It was always little things that unlocked the blackout doors. Details... the lipstick makes him remember a smile. The smile leads to a voice...then a It was always little things that unlocked the blackout doors. Details... the lipstick makes him remember a smile. The smile leads to a voice...then a face. And that's how Charlie realized whose house he'd woken up in...right before he found her lying dead on the living room floor.
Bars, blackouts, limelight and lowlifes. The Fade Out is A-grade noir set in the Hollywood's golden era of film, where stars shone their brightest and studio cover-ups were commonplace - it was a time where murder was more hindrance than heinous .
When screenwriter Charlie Parish stumbled upon starlet Valeria Sommers lifeless body less than twenty feet from where he was sleeping off 'the night before' in a bathtub, his first thought was to cover his tracks, his second thought, was the studio, the third - panic, for last night was drowned out in a watery wall of booze.
What follows is a murder mystery, a studio cover-up to make Sommers' untimely death a suicide, and the introduction of a bunch of seedy bit players all with something to gain by ignoring the murder.
The only thing holding The Fade Out (Act One) back is the incomplete ending. Rather than tying loose ends, the story progressively evolves as the fictitious Hollywood branches out into new character side stories - each interesting enough but given this arc ran for 4 issues, the core plot element is largely left unresolved.
A brief note on the art: Fantastic, moody, perfectly captures the essence of noir soaked Hollywood.
My rating: 4/5 stars. As mentioned early, The Fade Out (Act One) lacks a conclusion and fails to deliver a single cohesive and self contained story, rather, continuing to build an elaborate and intrinsically linked cast of characters with backstories as dark as the back-alleys they deal. I loved this story arc, but think it would've been better with an extra issue or two, conceptually - 5/5....more
The third book to feature Private Investigator Ben Gates is a fun pulp which puts the PI in a perilous predicament after being drugged on the job - thThe third book to feature Private Investigator Ben Gates is a fun pulp which puts the PI in a perilous predicament after being drugged on the job - thanks to drinking from a coffee pot containing more than just caffeine.
Hired to guard wedding presents for a wealthy couple, Gates wakes from his drug-induced slumber to find a couple of dead bodies and a cop pointing the finger firmly in Gates' direction as a key suspect. Additionally there's a large sum of cash missing; Gates knows he's got to work to a) clear his name, b) catch the killer(s), and c) find the missing bundle of cash.
Accessible to new readers, Kill Now, Pay Later has all the hallmarks of a 1960's era pulp; dangerous and devious dames, a web of suspects, and a protagonist who finds himself irresistible to members of the opposite sex.
The plot splinters off into many directions as the investigation lands Gates in hotter and hotter water but author Robert Terrall manages to keep all the threads tied together, wrapping up the mystery in a tight bundle at the end.
My rating: 4/5 stars. This was a re-read which still hit all the right notes the second time around....more
In 65 A.D, Antonius Axia, former legionnaire turned the worlds first Detective is tasked by Neo to travel to the barbaric frontier of Britannia to invIn 65 A.D, Antonius Axia, former legionnaire turned the worlds first Detective is tasked by Neo to travel to the barbaric frontier of Britannia to investigate strange happenings bordering on the occult. Once there he finds a deadly link to his past; a bloodletting reminiscent of an earlier escapade into the supernatural realm which led to the recovery of a kidnapped Vestal Virgin. What ensues is a delicious blend of fact, fiction and horror-like fantasy depicted through detailed art and well researched storytelling.
The first volume of Britannia is great; Juan Jose Ryp's art is fantastic and Peter Millian's writing is on-point. Whilst the characters are deep and well defined, the plot lacks a little depth, however this is overcome by the broader world building and set-up for future installments.
My rating: 4/5 stars. I really enjoyed the first volume of Britannia, and, despite having read through the story a couple of times now in single issue format, haven't tired of this place-setting and interesting characters....more
Donkey Punch is a vastly different read to the first Cal Innes book, Saturday’s Child. In Donkey Punch, Ex con, Innes finds himself in LA playing the Donkey Punch is a vastly different read to the first Cal Innes book, Saturday’s Child. In Donkey Punch, Ex con, Innes finds himself in LA playing the chaperone to an up and coming boxer, Liam, who is participating in an amateur boxing competition. The competition is meant to be the first step in a lengthy career for Liam, himself, a reformed adolescent criminal. However, trouble soon finds Innes and before long it’s Innes throwing the punches outside of the ring and not Liam within.
