‘Satori was the Zen Buddhist concept of a sudden awakening, a realisation of life as it really is. It came not as a result of meditation or conscious ‘Satori was the Zen Buddhist concept of a sudden awakening, a realisation of life as it really is. It came not as a result of meditation or conscious thought, but could arrive in the wisp of a breeze, the crackle of a flame, the falling of a leaf.’
‘Nicholai had never known Satori.’ – A captive of the United States, Nicholai is provided his freedom on the proviso he assassinates the Soviet commissioner to Red China, Yuri Voroshenin. The US, having identified Nicholai’s talents - notably the mastery of Naked/Kill techniques, puts in motion a chain of events which causes ripples cross continent.
‘Satori’ is oriental espionage involving arms dealing, assassination, political corruption, and gorilla militants delivered in cinematic beauty perfected for the big screen in vivid detail. Despite the nod towards violence and the shady characters of the underworld, at its heart lies a moving story of love and determination like no other. The claustrophobic conclusion will leave you gasping for breath as you come to terms with a twist I couldn't predict.
Winslow pays homage to Trevanian’s ‘Shibumi’ in spectacular fashion in concoting an internal thriller with spy connotations executed by complex plotting, engaging characters lead by a protagonist yet to reach his vengeful potential. 4 stars. ...more
'Lights Out' provides a glimpse into the life of a gangster by association. Set amongst an inner city urban backdrop, 'Lights Out' explores fame and t'Lights Out' provides a glimpse into the life of a gangster by association. Set amongst an inner city urban backdrop, 'Lights Out' explores fame and the corruption of conscience in brutal and unflinching honesty. J.T has it all, stardom on the field through America's favourite pastime, adoring fans, money, notoriety, and all the accoutrement's one could want. The only thing holding him back is a statutory rape claim. In order to boost his image and out tabloid the tabloids, he returns to his 'hood in search of his estranged fiance' in a bid to rekindle their love and overshadow the seemingly truthful rumours.
What J.T didn't bank on, is Ryan Rossetti - ex teen baseball star turned house painter, falling for his girl and putting a damper on proceedings. Mixing ebonics with a healthy dose of humour, Starr, the white collar noir specialist, branches out to deliver one fun, fast past curve ball of a novel whose inner Brooklyn inhabitants feel as real as everyday people you pass on the street. The fleeting glimpse of gangsters was a nice touch in capturing the hint of danger lurking around every corner and how easy it is to strike out in the wrong neighbourhood. Of particular note was the look at the struggling family life in the projects in contrast to the lifestyle of J.T - baseball star with money to burn. I thought Starr played these two situations off once other perfectly to create a sense of comparison so black and white it was hard to find shades of grey within the concrete jungle.
Overall what you'd expect from a Jason Starr novel; noir spread thick, violence heavy, and plotted to perfection - a fast paced read not to be missed. 4 stars. ...more
The Killing of Emma Gross chronicles the reign of notorious serial killer Peter Kürten in which late 1920's/early 1930's saw Düsseldorf's own Jack theThe Killing of Emma Gross chronicles the reign of notorious serial killer Peter Kürten in which late 1920's/early 1930's saw Düsseldorf's own Jack the Ripper terrorise residents and taunt police in a spree which can be compared to modern day horrors typically more macabre and heinous than those of the bygone era.
Damien Seaman invokes the provocative and nurtures the killers' prerogative through blood red lenses as he depicts a period piece where artistic licence and fact bleed a more daring form of truth. Capturing the essence of the tainted and honest alike, Seaman's early introduction of key players Thomas Klein (aka Doubtful Thomas) and Peter Kürten pits a well mannered killer against a police force in need of redemption following a string of grotesque murders. From Klein's distinct under dog persona - having fallen victim to segregation courtesy of fellow officers' personal vendetta which threatens to impedes an investigation surrounding the disappearance of a young girl, to the evolution of a lone wolf complex not unlike the PI's of the noir tradition - the story grows with the protagonist with each dimension delivering further depth and humility.
