogue, but he has nothing over Underwood. The dialogue here is so smooth and realistic, it could carry the story by itself.

This is another gem of a novel in the Seth Halliday series. It’s a great mystery full of humor and romance that you won’t want to put down.

In “A Candy Red Christmas”, we find Seth and his lovely wife Caroline spending Christmas in South America with their great friend Harry and his sister when they decide they want Candy to join them. (Candy is the superb, multifaceted character around whom the mystery of “Eight Blonde Dolls” revolves.)

“She laughed, and to my ears it sounded like the lilting refrain from a tune imbued with timeless innocence. Maybe that was what Candy had to find again -- her innocence -- even though it had been shattered. Certainly it could never be like that again for her, but only something remembered. But maybe it would be enough. For a lot of us, it has to be enough, I thought.”

Even though this book can stand alone, I’d advise reading the previous books first, because you’ll be well acquainted with this fine cast of characters, and the emotional impact of this one will be even greater.
There are scenes here that are written so vividly tender, I was deeply and pleasantly moved beyond what normal fiction is capable of.
One particularly lovely scene had Seth and Candy visiting the giant Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil.

“You tell yourself it’s just a statue, remind yourself it has become one of the most recognizable tourist attractions in the world, but it does no good once you are there. You feel humbled, small, as though He is real, and you are glimpsing heaven. The sheer size of Christo Redentor inspires awe. You want to look out at the magnificent vista of Rio de Janeiro at night, vibrantly alive with lights. But something keeps drawing your eyes back behind you, upward toward life eternal.”

What Underwood did in this book (and all of his others) was to take some relatable characters who you grow to care about, and put them in a hard world that closely resembles our own. Then through friendship and love, he lets them find their way toward redemption and healing.
I thought the previous novels in this series were great, but this one gave me a little something extra. It lit a few candles, pushing aside the darkness so hope could shine through.

Bobby Underwood dedicates this superb collection of old-fashioned noir stories “For All Those Who Dream In Black and White”.
I’m certainly one of those, and all the tales herein provided a most welcome, nostalgic journey into the past. I take this collection as a tribute to the classic noir which Underwood rightly describes as “...more about atmosphere, mood and story than the vulgarity, expletives, graphic violence and brutality, and dismal hopelessness…” of modern noir. But it’s much more than a tribute. It’s topnotch classic noir in its own right. In this reader's opinion, it’s even better.

Included in this volume are five unique stories, each taking place in the 1940s. For any fan of nostalgia and the literature, films, and radio shows from that era, this is a book full of gems.

WORLD FULL OF DREAMS
This narrative plunges the reader onto a Spanish Riviera beach shortly after WWII.
Join the young lovers, Jack and Amy, as the waves caress the shoreline. Let the story lap at the edges of your consciousness, teasing you with the promise of romance but concealing a twist that's as unexpected as a bullet in the dark. Underwood's noir undertow is more than a current; it's a riptide that drags you into the depths of passion, and what that passion may be capable of.

IF I SHOULD DIE BEFORE YOU WAKE
The year is 1947, and Nick Fallon, our 33 year-old protagonist, dreams of literary acclaim. With the flicker of talent illuminating his path and a devoted wife by his side, he strides confidently toward the goal of success. Yet, when the cruel hand of betrayal reveals his wife's dalliance with another, the very ground upon which he walks threatens to crumble beneath his feet, plunging him into the depths of a living nightmare.

HURRICANE
“It was too soon and we really didn’t know each other well. But it felt like we did. An Italian guy in our company had a word for what I was feeling about Ann. I couldn’t remember what it was but it was something like being struck by lightning in the heart. Ann was the warmest, softest lightning I’d ever been struck by. The kind of lightning that made me want to stand out in a storm holding a metal pole.”

