This one was originally published in the 1930's and moves at a fever pitch throughout. When Cool and Lam are hired to find a woman who left a small toThis one was originally published in the 1930's and moves at a fever pitch throughout. When Cool and Lam are hired to find a woman who left a small town 20 years earlier, they are quickly engulfed in a pattern of intrigue and eventually murder. Soon it seems EVERYONE is looking for that woman-- and her husband-- who were involved in a public divorce action that was never settled.
As usual, Lam is skirting the law as closely as he possibly can while he tries to keep Cool in the dark so that she can't be implicated if he gets caught. His cleverness follows a trail of deceit and guile that would make a con man blush. Yet, each trick leads him closer to a killer.
These old novels are fun and imaginative. Bertha Cool is a tough old bird and her protoge, Donald Lam is smarter than she is. Their relationship is often adverserial even though she is the boss of the detective agency.
If you like the old fashioned stuff you shouldn't hesitate to pick up a copy. The Hard Case Crimew publication has one of their typical eye-popping, colorful and racy covers and the print is easy on the eyes. ...more
If you enjoyed "It" (also by Stephen King) you will find yourself in semi-familiar territory. A young boy is frightened by a supernatural being (ghostIf you enjoyed "It" (also by Stephen King) you will find yourself in semi-familiar territory. A young boy is frightened by a supernatural being (ghost?) after forcing the ghost to confess to a crime. They are hence BONDED... setting the stage for a future conflict.
With moments that will remind you of the "Sixth Sense" as well as "It"-- this novel is frightening. While the genre seems familiar, the story is original as a woman close to the boy seeks to use his ability to talk to the dead for her own personal profit.
Not King's best work, by far-- but a chilling read with some interesting nostalgia from the 1980's, etc. Also some insights into publishing... ...more
E.L. Doctorow writes good books.. This was his first published novel and it never rises to the level of his later works, but still is pretty good. TheE.L. Doctorow writes good books.. This was his first published novel and it never rises to the level of his later works, but still is pretty good. The writing is crisp, realistic, and full of emotion. The characters are all distinct and well presented.
What makes this novel lacking is its realism. A gritty story of a poor town in the old west, trying to survive and grow and become a place worth living-- Doctorow gets the details of living in the Old West right. However, the story is a total tragedy... The reader keeps looking for things to get better-- and when they do hope is offered, only to be dashed to pieces later on...
If you want a happy ending-- this is not the book for you. If you want a realistic story set in the old west-- then it might function better for you than it did for me. The beginning and end are full of tragic circumstances and great sorrow-- with the middle offering hope-- the formula is interesting, but backwards for me. ...more
Note that this is Perry Mason # 3-- written in 1934... This edition even includes a note from the author with a semi-apology about Mason's behavior anNote that this is Perry Mason # 3-- written in 1934... This edition even includes a note from the author with a semi-apology about Mason's behavior and ethics....
Though there is some familiarity with the Mason we know-- this is not really the Mason we know. He commits an act that he believes to be illegal. He is much gruffer and ruder than usual... Mason is always demanding that his clients follow his instructions, but in this case he is overbearingly so. Over and over in the novel he tells assorted cast members to be quiet because he is thinking. Even physical violence is suggested is in his arsenal to get the information he desires.
Finally, the true murderer is revealed and the reader is delighted to find it to be the person they had hoped it would be. However, this one is missing the most important staple of a Perry Mason novel: The courtroom-- as there is never a time in which any character takes one step in a court room.
It is interesting to read and to take note that Gardener developed Mason's character and the formula over the year, but this one is not like the later products.
This is one of the reason that the HBO Perry Mason miniseries wasn't a strong hit... it was based on the earlier novels, were Mason was more of a brawler than a barrister. ...more
The Empty Hours is another adventure in the 87th precinct, or perhaps I should say three mysteries involving the heroic detectives from Ed McBain's clThe Empty Hours is another adventure in the 87th precinct, or perhaps I should say three mysteries involving the heroic detectives from Ed McBain's classic series. There are three novellas in this volume, each focusing on a case.
