Category: Books

“The Eternaut”: Season 1 (2025) created, co-written & directed by Bruno Stagnaro; based on “The Eternaut” by Héctor Germán Oesterheld, Francisco Solano López / Z-View

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The Eternaut: Season 1 (2025)

Created by: Bruno Stagnaro, based on The Eternaut by Héctor Germán Oesterheld, Francisco Solano López

Director:  Bruno Stagnaro

Teleplay by: Bruno Stagnaro, Ariel Staltari, and Gabriel Stagnaro (Eps. 1-2, 6), Bruno Stagnaro and Ariel Staltari (Eps. 3, 5),  Bruno Stagnaro, Ariel Staltari, and Martín Wain (Ep. 4)

Starring: Ricardo Darín, Carla Peterson, César Troncoso, Andrea Pietra.

Tagline:  None

The Plot… (beware of spoilers)

One summer evening snow begins to fall.  Juan Salvo and some friends move to the window to check it out.  They’re shocked to see anyone outside suddenly drop dead as the snow touches them.  The snow falls though the night.  Juan rigs together a suit with gas mask so that he can venture out to search for his daughter.

As the days go on, it becomes clear that few have survived.  Many of those who did are just as dangerous as the snow.  Then they learn about the arriving aliens.   Juan and his friends will need to band together in order to live.

Thoughts 

The Eternaut is an Argentine television series created by Bruno Stagnaro.  It is based on the comic strip The Eternaut created by Héctor Germán Oesterheld and Francisco Solano López.  The strip ran from 1957 through 1959.  In 1977, Héctor Germán Oesterheld, along with his four daughters were taken into custody by Argentina’s last military dictatorship. Oesterheld’s writings against the military junta made him a target.  He and his daughters were never seen in public again.

I liked the pacing of season one.

Bring on season 2!

 

THE KNIVES: A CRIMINAL BOOK by Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips is Coming!

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A new CRIMINAL book from Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips has been a long time coming.  Thankfully, the wait is coming to an end in September when THE KNIVES is released.  Here’s the lowdown…

THE FIRST NEW CRIMINAL BOOK IN FIVE YEARS!

With the Prime Video adaptation premiering soon, crime comic grandmasters Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips return to their most acclaimed series with a new standalone graphic novel: THE KNIVES.

A sprawling CRIMINAL epic, THE KNIVES is the most ambitious tale Brubaker and Phillips have ever tackled. Three dark journeys wind around each other over a decade, like sharks hunting for a kill.

Cartoonist Jacob Kurtz goes to Hollywood in the era of peak TV to work on an adaptation of his comic strip, only to find himself caught up in the life of his aging aunt and the vultures circling her estate. Angie was raised at the Undertow, but now everything she loves has been taken from her. She’s on the streets with vengeance on her mind, her eyes set on the city’s kingpin. And finally, Tracy Lawless is home from the Special Forces, finally a civilian again, but he’s in bad shape and this city has always brought out the worst in him.

These three tales collide in THE KNIVES a breathtaking noir story about greed, ambition, heartbreak, and blood ties. A must-have for all Brubaker and Phillips fans!

Click on the preview art below for a biggie-sized version.

Pre-orders available now.

“Raging Bull” (1980) directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert DeNiro, Cathy Moriarty and Joe Pesci / Z-View

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Raging Bull (1980)

Director:  Martin Scorsese

Screenplay: Paul Schrader, Mardik Martin; based on RAGING BULL: MY STORY by Jake LaMotta, Joseph Carter, Peter Savage

Stars: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent, Nicholas Colasanto, Theresa Saldana, Mario Gallo, Frank Adonis, Bernie Allen  and Charles Scorsese.