Adding complexity with conviction, Damien Seaman, weaves the certifiable Stausberg's murders into the equation raising doubt over the initial sentence and subsequent competency of the police to shed new light on decaying bodies - notably Emma Gross.
The Killing of Emma Gross is a unique and captivating historical police procedural that delivers on premise from the opening blood soaked stanza to the twisted conclusion. An essential guide to the darker side of 1930's Europe.
Side note: As much as The Killing of Emma Gross was a joy in itself to read, the timeline material at the end provides a sense of context to the murders and showcases the struggles the police had in bringing those responsible to justice. History buffs and crime enthusiasts will love this. ...more
By the Nails of the Warpriest is at once literary, sci-fi, noir and steam punk - the culmination of a dystopian setting fueled by violence and despairBy the Nails of the Warpriest is at once literary, sci-fi, noir and steam punk - the culmination of a dystopian setting fueled by violence and despair yet redeemed by a slither of hope and hint of love. Nik Korpon waxes poetic throughout this ingenious novella with each line complementing the following to add a sense of beauty to a world devoid of all its enchantment. The protagonist, a thief of memories, consists amongst distrust, hopelessness and blood as he forges a future by robbing others of theirs. Little does he know, the former life he held so dear is about to be turned upside down - the revelation sure to ripple all he believes and force his hand at furthering mankind's plight to self destruction.
Nik Korpon is a master of the craft - if 'By the Nails of the Warpriest' is anything to go by his star is well and truly on the rise. While this novella clocks in at under 70pgs, many of its passages will haunt me for a time to come - more so than many full lengths I've read. The page count may be low but the lasting impression is sure to exceed expectation. 4 stars....more
A formulaic fantasy epic of a boys’ sojourn through a mythical landscape where creatures know no bounds and fairytales are more akin to fables than beA formulaic fantasy epic of a boys’ sojourn through a mythical landscape where creatures know no bounds and fairytales are more akin to fables than bedside stories. Comprising of magic, elves, dwarfs, dragons, kingdoms, mythical creatures, divine intervention, and necromancy, ‘Eragon’ borrows from conventional fantasy themes while still carving a niche in its own right. The interaction and emotional bond between man and beast is core to the central plot and provides a slightly skewed take on the typical role of the protagonist. At times, repetitive, the action and interest is quickly revived through fierce battles and all too human-like situational responsiveness. ‘Eragon’ achieved the desired result in building an interesting world, establishing a core group of characters (hero and villain alike), and a glimpse of where the story is heading. An enthralling form of escapism - 4.5 stars. ...more
The Point is a sharp and snappy slice of noir whose serrated edge cuts deep into the hearts and bodies of its characters. Brothers, Paul and Brian MorThe Point is a sharp and snappy slice of noir whose serrated edge cuts deep into the hearts and bodies of its characters. Brothers, Paul and Brian Morgan have lived a life of small time crime largely thanks to older brother Paul whose influence over his young sibling is evident by the unlawful predicaments the duo find themselves in. However, when Brian makes an attempt for the straight and narrow, Paul is disenfranchised and does whatever he can to lead Brian back down the rocky road of unorganised crime.
The banter between brothers and honest interation captures the brotherly love and displays the raw feelings each has towards their kin perfectly. The bond, however strong, is tested when Brian meets Rachel - a young lady who brings new meaning to 'hell have no fury like a woman scorned'. It's Rachel - the epicentre of cataclysmic destruction that threatens the brother's future and ultimately adds further fuel to the fiery 'Point'.