The first case was the most interesting. It involved a murdered woman and the main clues was a statement from her bank. Detective Carella follows each of the checks written in the previous month until the details become clear. Each check leads to an interview and eventually-- to the killer.
The Second was also quite well developed for a novella. This one involved a murdered rabbi and the primary detective dealing with this case is Meyer Meyer. That's right, the same first and last name. Meyer is forced to face his own lapsed Jewish faith as he delves into the murder of the rabbi. Along the way he looks at the clues, but struggles with what they really mean. What makes these clues fun is that the reader arrives at the proper conclusion long before the detective is able to do so. The clues are there, but the detectives in McBain's precinct always seems to have the wrong interpretation of them initially.
The third novella is not nearly as good as the first two. In this one, Detective Cotton Hawes is off for a ski weekend with a willing woman. A murder on the ski lift interferes with this pleasure trip. He is completely out of his element and deals with what he views as incompetence on the part of the local police.
Still, the 87th Precinct stories are always a pleasure to read. McBain builds on the back story of each character and designes conflicted characters with a strong sense of justice. ...more
While McBain is generally credited with creating the police procedural and most of those demonstrated herein are still commonly used. The strengths ofWhile McBain is generally credited with creating the police procedural and most of those demonstrated herein are still commonly used. The strengths of the novels aren't so much demonstrated in the procedures, but in strong characters and interpersonal interaction. A secondary strength is the manner in which McBain places the trail of clues, usually allowing the reader to see the solution well before the actual investigators.
In this installment, despite careful investigation, it is more coincidence than the police work that reveals the two different types of con men involved.
The first con man is in it for the fun of tricking people. It doesn't matter to him whether or not he is cheating a tourist out of $5.00 or running a bigger con game that nets hundreds of dollars. (Remember this was written in 1957 and hundreds of dollars was a lot more than than today's value) The second con man is a true ladykiller, preying upon those who respond to his personal ad, stealing their money and then murdering them. This common con man theme ties the two stories together in a very satisfactory manner.
McBain likes to offer an occasional essay as filler material. These fillers are quite interesting. For example, McBain discusses over several pages how con artists exist in varous forms in everyday life. This includes politicians, car salesman, commercial spokesmen, and even men trying to worm their way into a woman's bed. He also waxes eloquently on Detective Carella's everlasting love for his deaf-mute wife, Teddy.
Overall, this isn't a great mystery-- but it is a good story and McBain's style is short and sweet, making it almost like a good dessert to be consumed after deeper reading. I really like the manner he allows the reader to process clues and wonder when the cops are going to reach the right conclusions and capture the criminals. ...more
Saturn is a book about an experiment, but the majority of the characters are completely unaware of it. A habitaI really enjoy Ben Bova's Space Opera.
Saturn is a book about an experiment, but the majority of the characters are completely unaware of it. A habitat is sent to study Saturn. The stated purpose is the Scientific study, but in reality a social experiment is afoot. The goal is to take a mixture of peoples, many of them outcasts from their own societies, and thrust them together and see how they manage to work out forming a new and coherent society. 10,000 people are treated like rats in a maze as they travel towards Saturn.
The monkey wrench tossed into the machine is a group of power-mongers, bent on creating and absorbing political power.
Bova fills the novel with some interesting Science information and this makes the story even more plausible. His characters are always interesting and there is always some sort of catastrophic problem to overcome.
Although the title references Nazi leader Heydriech, this novel is about a number of folks and he is simply a player in a cast of thousands. TurtledovAlthough the title references Nazi leader Heydriech, this novel is about a number of folks and he is simply a player in a cast of thousands. Turtledove, a master at alternate history, composes a chilling "what if" story. What if Heydriech had not been assasinated, but relegated to a special mission? That mission admitted that the Nazis were losing the war and Heydriech creates a plan to build a German resistance. World War II ends, the peace is signed, but Heydriech and a group of diehard Nazis have moved underground and continue to fight a covert war.
