Calvin G. Redbone lives in a trailer park, works a steady job, and has a small group of friends. He's also got a baseball bat - which happens to be thCalvin G. Redbone lives in a trailer park, works a steady job, and has a small group of friends. He's also got a baseball bat - which happens to be the tool of choice for Redbone's one way ticket to self destruction.
When his closest friend Mister is found dead in his trailer. Redbone can't accept the cause as suicide; Mister had to have been forced to eat his gun and Redbone is determined to prove the police wrong.
Enter Mister's estranged son looking to cash in on Mister's death, an out-of-town real estate developer with plans to build a mall on land Mister may or may not have owned (there is some debate about this), and Redbone's own boss who has ties to the out-of-town developer. Forming a connection of coincidences, Redbone sniffs a conspiracy and sets out to cause casualties.
The linear plot follows the main character in Redbone with little deviation from his grief stricken madness. He losses everything, interacts with some peripheral characters and causes mayhem. I kept waiting for a killing spree or some twisted turn that would compliment Redbone's state of mind, however the additional content, despite being teased (the land ownership and Redbone's boss's gambling problems to name a few) didn't come to fruition. Which isn't to say I didn't enjoy the book, I did, I just think it would've benefited from having more depth to compliment the plot.
"The sky has grown dark by the time he dumps me inside the trunk of the sedan. A rough interior lining scrapes against the exposed skin of my shoulder"The sky has grown dark by the time he dumps me inside the trunk of the sedan. A rough interior lining scrapes against the exposed skin of my shoulders and arms, leaving bloodless scratches crisscrossing a yellowing bruise."
BURN CARDS deals the reader an irresistible hand, introducing pain and punishment without cause; curiosity from the cruel to pull the reader straight into a flush of flesh encrusted with blood, battered and bruised; noir with naught for reason.
I love books that draw me from the get go and that's exactly what BURN CARDS did.
Readers familiar with Christa Faust's MONEY SHOT (Hardcase Crime, Angel Dare #1) will immediately drawn comparisons yet BURN CARDS quickly treads down a vastly different path. Author Christopher Irvin (FEDERALS) has written a character driven, emotionally rich noir novella that packs a lot of heart and ache into a small page count (my print copy clocked in at 124pgs).
The thing that resonates long after reading is the overwhelming sense of hopelessness compounded by the elusiveness of that 'happy-ever-after' ending. Mirna enters the scene as a victim as leaves as one.
My only gripe relates to the characters; there is little movement in terms of emotional growth which is difficult to achieve in a novella, perhaps if BURN CARDS was written as a full length, Mirna would've come to life in a more three dimensional way.
That said, I enjoyed BURN CARDS. It's a fast paced read that will appeal to readers of noir and those who like darker crime fiction.
WATCHED is a gripping and insightful read into the little known world of cyber bullying and the severe extremes it can push individuals of any age to.WATCHED is a gripping and insightful read into the little known world of cyber bullying and the severe extremes it can push individuals of any age to. In this instance, the focus group is teenagers, specifically those who are either filmed or photographed undertaking a private innocence misinterpreted as sleaze by the trolls on the internet and those unfortunate souls led down the destructive path of abuse for profit.
Author CJ Lyons doesn't write with a focus on the moral compass which she could have easily done, rather letting the characters tell their story while embedding an underlying message of awareness of the unknown. The world isn't a safe place and computers, laptops, mobile phones etc put the young (and not so young) at risk of cyber smart predators 24/7.
I learnt a lot from reading WATCHED, both from a shock horror tech awareness (smart phone cameras being controlled remotely by people miles away for one) and from a humanist perspective. Little do adults know of the teenage world. It's an ever changing landscape that has evolved into a very dangerous place. For the protagonists of WATCHED, they embrace this danger to bring down a predator, taking a stand to save themselves and others at risk from the 'King's' cyber spell.
This has got to be one of the most readable books I've read this year. The pages didn't seem to turn quick enough; time ceased to exist, I was utterly consumed by the world as depicted in WATCHED. A true rarity that really is a 'must-read'.
