Category: Books

THERE AND BACK by Eric Beetner / Z-View

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THERE AND BACK by Eric Beetner

First sentence…

THE ROCK SLID from the hand and turned twice in the air, the edge serrated in a peak like a mountain range, blood filling the cracks and fissures.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Eight junior executives at a tech company are selected to attend a wilderness retreat.  The trip is billed as a team building exercise.  Not everyone believes it.  There are four opportunities for promotion coming up.  There are eight employees attending.  Do the math.

The drive takes them six and a half hours into the wilderness.  We’re talking remote.  No cell reception.  No other people.  No roads once they’re in.  Although there will be guides going along, no one could have foreseen the accident.  And who would have guessed that the guides would be killed?

The eight are lost.  Little water.  Few supplies.  They won’t be missed for days.  They may not survive that long.  As the hours pass, civility is gone.  No one knows the right thing to do.  Move on.  Wait for help?  Tension mounts as tempers rise.

Eight went in.  Five came out.  What happened to the three that didn’t make it?  The survivors have a secret.  And you know what they say about a secret… “Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead.”  Five, not three came back.

+++++

I’m a huge fan of Eric Beetner’s novels. Each new novel is an automatic pick-up.  Most of his stories are crime yarns.  THERE AND BACK involves crime, but at it’s heart is the mystery of what happened and the survivors’ secret.  THERE AND BACK is an ambitious work and Beetner pulls it off.

Rating:

“To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962) directed by Robert Mulligan, starring Gregory Peck, Mary Badham and Phillip Alford / Z-View

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To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

Director: Robert Mulligan

Screenplay: Horton Foote; based on TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee

Stars: Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Phillip Alford, John Megna, Frank Overton, Rosemary Murphy, Ruth White, Brock Peters, Estelle Evans, Paul Fix, Collin Wilcox Paxton, James Anderson, Alice Ghostley, William Windom, Crahan Denton, Richard Hale and Robert Duvall.

Tagline: The most beloved and widely read Pulitzer Prize Winner now comes vividly alive on the screen!

The Plot…

Summer is always the best time for Scout (Badham), her older brother Jem (Alford) and their friend Dill (Megna).  Like most kids, they play games, stay out until dark and share stories.  Often their tales involve Boo Radley who lives in the scary house just down the way.  Since no one has ever seen Boo, imaginations run wild. Scout’s Dad, Atticus (Peck) warns the children to stay away from the Radley house.  This just makes the stories more exciting.

Atticus is a widowed lawyer and well respected in the town.  That is until, he agrees to defend a black man accused of raping a white woman.  Taking on this case in Alabama in the early 1930s sets off a certain segment of the population.  Unfortunately, even Scout and Jem aren’t safe from taunts and threats.

As the case progresses, tension throughout the small town escalates.  Before it is over, the powder keg will blow and the truth about Boo Radley will be known.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic.  It was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won three…

  • nominee Best Music, Score – Substantially Original: Elmer Bernstein
  • nominee Best Cinematography, Black-and-White: Russell Harlan
  • nominee Best Director: Robert Mulligan
  • nominee Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Mary Badham
  • winner Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Black-and-White: Alexander Golitzen, Henry Bumstead, Oliver Emert
  • winner Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium: Horton Foote
  • winner Best Actor in a Leading Role: Gregory Peck
  • winner Best Picture: Alan J. Pakula

Brock Peters, who played Tom Robinson the man accused of rape in the film, gave Gregory Peck’s eulogy at his funeral.

First credited role of Robert Duvall and film debut of William Windom.

The character Dill was based on Truman Capote, a childhood friend of author Harper Lee.

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Conan the Barbarian” (1982) directed by John Milius, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger & James Earl Jones / Z-View

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Conan the Barbarian (1982)

Director: John Milius

Screenplay: John Milius, Oliver Stone; based on CONAN THE BARBARIAN by Robert E. Howard

Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Max von Sydow, Sandahl Bergman, Ben Davidson, Cassandra Gava, Gerry Lopez, Mako, Valérie Quennessen, Franco Columbu, Nadiuska, Sven-Ole Thorsen, Ron Cobb and William Smith.

Tagline: Slave. Barbarian. Warrior. Thief… Conan.