Not to mention, 'The Point' is loaded with small time gangsters with dreams of making it big. In fact, it is with numerous factions that Paul finds himself in debt and danger - lesson here 'messing with gangsters' money is messing with their pride'. Brennan gives 'The Point' enough humour but douses it with plenty of blood to keep it on the level. As a Pulp Press original, it fits the bill perfectly. I look forward to reading Brennan's 'Wee Rockets' published by Blasted Heath. As far as precursors go for author full lengths, 'The Point' does it better than most. A pacy read that's sure to entertain - 3.5 stars. ...more
Set amongst poverty and upper class loathing, the residents of Tranent ooze realism and conform to the welfare support typecast to perfection. The griSet amongst poverty and upper class loathing, the residents of Tranent ooze realism and conform to the welfare support typecast to perfection. The gritty and densely enraged streets of Tranent are defined to a point that they could easily assume any local neighbourhood or neighbouring 'hood. The inhabitants made real by Birds' exceptionally well structured POV split scenes which draw different aspects together to form a single picture of a landscape in deep decay. So hard are the lives of Jimmy (a good hearted teen with a target on his back), Kylie (teen mother), Carlos (wheelchair bound amputee), and the Ramsay brothers (local thugs) that the notion of a greener pasture is lulled by a grey reality where illegally obtained funds are the only method to rid themselves of poverty stricken madness.
Central to 'Smoke' is the underlying theme of retribution and payback - Jimmy is the perfect unassuming victimised youth prone to being bullied yet determined enough to lie in wait and strike when the opportune moment presents. Unfortunately, vindication is not without consequence as Jimmy soon learns with each cause generating a ripple effect sure to draw blood and terrorise the folk of Tranent.
'Smoke' is a slick, well defined deft tale which embodies the darker side of every day life where those living in western impoverished suburban settings battle daily to break bread and necks alike to maintain.
One cant help but draw comparisons to Ray Banks (Gun) and Alan Guthrie (Savage Night) - 'Smoke' is in league with some talented company - 4 stars...more
A modern day Mike Hammer closer to retirement age in a post 9/11 era is a vastly different Hammer to the earlier acclaimed works. Gone are the shysterA modern day Mike Hammer closer to retirement age in a post 9/11 era is a vastly different Hammer to the earlier acclaimed works. Gone are the shysters and mobsters, in their place; terrorists and scheming consulate representatives. There is a distinct feel to 'The Goliath Bone' which segregates it from other novels in that this case (involving an actual bone believed to be from Goliath) isn't personal. It starts by Hammer stumbling across a couple in their twenties being shot at by an assailant who later kills himself - turns out he was after a package under guard by two college students - the bone. From there its a typical investigation with a bit of Hollywood sprinkle and Government braggadocio thrown in for good measure.
The classic throw away lines Spillane and Max Allan Collins are so famous for are plentiful (as with any Hammer novel) and touch on a multitude of subjects from appreciation of the finer species to modern warfare:
'War used to be two groups of men hammering at each other out in some field till the other one surrendered or was defeated. Now its airlines flying into buildings and suitcase nukes and dirty bombs.'
Spillane and Collins wax poetic in depicting New York - as much part of Hammer as his patented .45 to capture the true essence of Hammer novels:
'They can gentrify the streets all they want, but scrape a fingernail across this white veneer, and the gleaming black shows through.'
Lines like this take me back to 'I, The Jury' and 'My Gun Is Quick' - hard boiled perfection personified.
At the heart of 'The Goliath Bone' lies subtle humour and a toned down Hammer more attune to building a life post PI than bathing himself in blood. That being said, the ending does leave the door ajar for future escapades. Velda resumes her seductive sidekick role while the ever present Pat dons a persona slightly too compromising and agreeable than argumentative and obstructive to previous installments. Perhaps its the old age getting to the hardened cop. Nevertheless, the trio work well in securing an outcome for the young couple while eliminating the threat of a third world war (a slight exaggeration but it was touched upon).
Overall, 'The Goliath Bone' is an enjoyable look at the infamous Mike Hammer in his golden years doing what Hammer does best - while providing the reader with lighter moments -
'A trio of soon-to-be retirees, bucking an open contract and taking on the top terrorist assassin in the world - that's a laugh.'