William Giraldi easily holds place alongside great authors such as Daniel Woodrell, Megan Abbott and James Ellroy in terms of being able to recreate tWilliam Giraldi easily holds place alongside great authors such as Daniel Woodrell, Megan Abbott and James Ellroy in terms of being able to recreate the dark nature of man and convey it with compelling conviction. Through a blanket of fine white snow, this cold heared yet warm blooded rural-like noir breathes life into the deathly disassociated community of Keelut.
The closed cabin compound is breached by an academic in search of answers; Core, riddled by internal torment, having lost a child to wolves is called upon by Medora, a local women with a husband at war, to find the body of her son, another presumed victim of the wolves - those eager hunters in ever need of a full belly.
There is a real sense of remoteness in HOLD THE DARK that envelopes the reader in its atmosphere. The cold, dark woods that surround the isolated community and the distinct 'us against them' mentality of the Keelut residents is as scary as it is sacred. Not even murder among their own is pursued by the out of town police with any passion by those directly affected.
On the surface, HOLD THE DARK looks relatively straight forward. However, this is far more than a search for remains or a bloody quest for retribution against one of the animal kingdom's most deadly and skilled pack hunters. HOLD THE DARK is a violent and visually stunning story of misdirection and misguided meaning set in a place where curses are real and nightmares invade reality.
HOLD THE DARK is an exceptional read and will certainly feature as one of my top reads of the year.
I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer volume of sword and sorcery action thrust upon the readers face from word go. Authors David Smith and Richard I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer volume of sword and sorcery action thrust upon the readers face from word go. Authors David Smith and Richard Tierney didn't waste time in getting this story off to a fast start. More importantly they maintained the momentum throughout the entire book.
The plot itself is fantasy formulaic as you'd expect, following a linear path from Red Sonja's appearance at a drinking hole through to her eventual journey to face off against an resurrected sorcerer determined to claim the mysterious ring of Ikribu for his sinister means.
There are loads of great moments filled with character development and bloody fantastical battles which are just fun to read. While THE RING OF IKRIBU is first and foremost a book of Red Sonja, I found her not to be the constant center of attention with many characters given time to shine through on the page. This approach added depth and context to the quest.
I can't compliment THE RING OF IKRIBU enough, I simply loved everything about this book and will track down the remaining books in the series as fast as I can.
RUTHLESS is a classic wrong-man tale oozing noir and dripping in conspiracy and sinister motives - all of which become more paramount as the plot unfoRUTHLESS is a classic wrong-man tale oozing noir and dripping in conspiracy and sinister motives - all of which become more paramount as the plot unfolds. There is a real sense of mystery with the truth hidden in a dense brume that envelopes the quarry, Abigail - a young women marked for death, and Nick, the right man in the wrong place.
From a drunken case of mistaken identity, Nick is given 20k and a photo with a simple message - to murder Abigail. The contract initiated over a drunken encounter at a bar Nick frequents. Problem is, Nick, isn't a hitman, and the employer, a shady blonde with a thirst for a drop of the hard stuff doesn't give him time to right her wrong.
The plot takes a turn for the familiar from here on in with Nick tracking down Abigail and slowly piecing together who his 'employer' is and why a contract has been put out on this young woman's head. As, author John Rector teases the reader with reason, you do get a sense that there is something Abigail isn't telling her surprise white knight.
RUTHLESS is a great fast paced read that really hits the right cords for the sort of fiction I consume. There is a moment where the script is turned on its head that is simply good writing. What stops RUTHLESS from being on of my top reads is the ending - it felt as thought the story stopped short and then turned another direction without really enhancing what was a highly enjoyable read.
A horror hiding in the deathly dark and deeply disturbing undercurrents of the sea surfaces to torment the father of a missing boy. Whispering sweet nA horror hiding in the deathly dark and deeply disturbing undercurrents of the sea surfaces to torment the father of a missing boy. Whispering sweet nothings honey dripped in hope to mask a deception that is a prolonged form of both cruel and unusual punishment.