Danger and romance mingle to create a tension-filled blend that keeps the pages turning long after the storm has passed.
Set against the backdrop of the tropical paradise of Indigo Cay, "Hurricane" immerses the reader in an atmosphere that’s felt to the bone. Underwood's mastery lies not only in his vivid descriptions of the physical landscape but also in his ability to evoke the psychological terrain of his characters.
As the storm approaches, danger and tension rise like floodwaters, threatening to wash away the fragile peace of this island paradise. But romance is a key ingredient in any Underwood story. He deftly weaves together the threads of suspense and romance, leading the reader on a highly entertaining journey toward the cathartic climax.

THE LEAFY GLADE
“She had a special spirit, and it radiated outward so that I felt like I was wrapped up in sunshine whenever she was near. When she wasn’t, it was like an eclipse.”

We’re taken back to a small Indiana town of the 1940s, which magically lives again through Underwood’s hypnotic prose. The writer disappears, leaving us an unobstructed view of a place, time, and people that are more real than our neighbors. Underwood, with his deft hand at storytelling, conjures a world so vivid and alive, you can practically smell the corn fields and hear the train’s whistle.

The characters are complex and utterly compelling. Their voices carry the echoes of a bygone era. From the haunted protagonist and the sweet, beautiful girl he loves, to the richest family in town, consisting of an egotistical, baseball hero, his powerful father, and his pretty, coquettish sister, Underwood populates his world with people who leap off the page and into your imagination, leaving an indelible mark long after the final page is turned.

DARK CORRIDOR
WWII vet, Neale Morrison, returns from the war without a memory of his past. When he tries to get on with his life, he soon realizes he’s being followed everywhere he goes by a mysterious stranger. If that isn’t enough to put him on edge, he also finds two women competing for his attention.

“It was a Bob Feller fastball that had caught me flat-footed.”

Even if you don’t know who Bob Feller was or are not familiar with the intrigue, romance, and patriotism of the 1940s, this is a story you shouldn’t miss. Bobby Underwood writes with such an accurate voice for the period, you’d think he was there, and better yet, that you were.

“She had a special spirit, and it radiated outward so that I felt like I was wrapped up in sunshine whenever she was near. When she wasn’t, it was like an eclipse.”

What a humdinger of a tale Bobby Underwood has spun within the confines of his new, noir shot novelette, THE LEAFY GLADE! Forty-seven pages packed so full of atmosphere, a lesser writer would have used 150. It reads so smoothly, it feels more like 20.

We’re taken back to a small Indiana town of the 1940s, which magically lives again through Underwood’s hypnotic prose. The writer disappears, leaving us an unobstructed view of a place, time, and people that are more real than our neighbors. Underwood, with his deft hand at storytelling, conjures a world so vivid and alive, you can practically smell the corn fields and hear the train’s whistle.

From the first page, Underwood's prose casts a spell, drawing us deep into the heart of a mystery that crackles with tension and intrigue. The tale unfurls sharply, but naturally, allowing the reader to take a breath or two, and enjoy the wonderful anecdotes of a time that is no more.
I was especially struck by this line:
“America was baseball, and baseball was America.”
You’d be hard-pressed to sum up an era any better than that.

But it's not just the plot that captivates—it's the atmosphere, thick as molasses, that seeps from every sentence. Underwood has a knack for evoking the sights, sounds, and smells of a time long past, transporting readers to a world that no longer exists.

And then there are the characters—flawed, complex, and utterly compelling. Their voices carry the echoes of a bygone era. From the haunted protagonist and the sweet, beautiful girl he loves, to the richest family in town, consisting of an egotistical, baseball hero, his powerful father, and his pretty, coquettish sister, Underwood populates his world with people who leap off the page and into your imagination, leaving an indelible mark long after the final page is turned.

In THE LEAFY GLADE, Underwood proves once again why he's one of the finest storytellers of his generation. With his lyrical prose and keen eye for detail, he crafts a noir/mystery masterpiece that's as haunting as it is unforgettable. So do yourself a favor and dive into the murky depths of THE LEAFY GLADE—just be sure to keep one eye over your shoulder. You never know what secrets might be lurking in the shadows.