Turtledove manages to create a cast of characters that makes this novel interesting. Of course, Truman plays an important part among the fictional constructs. The covert war allows us to watch the Russian, French, and American response to what amount to acts of terrorism that keep the conflict raging after the peace is signed. In America, a growing movement to bring our troops home reflect some of the modern peace movement. This is exactly the type of war our soldiers faced in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Vietnam. The arguements against bringing the troops home primarily center on the fear of having to fight the Nazis in a third world war in another decade or so. The counter-balance to that is that America has the Atomic Bomb and can simply bomb them back to the Stone Age-- so why risk our troops?
Sadly, the book becomes more lecture on the need to fight in places like Afghanistan (by metaphor, perhaps unintentional, but seems heavily implied) and keep terrorists down than it is a novel. An interesting read, but nothing spectacular-- After all, Turtledove has written better material.
How do You take a GREAT idea and screw it up? Jonas manages to do this in this sad novella about vampires in the old west.
First problem: The LAME covHow do You take a GREAT idea and screw it up? Jonas manages to do this in this sad novella about vampires in the old west.
First problem: The LAME cover art. Photos of modern models superimposed over a snowy landscape. The hero on the cover is depicted wearing a 1950's Roy Rogers type shirt. He looks neither ominous or intimidating. This is one of the WORST covers I have ever seen on any western novel.
Second Problem: Lack of character development. There are some characters that could have been much more interesting. The hero's wife acts of out love for her husband and hopes that if he becomes a vampire it will solve his health issue. Even though she is acting out of love, the author never gets more than a scratch beneath the surface. The hero is depicted as a cold and calculating tough guy, but it always feels like an act. The evil vampire commits some atrocious acts of vampiric violence and I enjoyed those acts. However, he never feels evil enough.
Third Problem: The idea of vampires seems completely acceptable to everyone without question. No disbelief or questioning the supernatural. The Blacksmith is a part time preacher and offers to bless Jack's gun with holy water, which is a Catholic tradition, and he is obviously not a Catholic.
Fourth Problem: The book is much too short! He could have developed the story more fully. The suspense never builds very far.
The GREAT IDEA: Jack, dying of tuberculosis is hired by the mayor to kill a vampire. Jack never questions the idea of a vampire and seems to know how to deal with it without any research. Jack's wife wants the vampire to turn her so she can turn Jack. The problem with this is that your vampire sire becomes your master and you are like a slave. Therefore, a new dilemma arises....more
I'm usually a fan of Travis McGee. Okay, John MacDonald seems obsessed with inserting colors into titles that vaguely pertain to the story, but that'sI'm usually a fan of Travis McGee. Okay, John MacDonald seems obsessed with inserting colors into titles that vaguely pertain to the story, but that's not a problem.
McGee is an interesting enough character. Not a private investigator-- a retrieval expert. He goes after stolen boats or items and retrieves them for a percentage of the value. He isn't overly concerned about following the law and often is uncooperative with law enforcement.
This is listed as # 3 in the series, and I think it is likely before MacDonald really developed McGee a bit more and thus it wasn't as enjoyable to me as others in the series. Another possible factor was that McGee is operating in a desert and seems far out of his element.
I won't bore you with details about the story except to tell you that McGee witnesses a murder, is briefly a suspect, and sticks around to solve the murder. This was the main problem that I had with this McGee adventure. There was no reason for him to stick around. He wasn't going to get paid. He should have headed back for Florida as soon as the Sheriff let him go. ...more
A whole genre of bad guys acting as protagonists sprang up in the 1960's. This style sort of grew out of the Anti-Heroes we saw on the television likeA whole genre of bad guys acting as protagonists sprang up in the 1960's. This style sort of grew out of the Anti-Heroes we saw on the television like Bret Maverick. Novels and movies based on heists began to appear. During that time, Donald Westlake began to write about a bad guy named Parker. That's important, because when this novel developed into a series, the author, Max Allan Collins, corresponded with Westlake. Collins was concerned that Westlake would see the novel as a ripoff of the Parker series, but Westlake reassured him that he should keep writing these books.
