There are some really good stories in here also equally read well by Ed McBain himself and other authors. Its a delight to hear a good short snippet oThere are some really good stories in here also equally read well by Ed McBain himself and other authors. Its a delight to hear a good short snippet of mystery and thriller read out loud by an author. These are the stories I liked...
Kellers Last Refuge by Lawrence Block
Keller a Hitman for hire. He's taking up a job of patriotism for a change, a couple of kills for good old uncle Sam. The thing is who's the contact and as Keller starts to check out his payee he tries to link to gather the governmental link and the true patriotism of his kills. This is a great taster and peak into what its seems is be a likable clean character Keller he seems from this short story not to be a bourbon drinker like that of Scudder, Block's P.I created character. This is my first taste into the day in the life of Hitman Keller and it proved to be interesting and humorous, i will read more stories with Keller in the future.
An innocent Bystander by Gary Krist Intriguing tale of a man and a young girl, the young girl hitches a ride the man gives the ride. One lesson he learns and the reader takes away is think twice next time you decide to offer a ride to strangers. Good story from a writer I have never heard off.
Sacrifice by L.L.Thrasher
Another good story from an unknown writer. A P.I is hired by a young girl to investigate a missing girl, she doesn't really want her mother to know. As he knocks on her family door to further find out more her mother goes on the road with her daughter. P.I in pursuit and now things get more complicated as there seems to be some suspicion on the mother due to her rather rapid actions. Very soon the truth shall be known and you wonder this sad fate could really could have happened to any one. What would you have done in her place?
Netmail by Brendan DuBois
Interesting story featuring an anonymous emailer who wants demands met or threats to exposure skeletons in the cupboard of those recipients, which they would not want others to learn of their crimes. Someone is also anonymously helping others with hefty cheques to pay scholarships etc. Engrossing crisp little story from another writer I have not heard of until reading this.
The audiobook had less stories than the print version. There are two really well written good stories in here. These two are also my first tasters of tThe audiobook had less stories than the print version. There are two really well written good stories in here. These two are also my first tasters of these two authors works, one being the recently passed away great writer William Gay and the other of the female writer Joyce Carol Oates. Definitely worth buying this collection just to read those two. Peter Robinson's' story is also good and a first of his to read. Lawrence block provides a nice introduction and explains that he selected these from a 100 that the editor selected to choose from. Its a delight to hear a good short snippet of mystery and thriller read out loud by an author.
The Paperhanger by William Gay "The vanishing of the Doctors wife's child in broad daylight was an event so cataclysmic that it forever divided time into the then and the now, the before and the after." What an opening and indeed it's a story of a missing young daughter and a Paperhanger that was working in the home during the day. The doctors wife who finds the Paperhanger as scum and trash really is hiding a deeper attraction of opposites. The search for her has declined later on in time he's in aid of helping her to find her daughters body, more shocking truths come to light about the Paperhanger. Outstanding story memorable in many ways. Wonderful prose, words chosen so splendid and descriptive. William Gay an author who probably had some much more stories to write sadly passed away. Talent leaves this earth in hundreds.
Stephen King gives us an insight into the world of horror, science fiction film and essential reading. I love nearly all his fiction work and his non-Stephen King gives us an insight into the world of horror, science fiction film and essential reading. I love nearly all his fiction work and his non-fiction novel On Writing was such a great insider view on his writing world. This one is more ramblings and at times became annoying yes he writes good stories but hearing one too many rambles on his view of film and fiction might not really be that captivating for other readers also. He mentions the three important horror classics the vampire, the werewolf and thing with no name novels. If you were a fan of the old cult horror movies you would like this....more
Well I tell you one thing she can write. This woman was of exceptional cleverness and writes of characters of her era and ones that live around us nowWell I tell you one thing she can write. This woman was of exceptional cleverness and writes of characters of her era and ones that live around us now. She rights of the human condition and the darkness of the heart. These story have humour thrown in she tries to give us a view of how we behave and how insanely stupid and careless we can be. How love blinds and evil destroys, how good can only prosper. She writes of parenthood, guilt, obsession, control freaks, the sick, the despondent, vengeance, redemption, love, compassion and love. She has been said to be a catholic writer and mentions God, Jesus and themes of redemption. She does not throw it down your throat but adds light on how people behave. There are a few stories here that that have characters who behave in a fascist manner and used words, N words, that readers might find offensive. The only reason, her being a catholic, in writing with these words and characters can only be to shock and show the reader how one can look like from the outside. She was capable of so much more, died at a young age of 39 due to Lupus. A gifted writer on the horror and joys of our behaviour as people. Think of some of Stephen Kings stories but realistically told.