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

The rise and fall of former middleweight boxing champion Jake LaMotta.  LaMotta was known as the Raging Bull because of his quick temper and violence in the ring.  Sadly out of the ring, he was just as fast to fly into a rage and get physical with his family and friends. Life is hard on everyone when you’re your own worst enemy.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Raging Bull was nominated for eight 1981 Academy Awards and won two…

  • Nominee for Best Picture – Irwin Winkler, Robert Chartoff
  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Joe Pesci
  • Nominee for Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Cathy Moriarty
  • Nominee for Best Director – Martin Scorsese
  • Nominee for Best Cinematography – Michael Chapman
  • Nominee for Best Sound – Donald O. Mitchell, Bill Nicholson, David J. Kimball, Les Lazarowitz
  • Winner for Best Film Editing – Thelma Schoonmaker
  • Winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Robert De Niro

Robert DeNiro worked for over four years to convince Martin Scorsese to make Raging Bull.  Scorsese was coming off New York, New York, which had failed to live up to expectations, and a cocaine overdose.  Although he didn’t like sports movies, Scorsese gave in.  The movie revitalized Scorsese’s career and shot DeNiro to superstardom.

DeNiro gained sixty pounds to play LaMotta in later life.  They shot the early scenes and then shut down production for a four months to give DeNiro time to add the weight.

Jake LaMotta gave his autobiography to Robert DeNiro with an inscription saying DeNiro was the only actor to play him.  When the film was made LaMotta was often on the set.

Raging Bull features Cathy Moriarty’s film debut.

John Turturro makes his film debut as the man at table at Webster Hall.

When Jake LaMotta saw the finished film, he asked his former wife, Vickie LaMotta, if he was really that bad.  ‘Worse” she replied.  And he really was.  The movie just touches on some of the worst aspects of his life.

Raging Bull (1980) rates 5 of 5 stars

The RETURN OF THE MALTESE FALCON by Max Allan Collins is Coming!

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Dashiell Hammet’s THE MALTESE FALCON is not only a classic noir novel, but also the same could be said for the 1941 John Huston (writer/director) movie adaptation.  On January 6, 2026, Max Allan Collins and Hard Case Crime present RETURN OF THE MALTESE FALCON.  Here’s the lowdown…

Hardboiled noir that picks up where legendary author Dashiell Hammett left off, telling the story of iconic private eye Sam Spade and the quest for the priceless Maltese Falcon.

THE GREATEST PRIVATE EYE OF ALL TIME RETURNS TO FINISH THE JOB

Legendary mystery writer Dashiell Hammett only wrote one novel about detective Sam Spade: THE MALTESE FALCON, the most famous private eye story ever told. But the case was never really solved – the priceless golden, bejeweled bird that men and women had been dying to possess turned out to be a fake.

Now, Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Max Allan Collins (author of ROAD TO PERDITION) brings closure to this crime classic, reuniting all the surviving members of the original cast alongside femme fatales, crooked collectors, and greedy gangsters for one more thrilling, deadly chase through the streets, wharves, morgues, bars, and back alleys of 1920s San Francisco – and finally answers the question, Whatever became of the Maltese falcon…?

Pre-orders are available now.

“My Gun is Quick” (1957) starring Robert Bray / Z-View

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My Gun is Quick (1957)

Director:  George White, Victor Saville (as Phil Victor)

Screenplay: Richard Collins, Richard Powell, screen story by Richard Powell, based on My GUN IS QUICK by Mickey Spillane

Stars: Robert Bray, Whitney Blake, Donald Randolph, Richard Garland, Fred Essler, Booth Colman, Pamela Duncan, Patricia Donahue, Peter Mamakos, Claire Carleton, Phil Arnold, George Cisar  and Jan Chaney.

Tagline: The High Society Dame Who Played It Lowdown And Dirty! – The Secretary Who “Worked” After Hours! – The Stripper Who Knew How To Tease! – The Blonde Who Left Her Bedroom Door Open!

The Plot…

Late one evening in a diner, Mike Hammer (Bray) strikes up a conversation with a young prostitute called Red.  When Red’s pimp comes in and begins to berate her, Hammer roughs the punk up and sends him on his way.  Feeling sorry for Red, Hammer gives her money for a bus ticket home.

The next day Hammer learns Red was killed in a hit and run.  A ring she was wearing was stolen.  Hammer begins to dig into the case and learns the ring was part of a cache of Nazi jewels stolen after the war.  Hammer makes it his business to discover Red’s killer and finds himself up against an American Colonel and other thugs looking for the jewels.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

My Gun is Quick is a low budget adaptation of Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer.  Several actors have played Hammer in films/television including Mickey Spillane himself.  My favorite is Armand Assante in I, the Jury.