If you enjoy the Parker books then you will want to check out this series, now available again from Hard Case Crimes. Nolan, who has no first name, is a tough and clever character. One would need to be to survive a mob vendetta. Years earlier, Nolan killed the brother of a fairly high-ranking mafioso and has been in hiding ever since. When an intermediary makes peace overtures Nolan meets with his enemy who guarantees peace if Nolan will pull a job and pay him a substantial sum of money. The problem is that Nolan can't get any professionals to work with him and is forced to take on a team of amateurs in order to rob the bank.
The title of the book is "Bait Money" and that plays an important part. It refers to the money kept by the tellers that they are supposed to give to robbers. The serial numbers are recorded and therefore easily traceable. Nolan convinces his team to focus on the vault and puts together a clever scheme to get at the cash there. He still takes the bait money, but keeps it separate because he has a plan for that money.
There's plenty of cross and double-cross as well as a few of the typical complications in any heist story. The characters are all interesting, especially the fellow called Planner who helps provide ideas and items needed for the heist. His nephew, an avid comic collector is also an interesting character.
By the time the reader hits the end of the novel he is likely wanting to see more of Nolan. Hard Case provides the second book of the series, which really completes the first story cycle, in the same volume. "Blood Money" sees Nolan seeking vengeance against the mafioso for another slight and is just as good as the first book. The combined novels are published as "Two for the Money" and even though I paid full price in a mainstream bookstore (rather than picking up a used copy somewhere) the double volume was WELL worth its purchase price.
I've enjoyed every volume I've ever read by Collins. I like his continued adventures of Spillane's Mike Hammer. His Nathan Heller novels are full of historical detail. The Road to Perdition novels are also very cool. Read Collins.... you won't be disappointed. ...more
This isn't the Jack Reacher we are used to. He is cold and sadistic. It is written from the first person which totally obliterates the normal mode forThis isn't the Jack Reacher we are used to. He is cold and sadistic. It is written from the first person which totally obliterates the normal mode for these novels and makes them feel very, very different.
Oh, there is a clever plot (once you get to the real story) and Reacher is tough-as-nails... Over the years Reacher just became MEAN! This time around, at least he is acting in self-defense-- unlike the time he MURDERED the unarmed computer hacker several books back.
This one almost has the title right, though. It is a reference to the woman that Reacher is helping who tries to commit suicide because of her failures and declares she is "better off dead." However, the title would be spot on if it was "Better Off Unread!"-- because it is so far removed from the original Reacher books. Reacher used to seek to avoid most conflict-- however, now he seems to seek it out so he can indulge his sadistic nature.
Andrew Child obviously now has control of this property and he could not write his way out of a wet paper bag, in my opinion. Poor construction. Terrible choice in using the first person. Odd junctures to create chapter breaks. Occasional use of ENGLISH idioms (Example: sicky to refer to a sick day from work)--
Lee Child should likely disown his brother for the havoc he has wrought upon a character who once was a fine hero-- and now is just a sadist looking for an excuse to break bones. ...more
One of my favorite novels of all -time was "The Choirboys" by Wambaugh. That novel, and this one, is full of quirky cops dealing with the stress of thOne of my favorite novels of all -time was "The Choirboys" by Wambaugh. That novel, and this one, is full of quirky cops dealing with the stress of their job with their macabre sense of locker room humor as well as moments of pathos. Wambaugh uses the main story of an identity theft ring and a box-wielding maniac to propel the story to the next cop vignette.
Fun stuff, but not as strong as Wambaugh's earlier stuff....more
The Grimnoir Chornicles is a fascinating blend of fantasy, alternate reality, action, Superhero, and a touch of the Mad Scientist genre that borders oThe Grimnoir Chornicles is a fascinating blend of fantasy, alternate reality, action, Superhero, and a touch of the Mad Scientist genre that borders on Steampunk. It is almost impossible to peg it to a particular genre because it is blended so seamlessly.
