The mysterious disappearance of a president of an electronics company who is being blackmailed for having illicit affair with his secretary along withThe mysterious disappearance of a president of an electronics company who is being blackmailed for having illicit affair with his secretary along with household jewelry, pawned to payoff the blackmailer, lures Al Wheeler into the seductive embrace of a gold and white nymph; a bewitching beauty that should be grieving, not playing cupid.
THE HAMMER OF THOR is a change of pace pulp for the Carter Brown mystery series conjuring thoughts of Mickey Spillane mixed with the courtroom drama of a John Grisham thriller - this despite, the overtly sexual dialogue and all too willing female characters easily taken by Wheeler's tough-man persona and macho way.
I liked this installment in the Al Wheeler series, however, found the courtroom confrontations and trail proceedings drab. The whodunit nature of the book is its strength, so good in fact, that at times it was hard to distinguish Wheeler from Mike Hammer.
The synopsis on the back of the book is designed as a marketing tool to pull in readers of sleazy pulps (this second edition was published in 1967) and is in no way reflective of the book itself (though briefly towards the later stages). I didn't mind that in this instance as it allowed me to delve in without any preconceived notions as to what to expect.
THE HAMMER OF THOR is not the best Carter Brown I've read, but it's not the worst either.
An explosive and tragic opening which reads more like crime fiction than fact yet is very real sets the theme for this true account of life inside theAn explosive and tragic opening which reads more like crime fiction than fact yet is very real sets the theme for this true account of life inside the bloody underbelly of a criminal organisation.
As is evident by the opening line, this book is the bloody truth of biker gangs:
"Jamie Flanz was scared, but he didn't stop scraping his broom back and forth across the blood-stained barn floor."
Author Alex Cain worked as an undercover operative who managed to infiltrate the Bandidos motorcycle club in North America. His intimate knowledge of the biker life is splashed across the pages of the book in honest and brutally clear quality.
Using sources, public access material and accounts from various court proceedings, Cain is able to craft a scarily insightful look into the murder and mayhem that takes place within the inner sanctum of criminal bikie gangs.
Using a fiction writers adept skills to polish these horrendous facts makes for enjoyable if not cringe inducing reading. The topical nature if this book wont suit all readers but is nonetheless hard to put down.
What starts with a mass murder ends in similar fashion - linked to the Canadian massacre of the Toronto Bandidos chapter, making for a continuous thread of related stories throughout the book. This was a clever way of formatting the fact into an easily readable book akin to crime fiction.
Koo Davis is a comedian past his prime. Having lived a lavish life performing across the country and providing light relief to the American army durinKoo Davis is a comedian past his prime. Having lived a lavish life performing across the country and providing light relief to the American army during wartime, he now finds himself in the hands of a band of criminals who are using him as a pawn to free ten imprisoned activists.
Set in 1977, THE COMEDY IS FINISHED is a period piece that is very much a product of its time. The political landscape is at the forefront, and socialist viewpoints and present day issues are littered throughout the narrative to provide a true sense of time and place. Given Westlake wrote the book in the 1970's, you'd expect it to contain much of what was prevalent during that time in American history - and it does.
The plot revolves around the kidnapping of Koo and the FBI's intervention in trying to get him back in one piece without having to free the prisoners or cater to the kidnappers other demands too willingly.
The writing focuses on all key parties; Koo, his history and current predicament, the law enforcement agencies, and the kidnappers themselves. This allows for the reader to develop a well rounded appreciation of the situation and what the outcome means to the characters. My only gripe is that I wanted Liz, the naked and crazy torturer to play a bigger part. Westlake wrote a real winner in her and I feel she was somewhat underdeveloped - it's a minor gripe that doesn't impact the story.
THE COMEDY IS FINISHED is also not without a twist or two which leads to nice little revelations that provide further context to the story. Readers of Richard Stark's Parker series will see some common elements in the writing; namely the ability to craft a group of characters and make them all have a purpose in the book.
Overall, THE COMEDY IS FINISHED is one of the more enjoyable Westalke books published by Hardcase Crime. I highly recommend it.
After finishing Don Winslow's SATORI, the authorized prequel to SHIBUMI, I was excited to delve into the murky waters of the most skilled assassin in After finishing Don Winslow's SATORI, the authorized prequel to SHIBUMI, I was excited to delve into the murky waters of the most skilled assassin in the world Nicholai Hel. Despite my initial enthusiasm, it's been 3.5 years since I read SATORI; perhaps this is a contributing factor for me not enjoying SHIBUMI as much as I thought I would.
