Tom Meschery Books In Order

Publication Order of Brovelli Brothers Mystery Books

Publication Order of Collections

Publication Order of Chapbooks

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Tom Meschery is an American author and a former basketball player. Born in China, Meschery made his mark in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a formidable power forward, spanning a notable career from 1961 to 1971. During his tenure, he showcased his skills with the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors and, later, the Seattle SuperSonics. His exceptional performance earned him a spot in the 1963 NBA All-Star Game, distinguishing him as the first player born outside the United States to achieve NBA All-Star status. In recognition of his contributions, the Warriors honored him by retiring his jersey number 14 and further immortalized him by integrating this number into the team’s logo. This tribute lasted from 1967 to 1974.

Following his high school graduation in 1957, Meschery pursued higher education at Saint Mary’s College of California, located in Moraga. His exceptional skills on the basketball court led Saint Mary’s to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament in 1959. Achieving further distinction, he was honored as a First Team All-American two years later and earned the title of West Coast Conference Player of the Year. His academic and athletic journey at Saint Mary’s culminated in 1961 when he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
One of Meschery’s notable books is The Case of the ’61 Chevy Impala. Victor and Vincent Brovelli are twenty-six-year-old identical twins from Oakland, California, running an upscale used car lot in the year 1968. Victor, distinguishable by a facial scar from a baseball accident, serves as our guide through their story. They are joined in their business endeavors by Sylvia Vitale, a cousin with strong automotive ties, thanks to her father’s prominent dealership in San Diego.

The narrative unfolds with a shocking discovery: Victor opens the trunk of a 1961 Chevrolet Impala to find the body of a deceased woman, marking the beginning of a dark series of events. The car, previously used by Sweets Monroe—a burglar known for his kindness and a past favor to the twins’ father—becomes the center of a grim plan devised by Victor and Vincent to dispose of the body, implicating a notorious local gang in the process.

The deceased, Winona Davis, was linked romantically to Sweets, who finds himself accused not only of her murder but of a second killing—that of Arabella Duan, Winona’s acquaintance. Urged by their father’s plea for “onore,” a principle of honor deeply ingrained in the Brovelli family ethos, the twins embark on a mission to exonerate Sweets despite the emergence of a third murder that Sweets couldn’t have committed from behind bars.

Amidst this turmoil, Victor’s personal life weaves through the narrative. Known for his romantic escapades, he is deeply involved with Renee, a college student, until crossing paths with Adila “Dila” Agbo, a member of the Black Panthers, sparking an intense attraction. Their budding relationship unfolds against the backdrop of late 1960s America, a nation grappling with racial tensions and the Vietnam War—a union both of their families would vehemently oppose.
The story captures significant historical moments, such as the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., alongside the societal upheavals of the era. It highlights the multifaceted nature of the Black Panthers, who purchase a van from the Brovellis to support their community initiatives, showcasing their commitment to social welfare.

A deep dive into the automotive culture of the mid-1950s to late 1960s offers a nostalgic journey for car enthusiasts, aligning perfectly with the author’s passion for the era. Coupled with a rich exploration of social issues and authentic period dialogue, the story is as intricate as it is engaging, with twists and turns reminiscent of a tightly coiled pretzel.

In 2023, Meschery published The Case of the ’66 Ford Mustang. Upon discovering the devastating news that Mario is accused of killing his girlfriend, Grace Conner, before taking his own life, twins Victor and Vincent Brovelli are adamant that the Oakland police have made a grave mistake. Firm in their belief that Mario’s honor and the family’s reputation must be upheld, they embark on a mission to clear his name. Victor steps forward to lead the investigation, embodying the role of detective. At the same time, Vincent pledges to manage the operations of their used car business, ready to support Victor at a moment’s notice.

With the evidence seemingly stacked against Mario, Victor is forced to rely heavily on his intuition. His journey is not a solitary one; Dila Agbo, his girlfriend and former Black Panther, stands by him. Their search for answers sends them spiraling through a labyrinth of leads. Haunted by visions of Mario and Grace, Victor is propelled by a mix of fear and determination, the silent messages from the beyond both chilling and motivating.

As Victor delves deeper into the mystery, the stakes escalate, particularly when Dila’s safety becomes jeopardized. The quest to uncover the reality of Mario’s tragic end is fraught with obstacles, but the siblings’ resolve remains unwavering. Will Victor be able to piece together the true story behind the deaths, and can he do so while ensuring Dila remains unharmed? The path to the truth promises to test their limits, challenge their perceptions, and possibly reveal darker secrets than they could have imagined.

Published in 1999, Nothing We Lose Can Be Replaced is a collection of poetry. The journey begins in revolutionary Russia, where the verses capture the harrowing political abuses, social upheavals, and the relentless struggle of Meschery’s family. Their saga unfolds through the biting cold of Siberia and the ravages of two world wars, culminating in their resettlement in America.

The narrative then transitions into Meschery’s own story, tracing his ascent in the National Basketball Association. As the son of Russian immigrants, he carves out a space for himself as a formidable big man in the NBA. Through his poetry, Meschery bridges generations within the game, lending his voice to basketball legends like Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan, as well as to forgotten heroes such as Maurice Stokes, whose career was tragically cut short by a paralyzing on-court accident.

The final section transports us into the high school classroom where Meschery, now a teacher, guides a new generation navigating their trials and triumphs. His poems extend beyond the confines of the court, celebrating moments of human excellence and critiquing our shortcomings against the backdrop of broader social and political landscapes. Meschery’s work stands as a poignant reflection on the intricacies of individual lives, encapsulating the essence of endurance, legacy, and transformation.