The Grimnoir Society is made up of "Actives" (people with magical abilities) who can do things like alter gravity, walk through walls, teleport, throw fire, or invent powerful new innovations. The society is bent on keeping society safe from those who use their magic for evil, but mostly to maintain their freedom from those who want to enslave them.
The most powerful of these is Faye, a teenage "traveler" who is slowly revealed in this novel to be much more than anybody suspects. Jake, the "Heavy" (gravity control) is a big strong monster of a man and deadly with the weapons invented by the fictional version of John Browning.
Mix into the mix a group of magically enhanced "Samaurai" and you have a rollicking good action novel. ...more
Mickey Spillane may not have been the creator of the hard-boiled private eye genre, but her most certainly managed to navigate the genre to near perfeMickey Spillane may not have been the creator of the hard-boiled private eye genre, but her most certainly managed to navigate the genre to near perfection. Hammer is a flawed, but fantastic hero. His flaw isn't so much in his sense of justice or his readiness to use violence. His flaw is found in his treatment of the women he encounters. And while he normally does not go much further than a kiss and a hug, they almost always seem to be making themselves sexually available to him. They frequently appear in various stages of dress and undress.
The bad guys just as well be wearing black hats, though. Those characters speak in stereotypical gangster language, and they all seem to be cowards when facing the famous Mike Hammer. And Hammer's hat would need to be a grey or silver color because he isn't about law and order, despite his repeated speeches in this volume about the necessity of individuals standing up for justice and his willingness to do so. He dispenses his own brand of justice, but it often seems to be for no other purpose than to allow him the opportunity to kill a bad guy or two.
When Hammer is witness to a murder that leaves a baby as an orphan, he goes forth to exact vengeance. Along the way he finds a plot that is much deeper and convoluted than he first thinks. Spillane weaves a trail through the underworld, the bars and dives, and even the D.A.'s office in order to find the killer.
This is a fine entry in the Hammer stories and a very enjoyable mystery. ...more
The Jon and Lobo series of Science Fiction adventures are very, very good. Jon was augmented with nanomachines that provide healing and other boosts. The Jon and Lobo series of Science Fiction adventures are very, very good. Jon was augmented with nanomachines that provide healing and other boosts. Lobo is a self-aware military grade attack ship. Together, they work as mercenaries or bodyguards. Jon has enough knowledge of the underworld and military operations to keep things going while Lobo has enough firepower to provide protection from most situations.
This time around Jon and Lobo are hired by an old "friend" of Jon's who they can trust no further than they can throw. The plan is to protect a young boy who is supposedly a psychic and has a connection to Jon's home planet from a group of religious zealots who worship that planet. Of course, Jack double-crossed our heroes and soon Jon and Lobo are dealing with another group-- a nefarious group of arms dealers who want Jack. As if that isn't bad enough, a government agency wants in on the action and blackmails Jon to work for them. Add to the mix, a woman related to the followers who provides the novel's romantic connection.
Through it all, the author manages to keep the reader turning the pages in an effort to keep up with the fast-aced action. Jon's situational awareness keeps him one jump ahead of the three groups while the woman provides complications. Further, Lobo continues to offer to kill Jon's enemies while Jon's position is clear-- no killing unless it cannot be helped. This attitude adds an interesting aspect of Jon's character as his viewpoint and thought process is explored both through Jon's thoughts and some very good dialogue.
This series is fantastic. Not star-shattering like Star Wars, etc. but instead it is awesome action and interesting characters. Van Name provides interesting worlds and his description of some of the cuisine is wonderfully inventive. This stuff is better than anything Weber or Ringo write and the reader who misses out on it will regret it. ...more
I like the old-fashioned (and often viewed as outdated) hardcore private eye stories. Lew Archer is one of the great heroes of this genre. This particI like the old-fashioned (and often viewed as outdated) hardcore private eye stories. Lew Archer is one of the great heroes of this genre. This particular volume doesn't offer a lot of characterization, except that Archer won't leave a case alone once he gets started. His persistence and his insight leads him to be able to formulate a direct path to the murderer as consistent as your iphone's GPS directions.