The pacing of SHIBUMI really hampered the reading experience. Whilst I like well fleshed out characters, author Trevanian went to the extreme in crafting a deep back-story for Nicholai Hel plagued by over descriptive narrative and character interactions that did little to progress the story or develop Hel into the assassin (retired) he is in the present day setting (I should say that many were relevant).
As far as the story itself goes, the present day spy verses spy theme was a clever mix of humor and action. Trevanian writes an interesting plot that pits the inept against the professional. As for Hel himself, he can do no wrong; an expert killer, bilingual, has a proximity sense, and can ruin any female for subsequent suitors with his expertise in the art of lovemaking - its a delicious pulp mash-up that combines all the elements of the action hero in one - and it works.
After finishing SHIBUMI I was left both satisfied (as the story itself is quite enjoyable) and dissatisfied (too many deviations from the plot) which makes this a slightly above average read for me.
MICRO is a super smart, super entertaining book that showcases the authors breadth of knowledge and knack for solid story telling in the fields of sciMICRO is a super smart, super entertaining book that showcases the authors breadth of knowledge and knack for solid story telling in the fields of science and fiction respectively.
Nano technology is put to the extreme in MICRO as a billion dollar company looking to profit off war makes weapons that are undetectable and equally as difficult to stop. The use of miniature robotics combined with the distinctly pulp sci-fi theme of shrinking people and equipment makes for limitless storytelling easily adaptable across genres.
In this instance MICRO adopts a blend of action and horror as the reader follows a band of college students through the micro world (a small section of controlled forest) where they face dangers not commonly seen by the normal sized human.
The authors went to great lengths to make MICRO a multifaceted story about character, plot, and the infusion of genres to formulate a well balanced and entertaining piece of fiction that could, on the surface level, turn to reality one day... (though I hope not!).
The second Joe Ledger book continues the frenetic pacing of its predecessor in PATIENT ZERO thrusting Ledger into the strange world of militarized sciThe second Joe Ledger book continues the frenetic pacing of its predecessor in PATIENT ZERO thrusting Ledger into the strange world of militarized science at the hands of madmen. His task, along with Echo Team and a raft of ancillary support units is to stop an extension level event targeting population groups across the world. An idea founded on the back of World War II gains momentum when a scientific breakthrough is reached and a death sentence for millions made possible via hidden gene specific disease in water bottles.
As if that wasn't a story in it's own right, author Jonathan Maberry ups the ante by introducing the 'dragon factory' - a place where monsters and human/animal hybrids are born. Even more menacing, its founders and owners are a son and daughter team whose father happens to be the man behind the threat to wipe out population groups across the world.
Then there's the super soldiers - a genetic blend of prime evil strength and dog-like obedience guarding the respective facilities.
Throughout THE DRAGON FACTORY Ledger and co face adversity after adversity in a fast paced thriller that also combines sci-fi and horror elements. The action is plentiful, however, this isn't all about fist fights and brutality - Ledger grows as a character as we glimpse into his relationship with Grace and the world outside the violence Maberry has created for him.
While part of a larger series THE DRAGON FACTORY does read well as a standalone within the broader series. It's a self contained story, that, while providing a satisfying ending sets up the next installment perfectly.
Adopting a short story approach to the early chapters to detail the robot uprising, ROBOPOCALYPSE hooked me in from the get-go. The short, sharp burstAdopting a short story approach to the early chapters to detail the robot uprising, ROBOPOCALYPSE hooked me in from the get-go. The short, sharp bursts of pulse pounding action and steady characterisation of the key players established the scene for what was to be a unique look at a war many feared would come - and come it does.
Set in the near future (the exact year isn't specified), robot intelligence has managed to surpass its makers. No longer confined to code and control, these self thinking, self aware machines carve out a path of destruction across the globe. However, humans are resilient and soon small bands of fighters gather to ward off the impending extension of humankind, fighting fire with fire, or as the case may be robots with robots.
I really liked the way the narrative flowed and was kept fresh by the differing perspective and manner by which humanities fight back was told. My only complaint was certain aspects to the war were glossed over but it's only minor in what was otherwise a very enjoyable read.
Since finishing ROBOPOCALYPSE I've learnt there are more books set in this setting. The good thing is this book reads very well as a standalone and doesn't require the reader to source further installments, however I'll be sure to check them out.
