photo by Anna-Maja Oléhn

Writer Andrew Cartmel's series of Vinyl Detective novels became an instant favorite of mine after discovering the first installment, Written in Dead Wax, at Lawrence's Raven Bookstore at the end of 2018. Since then, I've gone on to devour all four volumes in the series of novels about a London-dwelling music aficionado whose business cards state that he can find any record for anyone -- for a fee.

They're utterly charming books, and fans of records, cats, and coffee -- such as myself -- will find themselves racing through each installment, each of which is filled with witty banter and fast-paced action. We spoke with Cartmel from his home in London about the books and last year's soundtrack release for them.

Tracklist:

Joe Kraemer, "The Vinyl Detective Theme" (The Vinyl Detective OST)

Masaru Sato, "Godzilla vs. Anguirus" (Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla OST)

Joanie Sommers, "Heart And Soul" (The Vinyl Detective OST)

Jerry Goldsmith, "Love Theme From Chinatown (End Credits)" (Chinatown OST)