Boxing fans who enjoy crime fiction will get a kick out of Donkey Punch. There’s little in this book that resembles the private eye angle of Saturday’s Child, with Innes a glorified babysitter. That said, Innes is very much the hard-man of the preceding novel.
Two of the more prominent characters from the preceding novel Mo and Paulo return but play smaller parts. This book is all about boxing and keeping Liam in check – something Innes struggles to do (in favor of getting blind drunk and befriending strangers in bars).
Despite being the second Cal Innes book, Donkey Punch reads perfectly well as a standalone.
My rating: 3/5 stars, I think I would’ve rated this higher had I been a boxing fan. ...more
The War Monger arc sees Valiant’s super-team take on an immortal foe who has a long and violent history of facing off against earlier iterations of UnThe War Monger arc sees Valiant’s super-team take on an immortal foe who has a long and violent history of facing off against earlier iterations of Unity. While it was great to see the super team mythos expanded the overall feeling of the book was disappointing. War Monger is an interesting character but her dialogue left a lot to be desired; the abundance of profanity didn't jive with her battle hardened immortal characteristics. Additionally, going back for a reread, her character design bares a distinct likeness to the 4001 AD character War Mother – can’t help but wonder if War Monger was shelved in place of the newer character. The art depicting the earlier scenes was great but the present day art was just terrible and didn't jive with the tone of the book. On the plus side, War Monger is an arc that can be read as a standalone but is slightly improved by the reader being familiar with the earlier books in the series. My rating 2.5 stars....more
Standard Hollywood Depravity reads well as both a standalone and introduction to the last robot detective (or hired killer as is the case here) while Standard Hollywood Depravity reads well as both a standalone and introduction to the last robot detective (or hired killer as is the case here) while also linking in nicely with the other books. For readers familiar with Ray and Ada, there's a fair amount of repetition as author Adam Christopher fills in the blanks of Ray and Ada's back-story and some of the unique elements that make Ray the robot that he is - i.e. his limited memory, former occupation, and working arrangements with Ada (the supercomputer who assigns his cases).
The story is pretty straightforward, Ray is hired to take down Honey, a go-go dancer at a club full of mobsters. Why? He doesn't know, but that's nothing new for Ray. As the story unfolds Ray learns that there's more to this job than meets the eye and the simple hit on Honey is anything but. It's a nice side-bar to the series' full lengths and adds another notch to Ray's belt.
Ray is the last of his kind, having rolled off the production line before the robotic business went bust for good. Now he's a hitman moonlighting as aRay is the last of his kind, having rolled off the production line before the robotic business went bust for good. Now he's a hitman moonlighting as a private detective. Accompanied by his handler, Ada, a supercomputer, Ray earns a living taking the lives of others. Sounds cold and dark but Ray is anything but.
The follow-up to Made to Kill and the novella Standard Hollywood Depravity, provides a glimpse into the murder for hit hitman robot's past on the production line by virtue of a crafty and deliciously devious pulp infused plot.
Killing is my Business has an engaging story-line complimented by the fact that Ray has to download information every day given his memory stack fills each day and requires a reboot. Each day is a first for Ray - with just enough information to go on to get the job done. This a particularly important cog in the machine as it contributes heavily to some key plot elements, notably in the later stages of the book.
The thing I really like about Killing is my Business, is the way the author, Adam Christopher infuses doubt into the story. Doubt over the contract Ray's been hired, doubt over Ada's intentions, doubt over Ray himself; this is all mixed with a twisting plot that goes much deeper than a typical P.I book.