Ed Angelus is a fifty-year-old captain employed by the Wildwater Maritime. He's also father to a missing boy. One who calls to him from deep under water.
As part of a broader picture, DREAMING DEEP is a great vehicle to launch an episodic series format not dissimilar to THE DEAD MAN. Comprising a mix of horror and subtle haunting, author Anonymous-9 borrows from Lovecraft while crafting her own style of ghostly goodness. It's this aspect I found most enjoyable; the disembodied voice from the sea calling to a wounded father, luring him into a world more complex and confusing than he currently lives.
STAR WARS AFTERMATH captures that classic Star Wars feel by blending elements from Rebels, the original trilogy, as well as instilling a new trilogy fSTAR WARS AFTERMATH captures that classic Star Wars feel by blending elements from Rebels, the original trilogy, as well as instilling a new trilogy feel to it - quite a feat to incorporate the full breadth of Star Wars into a single novel.
The end result? A mix mash of fan favorite feel that readies the reader for the journey to The Force Awakens.
AFTERMATH centers around a rag tag group characters new to the extended universe cannon. On first read this didn't work for me; I wanted a Stars Wars book that showed me what Luke, Han etc had been up to since Episode VI. However, once I got to know these characters I really started to enjoy the book, more-so with a second read.
The new characters in Rebel pilot Norra Wexley, reconditioned battle droid Mister Bones (a personal favorite), Norra's son and all-round tinkerer Temmin (there is def a resemblance to a young Anakin here and his droid building) , ex-Imperial Loyalty Officer Sinjir , and assassin for hire Jas (another standout character in my opinion) all get sufficient page time to portray a background and develop their respective stories. On the second read of the book, each felt more real and belonging to the Star Wars universe.
The plot, despite the many and varied elements, is essentially about the Empire's struggle to regain a shade of its former glory in the confusion and disassociation of ranks following the loss of Vader, the Death Star and a number of high ranking officials. Enter Rae Sloane, Admiral in the Empire and chief antagonist who has a special something about her. She's brought together the last few serious contenders to the Empire's throne to form a united front in the battle to reclaim the Empire's stranglehold on the universe. On a little known plant this gathering should go un-noticed - yet it's not. Sloane first appears A NEW DAWN, I suggest readers check out that book first to gain an appreciation of the character.
Author Chuck Wendig showcases political, military, and social elements to the aftermath using interludes which also tease with cameo appearance of fan favorites such as bounty hunter Degar and well known characters like Han Solo and Chewie. I enjoyed these snippets for the most part but felt the continued and more frequent interruptions in the later stages of the book were a cause for destruction to the main story.
Some well known ancillary characters from the movies have prominent roles in AFTERMATH, notability Wedge Antillies - the rebel pilot on a solo mission who stumbles across a secret meeting of Empire elites (or what constitutes 'elites' in the wake of the Death Star's destruction) on outer rim planet Akiva. And Admiral Ackbar who is head of military operations for the Rebel Alliance.
AFTERMATH is a solid entry into the new Star Wars cannon and one worthy of a re-read. I found myself enjoying the book far more on the second go-round. ...more
The third book in the 'troubles' series, once again brilliantly narrated by Gerald Doyle takes Sean Duffy, newly assigned to Special Branch back to hiThe third book in the 'troubles' series, once again brilliantly narrated by Gerald Doyle takes Sean Duffy, newly assigned to Special Branch back to his youth in search of an IRA man with whom he once shared a passing acquaintance. On the surface, this prison escapee manhunt seems like a criminal game of cat and mouse. Scratch that brittle and blood encrusted surface a little and the story bleeds over that preconception, evolving into a dangerous tale of terror complimented by a secondary plot of the good old fashioned whodunit variety.
As far as the Sean Duffy books go, IN THE MORNING I'LL BE GONE isn't as strong as the other two (THE COLD, COLD GROUND is my personal favorite) which isn't to say it's not a good book - rather the earlier books set the bar very high.