This is exactly the kind of science fiction I enjoy--science takes a backseat to the drama unfolding within its pages, and it’s filled with a romantic atmosphere encapsulated in a unique story with characters I care about.
Underwood takes us on a nostalgic journey reminiscent of the sci/fi pulps from the golden era. Like the best of those stories, beneath the surface, there lies an allegory, a mirror reflecting the chaos of our own reality where madness seems to have run amok.
Within this superbly written novelette, the stars twinkle overhead, the scent of distant galaxies fills the air, and Underwood's prose enchants. "Red Heaven" is not merely a story; it's a symphony of emotions, a journey through the cosmos that is the possibilities of the human experience.

Pretty nineteen-year-old Anne Ferguson, who comes from a very caring orphanage, leaves to make her way in the world. Anne travels to her new job in Palm Beach, Florida, and falls in love along the way. There are some surprises, but I don’t want to give too much away. I really liked the 1940’s time period, and the mystery in the story. The cast of characters were people I cared about. I especially liked the people at the orphanage, in particular, Aunt Betty, Aunt Gertie, and Anne’s best friend Grace. The cab driver Henry at Palm Beach was quite sweet, too.

Another great read by Bobby Underwood.

“It was too soon and we really didn’t know each other well. But it felt like we did. An Italian guy in our company had a word for what I was feeling about Ann. I couldn’t remember what it was but it was something like being struck by lightning in the heart. Ann was the warmest, softest lightning I’d ever been struck by. The kind of lightning that made me want to stand out in a storm holding a metal pole.”

Bobby Underwood does it again with this 14th installment in his Noir Shots collection. Every one of his previous old fashioned noir stories are unique and superb reading. “Hurricane” is no different in quality. Although it's small in length (62 pages on Kindle), it’s so full of atmosphere, it feels like something much longer and deeper. Danger and romance mingle to create a tension-filled blend that keeps the pages turning long after the storm has passed. Underwood's prose, like a finely aged whiskey, burns with intensity, leaving a lingering warmth in the reader's soul.

Set against the backdrop of the tropical paradise of Indigo Cay, "Hurricane" immerses the reader in an atmosphere that’s felt to the bone. Underwood's mastery lies not only in his vivid descriptions of the physical landscape but also in his ability to evoke the psychological terrain of his characters.

As the storm approaches, danger and tension rise like floodwaters, threatening to wash away the fragile peace of this island paradise. But romance is a key ingredient in any Underwood story. He deftly weaves together the threads of suspense and romance, leading the reader on a highly entertaining journey toward the cathartic climax.

In "Hurricane," Bobby Underwood proves once again why he is a master of the genre. With its unforgettable characters, atmospheric setting, and gripping plot, this story is sure to leave readers clamoring for more. So pour yourself a glass of bourbon, settle in by the fire, and prepare to be swept away by the winds of "Hurricane."

In the alleyways of San Francisco's yesteryears, where shadows dance like ghosts and secrets lurk in dark corners, Bobby Underwood spins a yarn as gripping as a steel trap. His tale, a noir symphony of betrayal and redemption, unfolds like a jazz riff in the smoky haze of a dimly lit club.

The year is 1947, and Nick Fallon, our 33 year-old protagonist, dreams of literary acclaim. With the flicker of talent illuminating his path and a devoted wife by his side, he strides confidently toward the goal of success. Yet, when the cruel hand of betrayal reveals his wife's dalliance with another, the very ground upon which he walks threatens to crumble beneath his feet, plunging him into the depths of a living nightmare.

Underwood, with the deftness of a master craftsman, peels back the layers of a memorable cast of characters like onion skins, revealing their innermost fears and desires. But it is not merely the characters who breathe life into this tale—it is the city itself, a sepia-toned tapestry of longing and regret, where every alleyway conceals a sin and every street corner murmurs a tale of sorrow. Underwood's prose acts as a portal to a bygone era, transporting us to a time when pulp fiction reigned supreme and writers like Nick Fallon eked out their existence in the shadows, fueled by little more than dreams and desperation. In paying homage to the golden age of storytelling, Underwood has fashioned a masterpiece that transcends the constraints of time, imbued with the raw emotion that only a true wordsmith can conjure. It is an ode to the past, when story-tellers labored over typewriters with the fervor of true believers, their words etched upon the page with the sweat of their brow and the fire of their passion for less than a penny a word.