The sixth volume of Ninjak from Valiant comics brings together the core group of characters introduced in the beginning of the series; the Shadow SeveThe sixth volume of Ninjak from Valiant comics brings together the core group of characters introduced in the beginning of the series; the Shadow Seven, and pits them against a well known foe within the Valiant Comics Universe - Master Darque. Book-ending the title arc is a silent standalone issue in which Ninjak fights through a nameless and disposable contingent of ninja monks, cleaving a path to Roku, and the final issue of the current run, which gives readers a glimpse of the future direction of the Ninjak series as Ninjak is once again hired by MI6 to undertake a covert mission - this time, to retrieve a scientist responsible for manufacturing breakthrough technology which blends humans and animals - making near perfect weapons; its a story well suited to this title and really hypes the new series starting late 2017, Ninja-K.
Readers not familiar with the current iteration of Ninjak are advised to read up on the previous volumes before delving in here as The Seven Blades of Master Darque relies heavily (#27 aside) on the reader being familiar with the events which have led Ninjak, Roku and co. down this path.
The Seven Blades of Master Darque is a fanboy's dream. Not only does it take into account continuity elements from the title but contributes to the broader Valiant comics tapestry by referencing the Book of Death and the earlier Shadowman run. This felt like a well rounded conclusion to the series while also ensuring the sustainability of some key characters moving forward.
The artwork is what I've come to expect from Valiant; exceptional and complimentary to Kindt's writing. The silent issue alone is worth the price of admission while the inks and colors of the splash pages for Master Darque are perfect; crossing that line of fantastical and reality without missing a beat.
As a longtime reader of this series, I enjoyed the hell out of this book, be it reading the issues individually or as a collection; it provides closure to the current series while transitioning towards the next iteration; a must have for readers of Valiant and fans of good graphic novels.
*Re-read in June 2018 - The conclusion to the Aftermath trilogy by Chuck Wendig is one of the more under appreciated books in the Star Wars Disney Can*Re-read in June 2018 - The conclusion to the Aftermath trilogy by Chuck Wendig is one of the more under appreciated books in the Star Wars Disney Cannon. Empire's End adds so much to the broader Universe and links in stories from The Force Awakens (film), Thrawn (book), Lando (graphic novel), and the prequel trilogy.
From the original review in 2017:
Semi-spoilers follow...
The conclusion to Chuck Wendig’s Aftermath trilogy is a nice bridge between the events directly after Episode VI and prior to Episode VII. We see how the fallen destroyers came to be on Jakku, why there is a presence on the desolate landscape, and a glimpse into future story-lines leading to the resurrection of the fallen Empire / The First Order (read Bloodline by Claudia Gray, set after the Aftermath trilogy for a little more on this). In addition, there is a bevy of cameo’s thanks to the short story-like interludes including well-known characters Lando, a much older and interesting Jar Jar, and Chewbacca to name a few. While key characters in the Aftermaths trilogy continue to evolve and feel nature in the greater Star Wars universe, namely Nora (who is very well written) and Sloane (perhaps my favorite character of the series along with Mr. Bones, the homicidal droid built by Tem). Another solid book in the Star Wars cannon.
My rating; 5/5 star, I bumped this up to a 5 from my earlier rating of 4 purely because of the added depth this book gives to the broader Star Wars universe. It's very well written and has a cast of characters who would hold their own in any other sci-fi series. I hope some of them transend to the big screen....more
The Five Greatest Warriors is a globe spanning fantasy adventure epic disguised as a 'world outside your window conspiracy thriller'. Take this fictioThe Five Greatest Warriors is a globe spanning fantasy adventure epic disguised as a 'world outside your window conspiracy thriller'. Take this fiction with a grain of salt as Matthew Reilly adds a little bit of spice to the ancient wonders of the world and also enhances his characters with a hint of the supernatural (namely the ability to push through consecutive battles and still be a functioning human being). The superhuman nature of Jack West Jr and his rag tag team of geniuses and special ops expats gives The Five Greatest Warriors a comic-book feel of sorts.
The Five Greatest Warriors does get a little stale in parts due to the set and repeat nature of the missions with a small period of research time between. That being said, any tedium is quickly forgotten once Jack West Jr jumps head first into finding the next vertices.
It's been a long time between books in this series. I went back and re-read this (first read in 2009) in readiness for The Four Legendary Kingdoms which was recently published in Australia (2016). I found the re-read not as good as the first time round but still enjoyable. ...more
As with the previous books in this series, The Emerald Lie reads more as a character study than crime novel, with Jack, the glue that binds Bruen's noAs with the previous books in this series, The Emerald Lie reads more as a character study than crime novel, with Jack, the glue that binds Bruen's noir enriched world of fiction together.