As usual the characters drive the story with Duffy, his handlers, and to an extent Dermot himself dictating the course of events and pushing/pulling the reader in different directions. This book, did have more of a lone-wolf vibe to it replacing the police procedural theme of the previous installments which worked well with the MI5 angle to maintain a semi shroud of secrecy in the line of counter terrorism.
Could the UNF have a legitimate need for an army of jumbo soldiers? If so, something big must be on the horizon, something that is sure to change the Could the UNF have a legitimate need for an army of jumbo soldiers? If so, something big must be on the horizon, something that is sure to change the landscape of the Aurora series...
The fourth installment in the Aurora series provides glimpses into the far reaching plots that expand and threaten this unique universe that author Amanda Bridgeman has so deftly crafted over four books. Yet, despite these tantalizing teases, it's the heartache and uncertainty surrounding the Aurora's members that is this books driving force.
Corporal Welles is carrying Jumbo twins. A pregnancy that has far reaching implications for the crew of the Aurora and the broader UNF. Impregnated by the brilliantly corrupted scientist Sharley whilst unconscious, this experiment in growing jumbos from the womb could lead to the creation of a generation of super soldiers.
Now safe and under NOK 4 level security Welles and her immediate family may not be easily accessible to Sharley and his crew of jumbos but she and those she cares for the most can never truly be safe - until Sharley is out of the picture, permanently.
As I've touched upon in my previous reviews of the first three books in the Aurora series, these books are character centric science fiction focusing on the human aspect of space travel and how those not so clear but ever present dangers affect them, and CENTRALIS is no different. This time round the character dynamic is heightened by the impending arrival of Welles' twins - of which there are two fathers, thanks to Sharley's mad methods, both close allies and friends of Welles.
While CENTRALIS isn't all about action and theatrics with much of the content coming in the crews 'downtime' or what passes for downtime in the UNF, the action is brutally efficient when it hits, and oh does it.
Fans of the Aurora series will no doubt enjoy CENTRALIS - form me, it was the glimpse into the future which provided a real highlight and sense of purpose to the jumbo experiment.
DARK WATER is a novella that will appeal to those readers who like their crime fiction smothered in darkness and submerged in the deep blackness of thDARK WATER is a novella that will appeal to those readers who like their crime fiction smothered in darkness and submerged in the deep blackness of the human maddened mind. The plot comprises murder, lust, suicidal thoughts, and a killer spirit that can't be tamed - if anything it consumes the characters in their entirety, making for one constant act of unbridled violence.
Henry is a killer, one who's lust for macabre art leads him down a path of ultimate destruction that eventually costs him his life. Murders aside, there isn't a lot more to DARK WATER's central character, this despite being a person of interest in his wife's murder.
The style of DARK WATER can be confusing while at the same time artistic. I battled a constant love/hate relationship with this book; had there been a clear path to articulating the violence in a manner that didn't leave the outcome too ambiguous then DARK WATER would've been just that much better. As it was I struggled to form an understanding as to what happened after reading a confrontation that left someone presumably dead only for them to appear later in the book.
I did enjoy the twisted love triangle which is tailored made for noir enthusiasts - this is an element that could have been fleshed out more to provide added depth to the characters and plot.
Overall, DARK WATER is a pretty decent book and one that I think will get better with subsequent reads. I'll def be going back for a re-read.
CANARY is one of those books I struggled to put down. The characters are engaging, the narrative is fresh, and the plot is fast paced. Using multiple CANARY is one of those books I struggled to put down. The characters are engaging, the narrative is fresh, and the plot is fast paced. Using multiple points of view makes Sarie's soiree into the drug underworld that much more entertaining. Not only does author Duane Swierczynski provide a mechanism for Sarie's own thoughts as she confronts her unfortunate situation head-on via a journal-like blow by blow confession of sorts, but we get an insight into a broken yet glued together family dynamic outside the criminal plot threads thanks to Sarie's father and younger brother (who happens to be gadget bug bidden and highly inquisitive). Then there's the cop and criminal underworld equation that heats up the plot to boiling point.
