Category: Books

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Illustrated with movie stills, memorabilia, and unpublished on-set photos never previously seen, and including analysis of the original shooting script annotated by George A. Romero, this book is a must-have for horror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

SKULL FULL by Anthony Neil Smith / Z-View

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SKULL FULL by Anthony Neil Smith

First sentence…

Cubby sat at the picnic table in the park like always, counting the mosquitos on his arm.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Anthony Neil Smith presents fourteen short stories that are, as he says are “about f*****-up families, f*****-up relationships, f*****-up crimes, and f*****-up f*****ness, and are adorably twisted around a darkly humorous core.”  (And trust me, he doesn’t say “f*****, he says the actual word.  If that offends you, turn back now. )

The tales include…

Cubby – Cubby thought being special was good.  Of course he thought his friends were his friends.  A sad tale of a boy waiting for his mother.

Twenty-Eleven Nissan Something – Rhonda thought her luck was changing.  Her new man didn’t hit her.  Didn’t treat her bad.  He even liked her kids.  Rhonda knew what her man wasn’t.  She didn’t know what he was.

Exit Row Savior – When you fly as much as I do, you know things.  You know that if things go sideways, you want a man who can handle things by the exit.  I’m your guy.

Money on the Table and a Pistol on the Floor – Randy had a weakness.  Wasn’t drugs or gambling.  Nope.  It was women. Randy had three ex-wives and had lost more jobs than you could easily count.  The reason?  Women.  Take his last job for instance.  Fired from Lowe’s for having sex with a nineteen year old while he was on the clock.  She was fired too.  Now she thinks they’re a, well if not a couple, at least a team.  She has a plan for some quick cash.  All it will take his her, Randy and his pistol.

Roadrage – Why is everyone screwing with me.  I’m driving and everyone is trying me.  Well, I have a way to end that.

The Blind Girl – Everyone is a target. Being a sophomore in high school ain’t for the faint-hearted.  Everyone is a target.  Find your group and blend in.  That won’t protect you for sure, but it helps.  Everyone is a target.  Well, almost everyone.  Mess with the wrong person and you might find out.

A Skull Full of Solyanka – I’m getting forgetful.  That could be dangerous in my line of work.

Lady Icarus, Nazi – I’m rich.  And can get you anything you want.  You better believe that.

Must Be Wanderlust – Fay, her pistol and a singer/songwriter.

Sundays in the Workshop with Dad – Chet loved his time in the workshop.  He recognized his son, Jerimiah’s raw talent when the boy was young.  So Chet did what any good dad would do.  He had patience and put in the time so Jerimiah would be come a true craftsman.

Used Panties – Give the people what they want.

Piece of Shit Guitar – A semi-famous, good-for-nothing musician reminisces as he waits for his son to arrive.

+++++

Anthony Neil Smith wasn’t kidding when he described SKULL FULL.  He creates tales that will stick with you.  If you’re all about happy endings, this isn’t for you.  But if you like crime stories that surprise, entertain, and take you to places you’d never want to enter in real life… give it a go.

My favorite stories in this collection are: Twenty-Eleven Nissan Something; Roadrage; Lady Icarus, Nazi; Sundays in the Workshop with Dad and Piece of Shit Guitar.  

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

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A new CRIMINAL book from Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips is coming! Titled THE KNIVES, it will drop September 9, 2025.  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!

  Deal me in.  Pre-Orders are available now.

SWITCHBLADE SVENGALI by Coy Hall / Z-View

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SWITCHBLADE SVENGALI by Coy Hall

First sentence…

The vamp drained me, but I couldn’t withdraw from the conversation.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

It’s been over a decade since Royce Pembrook was lured back into a world he’d left behind.  When Anna Vogel, his old crime partner, showed up needing help, Royce didn’t hesitate.

And he was nearly killed for his kindness.

But Royce Pembrook survived.  He moved to a new city.  Changed his name.  And went back to doing what he loved and did better than almost anyone.  Royce’s demeanor put folks at ease.  He was great at reading people.  With those two skills and a few others, holding séances was a breeze.  Royce couldn’t really communicate with the dead.  But his patrons didn’t know that. They always left feeling better.  Word spread and the money came easy.