Well known for being a drunkard and not one to shy away from drugs and violence, Jack once again dons the tried and true persona to great effect. His nonchalance customary to the crimes he takes as cases, yet he yields results inadvertently by virtue of proximity, luck, and sheer will.
The Grammatical killer, the antagonist with a not so obscure link to Jack, is the latest niche serial killer to wade into the cross-hairs.
A character I particularly like is Em, the dangerous femme fatale from The Green Hell who provides some crazy to complicate Jack's life and compliment the story. Along with her, Bruen writes well to maintain and strengthen the series continuity including references to some of the very first cases Jack worked on - longtime readers of the series will appreciate the strong nod towards continuity.
Bruen has written some great books, many of them featuring Jack Taylor, the PI who isn't, and The Emerald Lie is another enjoyable read, though not as good as some of the previous entries into the series. I actually found myself dropping a star on the reread down to 4 (which is still pretty damn good). If you've stuck with the series through to this point, you won't be disappointed with this offering. ...more
Ray is a robot detective and assassin, who, along with his computer-based AI handler, Ada, may have played a part of removing their maker from the picRay is a robot detective and assassin, who, along with his computer-based AI handler, Ada, may have played a part of removing their maker from the picture to pursue independence and wealth. Forming the key cogs in the Electromatic Detective Agency, the robot and super computer switched to murder for hire to boost their revenue stream. However, MADE TO KILL doesn’t really touch on this element all that much, rather, the pulp detective noir homage is in full flight with a Spillane-like story full of dames, murder, mystery and a touch of un-Spillane-like sci-fi.
Set in the 1960’s and smack-bang in the middle of Hollywood, Ray finds himself in search of a missing celebrity. Yet there’s something about the case doesn't feel right to the robot. Que a strange celeb cult, memory loss, and a Russian-led scheme involving transferring personalities from one physical body to another and MADE TO KILL hits the right popcorn pulp notes in all its buttery goodness.
My rating: 4/5 stars. This was a re-read (in 2016 I rated the book 2.5 stars) and I really enjoyed it the second time round. The Phillip K Dick-inspired narration complimented the Chandler-like hardboiled tone resulting in an enjoyable genre mash-up. ...more
BLOODSHOT REBORN shows just how good a series reboot can be whilst still maintaining a solid semblance of character continuity.
The opening issue of CBLOODSHOT REBORN shows just how good a series reboot can be whilst still maintaining a solid semblance of character continuity.
The opening issue of COLORADO sets the tone for an all new yet familiar hero who claims he's anything but while also introducing Bloodsquirt and Kay as unconventional sidekicks of sorts. Bloodsquirt adds a creepy comedic spin to Bloodshot's typically violent sojourn throughout the Valiant universe, while Kay, the late Geomancer who died fighting the Immortal Enemy in THE VALIANT serves as a reminder to Bloodshot aka Ray Garrison of what he's lost and the broken path of self destruction that's led him to a sleazy hotel in the middle of nowhere.
The middle issues (#2-3) don't do much to progress the story, rather showcasing the violent and brutal side of Bloodshot that readers have come to expect - albeit a slightly skewed take with Project Rising Spirit replica Bloodshots causing murder and mayhem across the US. It's a natural way to progress Bloodshot, as a character from being more than a mortal man to the evolution of the killing machine he's destined to return to.
Agent Festival is a nice addition in the middle of the story arc and adds another dimension that's been strangely absent throughout a lot of the Valiant books - providing a law enforcement element focused on tracking down the 'red circle killer'.
Issue #4 introduces Magic, a little know character who looks set for a big role not just in Bloodshot Reborn but possibly the broader Valiant universe. The narrative teases her influence though the reader only catches a glimpse of her as a damsel in distress of sorts.
Mico Suayan's art on issues #1-4 is flawless and took me back to the first Bloodshot (2012) iteration written by Duane Swierczynski.