While our hero is following his internal detective GPS, the reader is left dazed and confused by the author's outline of the story. While Archer eventually connects the dots, the path is a lot like winding up a curvy road into the mountains. It finally all makes sense, but by the conclusion, I was anxious for the solution. The constant meandering offered some interest, but the story was disorienting.
Desert Heat introduces Joanna Brady to readers, and author Jance will follow with a number in what became a series. In this particular introduction weDesert Heat introduces Joanna Brady to readers, and author Jance will follow with a number in what became a series. In this particular introduction we learn about the murder of her husband Andy, who lies dying, and evidence cropping up to suggest the young deputy sheriff is working with a drug cartel adds to young Joanna's burden. If that wasn't enough, the young deputy was seen with an attractive young woman shortly before his shooting.
As an introduction to the character, this novel is decent enough, though not nearly as good as other titles in the series I have already read out of order. The character development is excellent. One of the best examples is the relationship between Joanna and her nagging mother.
Jance likes to give the reader a view of SOME of the bad guys and their actions, but rather than adding suspense, it detracts from that suspense for me.
Still, overall, this is a good introduction to the series.
The Paul Madriani thriller are all set in the legal arena. In some ways, Madriani is able to pull off some real life Perry Mason type moments. The legThe Paul Madriani thriller are all set in the legal arena. In some ways, Madriani is able to pull off some real life Perry Mason type moments. The legal tricks he uses are a bit more honest than some of those performed by Mason under the direction of the great Earl Stanley Gardner. Chicanery isn't really Madriani's strong suit, but he knows how to maneuver so that prosecutors jump the direction he would like them to leap.
At the root of this mystery is the death of an author who claims to hold a document that will bring race relations to a riotous response, a letter purportedly written by Thomas Jefferson. His first book exposed the Constitution's language that semi-concealed the approval of slavery and ignited a series of race riots. Madriani's client, a hotel employee, stands accused and his white supremacy leanings make him appear guilty. Madriani is convinced that finding the document and its source is his client's only hope for he believes the murderer is connected to that document.
Martini writes well and adds interesting tidbits. Several interesting discussions take place in between scenes of investigation or litigation. One of them is regarding the manner in which the Constitution is amended, without striking out the original language. This discussion, however interesting is not the most interesting passage offered. Martini writes a two page essay that is almost comical, but very relevant, about elections. This was written well before the Trump era, but still it speaks to the animosity and shenanigans pulled by both parties.
The resolution seemed rushed-- as if the author had made all the social commentary necessary and suddenly needed to complete the mystery's solution-- one I didn't find especially well thought out. It still was a fine novel with several interesting ideas explored and the courtroom scenes among the best it legal fiction. ...more
Heartstone is a mystery set in the period of Henry VIII. As such, it offers a fine fare of historical background, situations, customs, etc. There are Heartstone is a mystery set in the period of Henry VIII. As such, it offers a fine fare of historical background, situations, customs, etc. There are two basic mysteries combined in this volume. The historical setting is the actual star of this show, however. The mysteries are adequate, but Sansom uses a ploy he used in the last one I read in this series and I was greatly disappointed by its usage.
Still, it is the period that made this one worth reading. I thoroughly enjoyed the build up and preparation for the battle between the French and the English. Shardlake is a shrewd enough fellow and his clerk, Barak, is adept in his investigations as well. The characters, both fictional and historical, are rich and intrigued me as I read. I couldn't wait to discover ColdIron's (Shardlake's house steward) secret and see what Shardlake would do once he ferreted out the truth.
Not really a great mystery, but an interesting read nonetheless. ...more