- and an insight into a future world where Mike Hammer is no longer the sole PI (excluding Velda) at Mike Hammer Investigations. 3.5 stars...more
Taking the 'what if' notion to the extreme, King delves deep into American past-time to deliver a captivating story surrounding one of the most cruciaTaking the 'what if' notion to the extreme, King delves deep into American past-time to deliver a captivating story surrounding one of the most crucial events in American history - the assassination of JFK. Protagonist, Jake Epping, is thrown into the world of yesteryear courtesy of a backroom portal to 1958 housed in a old school dinner, the proprietor of which, Al Templeton plants the seed of changing the future by saving President Kennedy from the bullet dispersed from Lee Oswald’s gun on that fatal day with the hope of making the world a better place to live in (circa 2011).
The premise is simple enough, travel through time to 1958, lay low for 5 years, track Oswald’s movements leading up to the President’s motorcade through Dallas, incapacitate him – Kennedy lives – the future is changed, everyone’s happy. Yeah – not going to happen in a Stephen King book.
Typically renowned for his horror and darker tales, King branches out with a semi historical novel of pure heart packed with all too human characters whose emotional and physical scares are laid bare for all to ridicule, sympathise, or embrace. Interestingly, is it Jake’s life as George in the intervening years leading to 1963 that is paramount to the novels core plot elements and natural progression through a more honest and jovial time. Each personal interaction causes a ripple effect, the severity of which is not know until many years later.
I enjoyed the multi layered storytelling of George (1958) and Jake (2011) and the parallel lives this same man in two ages enacts. It was interesting to read how habits, expertise, and general mannerisms coincide from one life to the next - a testament to King’s ability to turn a plot full circle and have the characters consistently along for the ride.
11.22.63 is thought provoking, smart, well researched and more aligned to the classic penultimate Stephen King works of the bygone era - 4.5 stars. ...more
Reading like a refinement of jaws for aviation, 'The Night Strangers' terrorises the skies as much as the psyche. Former pilot Chip Linton, had his plReading like a refinement of jaws for aviation, 'The Night Strangers' terrorises the skies as much as the psyche. Former pilot Chip Linton, had his plane brought down by a freak accident where a bird flew into a jet engine; taking a leaf from recent success stories, he tried to land the plane on water and bring the passengers to safety. Unfortunately a wave drowned his hopes as well as 39 passengers and crew leaving Chip with a mountain of guilt and a very real haunting.
In an attempt to pick up the shattered pieces of his family, the Linton's (Chip, wife Emily, and twin daughters) seek solace in a closed White Mountain community only to find that the ghosts of their previous life are back to haunt them. There is a distinct Amityville aura to the Linton's spooky mansion which complements Chip's erratic and unpredictable mind state to blend psychosocial horror with the physical surroundings. There is a definitive 'bump in the night' feel to each nook and cranny of the house whose blood soaked past looks sure to emerge for a second go-round.
For added gloom, Bohjalian introduces small town homicidal herbalists to the equation boiling the broth over the pot in instilling an all encompassing paranormal montage, with the Linton's the unwilling centrepiece.
'The Night Strangers' is a well researched and deeply scary story, more from the plane crash and flash back perspective than paranormal - a harrowing horror with cult classic written all over it. 3.5 stars. ...more
Perfect Shadow is the prequel novella to the Night Angel Trilogy and is one for the die hard fans only. Comprising exclusively of the rise of Durzo BlPerfect Shadow is the prequel novella to the Night Angel Trilogy and is one for the die hard fans only. Comprising exclusively of the rise of Durzo Blint, the most prominent and proficient assassin known to man, the premise was solid, though the delivery somewhat lacking. What could've been a fans delight turned sour from the onset with the novella essentially consisting of part story telling, part high fantasy, part erotica all mixed into part of a plot that never felt whole (the floating timeline didn't help and the various personalities of Blint were hard to follow). Some known characters make appearances; while a nice precursor to the trilogy, failed to save the novella from a rather disjointed and incomplete tale. The character assassin, Blint, has so much promise and such a rich and exciting back story - perhaps my expectations were set too high - nonetheless, at the conclusion I was left wanting.