Rounding out the arc is the Bloodsquirt feature issue that is a nice change of pace and is a little psychedelic as the Bloodshot is thrust into the world of BloodSquirt. I really liked this more having reread it as part of reading the arc in its entirety. The art here deserves special attention, Raul Allen does a great job at inking a definitive look and feel to the change of pace intermission.
COLORADO is a point of no return for Bloodshot, a very enjoyable introduction to a new path that pays tribute to what's come before and teases the future.
This is the fourth novel to feature thief Alan Grofield in his own series (he makes a couple of appearances in Starks' more well known Parker books) aThis is the fourth novel to feature thief Alan Grofield in his own series (he makes a couple of appearances in Starks' more well known Parker books) and the first Richard Stark novel to be published by Hardcase Crime.
For a relatively short novel Stark packed a lot of punch into this one. The story evolves from a failed attempt to lure Grofield into a shady snatch and grab planned by inexperienced and unprofessional crooks. Little did Grofield know that walking out on the deal would later result in him dodging bullets while shooting a few back of own.
LEMONS NEVER LIE is very enjoyable and easily readable for both Parker/Gorfield newcomers and those who are well read in either series.
This was my second time reading LEMONS NEVER LIE. ...more
(review of collected issues) RED CITY is a cool concept let down by the complexity of characters and conflicting plot threads all vying for a slice of(review of collected issues) RED CITY is a cool concept let down by the complexity of characters and conflicting plot threads all vying for a slice of the readers attention. There is just too much going on too soon with the chief pitfall of RED CITY being the decision to cram, what actually is, a very interesting story into a 4 issue arc.
The plot revolves around Cal Talmage, a former Mars PD Officer and decorated war veteran who has fallen from grace and is now seen as an expendable solution to a budding political problem between the Mercurians and the Neptunians. He's tasked with tracking down Talia Jalen, missing daughter of Ambassador Jalen and pivotal spokesperson for the Mercury / Neptune peace treaty. Sound the dime-store PI routine.
Cal's diagonal is pure pulp and Angel, his sexy sidekick is the femme fatale stereotype true to form in pulp/PI novels. The chemistry between the two didn't leap off the page despite some good but fleeting moments. As for the broader cast - each individual issue provided a run down of the key players which certainly helped but it was still too difficult to get into a story where there are many rival factions both political and military as well as underworld organisations all vying for the readers attention in a 4 issue story arc. Again - a great premise, just executed too quickly.
The art from #1 and #2 are great and compliment the story nicely. Cal, Angel and the supporting cast are drawn well while the backgrounds are detailed and make the reader feel like they are on another planet. Anthony Diecidue tool over for #3 and #4 and it just didn't work. Each panel lacked background, preferring to focus on the character which is okay but too big a switch from the opening 2 issues.
I've read RED CITY a couple of times now because I like where writer Daniel Corey was going with this, unfortunately the compressed storytelling and almost too easy path to Talia let down what could've been a very good read.
A Darker Shade of Magic is an inter-dimensional traveler story that, to an extent, captures the essence of China Mieville's The City and The City and A Darker Shade of Magic is an inter-dimensional traveler story that, to an extent, captures the essence of China Mieville's The City and The City and is written in a style not dissimilar to Brent Weeks' the Night Angel Trilogy; fast paced and easily consumable.
The core fantastical element is the use of multiple London's which can be accessed by a scant few who have the ability to travel between these alternate cities, each with varying degrees of magic - Grey London for instance has very little to no magic whilst Black London, on the other end of the spectrum, is all but consumed by magic. The few who are able to travel to and fro are known as Antari, a dying breed of magicians. In A Darker Shade of Magic we're introduced to Kell, the protagonist and Holland, the antagonist (of sorts), each from different London's (Kell - Red, Hollan - White) and each equally powerful in the dying arts. The two make for an interesting dynamic and have a ying and yang presence throughout the book.
The evil magic of black London is an omnipresent threat that, with the help of a couple of ruthless power-hungry royals from White London looks to break the pattern of peace and establish a new world order across the color spectrum.
Reading the book for a second time I was surprised at how violent some passages were, however, the shocking brutality of Antari on Antari and White London rulers on peasants wasn't without warrant and did convey the intentions and personas of the wielders of violence well and within context of the broader plot.