I listened to this on audiobook via audible.com and was really a wonderful listen, it had quite a few voices with southern accents that added to making it enjoyable and easy listening. I am also going to read these again in another book where she includes these storirs and others. A completed works on ebook The Complete Stories . Once I have read that edition I will give a breakdown of each story. [image] [image] There is a documentary and the review at my webpage here. ...more
This is my second go at a Pelecanos novel, there is a lot of praise for his work and positive comments on the cover. Still though, and the same i feltThis is my second go at a Pelecanos novel, there is a lot of praise for his work and positive comments on the cover. Still though, and the same i felt the last time I read one of his novels, it seems the storytelling is missing that extra something. The writing is good and some nice dialogue and dilemmas included in the story. The main protagonist was a likeable character I would like to read more of. It is the main case that he was on the pursuit of that became slightly boring, the rest of the story was more interesting, the daily trappings, the down to earth characters and street life all realistic enjoyable reading. This story seemed just like a filler novel to add to the host that's been put out there. I liked the characters he's created and the mentoring the main protagonist was giving to the youth but just the main story was needing an extra umph. I am still optimistic on his other novels to read particularly his new one 'What it Was'....more
This is the beggining of a series featuring main protagonist Mickey Bolitar nephew of Coben's other series protagonist Myron Bolitar. Thats funny starThis is the beggining of a series featuring main protagonist Mickey Bolitar nephew of Coben's other series protagonist Myron Bolitar. Thats funny starting a new series with a member of the family of a main protagonist. It would appeal to the young adult crowd who are not well read in thrillers and want to read a clean non-explicit story. Mickey is a teenager and has quite a few problems to deal with one being his mother is in drug rehab and two his father is dead. He is meant to be dead but a mysterious lady The Bird Woman keeps suggesting he's still alive. Mickey is in search for answers and uncovers a few mysteries. The story is quite well laid out and gathers interest, it just did not have the pace and twists that I wanted. My last read of his way back of 'Tell no one' that was one of the best thrillers out that time and was made into an equally good French movie....more
Matheson immerses us in a case of Road rage in Duel a short story. He really places you in the thick of the tension. We all know what it's like drivinMatheson immerses us in a case of Road rage in Duel a short story. He really places you in the thick of the tension. We all know what it's like driving on the freeway those big trucks they own the road due to their size. He takes this tool of terror a Truck coupled with an anonymous driver who is rampant on causing fear and terror to our likable protagonist. The main protagonist is a salesman on business trip it will be a trip three days of motels and restaurant eating. It all picks up on a Thursday morning on a California Highway. This story is short but it really packs solid prose and psychological thrill. He places you in the shoes of the salesman you see it all through his eyes P.O.V mode and really feel you are there with him in the thick of it, on the highway experiencing the whole series of events to take place. Outstanding Matheson is in his character's and writing. All it takes is one shocking incident and all the years behind you are displaced!
Was adapted to screen, directed by Spielberg [image] [image]
Throttle by Stephen King and Joe Hill is another story dealing with the road and trucks. Their story is not as first person as Matheson's and you are slightly more away from a psychological thrill. This story is knitted together well. There is to be a graphic novel version of this out in February.
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Review also here....more
Finally i completed the novel Divergent, it all began due to the raves and high rating on Goodreads and it was hitting the top of best of 2011 readersFinally i completed the novel Divergent, it all began due to the raves and high rating on Goodreads and it was hitting the top of best of 2011 readers votes. Really my teenager daughter beat me to it. I was looking in the bookstore for Hunger games for her but out of stock. Behold on the shelf with its colourful eye catching cover was Divergent, I gave the low down on how the book was doing and how much it was liked and she chose it. Within no time she was over the moon about the book and loved it one of her best reads. Ummm I better check it out I thought so I listened to it on audiobook. I can see why see liked it and why maybe I don't like it as much as her. It calls out to the female crowd fully laden with a girls emotional and physical quest through the complicated society of factions. The story became more engrossing in the last portion and no high marks for prose. I get the sense maybe book two Insurgent could be a better read as she has developed more as a character by then. Factions they are problematic to say the least and strike a reality with today's day and age battle of race, tribe, religion, gender and class. It's funny and bizarre they way the characters conduct themselves with hierarchy state of positions. The bliss it would be to do away with these factions and today's differences or at least be more tolerable with each persons difference. So one good thing I take away from the novel is bringing back to reality of the human struggle for belonging and achievement. The downer is no one is perfect.
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I like this cover.