My rating: 2/5 stars. I've read this twice now (2011 and 2017), there are some nice moments but it just didn't work for me. The Night Angel trilogy on the other hand, is excellent....more
Intrinsically linked serial killers populate the works of the pseudo author’s many facades to deliver a perspective on life focused on death. In this Intrinsically linked serial killers populate the works of the pseudo author’s many facades to deliver a perspective on life focused on death. In this instalment, the origins of the unassuming sadistic killer, Lucy are born in ‘Bad Girl’, the prequel to the disturbing anti hitchhiker movement that is ‘Serial’. At 15yrs of age, Lucy finds her way to a book convention held at a hotel and quickly lures one of the attendees into a hotel room where she satisfies her lust for blood only to be caught by two killers who share her enthusiasm for unwilling euthanasia. Touted as a novella, ‘Bad Girl’ is really a short story easily consumed in a single sitting with its intended purpose to wet the reader’s appetite for the proceeding books featuring Lucy’s serial killer accomplices ‘Desert Places’ and ‘Locked Doors’. While serviceable as a stand alone, ‘Bad Girl’ is best read in close proximity to ‘Serial’ where it adds context and a strong sense of continuity to Lucy’s story. Apart from being very short, ‘Bad Girl’ ticks all the right boxes, I just wish Lucy’s spree and ‘coming of age’ was further embellished. 4 stars. ...more
Ambitious by virtue of its ambiguity, ‘The Man in the Seventh Row’, is an unusual look at cinematic infatuation to the point of obsession. ProtagonistAmbitious by virtue of its ambiguity, ‘The Man in the Seventh Row’, is an unusual look at cinematic infatuation to the point of obsession. Protagonist Roy Batty exists in a world where fact and film coincide and consume his very being. His memories portrayed on the big screen, his emotions laid bare through actors, his narrative delivered in culture shifting sequence through iconic heroes and villains of yesteryear, his life enacted time and time again for the movie-goer’s pleasure. On the screen, he assumes the role of an actor - is this rendition of a broken man fantasy, reality, dream or nightmare? As we bare witness to Roy’s trials and tribulations the questions, ever present, fail in the quest for conclusive answers.
‘The Man in the Seventh Row’ is a movie lover’s delight, with many references to classic and iconic films and an apt re-enactment of the important stories which shaped Roys life. The evasiveness of certainty is alluring and is compounded by the struggles of Roy’s family and solitary life. Pendreigh is on the cusp of something special, and delivers an atmospheric cinematic montage comprising many actors yet only one man. Not to be missed for the literately and movie enthusiasts alike – 4 stars....more
'The Long Midnight of Barney Thomson' oozes black humour just as much as it does sticky red blood. By day Barney Thomson is a slave to his trade as a 'The Long Midnight of Barney Thomson' oozes black humour just as much as it does sticky red blood. By day Barney Thomson is a slave to his trade as a Glasgow barber, an accidental serial killer in the evenings, and one hell of a laugh 24/7. Making light of his dark intentions, Lindsay crafts a protagonist more suited to sitcom than death row. From subtle taunts and a general lack of recognition of his skill in the workplace spawns murderous thoughts, acted upon in dream scape, then played out in reality through acts of fate. Interestingly enough, for a serial killer, Barney doesn't actually kill anyone - intentionally. He's just an average Joe trying to have a go and make the best of his meager life. Unfortunately for Wullie and Chris (co-workers), the tools of their trade are a tad too conveniently located when the accidental assassin strikes, the result - pure genius and laugh out loud hilarity.
Douglas Lindsay manages to do it all - create suspense as the long, rather disenfranchised arm of the law reaches out for a killer, blacker than black humour, captivating characters (Cemolina - Barney's mother is a hard one to forget), and punchy dialogue in delivering a lighthearted look at a man destined for a cult following. Enjoyable from start to finish - 5 stars. I look forward to reading the other books in the series. ...more
All The Young Warriors is by far the most accomplished and ambitious novel yet by Anthony Neil Smith. In ATYW, Smith touches on religious fanaticism aAll The Young Warriors is by far the most accomplished and ambitious novel yet by Anthony Neil Smith. In ATYW, Smith touches on religious fanaticism and the impressionable American inner city youth misguided by recruitment vultures who feed their delusions by selling broken dreams and false prosperity with the acclimation for cause - a rebirth of faith. At the thrillers' heart lies a breaking man whose second lease on life is taken away at the hands of a merciless thug turned terrorist-in-training; Jilbriil. Having his partner and unborn child gunned down sets a turn of events in motion which sees the streets of Minnesota and the desert landscape of Somalia run red with vengeance and unjustified blood lust.