The characters (Holland, Kell, Lila) are as multidimensional as the London's they traverse with each London having as a unique feel to it that separates them from their namesake be it the language, inhabitants mannerisms or easy / rare use of magic.
The atmospheric London's are a place the author makes the reader want to visit over and over again. Where danger lurks so do interesting and limitless surreal stories. A Darker Shade of Magic provides a mere glimpse into the potential of these interesting places and I, for one, can't wait to get lost in that magic once more.
My rating: 5/5 - I enjoyed this book the first time reading it but found it even better the second time round. The characters are well developed and the fictional landscape atmospheric and interesting. I'm particularly interested in White London which looks to be a great mixture of danger and the unknown given it's history, relationship with Red London and proximity to Black London....more
Inspired to read a novel that showed the reader multiple perspectives, be it either points of view, different timelines, or different stories weaved tInspired to read a novel that showed the reader multiple perspectives, be it either points of view, different timelines, or different stories weaved together to form a broad single narrative after having read PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME HERE, the new Aussie crime novel by Tania Chandler, CATCH ME WHEN I FALL fit the bill, though I didn't delve in without some apprehension.
I recall really liking the first half of this novel only to be let down by the drab second stanza. Not the case this time around. The book reads as if you're swimming through thick water with eyes open - vision completely distorted and unreliable, much like the central character Holly, only to break the surface and see things more clearly - as in the second half of the novel where the more reliable Meg is written as the character lead, filling in gaps and semi sleuthing her way to the truth.
CATCH ME WHEN I FALL is an enjoyable novel that gives the reader a little extra by way of showcasing multiple perspectives and casting a consent doubt over the seemingly straight forward criminal aspects to the novel.
Catherine is a sexy, smart and manipulative woman who was once the victim of a pedophile. Held captive in a box and forced to obey the deranged indiviCatherine is a sexy, smart and manipulative woman who was once the victim of a pedophile. Held captive in a box and forced to obey the deranged individual for 28 days has left her guarded and closed off from the world since she was 12 years old. Now she finds herself the victim in an abusive marriage. Her husband isn't faithful and her body is used as a punching bag. Adding to this trauma is Catherine's young son Nathan, who has an unknown illness that is affecting his ability to thrive. For a long time there was no light at the end of the tunnel - until a bullet from a police sniper killed her husband.
ALONE piles layer upon layer upon layer of twists and turns making it impossible to know what's fact and what's fiction - the truth a mere suggestion. Doubts arise over Catherine's character regarding the treatment of her son while her own father in-law seems to have a very personal vendetta against her, then there is Bobby, the sniper and his prior knowledge of Catherine; Lisa Gardner has crafted a beautiful web of deceit and distraction.
ALONE is a fast paced crime romp that is thrilling, engaging and utterly all consuming. Even though I've read it twice the impact of the story doesn't dimmer.
Hammer is in the gutter - struggling to cope with the loss of Velda, presumed dead for the past 7 years when a chance encounter with a couple of policHammer is in the gutter - struggling to cope with the loss of Velda, presumed dead for the past 7 years when a chance encounter with a couple of police officers who pick him up for D&D leads him to Pat Chambers and subsequently to a case; one that provides a glimmer of hope for Velda...she may not be dead after all.
The manhunt for the 'Dragon' begins.
After recently reading COMPLEX 90 which is the direct sequel to THE GIRL HUNTERS though published a significant number of years later, I was looking forward to reading the background behind Velda's disappearance and the copy-cat links behind the set up for each novel (both have Mike or Velda undertaking a routine security job where someone is murdered with a jewel heist turned bloody the motive). However, THE GIRL HUNTERS didn't go into all that much detail, rather shifting the focus to Mike Hammer and his reintegration into darker side of law protection.
I do love the pulp aspect to THE GIRL HUNTERS. Hammer is at his best here; dealing damage and loving dames in distress. The easy violence that accompanies Hammer is ever present and a critical element to the plotting.
While enjoyable, I found THE GIRL HUNTERS just didn't pack the same punch as the book that follows it. Still a must-read for Hammer fans.
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