The Nate Heller novels explore the seedy underworld of organised crime blending fact and fiction to create an irresistible tale that appeals to true cThe Nate Heller novels explore the seedy underworld of organised crime blending fact and fiction to create an irresistible tale that appeals to true crime buffs and noir enthusiasts alike. In TRUE CRIME, author Max Allan Collins pits his former cop turned solo PI against public enemies John Dillinger and the Barker gang among others. I love the way Max Allan Collins subtly introduces Dillinger by way of a man wanting to keep tabs on his promiscuous wife. Dillinger, having undergone plastic surgery isn’t instantly recognisable to Heller, the deception sets forth a chain of events that leads Heller from the Windy City to the deadly spaces of rural farm life.
In order to fully appreciate TRUE CRIME, a recommended read is PUBLIC ENEMIES – the non fiction counterpart which chronicles the events of the real world gangsters. Nate Heller, the fictitious PI is beautifully intertwined into this violent and realistic underworld. From shootouts, kidnapping, unethical mob docs, and corrupt cops – Heller takes is all in stride, never batting an eyelid in the face of danger and death.
There is a lot to like about TRUE CRIME and I found myself utterly immersed, not only in the multi faceted yet intertwined plot thread but in Heller’s personal life. Sally Rand, a performer and love interest keeps Heller grounded yet his devotion to justice continues to compromise any longer term plans – that and being an accessory to murder. The depth to Heller keeps the story grounded and maintains the illusion of reality. This isn’t a blood thirsty mob story; it’s more a journey of discovery and a snippet of Heller in his quest to better the world around him.
Nate Heller is a detective, private or city licenced - either way, it's in his blood, it's what he's good at. In 'True Detective' Max Allan Collins inNate Heller is a detective, private or city licenced - either way, it's in his blood, it's what he's good at. In 'True Detective' Max Allan Collins introduces Heller alongside gangsters of the Al Capone and Frank Nitti era in the windy city and hot beaches of Florida. The events that take place in this historical detective mystery compound Heller's desire for justice and unwillingness to flinch at even the toughest opponents while tiptoeing on either side of the blue line of the law.
I liked the dynamic protagonist for all his flaws and tough guy attitude. Unlike many private dicks, Heller comes with a heap of baggage which is well documented in 'True Detective'. From a less than ideal childhood to relationship problems, and ultimately lawful mistrust in the eyes of his fellow officers - Hellers molehill of a world has problems the size of a mountain.
'True Detective' brings many a good thing to the table; the establishment of Heller's own business the A1 Detective Agency, a deep and interesting backstory to Heller, a glimpse at the founder of the Untouchables in Eliot Ness, a transference to a time where Capone still had influence (albeit behind bars), corrupt city officials, missing person cases, political assassination, and a dame worth a damn.
Reading more like a TV series than a single novel - Max Allan Collins mashes multiple plot threats into a single interlocking story which opens like a bullet to the gut - right off the bat we're introduced to a couple of cops in Miller and Lang who set out to murder Frank Nitti, throwing Heller into the mix unwillingly. Shortly after Heller forms his own agency, cops a case to track a missing person, gets in bed with a few gangsters, and flies a few bullets, all in a days works. Adding to the allure is the wonderfully written cast of well known personalities from 1930's in Ness, Nitti, FDR, and Capone to name but a few. This is a damn good book and a great start to the Nate Heller series - 4 stars....more
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