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A splendid story of the coming of age of a few men, Shoe Horn and Bobby Horn. It’s a poignant story with wonderful memorable characters that are real in every sense. A world of family traditions with characters that are plumbers and bare knuckle-fighters. Bobby makes the story shine, he has a learning difficulty and slight disability, he’s full of wonderful character and eagerness to be there for his loved ones. As time goes by and a set of events take place their friendly closeness becomes divided by certain necessities and a decision of working in America becomes a reality. Someone finds love and some feel stranded. Alas the joy of adolescence, this story makes you want to be there with Shoe and Bobby and the grand stature of McAvy. I listened to this as an audiobook as the actual paper publication is not out until April 2012. What compliments this story even more is the narration of the book by the author. Its one on the best done readings that I have heard in a while. It seems he is the voice of many other audiobooks too, other than his own novels. And yes Stephen King was write in what he said about this novel. Its reminiscent of Mice and Men, the two brothers Bobby and Shoe bring back memories of Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman as brothers, starring in Rain Man. Captivating, heart warming, and a memorable story of a few down to earth characters. "Stephen King recommended author. He says: "Ron McLarty, who has proven himself a terrific storyteller in such books as The Memory of Running and Traveler, has outdone himself with The Dropper, a story where beauty and brutality mingle in a yarn I just couldn't put down. This book is filled with rich pleasures and textures, it reminded me of Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. As in his previous novels, The Dropper avoids sentimentality, but not sentiment; Shoe and his brother Bobby live and breathe. I highly recommend it." This novel is finally to be published in hardback as a Cemetery Dance Publications exclusive this year April 2012. Out now! Excerpt
Me. 1992 My brother, Bobby Horn, has lived in my dreams for seventy years. He stands bouncing his ball in the shadow of the special school for special people, staring out at a world he cannot understand. He is fifteen and his sweet, beautiful round face perches on that tall skinny body like a new moon. He sways and jerks his hands and shoulders but keeps his eyes on some distant mystery. I stand facing him, night after night, year after year, decade after decade, and while Bobby Horn remains unchanged, I have shriveled into an eighty-seven year old man slowly disappearing from this earth like smoke from a cigarette.
For some years now, when I wake from this dream, I must lie still in my bed until whoever I might be returns and fills me. Each morning I stare at the ceiling wondering if today I will not come back but linger inside the dream to face my brother forever with shame and sorrow. I catch my name and say it for one more day.
“Shoe Horn. Shoe Horn. Me.”
I struggle from bed into a chair by the window and look out over the Irish Sea. Yes. I remember now that I have come back. Back to familiar smells and murky skies. I light a cigarette, my eighty year habit, and gasp between puffs.
“Shoe Horn,” I say to the sea.
Three days ago I closed my shop door and left East Providence, Rhode Island for England. For Barrow-in-Furness and the life I must call upon and be sure of. This day I will walk through the places and people of that life again and let my old bones do the remembering.
I’ll begin at St. Mark’s Church. Yes. That minister. How can I remember what he said as if it was only yesterday and I was seventeen once more.
Watch Ron McLarty talk of his writing and acting career, also Stephen King talks of Ron’s stories that were not in print.here....more
Dear Dexter I am writing to you to say really you brighten my day, you and me are the same we both are in tune with our dark passenger, well you used t Dear Dexter I am writing to you to say really you brighten my day, you and me are the same we both are in tune with our dark passenger, well you used to be! What happened its seams in this chapter of you're life aptly named 'Dexter in the dark' you're dark passenger is in the dark for a while. Not for me around the same period of year you had written this I was actively in tune with my dark passenger in let's say the most macabre of methods of execution. I unlike you do not prey on the hunters I am the hunter so dear Dexter when you do get back with yourself again good old bad Dexter try and check me out. Well that would be a problem at present, as I have been doing time, a long stretch, I have served up my years behind bars and my release is days away so dear Dexter I might just be paying you a visit. I must applaud you, you're trying hard in this chapter of your life in being a family man but that mask will soon show and when it does you will find yourself in the very place I am. Well still it's fun, it's a playground for you're dark passenger here also, if you know the ropes and don't get caught. I do hope you tie the knot with that lady of yours and hey what are you trying to do with Astor and Cody. Their young and let them be don't try to tune them in with their dark passenger just like your dear step-father had done with you, wake up dexter do what you do best out into the playing field I eagerly await.