As Nick Fallon so aptly reminds us, "people are who they are on the inside, not what they sometimes have to do to get along in this cockeyed world." It is a lesson finely painted upon the canvas of Underwood's narrative, a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and the power of a pen in a real story-teller’s hand.

In the end, Underwood's tale lingers like the echo of a distant melody, a haunting refrain that resonates long after the final page is turned. For in his hands, the written word becomes more than mere ink on paper, more than just a tale—it becomes a window into the soul of humanity itself.

In the smoky haze of Bobby Underwood's storytelling, there emerges another intoxicating breath of noir, a narrative that plunges you onto a Spanish Riviera beach shortly after WWII.
Join the young lovers, Jack and Amy, as the waves caress the shoreline. Let the story lap at the edges of your consciousness, teasing you with the promise of romance but concealing a twist that's as unexpected as a bullet in the dark. Underwood's noir undertow is more than a current; it's a riptide that drags you into the depths of passion, and what that passion may be capable of.

The echoes of Hemingway reverberate through the narrative, but Underwood surpasses the literary giant, infusing the prose with a vigor that sets it apart. It's like Hemingway on steroids, taking a detour through the dimly lit streets of noir, and the result is a tale that grips your emotional soul where love and darkness entwine like the vines of a treacherous vineyard.

This is noir at its zenith, a literary gem, leaving an imprint far more indelible than any footprints in the sands of the Spanish Riviera. Once you've tasted this bittersweet concoction of Underwood's storytelling, you won't soon forget this intoxicating blend of romance and noir.

In the realm of Western tales, where dust settles on the pages of legends, Bobby Underwood's WINSOME CREEK stands tall and resolute, a masterpiece in the lineage of Zane Grey and Luke Short. It's a journey into the heart of the Wild West, where the echoes of gunshots linger like ghosts, and the air is thick with the weight of a man's past.

Meet Brett Hollister, a thinking man's gunfighter, haunted by the acrid odor of gunpowder and the metallic tang of spilled blood. Determined to shed his violent history, he's a lone rider on a quest to outrun the shadows that cling to him like a curse. But the trails he treads are not just dusty dirt from one cowtown to another; they're the pathways etched into his soul, forever marked by the stench of death.

Hollister, a paradoxical blend of grit and grace, is more than a mere gunslinger. He carries a heart as expansive as the vast Western skies. In the rhythmic cadence of Underwood's prose, Hollister's journey unfolds like a dance, each step revealing the layers of a mystery that winds through the landscape like the sinuous bends of the Snake River.

As Hollister unravels the enigma surrounding his friend's assailant, Underwood weaves a tapestry of suspense with more twists than a mesquite branch in a desert windstorm. The narrative unfurls like a frontier ballad, resonating with the soulful twang of guitar strings beneath a starlit sky.

Romance blooms in the arid soil of Winsome Creek, reminiscent of the great Zane Grey novels. Underwood's pen paints love with strokes as vivid as a desert sunset, infusing warmth into the harsh Western landscape and Brett Hollister’s journey. Violence, ever a specter in this unforgiving land, becomes an undercurrent in Underwood's hands, a force that ripples beneath the surface with the subtlety of a current waiting to surge.

In a genre where gratuitous brutality often rears its ugly head in contemporary novels, WINSOME CREEK stands apart. Underwood's prose transforms violence into art, rendering each confrontation with a brushstroke of eloquence. This is not a tale of blood for blood's sake, but a nuanced exploration for truth, justice, and redemption.

For aficionados of both mystery and the Western frontier, WINSOME CREEK is a palatable feast, a literary summer picnic of good food and friends that linger long after the last page is turned. I wholeheartedly endorse this novel as one of the finest Westerns to grace my reading trail--a testament to Bobby Underwood's mastery of the genre. So, saddle up and ride into the sunset with Brett Hollister; the journey is as captivating as the Utah sky at dusk.