Bleeker (the namesake definition 'bleak' not lost on the casual observer) mourns his partner's passing by fueling his rage across continents, leaving no stone untouched in his quest to rid the world of his personal demon. Accompanied by an unlikely alliance in the form of a local gangster whose son, Adem, has been caught up in the terrorist plight - Bleeker's investigation leads him down a path populated by extremists, pirates, killers, and government officials alike.
All The Young Warriors, for it's graphic depiction of murder and retribution, retains a sense of realism delivered through heart thumping emotion and pulse pounding clarity. The aspects of a world ravaged to ruin and ruled by violence, yet softened by a few kind souls is thought provoking and awe inspiring. Smith has delivered on one of the best books of 2011 with each chapter further evidence of his ability to demand a reader's attention and hold it until the very end. Captivating and utterly essential. 5 stars. ...more
Imagine a man who has it all; successful career, loving trophy wife, mates worth their weight in gold, and a healthy stress-free lifestyle. Now, perisImagine a man who has it all; successful career, loving trophy wife, mates worth their weight in gold, and a healthy stress-free lifestyle. Now, perish the thought and be introduced to Alan, a double glaze salesman who’s the polar opposite of the ‘man who has it all’. On a rung slightly above telemarketer, the home salesman is depicted as little more than an unfaithful husband, yes-man, and borderline alcoholic whose only saving grace is that he’s not Les Beale – toxic friend extraordinaire. That being said, one can’t help but feel sympathy for the bloke as he meanders through life fielding drama from all directions.
In ‘Dead Money’, Ray Banks dons a persona bearing resemblance to a dirty Jason Starr as he crafts a white-collar noir at home with Starr’s corporate New York 9-to-5ers. Lead character Alan, for his faults, assumes the classic ‘wrong man’ role, thrown into a world of chaos courtesy of best mate Beale and his penchant for unprovoked violence. Intensely atmospheric, ‘Dead Money’ embodies the more traditional elements of a hard knock life with each scene adding perspective to the flawed yet endearing characters that populate the rain sodden streets of Banks’ latest foray into the accidental underworld.
Top notch story telling from start to finish, Ray Banks writes in a voice that will grip you by the throat and squeeze until you’ve read every last word – only then will you take a breath and appreciate the craftsmanship before wanting to do it all over again. 5 stars. ...more
In an ode to the dime-store era paperbacks, Ardai crafts an intelligent pulp masterpiece while simultaneously saluting his very own Hardcase Crime. 'FIn an ode to the dime-store era paperbacks, Ardai crafts an intelligent pulp masterpiece while simultaneously saluting his very own Hardcase Crime. 'Fifty-To-One' celebrates the first 50 books from Hardcase Crime with each chapter the title of one of the corresponding published books. What makes this work is the intricately woven tale of a young woman's journey from innocent farm life to big city indecency and seemingly innocuous encounter with a certain devious publisher out for a quick buck. Before long, Tricia is writing a mob heist and on her way to a steady pay check, that is, until fiction turns fact and the mob come looking for answers after loosing a cool 3mil in the exact fashion as described in Tricia's book. At heart, 'Fifty-To-One' is a classic example of the murder mystery whodunit caper with everyday characters acting out believable scenes and getting themselves in and out of interesting situations. For the book worms out there, Ardai has loaded up on Easter eggs so keep an eye out for famous author and book references. This is a testament to the Hardcase Crime legacy worthy of all applause and notoriety its received - 4 stars....more
Q. What do you get when you cross a GI-Joe with an Energiser Bunny, a Michael Bay movie, and explosions straight out of Team America?