Royce built up a regular clientele.  He was smart.  Royce didn’t bleed them dry.  He provided a service that they could afford.  No one was ever dissatisfied.  Two of Royce’s best patrons were a couple of old sisters.  Their brother didn’t care for Royce.  He liked his sisters’ relationship with Royce even less.  The brother didn’t believe there was a real friendship there.  Royce realized this guy could be a problem.

Then a real problem showed up.  Someone from Royce’s past had found him.  She knew Royce had changed his name.  She didn’t just want to destroy Royce’s connections with his rich patrons.  No, she wanted Royce exposed for a fraud… and then she wanted him dead.

+++++

This is Coy Hall’s second Royce Pembrook tale.  If Royce survives this one, I’d love to see more. (Yeah, I know if he does, but I’m not ruining it for those who haven’t read the story yet.)

Coy Hall is an excellent writer who isn’t afraid to create “lead” characters who are flawed.

Rating:

“Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters” (2022) / Z-View

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Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters (2022)

Director:  Kevin Konrad Hanna, Jim Demonakos

Stars: Mike Mignola, Christine Mignola, Mike Carlin, Art Adams, Stephen Green, Duncan Fegredo, Guillermo del Toro, Patton Oswalt and Ron Perlman.

Tagline: The secret origin of Hellboy

The Plot…

Documents the life of Mike Mignola, the creator of Hellboy, from his early days trying to break into comics to the success of his Hellboy universe in comics, prose and movies.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Mignola’s relationship with Guillermo del Toro is interesting.  Especially when Mignola said, “Hellboy wouldn’t do that” and del Toro responded, “My Hellboy would.”  Mignola seemed to take it well.  He understood that the comic Hellboy and the “movie” Hellboy were not exactly the same.  But this could be what led to there not being a third del Toro Hellboy movie.

Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters (2022) rates 4 of 5 stars.

THE WAKE-UP by Robert Ferrigno / Z-View

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THE WAKE-UP by Robert Ferrigno

First sentence…

The Engineer’s bodyguard gave Frank Thorpe the jitters.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Frank Thorpe was an operative for the shop.  But three months ago a job went sideways.  Their target, known as The Engineer, got the best of them.  Good people died.  The shop needed a scapegoat, so Frank got the boot.

Frank decides to get away and clear his head.  Traveling through the airport, Frank is jostled by an arrogant business man as he pushes past.  Frank almost starts after the jerk, but catches himself.  In his current mood, Frank knows he’d take it too far. Frank watches as the self-absorbed jerk pushes his way through the crowd.  A young boy who obviously needs money is selling candy and gum from a tray he’s holding. The boy says something to the hotshot.  The man, without breaking stride swings his crocodile briefcase, knocking the boy’s tray to the ground and striking the kid in the head.

As the jerk strides off, Frank moves to the kid.  Frank makes sure the boy is okay and then heads off to confront Mr. Big Shot.  Frank gets outside in time to see the man get into a Porsche driven by a beautiful blonde.  Frank decides Mr. Entitled needs a wake-up.  Nothing too extreme.  Just enough to get his attention.

Using skills from his past, Frank easily learns the man is an art dealer.  It’ll be a breeze to teach this cat a lesson.  Unfortunately, Frank’s plan unleashes an unexpected response.  Soon a laid back creator of designer drugs and his psychopathic wife are involved.  Frank’s wake-up puts him in line for a payback.  Vlad (a Romanian Frankenstein if there ever was one) and Arturo are hired killers working for the crazy wife.

Frank’s expertise will be put to the ultimate test.  And that’s before The Engineer returns for another round.

+++++

Robert Ferrigno has created another winner.

Rating:

HIGH FIVE: AN IQ NOVEL by Joe Ide / Z-View

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HIGH FIVE: AN IQ NOVEL by Joe Ide

First sentence…

Isaiah Quintabe’s East Long Beach neighborhood hadn’t changed much over the years.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Isaiah Quintabe, aka IQ because he’s super smart, is back. IQ was orphaned in high school. So he went to work.  He earned money from neighborhood folks needing help. After IQ found a a young runaway word spread. Soon he was getting  “cases the police couldn’t or wouldn’t touch.” The jobs didn’t pay much. Sometimes the reward was food or a service IQ needed.