CANARY feels like a slight departure from the recent spate of books by Duane Swierczynski by way of incorporating more a mainstream crime feel as apposed to the clever grit of the Charlie Hardie Trilogy - and that's not a bad thing - I always look for diversity in reading and Swierczynki gives us that here.
As a reader of Swierczynki's BLACK HOOD Phili noir comic (issue #1 published this month by Dark Circle Comics) I found the place setting of CANARY all the more visual and dark. The streets menacing, the cops tainted, the criminals an omnipresent threat. I thought having the visual comparison in this other form fiction, it added another level of enjoyment to the book, though it's certainly not a prerequisite for reading CANARY.
CANARY is a wonderful read. The characters take a life of their own from the first page they appear and are led down a rabbit hole into the dangerous world of drugs in an all too easy fashion. This is a piece of fiction that reads real. Highly recommended.
A collection such as this which doesn't have a singular narrative voice by virtue of the condensed story arc's and 'one-and-done' individual issue reaA collection such as this which doesn't have a singular narrative voice by virtue of the condensed story arc's and 'one-and-done' individual issue reads makes it difficult to review in the traditional form as I would a graphic novel or single story arc - so I'm changing things up with this one, referring to keynotes rather than a holistic review (which I don't think would do the collection justice).
The character has a personal life, whilst the darkness is always lurking beneath, Jack Boniface, Jazz musician and single guy in New Oreleans has romantic encounters and also has to explain his bumps and bruises to his friends and acquaintances. This is a vigilante series that goes beyond the superhero facade.
The pre UNITY SAGA issues (#1-3) read well as standalone's and were atmospheric.
The UNITY SAGA tie-in issues (#4-5) were seamlessly integrated into the overarching narrative.
Favorite moment - when Jack appears from beneath the swamp water in #6, the first post UNITY SAGA issue, seemingly only moments before diving beneath the surface in #3 - a great way to maintain continuity.
I would've liked this volume to have included SHADOWMAN #8 as the conclusion of #7 felt like it needed another issue to finish the plot at a logical point. That aside, this was a great collection.
Maxim St James, the Shadowman of SHADOWMAN #0 is great - from the origin, design and temperament - I'll def be tracking down back issues from the 1990's to see if he appears more.
I loved the characters listed in DARQUE PASSAGES #1 such as Darque's minions, Mademoiselle Jannie Noir, Abdul, Jawib - these are character's I'd like to see revisited by Valiant at some stage.
In summary - I was very pleased with this collection and will need to look at some of the other Valiant Masters material.
DARK WATERS is a brief yet bloody glimpse at life inside the criminal element of the fictitious and notorious Melbourne biker gang - the Overlords. AuDARK WATERS is a brief yet bloody glimpse at life inside the criminal element of the fictitious and notorious Melbourne biker gang - the Overlords. Author Deborah Sheldon tells this tale of violence, redemption, love, and death while looking over the shoulder of veteran biker Danny Boy - a longtime member of the Overlords who suffered a near death experience which ultimately made him want to start a new chapter of his life - one that takes him far away form his brothers on bikes.
Much like RONNIE AND RITA, Deborah Sheldon's Aussie noir novella, DARK WATERS packs a punch in a short space of time, thrusting the reader head first into the underbelly of crime while also establishing Danny Boy as a likable character with loads of reason to redeem.
Throughout the course of the story Danny Boy rekindles his relationship with his ex-wife and is reunited with his young son. At the same time he's beating up rival biker gang members and collecting protection money from tattoo parlors. It's an interesting double life; one that comes to a head on collision by the books end.
DARK WATERS is a triumph through tragedy; a dark and uncompromising noir-like tale that is as much about the violence as it is about one man trying to escape it.