The Plot…

When Conan (Scwarzenegger) was a boy, his parents and entire village were massacred by a cult led by Thulsa Doom (Jones).  Conan was sold into slavery to work on the Wheel of Pain at a remote mill.  He grows into manhood.  The wheel has made Conan huge and muscular.  A passing traveler, buys Conan to turn him into a gladiator.

Conan is undefeated in the gladiator pits.  After countless wins, Conan earns his freedom.

Over the years, the cult of Thulsa Doom has grown.  Surrounded by warriors and his own mystical powers, Doom continues his heartless rule.  But now Conan has plans to avenge his parents.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Arnold was perfectly cast as Conan.

Sven-Ole Thorsen who appears as the warrior Thorgrim would go on to appear in a total of 15 films with Arnold Schwarzenegger either as an actor or stuntman.

Arnold was signed for three sequels.  Only one was made and it fell far short of the original.

Conan the Barbarian (1982) rates 4 of 5 stars.

SCENE OF THE CRIME by Ed Brubaker, Michael Lark & Sean Phillips / Z-View

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SCENE OF THE CRIME by Ed Brubaker (writer), Michael Lark (artist), Sean Phillips (artist)

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Jack Herriman is surprised when he gets a call from his dead father’s former partner, Detective Paul Raymonds.  Jack’s dad was assassinated in the line of duty when Jack was a teenager. Jack didn’t deal with the loss well and made some bad choices. Detective Raymonds helped Paul along the way.

But that was years ago.  Jack turned his life around.  He got clean.  Jack began working as a Private Investigator.  Detective Raymonds wants Jack to find a missing woman named Maggie. Maggie is the daughter of Raymonds’ mistress.

Finding Maggie is surprisingly easy.  She’s a free spirit. Jack follows the leads and meets her.  After some back and forth, they decide to talk over a meal.  Maggie agrees to call her mother and reassure her she’s safe.  There’s chemistry between Jack and Maggie.  As he drops her at her hotel room, they both agree they’ll see each other again.

The next morning Maggie is found murdered in her hotel room.  In a bag is $10,000 in cash.

Now the case is personal.  Jack is determined to find Maggie’s killer.  The trail will lead to other crimes, a family conspiracy and secrets that are as sickening as they are shocking.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

SCENE OF THE CRIME was the first time that Ed Brubaker worked with both Michael Lark and Sean Phillips.  Brubaker would go on to have celebrated runs on Daredevil and Gotham Central.  Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips would go on to create the Criminal series and so many other classic tales.

The book also contains the following extras…

  • Intro by Brian Michael Bendis
  • Covers from the original comic series
  • Gods and Sinners, a heartbreaking short tale featuring Jack Herriman
  • The Untold Story of Scene of the Crime by Ed Brubaker
  • Examples of Michael Larks pencils and Sean Phillips inks

SCENE OF THE CRIME by Ed Brubaker (writer), Michael Lark (artist), Sean Phillips (artist) rates 5 of 5 stars.

Rating:

BURN TO SHINE: A JOE LEDGER AND ROUGE TEAM INTERNATIONAL NOVEL by Joe Ledger!

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Jonathan Maberry’s new Joe Ledger is titled BURN TO SHINE: A JOE LEDGER AND ROUGE TEAM INTERNATIONAL NOVEL.  It’ll be released on March 4, 2025 (and in my mitts the same day).  Here’s the scoop…

Rogue Team International joins Joe Ledger in a new, tension-filled mission to stop a wave of bioterrorism from devastating the country in the fourth installment of bestselling author Jonathan Maberry’s ongoing series.

A covert group is infiltrating the world’s most secure bio-weapons research sites. All across the country, people are acting as human ‘disease bombs’ by infecting themselves and walking into public places. And heavily-armed groups of illegal private soldiers are massing for some unknown strike.

Joe Ledger and the members of Rogue Team International, still reeling from the devastation and heartbreaking losses of their last mission, are forced into relentless action to try and save the country, if not the entire world.

Old enemies are rising and joining forces to hit Joe and his team with one devastating blow after another. What is the end game for all of this madness and terror? Outnumbered, outmaneuvered, and outgunned, Joe Ledger has to find a way back from the fires of grief in order to make a stand between these enemies and millions of potential innocent lives. But Joe has allies, too. His team, the vicious fighters of Arklight, and friends who may or may not be entirely human.