My Gun is Quick (1957) rates 2 of 5 stars

THE ESSENTIAL HORROR by Joe R. Lansdale is Coming!

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Any time Joe R. Lansdale has a new book out, it is cause to celebrate.  Get the streamers ready!  On October 7, 2025, THE ESSENTIAL HORROR drops.  Here’s the lowdown…

Joe R. Lansdale is known for his gritty mysteries (the Hap and Leonard series) and his eccentric horror (Bubba Ho-tep), for which he has won ten Bram Stoker Awards. He is also cited by many of horror’s most acclaimed writers as a huge influence upon them: Stephen Graham Jones, Josh Malerman, Gabino Iglesias, Brian Keene, and Joe Hill, who contributes an original introduction to this collection.

Lansdale’s horror stories mash up crime, Southern Gothic, fantasy, and science fiction, filtered through a raw, violent world of dark humor and unique characters. He was one of the first horror writers to portray American racism not as abstract or impersonal, but as realistic, intimate, in-your-face, and impossible to ignore.

In Lansdale’s nightmarish visions, discover psychotic demon nuns, a god fueled by hatred, a psychopathic preacher, a weed-eater wielding blind man, cannibals, 80-year-old Elvis, undead strippers, flying ghost fish, elder gods, possessed cars, and the worst evil of all: man.

Preorders are available now.

Who’s Going With Me to MURDEROPOLIS?

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Anthony Neil Smith has a new novel that just dropped.  It’s called MURDEROPOLIS  and it sounds like a banger! (That shouldn’t be a surprise if you’ve read Smith’s stuff — he always entertains.)  Here’s the lowdown…

Drug dealer Morris and his gangbangers terrorize the halls of the drug-scarred Northside High School. That is until Roble Engstrom, a struggling Somali-American teacher and family man, joins forces with an old-school coach, dubbed as “Captain Karate”. The pair embark on a relentless mission to rid the school and students of the increasing drug problem. The unlikely duo step up their vigilante mission when Morris’ heroin kills one of their students.

Roble and the coach soon learn that Morris is just a pawn in a much more dangerous game. Up and coming gang leader of the Shifta Murder Squad, Sharmarke learns of the teachers meddling in his business, he will stop at nothing to climb his way to the top. Aided by a corrupt gang squad cop, Mika Feist, Sharmarke embarks on a violent campaign to eliminate everyone who stands in his way.

But how corrupt can one cop be? Can two teachers really take on a gang of murderous and ruthless teens playing gangster? And at what point do those who pledge their allegiance to Sharmarke turn against one of their own?

Welcome to Murderapolis!

“I Married a Monster from Outer Space” (1958) starring Gloria Talbott and Tom Tryon / Z-View

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I Married a Monster from Outer Space (1958)

Director: Gene Fowler Jr.

Screenplay: Louis Vittes

Stars: Tom Tryon, Gloria Talbott, Peter Baldwin, Robert Ivers, Valerie Allen, Ty Hardin, Ken Lynch, John Eldredge, Alan Dexter, James Anderson, Jean Carson, Steve London and Maxie Rosenbloom.

Tagline: Is it possible? Is it true? Can humans mate with MONSTERS?

The Plot…

Marge Farrell (Talbott), a newlywed bride, begins to suspect that something is strange about her husband, Bill (Tryon).  He’s become distant, cold even.  Tom loved dogs and now any dog that comes near him begins to growl and bark.  Things that Tom should know, he has forgotten.

Then Marge begins to notice changes in other men in Tom’s social circle.  Marge follows Tom one night and discovers an alien has taken Tom’s identity.  Marge realizes that aliens are planning a takeover.  But who will believe her before it is too late?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

John P. Fulton who did the special effects for I Married a Monster from Outer Space was well known and respected for his work.  Over the course of his career, Mr. Fulton was nominated for 8 Academy Awards for Special Effects and won three.

Tom Tryon retired from acting in 1969 and began a writing career.  He is best known for his novel THE OTHER.  Mr. Tryon wrote the screenplay for the feature film adaptation.