An entertaining police procedural that pits the protagonist, one who isn't an 'active policeman' rather a member of Internal Affairs against a killer An entertaining police procedural that pits the protagonist, one who isn't an 'active policeman' rather a member of Internal Affairs against a killer linked to his past. Leo Junker, suspended following the events of a previous case he was involved in is still reeling from the outcome and being treated as a rat among his fellow officers by virtue of his position in IA, is rudely woken by the sounds of sirens and the smell of death in his apartment complex. Upon discovering police officers in the stairwell and lower levels, he soon wrangles his way into the crime scene to find a young woman murdered and the ghosts of his past alive an wailing at him; the murdered woman, having on her person, a trinket Leo's youth from a lost lover.
There is a lot going on in this book; Leo's earlier case, his teenage past, and the present day murder in his apartment complex. Yet, the plot threads do converge and intertwine with one another as the story unfolds providing context to the present day narrative. Former friends during his adolescence form a large part of the story and push the criminal component to the side as Leo is reunited with his disturbing past.
I found THE INVISIBLE MAN FROM SALEM to be an above average read. One the relies heavily on the protagonist, Leo Junker, to connect with readers - as the story largely revolves around him. Luckily for me, this was the case. I enjoyed reading about his past, the case where he was 'thrown to the wolves', and how the present day murder investigation tied in with his teenage friends.
I highly recommend THE INVISIBLE MAN FROM SALEM for readers of crime fiction who are looking for character-centric read that still encompasses the core elements of the genre.
"There's nothing really safe in the world. Evil stops here and there for a while, but it's always on the move and able to come to you wherever you are"There's nothing really safe in the world. Evil stops here and there for a while, but it's always on the move and able to come to you wherever you are. It's when you stand still too long that you make the best target."
Trust is an abstract concept in crime, one that is paramount to proceedings in WHEN YOU RUN WITH WOLVES by Robert White.
A heist gone wrong and moment's clouded judgement leads to murder. For Jack Trichaud in possession of nearly a million dollars and having fallen for a seductively sinister femme fatale of sorts, Marija his life is one enveloped in a constant state of danger; raw bloody wounds that never have time to heal.
The allure of cash brings with it cruelty from those who want it, and pain to those who have it. Adding to the drama is a unique family element that ties Jack to the murderous group by virtue of his brothers' involvement in the heist and subsequent bloodletting that follows. Make no mistake, this is a violent read that fully warrants such brutality.
There is also a little hint of Richard Starks' Parker by way of Andrew Vachss that makes WHEN YOU RUN WITH WOLVES all that much more enjoyable to fans of those respective authors.
I loved everything about this book - the more I read the better it was.
PERMUTATION CITY is a complex and at times challenging read that is well worth persevering through.
First published in 1994, it reads as relevant todaPERMUTATION CITY is a complex and at times challenging read that is well worth persevering through.
First published in 1994, it reads as relevant today as any modern day tech-fi, if not perhaps more so, encompassing a deep cogitation of reality and it's endless boundaries elevated by technology and re-rationalizing what it means to simply 'be'. PERMUTATION CITY will make you think and read harder - and that's a good thing.
The story is multifaceted, taking the reader on a journey through the possibilities of alternate life, and exploring the inventive use of sophisticated technology, while also delving deep into the human psyche to question it's very existence in both biological and artificial terms.
Author Greg Egan, doesn't limit the novel's pretense to text-book design and pure futuristic academic study, there is a deeply rooted human element that binds these theories to match the complex topical nature of PERMUTATION CITY.
For readers wanting something more than a quick escape into a fictional landscape, PERMUTATION CITY is just the thing - it's a book that will resonate for a long time to come.
Plagued by a violent family history, country singer Susan Dark has lost her mother and grandmother to murder. Now she finds herself the third victim oPlagued by a violent family history, country singer Susan Dark has lost her mother and grandmother to murder. Now she finds herself the third victim of a generational murderer hell bent on repeating history. Trapped, confused, bloodied, and without hope, Susan's family ghosts haunt her, their sickly sweet whisper on the winds of the reaper omnipresent as each passing day in captivity drives another nail in her proverbial coffin.