A war of darkness and light is coming. Who will stand? Who will fall? And how will anyone ever survive?

“Breakout” (1975) starring Charles Bronson, Robert Duvall & Jill Ireland / Z-View

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Breakout (1975)

Director: Tom Gries

Screenplay: Howard B. Kreitsek, Marc Norman; based on THE TEN SECOND BREAKOUT by Elliott Baker

Stars: Charles Bronson, Robert Duvall, Jill Ireland, Randy Quaid, Sheree North, Jorge Moreno, Emilio Fernández, Paul Mantee, Alan Vint, Alejandro Rey, Roy Jenson, Sidney Clute, Chalo González and John Huston.

Tagline: Sentenced to 28 years in prison for a crime he never committed. Only two things can get him out – A lot of money and Charles Bronson!

The Plot…

Jay Wagner (Duvall) is framed for murder and sent to a Mexican prison.  All hope is lost.  Unwilling to give up, Jay’s wife, Ann (Ireland) turns to Nick Colton (Bronson).  Colton is a pilot with a crazy plan that just might work.

What Colton doesn’t know is the people that framed Jay will go to any length to see he never leaves prison.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Tom Gries directed two Charles Bronson films in 1975; this one and Breakheart Pass.

Believe it or not, this film was based on a real life Mexican prison escape using a helicopter.

With Charles Bronson and Robert Duvall starring, I was hoping for a better movie.

Breakout (1975) rates 3 of 5 stars.

LUSH AND OTHER TALES OF BOOZY MAYHEM by Duane Swierczynski

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LUSH AND OTHER TALES OF BOOZY MAYHEM by Duane Swierczynski

First sentence…

I first met Hilly Palmer in a bar on 15th Street.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Duane Swierczynski presents 17 short stories.  There’s not a bad one in the bunch.  My favorites were…

  • Hilly Palmer’s Last Case – A young wannabe writer tracks down a famous crime writer, and finds out that all stories don’t have a happy ending.
  • Not All There – Sometimes bad things happen and you’re lucky it wasn’t worse.  But if you’re really lucky, you’ll find someone that completes you.
  • Eve of Destruction – A polish family curse is real… whether you believe it or not.

+++++

I’ve been a Duane Swierczynski fan since THE WHEEL MAN.  He’s never let me down.

Rating:

MIDNIGHT LULLABIES: UNQUIET STORIES AND POEMS by Jonathan Maberry!

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Jonathan Maberry has a new one coming out in just a few days.  It’s titled MIDNIGHT LULLABIES: UNQUIET STORIES AND POEMS.  Here’s the lowdown…

It’s dark out there…and it lasts a long time…

MIDNIGHT LULLABIES: UNQUIET STORIES AND POEMS is a collection of the horror short stories and poems-both old and new-by New York Times bestselling author and 5-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, Jonathan Maberry.

In the darkest hours of the night the natural world yields to the creatures who dwell in the dark. A serial killer who adopts orphaned children during the apocalypse; a heartbreaking reconciliation of two estranged brothers; a paralyzed MMA fighter receiving an offer he can’t refuse; strange voices crying out from the heart of a collapsed mountain; a little girl who enlists the aid of the monsters in her closet to battle cosmic horror; a delicious revenge by a refugee from the death camps; rednecks battling zombies; a terrified child whose family has become monsters; Earth-borne horrors taking hold on an alien world; and more! Plus, new horror tales and eerie poems.

With a foreword by New York Times bestselling author, Joe R. Lansdale.

BROOKLYN BLOOD by Paul Levitz and Tim Hamilton / Z-View

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BROOKLYN BLOOD by Paul Levitz (writer) and Tim Hamilton (artist)

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Detective Billy O’Connor suffers from PTSD.  His time in Afghanistan took a heavy toil.  O’Connor has occasional hallucinations and blackouts.  He’s been able to keep it together, but things that trigger episodes are becoming more frequent.

Detective Nadira Hasan is O’Connor’s partner.  She’s aware of O’Connor’s issues, but has his back.  They’re a good team.  That’s why they get the assignment when a serial killer begins leaving gruesomely mutilated bodies in public places.