A. Shane SchofieQ. What do you get when you cross a GI-Joe with an Energiser Bunny, a Michael Bay movie, and explosions straight out of Team America?
A. Shane Schofield – codename: Scarecrow
Matthew Reilly’s sequel to ‘Scarecrow’ is every bit as exciting and tense as its predecessor with our dependable hero once again at the coalface of worlds end with little more than a maghook and small band of civilians and marines to counter an army – The Army of Thieves. The mission pits Scarecrow against a formidable foe and a new nemesis – impossibly evil, lead by deranged convictions and a skewed sense of patriotism – his methodology for extrapolating information will wrench even the hardest gut. This is perhaps the most defined and menacing bad guy of all the Scarecrow and Jack West books to date.
In crafting a montage of mayhem courtesy of a secluded island (Dragon Island) populated by blood thirsty heathens Reilly embodies all that is suspense and genre-centric thriller. That being said, one of the more interesting plot threads surrounds the horrific death of Gant in the previous book and Scarecrow’s struggle to overcome loss. Overall this is a well balanced chapter to the Scarecrow chronicles in which pervious characters return (Mother) and new ones emerge (via a French connection) from unlikely sources.
Riddled with twist and turns you’d be hard pressed to pick, and an array of weapons so vast, one suspects Reilly raided the draws of the pentagon, ‘Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves’ is completely unbelievable yet compelling and pumped full of action. Realists need avoid, this one is for the adrenaline junkies – 4 stars. ...more
'Behold The Child' embodies the small town police procedural feel of Victor Gischler's 'The Deputy' while tapping into the tormented world of some of 'Behold The Child' embodies the small town police procedural feel of Victor Gischler's 'The Deputy' while tapping into the tormented world of some of the finer horror writers to deliver a chilling and uncompromising novella of sacrifice, emotion, and dread. Sam Kenzie is an LAPD cowboy cop who shot a hostage while bringing down a prominent gang member with linkages to a satanic cult responsible for child abduction and all manner of heinous wrongful deeds. Having been forced to retire, he returns to his hometown to exorcise his demons and live the simple life. However, the ghosts of his past continue to haunt him and soon, Kenzie obsession with his former case is justified. 'Behold The Child' is loaded with iconic scenes and crucial moments which would be hard pressed to be replicated amongst other full length counter parts - the scene in the desert amongst a sand storm comes to mind. Perhaps one of the most explosive endings concluded with the finest last sentence to a story I've ever read. Vivid, atmospheric, suspenseful and horrific all at the same time. 'Behold The Child' is my first foray into the mind of Harry Shannon and I suspect not my last. 4 stars...more
Perennial thief, Parker, returns in a heist sure to scorn the faithful and faithless alike. ‘Comeback’ sees Parker target a Christian crusade making iPerennial thief, Parker, returns in a heist sure to scorn the faithful and faithless alike. ‘Comeback’ sees Parker target a Christian crusade making its way across America with a half a million dollar bounty ripe for the taking. The plan resembling little more than a covert smash and grab thanks to inside help looks set to go off without a hitch. That is, until the inside guy gets cold feet and spills the beans that he’s told his girlfriend of the scheme. Naturally the smooth terrain turns to a slippery slope involving double crosses, infighting, impersonations, and violence – a whole lot of violence. Stark and Elmore Leonard are in a class of their own in terms of character development and effortless dialogue with ‘Comeback’ being no exception. Parker is still the hardman we’ve come to love with a dash of dark humour, while other characters in Liss (accomplice), Calavecci (cop), Archibald (evangelist), Dwayne (head of Archibald’s security detail), and Tina (Archibald’s mistress) are well defined and a joy to read. ‘Comeback’ is loaded with twists, turns and complications as Parker sets his sights on the score and ultimate goal – to stay alive. Perhaps the best of the Parker novels I have the pleasure of reading, incredibly fast paced and well written – 5 stars. ...more
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