FBI Agent Georgina O'Neil and private detective Leroy La Portiere are tasked with finding Susan before she descends to the grave joining her murdered family members.
The narrative embraces the dark nature of the plot with the characters themselves equally haunted by the threat of impending violence; a mood well captured both in the descriptive nature of the place-setting and the characters' dialogue:
"I am heading to a dark country and there are people who will dance on my grave when I am gone."
"Just before drifting off into unconsciousness the notion occurred to [her] that she might be dead, the corners of her mouth raised slightly, trying to form a smile."
While following the traditional path of the popular crime fiction formula, DARK COUNTRY does up the ante in terms of its evocative nature to shock and awe readers with scenes not for the feint of heart - making it appealing to readers of darker fiction and mainstream crime fiction alike.
DARK COUNTRY is the second book to feature FBI Agent Georgina O'Neil and is new-reader friendly, a key element I look for when jumping into series books post that first volume. There is enough back-story to gain an appreciation of what came before without it hindering or diverting attention away from the events of DARK COUNTRY.
I enjoyed DARK COUNTRY and will look to nab a copy of its predecessor TURTLE ISLAND.
I've got to admit, I was very underwhelmed by The Final Fear. The cover drew me in and provided the only real highlight - and yet that didn't even corI've got to admit, I was very underwhelmed by The Final Fear. The cover drew me in and provided the only real highlight - and yet that didn't even correlate to the characters (the main female character is a redhead, on the cover she has dark hair). Whilst this trait isn't all that uncommon in pulp fiction covers, it did irk me in this case, mainly as I was wanting some redeemable quality to the book given the pages within were so bad...
As far as the plot goes; it's a cat and mouse with a hint of madness thrown in with no character development whatsoever. Basically a man has an affair with a married women, husband is terminally ill and has six months to live - he's also impotent. Seeking intimacy she lures another man into her bed - and the firing line. Naturally the husband catches wind of the affair and seeks to kill guy (James Roe) before he succumbs to his illness.
This could have been a half decent read; there are a few solid ideas but they are halfhearted or abandoned altogether; the hint of a romance between the inspecting detective and cheating wife for instance.
My lasting impression isn't a good one; the story was bland, the characters paper-thin, the overarching narrative unbelievable (a detective, on a mere suggestion of impending violence happily outfits Roe in a cop uniform and transports him to a mental hospital to evade the cheated husband).
The good thing is it won't take long to read and does have a nice pulp cover. ...more
Every so often a novel comes along that completely knocks me on my a$$ - in a good way. Last year it was the rural noir A SWOLLEN RED SUN by Matthew MEvery so often a novel comes along that completely knocks me on my a$$ - in a good way. Last year it was the rural noir A SWOLLEN RED SUN by Matthew McBride. This years' early contender is the new oil slick noir WORM by Anthony Neil Smith, a rampant rural roughhouse tale of men who don't take a step back and who's knuckles bare the scars of their livelihood, for in the Bakken oil field any sign of weakness is a target for violence.
Seriously, Anthony Neil Smith's books should be a staple in any crime fiction aficionado's diet. Especially those who take their fiction black - or in this instance, black gold with a dash of claret. Like the Billy Lafitte books (the latest one being THE BADDEST ASS - an apt title if ever there was one) WORM embraces the violent nature of men in hash predicaments with little to nothing to stimulate them in their downtime. Two vastly different settings, yet the undercurrent of aggression remains omnipresent.
No one is good. Even Ferret who seems to be a nice guy, a family man, is bloodied and cold blooded by the novels' end while his boss Prancrazio is flat out crazy yet calculated. These characters and more (the Russels for instance) are exceptionally well written and loaded with pure bastardness (I made up that word but it fits).
Do yourself a favor fellow crime readers and pick this one up. If you like the darker shade of crime you'll get drunk off this.
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