THE LONELIEST is a-grade horror encapsulating all the elements expected from the genre yet falls short by way of some amateurish-like writing (easy foTHE LONELIEST is a-grade horror encapsulating all the elements expected from the genre yet falls short by way of some amateurish-like writing (easy for someone who can't write a novel to say I know) in the early stages only for the writing to improve and the characters personalities to shine through, however, this being too late in the piece to redeem some questionable dialogue turn of phrase.
THE LONELIEST is a blend of Stephen King and Scott Nicholson, which, conceptually plays out perfectly - the writing style, particularly early on is what stops this book from progressing further from an average read.
The complexity inbuilt into the story is highly enjoyable and maintains a question mark over the central characters state of mind whilst inducing bone chilling moments of unadulterated horror which really could've taken this novel places.
Almost there - but it just missed the mark for me unfortunately. Equal parts praise and castigation.
Paul Little is an ex-con with a destructive personality. Looking for loopholes in life to dodge normalcy he reverts to a life on the mean PhiladelphiaPaul Little is an ex-con with a destructive personality. Looking for loopholes in life to dodge normalcy he reverts to a life on the mean Philadelphia streets, breaking off a relationship with his level-headed girlfriend, and as soon as his parole period ends, breaks off all ties to the straight and narrow. Why? Well, this really isn't explained apart from the broad sweeping 'call of the streets'.
This frustrated me. Paul didn't have a gang or criminal crew to return to. There was no loyalty to any criminal faction or particular affinity to underworld dealings (apart from a loose connection with a barbershop front) - so why did Paul revert to the dangerous and blood soaked life on the streets of Philadelphia? After reading THE SCIENCE OF PAUL, I still don't know the answer. That's not to say I didn't have a good time reading the book.
Paul post Tammy (the ex-girlfriend) makes for entertaining reading. He manages to get involved in a murder, acts as a stand-over man, and gets in deep trouble with the law. All those aspects were great. Plus, he's a character with a conscious - of sorts - remember, the criminal life crept back into his being so he was never going to be irredeemable, which suits me fine.
Author Aaron Philip Clark knows how to write. THE SCIENCE OF PAUL is downright brutal at times, balanced with a poetic narrative that screams noir. Yet, the major fault, in my opinion, is the rationale. I need to know why Paul sought out the life he did rather than settling for a generic catch phrase.
The SCIENCE OF PAUL is good but it could have been great.
There are two core plot threads to GUILT BY ASSOCIATION; the murder of DA Rachel Knight's colleague Jake - initially staged as a murder-suicide, and tThere are two core plot threads to GUILT BY ASSOCIATION; the murder of DA Rachel Knight's colleague Jake - initially staged as a murder-suicide, and the rape of a young woman who's doctor father has strong political ties. Jake was involved in the rape case which was reassigned to Knight following his death which links the two threads.
Whilst not being a bad book, I found GUILT BY ASSOCIATION to be an average read. I didn't connect with any of the characters and found the mundane day-to-day actives depicting Rachel getting dressed, eating lunch/dinner, and drinking at the hotel bar distracting and little more than filler content. The street slang dialogue was also a cause for annoyance with a 'BG' (baby gangster) heavily involved in proceedings. As for the crime aspect, the cases themselves resolved all too convenient with the ending feeling rushed despite some enjoyable passages. Not one I'd recommend but I can see how it would be appealing to more casual readers.
Verdict - there are better mainstream crime reads out there.
Sadistic killers, a misguided young man, and a whole lot of murder amount to an entertaining read from Joe R. Lansdale.
WALTZ OF SHADOWS should come wSadistic killers, a misguided young man, and a whole lot of murder amount to an entertaining read from Joe R. Lansdale.
WALTZ OF SHADOWS should come with a graphic content warning - the images this book conveys through explicit and clever writing are heinous to say the least; the book of the dead, those unfortunate characters who are immortalized in gruesome detail via Polaroid invoke the darkest aspect to the mad - and that's exactly what a couple of unassuming characters (as least one is unassuming at the beginning of the book) are: madmen with a murderous appetite.
After joining the Disaster Club, Billy, finds himself involved in humorous stunts that push the boundaries including fornicating in front of a group of people while tired to a train track, kidnapping, and general risky shenanigans. It's the kidnapping caper that unleashes the violence that turns Billy's world on its head. Gone are the laughs and dangerous stunts, replaced by cops and killers alike all looking to nab him.