This book was as i expected slow and more boring than I thought it would be. Lizabeth the femme fatale that made book1 interesting reading plays a mThis book was as i expected slow and more boring than I thought it would be. Lizabeth the femme fatale that made book1 interesting reading plays a mediocre role as a character in what really is a drawn out babble about government and securities and the exposure of the corrupt and guilty. I am get used to finding books as part of trilogies mediocre and just run of the mill reading. Don't believe the hype! Save your money! There was plenty of media hype that I think bumped the ratings up on this book 3. Media covering the movies and the sad death of the author. It baffles me how reads like this make to the top of the charts and stay there. I have just finished reading this year many good thrillers that don't get half as much ratings. I don't expect every page to thrill or grab you i am all for wonderful prose but just did not like the way this story and book 2 was put together. Too much information and not enough thrill. This is not Silence of the lambs and it does not try to be but just thought I say that as it sounds similar as kicked the hornets nest. Both named after actions towards animals, silencing lambs poor lambs! And kicking a hornets nest, watch out they bite! The list seems to get longer of hyped up books. So far A Game of Thrones Let the right one in Hunger games book 3 Feed Millennium trilogy book2 and book3 World of War Z The Road Lovely Bones There's more but i have forgotten the names. Most of the above turned out to be good movies....more
This won an Edgar award and that makes me wonder that maybe I missed something on listening to this via audio. It started off a really good promising This won an Edgar award and that makes me wonder that maybe I missed something on listening to this via audio. It started off a really good promising story with notable characters but the motion of things lost me halfway. When listening to a book it's much easier to drift off into the far yonder, if the story does not hook you, dreaming and thinking of more beautiful ....things and finer pastures. The writer needs to get the readers attention by midway of the story, i was not hooked and really anticipating its end. I wanted it to work but it was filled with hot air and not much taking place. Alas so is life the beauty of imagination, I must indeed do try to prevent or shall we say curb oneself from drifting off in to other dimensions....more
John cleave has all the makings of a killer that 'McDonald triad' theory cruelty to animals, pyromania and bed wetting and his name to boot has strainJohn cleave has all the makings of a killer that 'McDonald triad' theory cruelty to animals, pyromania and bed wetting and his name to boot has strains of killing in it as he is son of Sam, Sam Cleaver and cleaver as in a weapon of choice to murder. I learned a bit about embalming, sociopaths, serial killers and formaldehyde in this story. He was dissecting animals by the age of 8 and increasing in behavioral problems and had to regularly visit a psychologist. With all this happening to a now 15 year old he meets his match a real killer. The story becomes more about another killer and that's when i started to find the story head into a bit of a silly theme. Should i spoil the story and tell you what happens i think i won't because you just might like it. I can see what the writer was trying to do to a subject that has been overly written by authors, he tried to sound a bit Dexterish with with some strange paranormal twist. The story started good frist few chapters but did not deliver some really good writing for me in the end.
Some info on Macdonald triad, that i fished from the net.
The Macdonald triad (also known as the triad of sociopathy) is a set of three behavioral characteristics that are associated with sociopathic behavior. The triad was first identified by J.M. Macdonald in "The Threat to Kill", a 1963 paper in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
The triad links animal cruelty, obsession with fire setting, and persistent bed-wetting past the age of five to violent behaviors, particularly homicidal behavior.[2] Although other studies have not found statistically significant links between the triad of violence and violent offenders, many serial killers exhibited these behaviors during childhood. Contract killer Richard Kuklinski, serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer and serial killer Dennis Rader all engaged in acts of animal cruelty.
In a study involving hospitalized patients [Macdonald] focused on patients who had threatened to kill rather than on patients who had killed, although some subjects later committed homicide. His sample consisted of forty-eight psychotic and fifty-two non-psychotic patients. He found that sadistic patients often had three characteristics in common in their childhood histories. These factors... consisted of chronic bedwetting, firesetting, and torturing small animals.
Further studies have suggested that these behaviors are often the product of parental neglect, cruelty or trauma, and that such events in a person's childhood can result in "homicidal proneness".
Recently i finished reading a real good story Robopocalypse and it seemed on the outllook that World of War Z was going to be similar. Even though thisRecently i finished reading a real good story Robopocalypse and it seemed on the outllook that World of War Z was going to be similar. Even though this book was written first, Robopocalypse surpasses it in creativity, thrill, characters and narrative. The reports on the Zombies were very drap and lack luster its seemed their was more blabber about politics than anything else, the stage was set there was so many lovers and likes of this story i hate to be the hater and dis-liker. I was holding off reading this in a good way that i was waiting for my appetite for zombie flesh to mature, then to find the zombies was a no show it was a big flaw in the plot. The accounts from round the world on the zombie situation was also told by characters that you felt no love for and the story was loosing the plot as the book progressed....more
This story was told by the same guy who had read the audiobook for The Gunslinger by Stephen King. It was a really good narration he really puts you iThis story was told by the same guy who had read the audiobook for The Gunslinger by Stephen King. It was a really good narration he really puts you into the mind of Lestat. A tale of the coming of age/vampire of Lestat, you are taken through different timelines of his life through centuries. It was a very deep memoir of his, Anne rice really knows how to use words elegantly in this story. There were times that the life story became a bore and felt like he was self loathing. It brings me back to the Dexter books and his insight as a killer and all his dark passenger rambles. I enjoyed the first book Interview with a vampire more....more
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