I’m surprised I Married a Monster from Outer Space isn’t as popular as other horror pictures of the era.  It is definitely an underrated gem.  Perhaps the title hurts the film from being given a chance.

I Married a Monster from Outer Space and the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers makes a great double feature!

I Married a Monster from Outer Space (1958) rates 4 of 5 stars

JOE LEDGER: SECRET MISSIONS VOLUME ONE by Jonathan Maberry / Z-View

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JOE LEDGER: SECRET MISSIONS VOLUME ONE by Jonathan Maberry

First sentence…

For the record, I don’t believe in this stuff.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Joe Ledger is an ex-Army Ranger and ex-Baltimore police detective.  Ledger was recruited and is now an agent for the United States’ several-levels-above-top-secret Department of Military Sciences.  This organization deals with threats not only to the US, but the world.  Most of their missions involve stopping terrorists using advanced technology to create bio-weapons.  Some of Ledger’s assignments have ventured into the realm of the supernatural… and while Ledger might not believe in that “stuff” — his team has to deal with it.

JOE LEDGER: SECRET MISSIONS VOLUME ONE features six tales.  Five by Maberry and one (Mantis) by Maberry and Marie Whittaker.

  • A Footnote in the Black Budget – In a relatively small area in Antarctica the US, Russia and China have research facilities.  Less than 24 hours ago, the Russian and Chinese operations went dark.  Now communication with the US facility is dead.  Ledger, First Sergeant Bradley “Top” “Sgt. Rock” Sims and Master Sergeant Harvey “Bunny” Rabbit are sent in to investigate.  These are three of our best DMS soldiers.  They may not be enough.
  • A Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight – In a small western Pennsylvania town (if you know, you know) Lucifer 113 was unleashed.  Lucifer 113 was a doomsday bioweapon. Near 100% infection rate, near 100% mortality rate. To be used only as a last resort.  If defeat was inevitable, release Lucifer 113.  And some terrorist has released it.
  • Alive Day – Ledger, Top and Bunny are sent on an off-the-books rescue mission for four members of Rattlesnake team.  Taliban warriors will be the least of their worries.  Haunted caves? Visions? What did happen to Rattlesnake team?
  • Wet Works: A V-Wars Story – Ledger and a doctor are barricaded in a room.  Ledger has used all his ammo.  Dead bodies litter the floor.  With only a knife to protect them, Ledger knows it won’t be enough.  The vampires (no, they don’t turn in to bats, or fly, but they ARE vampires) are waiting for reinforcements.  They will then bust through and kill Ledger and the doc.  Ledger will go down fighting, but he knows there are too many…
  • Mantis: A Rouge Team International / Arklight Adventure – An international child trafficking organization, a well-disguised well-trained vigilante, and Violin, one of Arklight’s most dangerous assassins — with Ledger smack dab in the middle.  What could go wrong?
  • Atoll – “Something has crashed on an island south of Hawaii.”  Ledger’s team is tapped to investigate.  When he asks why a closer squad out of Honolulu isn’t being sent, he’s told, “It was… we’ve lost contact with them.”  UFOs, time travel — more stuff Ledger probably doesn’t believe in.  At least at the start of the mission.

If you’ve never read any of the Joe Ledger novels, this is a good jumping on point.  You’ll get a nice taste of the kind of tales that feature Ledger along with some crossovers from other characters/situations in the Maberry universe.  Regular readers will love visits to the worlds of V-WARS, Pine Deep, Sam Hunter Case Files, Dead of Night, and Rot & Ruin.  Look for characters such Mr. Church, Echo Team, Havoc Team, Malcolm Crow, Mike Sweeney, Violin, Toys and others.

Jonathan Maberry has another winner!  I love the Joe Ledger tales.

Rating:

GOOD DAY IN HELL by J.D. Rhodes / Z-View

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GOOD DAY IN HELL by J.D. Rhodes

First sentence…

The first blow split Stan’s lip and knocked him into a stack of recapped tires at the back of the repair bay.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Jack Keller is an ex-vet who makes a living as a bounty hunter.  Keller still deals with personal issues from an attack that left him the sole survivor of his unit.  His relationship with sheriff’s deputy Marie Jones has been tested more than once because of this.