As the novel progresses WALTZ OF SHADOWS changes direction rather than evolves. By that I mean the earlier aspects, compared to the later stages of the book have a rather separate focus; switching from Billy and the Disaster Club to his uncle and the tracking of a killer.
WALTZ OF SHADOWS is a pretty good read if your tastes lean toward the darker and more violent side of fiction.
DISINTEGRATION is a twisted thriller with a killer ending. It's a book built on pain and tragedy which morphs into murder.
Lust conquers loves as JacoDISINTEGRATION is a twisted thriller with a killer ending. It's a book built on pain and tragedy which morphs into murder.
Lust conquers loves as Jacob, a successful businessman and wife Renee gradually slip away from one another following the unfortunate deaths of their two children through separate horrific events. It's at this juncture in their relationship that Jacob's thoughts turn to a former flame - though the flame in question may not be as enamored in Jacob as he is in her. Enter the deranged twist that derails all preconceptions of the book.
Through a less than inspired act of introducing Joshua, Jacobs 'evil' twin, author Scott Nicholson, eventually turns DISINTEGRATION into a pretty decent read. One that I would've liked much more had there been a natural progression of storytelling to introduce this element. Renee's discovery of Joshua, the twin previously kept hidden from Renee by Jacob didn't feel right to me - perhaps I missed something. Either way, it took a while for me to get over it and enjoy the spate of event proceeding his arrival. However, once established, Nicholson does a great job at making this character memorable.
DISINTEGRATION is a book worth checking out, I found the beginning good, middle a little average, and ending great.
A thrilling whodunit mystery that pulls no punches in the creepy department. With shades of THE TREATMENT by Mo Hayder in that the antagonist lives inA thrilling whodunit mystery that pulls no punches in the creepy department. With shades of THE TREATMENT by Mo Hayder in that the antagonist lives in the attic while staking his victim, THE CREEPER adds another layer to the already uncomfortable hunter/prey theme present throughout the book.
THE CREEPER is at times a formulaic police procedural that's punctured with clever twists and turns that heighten the suspense. The lead detective has some baggage which readers will struggle to appreciate if they haven't read the first book in the series (which I haven't) so some of that was lost on me but is by no means distracting to the core plot.
THE CREEPER is a real page turner that fans of mystery, thriller, and crime fiction will enjoy
PRIEST follows on from the shocking events at the end of THE DRAMATIST and is every bit as good as it predecessor. The only gripe I have, is Bruen tenPRIEST follows on from the shocking events at the end of THE DRAMATIST and is every bit as good as it predecessor. The only gripe I have, is Bruen tends to lean towards the formulaic, albeit, a formula he devised himself with THE PRIEST mirroring THE DRAMATIST in many ways; the cases are in the peripheral and there is a death that once again threatens to turn the reformed Jack Taylor into the drug addled drunk he once was.
Without spoiling the story, lets say Jack Taylor is back to his…err, best while at the same time being a little different and more well rounded.
PRIEST is littered with easter eggs for Bruen fans including references to THE KILLING OF THE TINKERS and provides further insight into some of the more memorable characters Bruen has created throughout the series. Reading PRIEST you get a real sense that this is but one piece of the larger Jack Taylor story.
I'm enjoying my reread of this series with each book being equal to or better than the first read.
Very few writers can change the course of a book in a single line and that's exactly what author Ken Bruen has done in the fourth installment in the JVery few writers can change the course of a book in a single line and that's exactly what author Ken Bruen has done in the fourth installment in the Jack Taylor series, THE DRAMATIST.
As my reread of this excellent quasi private investigator series continued, I was most looking forward to revisiting this book in particular, having faint memories of Jacks cases but being able to recall in vivid detail that moment where Jack once again spirals into a pit of despair.
Early in the piece I was wondering if the PI work would heat up a little; that didn't eventuate, but then again Jack's sometime day job has generally been on the peripheral, THE DRAMATIST moreso than others as it's Jacks pain and poisoned promise of normalcy that drives the plot.
While THE DRAMATIST is a must read book, I do prefer the earlier Jack Taylor reads.That said, THE DRAMATIST is a significant story line in this great series.
The third book in the March Private Eye series, sees the ex-cop take on a case close to home. His brother, David, is being harassed by a women with whThe third book in the March Private Eye series, sees the ex-cop take on a case close to home. His brother, David, is being harassed by a women with whom he met online and had a number of casual sexual encounters with – this unbeknownst to his wife. March is tasked with identifying the women’s true identify in order to put an end to the harassment before David’s cheating ways are exposed.