As O’Connor and Hasan work the case, O’Connor’s visions begin to change from Afghanistan to terrible images from Brooklyn’s past.  He’s seeing things that make no sense, but are somehow connected.  O’Connor thinks a psychic may have some answers.  When O’Connor tells Hasan, she’s skeptical.  But as bodies pile, up, anything is worth a shot.

As O’Connor and Hasan get closer to the killer, he turns his sights on them.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I knew Paul Levitz from his days as a writer and editor for DC Comics.  I liked his one sentence summary for BROOKLYN BLOOD: In Brooklyn, a serial killer is on the loose–and when strange clues lead down a paranormal path, a detective confronts his inner demons to solve the case.

I wasn’t familiar with Tim Hamilton’s art, but that’s what got me to pull the trigger on the purchase.  His storytelling is straightforward with interesting camera angles.  I especially love Hamilton’s inking.  He has an open art style, then comes in with bold inks.  He’s great at spotting blacks and creating a page that pops.  I definitely will keep my eyes open for more from Hamilton.  I’d love to see him take on additional crime/noir stories.

BROOKLYN BLOOD definitely leans into the paranormal aspect of the case with Lovecraftian monsters showing up at the end of the tale.  If that’s you’re thing, you’re going to like the story even more than me.  I was entertained and enjoyed the ride.

BROOKLYN BLOOD by Paul Levitz (writer) and Tim Hamilton (artist) rates 3 of 5 stars.

Rating:

“The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” (1974) starring Walter Matthau & Robert Shaw / Z-View

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The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1973)

Director: Joseph Sargent

Screenplay: Peter Stone;  based on THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE by John Godey

Stars: Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, Hector Elizondo, Earl Hindman, James Broderick, Dick O’Neill, Lee Wallace, Tom Pedi, Nathan George, Rudy Bond, Kenneth McMillan, Doris Roberts, Julius Harris and Jerry Stiller.

Tagline: We are going to kill one passenger a minute until New York City pays us 1 million dollars.

The Plot…

Four armed men, code named Mr. Blue, Mr. Grey, Mr. Brown and Mr. Green hijack subway train Pelham One Two Three.  The cut loose the first car and hold its 17 passengers and conductor hostage.

Their demand: One Million Dollars.  If the money isn’t delivered in one hour, they will kill one passenger for each minute that passes.

The clock is ticking.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is an effective thriller.  Part of the fun is trying to figure out how the hijackers expect to get away since they are also trapped in the subway.

Peter Stone did an excellent job of adapting John Godey’s best selling novel.  It is my favorite film directed by Joseph Sargent.

Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw were the big name stars, but the supporting cast more than pull their weight. Kudos to  Doris (“Everybody Loves Raymond”) Roberts and Jerry (“Seinfeld” and “King of Queens”) Stiller best known for their comedy roles, who appear in serious roles here.

The fade out shot is a classic.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1973) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“‘Salem’s Lot” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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I’m a Stephen King fan and ‘SALEM’S LOT is one of my favorite novels by him.  Loved the 1979 mini-series adaptation, and am looking forward to the new film.

Check out the poster and trailer.

Deal me in.

They used to tell stories about this place.

Based on Stephen King’s terrifying novel, the new Max Original film #SalemsLot, from the creator of The Conjuring Universe and a producer of It, premieres October 3 exclusively on Max.

WHERE THE BONES LIE by Nick Kolakowski!

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Nick Kolakowski has a new novel coming out on March 25, 2025.  WHERE THE BONES LIE sounds like a winner…

Centered around the small California town of San Douglas, Where the Bones Lie is an electrifying new mystery noir novel, perfect for fans of Jordan Harper.

For Dash Fuller, Hollywood’s underbelly is home sweet home. He’s spent years helping to disappear the film industry’s worst secrets, and it’s left him a cynical burnout who loves bourbon a little too much. But when a young woman named Madeline Ironwood comes to him with a peculiar quest, Dash sees it as a chance for redemption.

Madeline is the daughter of Ken Ironwood, a notorious smuggler and murderer who disappeared 20 years ago. Ken’s skeleton was recently discovered in a barrel at the bottom of a dried-up lake, and Madeline wants to know who killed him.