“Love never stopped being love no matter what was going on in the world.” --Matt Ransom

In this story of the 22nd century, where shadows dance and mysteries unfold, love remains the heartbeat, a pulsating rhythm that refuses to be drowned out by the cacophony of the world. Matt Ransom, a man of this age, guides us through the maze of his sixth adventure, where the tendrils of love wind through every twist and turn.

Hawaii, a paradise clinging tenaciously to its beauty in the distant future, becomes the stage for a symphony of tenderness and action. Matt, surrounded by a band of friends, confronts a malevolent plot threatening the very fabric of life on Earth. But it's not just about the impending doom; it's about the love that stands defiant, a beacon against the encroaching darkness.

Paris, the city of lights, emerges as a key player in this orchestration of love and danger. Described with an atmospheric language that paints the streets and alleys, it's like being there, feeling the pulse of the city beneath your skin. Paris isn't just a location; it's a heartbeat, entwined with Matt's love for LeAnn, his wife. She's his Paris.

“She’s unexpected wonder, like waking up to a spring-like day in the middle of a cold and dreary winter. She’s beauty in the blue sky and lazy white clouds. She’s the excitement of putting on a T-shirt for the first time in months to go read outside. She’s going for a bicycle ride after being cooped up all winter, and cherishing the experience because it reminds you of everything wonderful in the world. She’s…hope.”

Amidst the current turmoil, Matt delicately weaves the threads of his and LeAnn's origin story, a narrative only hinted at in the preceding novels. It's a dance through time, an exploration of roots that adds yet another layer to this intricate tale.

This novel isn't a simple melody; it's a symphony of diverse notes, a mosaic of stories seamlessly merging into a breathtaking tapestry. The prose flows like a river, carrying us through the currents of sorrow and joy, binding the disparate threads into a mesmerizing whole.

The poignant scenes, soaked in sadness, become the pillars that elevate the narrative, intensifying the impact of the action and echoing the ultimate themes of hope and love.
In my pursuit of an uplifting tale, this vibrant, thrilling novel becomes the answer, a breathtaking page-turner that leaves the reader in a transcendent place—a place filled with the warmth of hope and the enduring embrace of love.

Even though it’s only 27 pages, this shot of noir provides a hefty punch. It’s swift and sure, all the way to the last line, which delivers the real impact of the story. Underwood ventures into Fletcher Flora territory here with a classy, reverberating tale written with all of the author’s usual crisp prose. There’s the perfect amount of detail so intricately woven into the narrative, it feels like you’re reading something much larger and complex. The dialogue is pitch-perfect real. That’s something I continually marvel at while reading Underwood’s work. And, Oh, Boy, what a story this is. It surely deserves to be a classic of the genre.

Book Five in the Matt Ransom Mystery series is a fast-paced adventure filled with action, romance, mystery, and quite a few laugh-out-loud moments. I love Underwood’s writing. Top-notch story-telling with the best dialogue you’ll find anywhere. He always packs his novels with memorable characters that are so fully developed that they seem to become your own friends. You root for them when they’re caught in serious predicaments, and rejoice with them when they play. There are plenty to root for in the Matt Ransom series, but they’re not difficult to keep up with if you read the series in order. Underwood is a master at juggling an array of characters, and keeping the reader abreast of who’s who. I have loved watching them grow as family and friends in this heart-warming mystery series set in the 22nd century.

Jarrod, traveling to get to his new job on a lonely, rainy, and deserted backroad has a brush with death and thinks he has been saved by the vision of a pretty girl. But then, he seems trapped in an endless, dark night…

I don’t want to give too much away with this short story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the mysterious storyline, the warm characters, the 1930’s-1940’s references. Another lovely read by Bobby Underwood!

A beautifully written, romantic, and very touching short story. I really didn't know what to expect, which made the story all the more better for it.