But that was over a decade ago. Now IQ is the go-to guy when folks need a real detective.

IQ is hired by Angus Byrne to exonerate his daughter Christina.  She witnessed a murder and is the primary suspect.  The job is complicated by the fact that Byrne is a notorious arms dealer.  He wants his daughter cleared at all costs.  Should IQ fail, Byrne has promised to maim IQ’s girlfriend.  Even if Christina is guilty Byrne wants her vindicated.

The police are preparing to arrest Christina.  IQ is under the gun and the clock is ticking.  Then he discovers Christina suffers from multiple personality disorder.  Meanwhile a gang war is brewing and two female assassins have IQ in their crosshairs.

Rating:

THE DEVIL TAKES YOU HOME by Gabriel Iglesias / Z-View

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THE DEVIL TAKES YOU HOME by Gabriel Iglesias

First sentences…

Luekemia.  That’s what the doctor said.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Mario’s life has gone to hell.  His daughter has cancer.  The medical bills are piling up.  Desperate to save his daughter, Mario takes a job from a friend who lives outside the law.  Mario agrees to kill a terrible man.

After, Mario is surprised.  Killing comes easy to him.  He’s good at it.  So Mario agrees to more jobs.  Bad people only. Drug dealers and child molesters.  Only people who “deserve” it.

Then his daughter dies.  His wife leaves him.  It was all for nothing.

Mario hates what he’s become.  He hates what he’s lost.  Mario wants to win his wife back.  They could start over.  But that would take life changing money.  Enough so he and his wife could move away and never work again.

So when Mario learns of a job that could give him that, he agrees.  It won’t be a murder for hire hit.  No.  Something much more dangerous.  Mario, an old friend, and a thug named Juanca will cross the border into Mexico.  There they will rip off a drug cartel and return to the states.  If they’re caught, a slow painful death awaits.  If they’re successful, can he trust Juanca or his old friend?  Money split two ways goes further than divided by three.

It’s a suicide mission, but if he survives…

Rating:

RIP: James Carlos Blake

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It was announced that James Carlos Blake died on January 11, 2025.  Mr. Blake was 81.  The cause of death was pneumonia.

Although Mr. Blake wrote off and on from his teens, it wasn’t until the 1980s that he began to write seriously for publication.  At that point James Carlos Blake began to get his short stories published in literary journals.  In 1995, his first novel, THE PISTOLEER saw print. It was a finalist for that year’s Best Novel of the West award from the Western Writers of America.

James Carlos Blake would go on to write 13 more novels and gain worldwide recognition (and awards) for his fiction.

I’ve been a James Carlos Blake fan for years.  His books are always entertaining.  If you’re a fan of crime fiction, then by all means seek them out.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to James Carlos Blake’s family, friends and fans.

“Ragtime” (1981) directed by Milos Foreman; starring James Cagney, Elizabeth McGovern & Howard E. Rollins Jr. / Z-View

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Ragtime (1981)

Director:  Miloš Forman

Screenplay: Michael Weller, Bo Goldman (uncredited); based on RAGTIME by  E.L. Doctorow

Stars: James Cagney, Elizabeth McGovern, Howard E. Rollins Jr., Brad Dourif, Moses Gunn, Kenneth McMillan, Pat O’Brien, Donald O’Connor, James Olson, Mandy Patinkin, Mary Steenburgen, Debbie Allen, Jeffrey DeMunn, Robert Joy, Bruce Boa, Jeff Daniels, Fran Drescher, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Jeter, Ted Ross, John Ratzenberger and Norman Mailer.

Tagline: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was Ragtime

The Plot…

An African-American baby is left in the yard of a wealthy family.  When the police discover the young unwed mother nearby, they are ready to put the child in an orphanage and the mother in jail.  The family decides to take in the mother and child until the mother can get on her feet.