Dash agrees to help, and as this desperate daughter and jaded cynic claw their way through a world of sun-bleached secrets, crooked cops, and Hollywood thugs, they soon uncover a massive conspiracy involving some of LA’s most powerful people.

Get ready for a fast-paced, darkly funny thriller with a twist you won’t see coming

Preorders are available now.

LAST FAIR DEAL GONE DOWN By Ace Atkins & Marco Finnegan / Z-View

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LAST FAIR DEAL GONE DOWN By Ace Atkins (writer) and Marco Finnegan (artist)

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Nick Travers is a Tulane University blues historian.  You’d never know that by just looking.  Nick played pro ball for the New Orleans Saints.  But those glory days are behind him.  Now still a young man, Nick spends time at JoJo’s bar drinking too much and listening to Fats make his sax sing.

Fats is an old-time bluesman and Nick’s friend. Fats’ gambling and drinking often eat up his paycheck before the week is over. So when Fats takes a break, Nick offers to buy him a meal. As they’re talking Fats says that he’s in love.  Real love.  He’s found a woman and she’s something.

Two days later Fats is dead.  Self-inflicted gun shot is the reported cause.

Nick is given the task to clean out Fats’ apartment.  It’s a sad job.  Too many memories.  Then it gets worse. Nick realizes that Fats’ beloved saxophone is missing.  Nick is determined to learn who took it.

As Nick begins looking for the sax, he gets information that leads him down a different path.  One that involves human trafficking, rich and powerful men and the woman that Fats loved.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I first became aware of Ace Atkins when he took over writing Robert B. Parker’s Spencer novels. Atkins was the perfect choice to continue the series. Which led me to Ace Atkins’ Quinn Colson novels.  Each new novel became a must read.  So when I learned that Ace had done a graphic novel with Marco Finnegan, it was a quick buy.  I wasn’t let down.

Atkins has created a great protagonist.  A college professor built like a thug.  A bluesman.  Someone willing and able to right wrongs and go the distance for a friend.  The Nick Travers novels have now moved to my “must-get” list.

Marco Finnegan was a great choice to create the art for this graphic novel.  Finnegan was an Atkins fan and actually reached out to Ace with samples of his art.  The two hit it off and the end result was LAST FAIR DEAL GONE DOWN.  Finnegan’s art is black and white with gray wash which is an excellent choice for a noir story.  I’m a fan of Marco’s art thanks to LAST FAIR DEAL.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Chris Brunner’s wraparound cover.  It’s the icing on the cake.

LAST FAIR DEAL GONE DOWN By Ace Atkins (writer) and Marco Finnegan (artist) rates 4 of 5 stars.

Rating:

THE WAYS OF WOLFE by James Carlos Blake / Z-View

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THE WAYS OF WOLFE by James Carlos Blake

First sentence…

Axel Wolfe stole a white Ford Fairmont out of the zoo parking lot, then followed Duro’s black Mustang up to I-30 and then eastward a few miles to an exit near a shopping mall.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Axel Prince Wolfe was a married college student whose future was assured.  On track to take a position of honor in the Wolfe family’s law firm.  Axel would have a position of power to various Wolfe family criminal endeavors.  Success and riches were assured.

When an opportunity for a big money heist came his way, it was too much for Axel to resist.  He went in with his best friend, Billy, and a Mexican stranger.  When things went sideways Billy and the new guy took off.  Axel was arrested and convicted.  A thirty year prison sentence took away everything.

Axel disgraced his family.  His wife took off.  His young daughter would grow up refusing to see him.

After two decades in prison, with another decade to go, Axel get the opportunity to escape. He takes it.  Axel and Cacho, an inmate with cartel connections make it out.  Now Axel and Cacho are on the run into the badlands.  With state and local cops dogging their trail and Federales on the Mexican side waiting, the chance for survival is slim.

But if he does survive Axel will see his daughter… and have his revenge.

+++++

James Carlos Blake has created a universe where the Wolfe family’s history spans decades.  It’s interesting (and fun) to see how Wolfe’s on both sides of the border work together in respectable/legal as well as criminal enterprises.

I’ve never been disappointed by any of James Carlos Blake’s novels, but his Wolfe tales are always moved to the top of my to-be-read pile.

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