Eighteen-year-old Stan Duncan (who loves sci-fi/pulp comics) falls for beautiful Serafina, who claims she is from the galaxy Euphoria, or is she? A lovely and unusual read with warm characters and an absorbing storyline. I liked the old-fashioned feel of the book. Serafina was quite a mysterious heroine and I was curious to see how everything would work out in the end. Another great read by Bobby Underwood.

A man about to be executed on death row recounts his story of what led him there, and of the two special women in his life and what he considers to be his one good act in life. I enjoyed this ‘50s noir story a lot. Bittersweet and heartfelt, it really created a mood with characters I really cared about.

A really beautiful and moving short story about two lovers (Evelyn and Matthew), who have been meeting twice a year (for many years) in San Francisco. The story takes place in the 60’s. It has a great setting, San Francisco, with the trollies, the Golden Gate bridge, the Fairmont hotel… I felt like I was there. I liked the main couple and I really felt for them as the story progressed. They had many sweet and touching moments.

Another wonderful story by Bobby Underwood.

Trucker Frank Bartlett is driving through an abandoned, old, Kentucky ghost town and offers to give a ride to a pretty girl named Angela who has been stranded alone in the rain. They become acquainted and eventually fall in love. But everything isn’t what it seems between the two of them. Eventually, secrets are revealed…

This was a really good short story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked the main couple. They both have had troubles in the past and I was curious to find out more about them. I also wanted to see what was going to happen as the plot unfolded. I liked the part at the carnival, it was sweet and fun. There were some surprises and twists to the story as it went along. I enjoyed how everything turned out in the end.

A touching, romantic, and captivating read by Bobby Underwood.

Tom McGee (a young, hopeful writer) wins an all-expenses-paid vacation to the California Coast. He invites his older neighbor Ms. Edelman (who he is good friends with) to join him, but she declines. So, he goes alone and when he gets there he meets a mysterious young woman named Kathy. But everything isn’t what it seems…

I thoroughly enjoyed this charming romance with likable characters, nice settings, and some fantasy elements. A very intriguing short story with a lovely surprise-twist at the end!

Entertaining short story set in the 1940s about a man and a femme fatale who work at an insurance company. Told with great atmosphere, and plays out like an old ‘40s noir movie with twists I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed the references to the time period throughout the story.

A lovely short story about two strangers who meet on a train under mysterious circumstances bound for the equally mysterious Joy Island. This was a beautifully written story, heartfelt, and so romantic.

City of Angels

Ned Wallace works for a Hollywood magazine. He lives near a park some people say is haunted. One day he meets a girl (Sarah) in the park on his way home and he is enchanted with her. She is very pretty, old-fashioned, and friendly, and Ned decides to do a human interest story on her. But the more he finds out about her, the more mysterious and wonderful she seems to be.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I liked Sarah and Ned and I loved all the Hollywood 1930’s references in the story!

Christmas Eve

This is a story of two lonely and unhappy people who find each other on Christmas Eve, and a hero who seems to really be there for the heroine in her time of need.

I loved both of these sweet stories. They were touching, heartwarming, and lovely!

Twenty-six-year-old Felicia Davenport dreams of romance and faraway places. But lately, her dreams have been put on hold while she cares for her ailing father. Suddenly, she wins a contest (a trip to Martinique). A friend offers to look after her father and persuades her to go on the vacation. Felicia decides to go. When she arrives in Martinique, she attracts the attention of the hotel detective, thirty-year-old Jack Carter. But after her hotel room is broken into, Felicia and Jack wonder what the intruder was looking for…

I don’t want to give too much more of the plot away since this was a short story (74 pages). It was a delightful and sweet mystery-romance. I really liked Felicia, she was a lovely heroine, kind and thoughtful. I thought it was cute how she was addicted to puzzle magazines. Jack was a great hero. I loved the setting, and the intrigue.

A terrific story by Bobby Underwood.

I really loved this unique short story about a couple who meet on a train bound for Joy Island. Why are they on the train? How did they get there? Where is Joy Island? I don’t want to give this plot away, it’s better to read the story and find things out for yourself. Another uplifting, beautiful, and romantic story by Bobby Underwood.

I really enjoyed this beautiful short story. A moving read.