The baby’s father shows up.  His name is Coalhouse Walker Jr.  He wants to marry the mother and support the child now that he has a job.  The wedding is planned and all is looking up until a group of racist firemen put horse manure in Coalhouse’s new car.  When the police and the courts refuse to make things right, Coalhouse decides to get his own revenge… against the city.

The famous architect Stanford White has placed a nude statue at the top of Madison Square Garden.  Evelyn Nesbit, a former chorus girl reportedly posed for the figure.  Now Evelyn is married to millionaire Harry Kendall Thaw.  Thaw is outraged and demands that White remove the statue.  White refuses.  Thaw murders White at a huge social event.  The court case will be considered the trial of the century.

These events will converge to become a part of American lore.  Like the tagline says, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was Ragtime.”

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Ragtime was nominated for eight 1982 Academy Awards…

  • Nominee – Best Music, Original Score: Randy Newman
  • Nominee – Best Music, Original Song: Randy Newman for the song “One More Hour”
  • Nominee – Best Costume Design: Anna Hill Johnstone
  • Nominee – Best Art Direction-Set Decoration: John Graysmark, Patrizia von Brandenstein, Tony Reading, George DeTitta Sr., George DeTitta Jr., Peter Howitt
  • Nominee – Best Cinematography: Miroslav Ondrícek
  • Nominee – Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium: Michael Weller
  • Nominee – Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Elizabeth McGovern
  • Nominee – Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Howard E. Rollins Jr.

Ragtime would be James Cagney’s final film.  He hadn’t appeared in a movie in 20 years.  Cagney was in poor health during filming and so in most of his scenes he is seated.

This was also Pat O’Brien’s final film.  O’Brien and Cagney co-starred together in several films during the 30s and the 40s.

Jeff Daniels made his film debut in Ragtime.

Ragtime (1981) rates 4 of 5 stars.

ROBERT B. PARKER’S BUCKSKIN by Robert Knott / Z-View

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ROBERT B. PARKER’S BUCKSKIN by Robert Knott

First sentence…

An all-day celebration had been taking place.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

The fever has come to Appaloosa.  Gold was discovered just north of town on land owned by two groups.  A group of business men led by Henry Baptiste own one piece.  The other belongs to the McCormick brothers.  The McCormicks bought their land from Baptiste before the gold was found.  Now Baptiste has regrets, but the McCormicks aren’t selling the land back.  Tempers have flared.  Both sides brought in gunmen.

First a miner disappeared.  Then another was found dead.  Now one of the Baptiste’s men has been murdered. So US Marshall Virgil Cole and his Deputy Everette Hitch are called in.  

Meanwhile, miles away, a sociopathic escaped convict hooks up with a mysterious woman with grudge.  The woman plans to use the psycho as an instrument of retribution.  The escaped con and his muse head for Appaloosa.

The citywide Appaloosa Days festival is going to be one to remember.

Rating:

EDENVILLE OWLS by Robert B. Parker / Z-View

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EDENVILLE OWLS by Robert B. Parker

First sentence…

The radio in our living room was about four feet tall.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

The year is 1945.  The war is over.  Bobby is in eighth grade.  No longer a kid, but not grown either.  His best friends are Russell, Nick, Billy and Manny.  Oh, and we can’t forget Joan.  She’s been a best friend forever, but that relationship may be changing.

The school doesn’t have a basketball team so Bobby and the boys decide to start one.  They hope to get into the state tournament.  That could be a problem.

A bigger problem is what is going on with their favorite teacher, Miss Delaney.  She’s the pretty new teacher that is a favorite of the gang.  Bobby saw a mean looking man arguing with her.  Then Miss Delaney showed up with bruises on her face.

Bobby and the gang decide to investigate.  What they discover keeps them from going to adults.  It’s dangerous but Bobby and the team decide to help Miss Delaney.

+++++

I’m a huge Robert B. Parker fan.  His Spencer series influenced a generation of writers.  His Cole and Everett westerns were fun.  So when Parker decided to write young adult fiction, I decided to go along for the ride.  Kids should enjoy it even more.

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