Keller’s latest assignment is to bring in Laurel Marks.  She’s a nineteen year old who didn’t show up for a court hearing.  Bringing her in should be easy money.

Meanwhile Deputy Jones is first on the scene of a brutal gas station robbery.  The owner of the station was repeatedly shot, with the death blow being point blank to the face.  The station owner’s son is missing.

Shortly after the gas station robbery, a trio of killers begin their mass murder spree.  They film the executions for a local newscaster.  The killings come hours apart and are low risk/high target spots.  The killers become immediate nationwide news sensations.

When Keller is almost killed following up on a lead, it becomes clear Laurel Marks is part of the murderous trio.  Keller is ordered by the police to stand down.  He refuses.  Now it’s personal.  Keller will bring her in, no matter the cost.

With every police officer in the state on the lookout for them, the killers know it’s just a matter of time before they’re brought down.  They’ve always planned to go out in a blaze of glory.  They want publicity.  What better way to get it than to take down a police officer broadcast live on television.  And what sweet revenge since it will be Keller’s lover, sheriff’s deputy Marie Jones.

+++++

This is the second in J.D. Rhodes’ Jack Keller series.  You don’t need to have read the first to enjoy this outing.

Rating:

“Sin City” (2005) directed by Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller; starring Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba & Benico Del Toro / Z-View

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Sin City (2005)

Director: Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller based on Sin City created by Frank Miller

Screenplay: Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez

Stars: Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Devon Aoki, Alexis Bledel, Powers Boothe, Jude Ciccolella, Jeff Dashnaw, Rosario Dawson, Benicio Del Toro, Elijah Wood, Carla Gugino, Josh Hartnett, Rutger Hauer, Greg Ingram, Nicky Katt, Jaime King, Michael Madsen, Frank Miller, Brittany Murphy, Nick Stahl, Nick Offerman, Jason Douglas, Michael Clarke Duncan, Rick Gomez and Tommy Flanagan.

Tagline: Walk down the right back alley in Sin City and you can find anything.

The Plot…

Four interconnected tales from Sin City…

The Customer is Always Right… A hitman that marks don’t see coming until it is too late. (Bookends the movie.)

That Yellow Bastard… For Detective John Hartigan (Willis) it’s his last day on the job.  He’s thinking about the thick steak his wife has waiting for him at the end of his shift.  But first, Hartigan is going to have a run-in with a serial killer who preys on children. Hartigan learns that the sick bastard is the son of a Senator, and is now prepping his next victim.  Hartigan knows this can only end one way.  He’ll save the child or die trying.

The Hard Goodbye… Marv (Rourke) is a ex-con hardcase.  Last night he had a one night stand with a goddess named Goldie.  She was beautiful beyond belief.  Marv wonders why she picked a big scary mug like him when she could have any man she wanted.  He’ll have to work it out later.  He just woke up.  Goldie is in bed beside him.  Dead.  Someone snuck in and murdered her while they were sleeping.  And now Marv hears cops coming up the stairs.  Someone set him up.  Someone killed Goldie.  Marv knows once he finds the killer the hell he sends the murderer to will seem like heaven after what Marv does to him.  But first the cops outside his door…

The Big Fat Kill… When Shellie’s ex-boyfriend, Jackie Boy (Del Toro) shows up unexpectedly with his crew, he’s surprised to find Shellie’s new boyfriend, Dwight (Owen) there.  The events that follow will lead to a potential turf war… unless Dwight and some of his friends from Old Town can set things right.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Sin City, the movie, is what Robert Rodriguez called a “translation” of three of Frank Miller’s Sin City graphic novels – The Hard Goodbye; The Big Fat Kill, That Yellow Bastard and Miller’s Sin City short, The Customer is Always Right.  They are some of my all time favorite comics and the movie is a beautiful “translation”.

Quentin Tarantino is listed as a guest director.  Tarantino directed the scene between Dwight and Jackie Boy before the cop pulls the car over.

Rodriguez filmed the opening “intro” before Miller agreed to the Sin City “translation”.  Rodriguez wanted to prove that Miller’s Sin City tales could work as a movie that complemented the comics.  The comic panels from each tale were used as storyboards.