RED CAT reads very well as a standalone, I’m not familiar with the previous two books and found that I really didn't need to be. The plot is a little cat and mouse before murder muddles the water which in turn shines a light on David turning him from victim to suspect.
I thought RED CAT was a very clever read that encompassed all the hallmarks of a traditional private eye novel.
The only thing holding me back from giving this book 5 stars is the ending - while providing closure it did come from left field. ...more
COLD CALLER is one of those books that gets better the more times I read it.
The dialogue is crisp, clever, and portrays the mindset of lead character COLD CALLER is one of those books that gets better the more times I read it.
The dialogue is crisp, clever, and portrays the mindset of lead character Bill in perfect clarity. From his deluded thoughts of justice to his misguided sense of right and wrong, author Jason Starr manages to make Bill's rationale honest whilst being equally murderous.
As far as white collar noir goes, COLD CALLER is right up there. The plot is bullet riddled with acts of easy violence that almost feel natural as Bill climbs over bodies and up the corporate ladder. The evolution of a telemarketer to serial killer is executed with a coldly calculated sharpness few authors could muster.
COLD CALLER is a great book and tailor made for readers who crave good dialogue and clever plotting. I'll definitely be reading it again at some stage down the track.
THE LAST QUARRY sees series protagonist Quarry take on one last assignment, one that he falls into by way of professional curiosity. Having spotted a THE LAST QUARRY sees series protagonist Quarry take on one last assignment, one that he falls into by way of professional curiosity. Having spotted a rival mob guy at a store, Quarry follows him back to his place of residence only to discover a damsel in distress - a kidnapped young woman, naked and tied-up to prevent her escape.
After taking care of the mob guys, and having returned the young woman to her wealthy father, Quarry is asked to take on one last assignment.
Quarry's latest target is a curvy and unassuming librarian. The reason for the murder contract isn't made clear early but delivers a delicious twist in the later stages of the novel.
Not one to shy away from the opposite sex, Quarry, during a routine follow op blows his cover by coming to the aid of his target when her abusive boyfriend makes a very public scene at a local watering hole. It's at this point the novel takes a turn and evolves into a more complex crime novel with motives and mystery at the forefront.
THE LAST QUARRY packs a hell of a punch, more impressive given the small page count. I love books that are fast paced, full of character and are concise; THE LAST QUARRY delivers on all fronts.
Reluctantly involved in a murder mystery, the perennial drunk PI Matt Cordell finds himself front and center of a traditional dime-store pulp. With daReluctantly involved in a murder mystery, the perennial drunk PI Matt Cordell finds himself front and center of a traditional dime-store pulp. With dames throwing themselves at him and cops throwing fists, Cordell catches nothing but trouble in this fast paced case.
Ed McBain builds a lot of back story into Cordell's failed relationship, run in with the law to provide context to his present day predicament all the while keeping the focus of the novel clearly on the whodunit theme and the quest to clear his friend's name.
There's a lot of back and forth switching between suspects until the twist reveals all providing a satisfying ending that makes this pulp ode surprisingly deep.
This is the third time I've read THE GUARDS and it just keeps getting better.
Jack Taylor, dishonorably discharged from the guards after having physicThis is the third time I've read THE GUARDS and it just keeps getting better.
Jack Taylor, dishonorably discharged from the guards after having physically assaulted a member of high standing succumbs further to the allure of the drink; that bottomless pit of clouded reality seen through shot and pint glasses alike.
It's this downfall that leads to his new profession, albeit and informal one - that of a private detective. His office; the pub. His clientele; the downright desperate. Enter Ann, an attractive woman who is wanting justice for her deceased 16yr old daughter - a suspected suicide which turns out to be anything but once Jack does a little digging. The patterns emerge, the guilty are judged, and Jack has blood on his hands.
There is something about the Jack Taylor series that keeps me coming back for more. Jack, a tainted soul with good intentions (when it suits) is an addictive character - both literally and fictionally. His constant ability to made bad from good makes for an enthralling read. You know he's going to fall off the wagon - the only question is, how hard? Plenty hard.
THE GUARDS could easily be a one-and-done read but I'm pleased Ken Bruen continued Taylor's slow self inflicted demise over many volumes. Next up in my Jack Taylor series re-read THE KILLING OF THE TINKERS.
Loading...