Robert Rodriguez working with Frank Miller to bring Sin City to the big screen was a dream project for me.  Magnificent casting was the icing on the cake.  If you like the comics, you should enjoy the movie.

Sin City (2005) rates 5 of 5 stars.

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: THE OFFICIAL STORY OF THE FILM by Simon Braund is Coming (to get you, Barbara)!

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Has any film influenced a genre and had an impact on movies, television, books, comics, graphic novels, video games and pop culture like George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead?  I don’t think so.

Fans of the movie are in for a treat on September 30th when NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: THE OFFICIAL STORY OF THE FILM by Simon Braund is released.  Here’s the info…

The official retrospective of one of cinema’s most important films – Night of the Living Dead.

The full story of the first “zombie” movie, the 1968 George A. Romero cult film that denoted the birth of modern horror genre.

Released in 1968, George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead revolutionized horror, redefining the zombie subgenre and influencing filmmakers for generations.

This official retrospective tells the full story of how the film was made by a small group of people at the outset of their film-making careers. Interviews with cast and production company members explore the genesis of the movie, from persuading friends and family to become investors, finding the perfect run-down farmhouse in rural western Pennsylvania for the central location, assembling a cast of extras to portray “flesh-eating ghouls”, and the ground-breaking casting of a black actor in a leading role — Duane Jones as Ben — to therough-and-tumble guerilla-style shoot.

The book explores how Night of the Living Dead went from controversial to iconic over the years, gaining critical acclaim and a hardcore cult following. And how zombies — as envisioned by Romero and his co-creators—now permeate everything from video games to literature, all tracing back to the unparalleled original.

Illustrated with movie stills, memorabilia, and unpublished on-set photos never previously seen, and including analysis of the original shooting script annotated by George A. Romero, this book is a must-have for horror fans.

“Chaos: The Manson Murders” (2025) / Z-View

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Chaos: The Manson Murders (2025)

Director: Errol Morris

Based on: CHAOS: CHARLES MANSON, THE C.I.A., AND THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE SIXTIES  by Tom O’Neill with Dan Piepenbring

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Chaos: The Manson Murders details the events leading up to the murders of Sharon Tate (who was 8 1/2 months pregnant), Jay Sebring, Voytek Frykowski, Abigail Folger, Steven Parent, Leno LaBianca, and Rosemary LaBianca.  It also explores other lesser-known murders and crimes committed by Manson and his followers.

It then investigates possible connections between Charles Manson and the C.I.A.  How could it be possible that Manson was able to break parole, create a cult of followers who did his bidding and fly under the radar of the police?  Could there have been more at play than we know?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Chaos: The Manson Murders does an excellent job of detailing the events and people involved in Charlie Manson’s cult, the victims, as well as the trial of the century.  In addition other crimes and little know facts are presented.  I’ve followed the Manson murders/trial as well as books, documentaries, television specials, etc. for decades.  I enjoyed Chaos: The Manson Murders, but found the C.I.A. speculation to be a bit of stretch.  Still, I thought the documentary was excellent.

Chaos: The Manson Murders (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars.

KING OF THE HUSTLERS by Eugene Izzi / Z-View

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KING OF THE HUSTLERS by Eugene Izzi

First sentence…

With a release date only three days away Edgew Plumber was on his best behavior.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Things are looking up for Tone Nello.  After a lifetime of small scores, Nello’s life as a hustler could be over.  Nello’s met a woman who just might be the one.  He’s got a chance at a job that’s high risk but would set him up for life.  Nello’s best friend and crime partner, Bobby Bebbo is on-board with the robbery.

What could go wrong?

Psycho Pete “Panther” Payne is still looking to get payback for the beating Nello handed him a few days ago. Edgew Plumber, fresh out of prison needs to make it known that he’s back.  Turning Pather Payne loose could be the ticket.  Plus, Nello’s new woman — there’s more to her than he knows.  And if that isn’t enough, the closer to the job, the stranger Bebbo is acting.

Tone Nello is the “King of the Hustlers” but this time out, he may be the one getting hustled.

+++++

Eugene Izzi is back with another winner.  Izzi was on his way to being a big name crime writer, when he died under strange circumstances.

Rating: