Category: Books

GRAY DAWN: AN EASY RAWLINS MYSTERY by Walter Mosley!

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Any time a new Walter Mosley tale premieres, it’s cause for a party.  When it’s a new Mosley Easy Rawlins yarn, get ready for a festival.

On September 16th get your party pants on, because that’s the day GRAY DAWN: AN EASY RAWLINS Mystery drops.  Here’s what to expect…

In this thrilling mystery from “master of craft and narrative” Walter Mosley (National Book Foundation), Detective Easy Rawlins has settled into the happy rhythm of his new life when a dark siren from his past returns and threatens to destroy the peace he’s fought for.

The name Easy Rawlins stirs excitement in the hearts of readers and fear in the hearts of his foes. His success has bought him a thriving detective agency, with its first female detective; a remote home, shared with children and pets and lovers, high atop the hills overlooking gritty Los Angeles; and more trouble, more problems, and more threat to those whom he loves. In other words, he’s still beset on all sides.

A number of below-the-law powerbrokers plead with Easy to locate a mysterious, dangerous woman—Lutisha James, though she’s gone by another name that Easy will immediately recognize. 1970s Los Angeles is a transient city of delicate, violent balances, and Lutisha has disturbed that. She also has a secret that will upend Easy’s own life, painfully closer to home.

Walter Mosley’s Easy Rawlins tales are the best.  Pre-orders are available now.

EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD by Ace Atkins!

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Ace Atkins has a new novel coming out!  It’s called EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD.  Here’s the scoop…

Elmore Leonard meets Robert Ludlum in a rollicking comedic thriller set in 1985 from acclaimed author Ace Atkins, in which a suburban teen suspects his mom’s new boyfriend is the ultimate bad guy—a KGB agent.

It’s 1985, what will soon become known as “The Year of the Spy,” and fourteen-year-old Peter Bennett is convinced his mom’s new boyfriend is a Russian agent. “Gary” isn’t in the phone book, has an unidentifiable European accent, and keeps a gun in the glove box of his convertible Porsche. Peter thinks Gary only wants to get close to his mom because she works at Scientific Atlanta, a lab with big government contracts. But who is going to believe him? He’s just a kid into BMX and MTV.

But after another woman who works at the lab is killed, Peter recruits an unlikely pair of allies—a has-been pulp writer and muckraker named Dennis Hotchner and his drag performer buddy and heavy, Jackie Demure. Both soon become the target of an unhinged Russian hitman (Is it Gary? Maybe!) with a serious Phil Collins obsession.

Meanwhile, Sylvia Weaver, a young, Black FBI agent, investigates Scientific Atlanta in the wake of the employee’s murder and discovers a nest of Russian spies in the Southern “city too busy to hate.” Little does she know her investigation is being thwarted by a seriously compromised colleague in Washington, D.C., who is in league with a lovesick, hypochondriac KGB defector who is playing both sides of the Cold War to his benefit.

As Ronald Reagan and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev prepare for a historic nuclear summit in Geneva, what happens in Atlanta might change the course of the Cold War, the twentieth century, and Peter Bennett’s freshman year of high school.

Ace Atkins tales always entertain.  EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD drops on December 2, 2025.  Pre-orders are available now.

“Play Dirty” written & directed by Shane Black; starring Mark Wahlberg and LaKeith Stanfield – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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Play Dirty written & directed by Shane Black; starring Mark Wahlberg and LaKeith Stanfield – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

Shane Black has written some bangers in the past.  I hope Play Dirty joins the list.  It has a decent cast and is based on the Richard Stark Parker novels.

Deal me in.

It’s time to rob the robbers.

Play Dirty starring Mark Wahlberg and LaKeith Stanfield is streaming on Prime Video October 1.

An expert thief rolls out the biggest heist of his life in Play Dirty, an action-packed thriller from director Shane Black. Parker (Mark Wahlberg), along with Grofield (LaKeith Stanfield), Zen (Rosa Salazar) and a skilled crew, stumble onto a score that pits them against the New York mob in this gritty, clever caper.

Starring Mark Wahlberg, LaKeith Stanfield, Rosa Salazar, Keegan-Michael Key, Chukwudi Iwuji, Nat Wolff with Thomas Jane and Tony Shalhoub

Directed by Shane Black
Written by Shane Black & Charles Mondry & Anthony Bagarozzi
Based on The “Parker” Book Series By Richard Stark

“Capricorn One” written & directed by Peter Hyams; starring Elliott Gould, James Brolin, Brenda Vaccaro, Sam Waterston, O.J. Simpson, Hal Holbrook, Karen Black & Telly Savalas / Z-View

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Capricorn One (1978)

Director:  Peter Hyams

Screenplay:  Peter Hyams

Stars: Elliott Gould, James Brolin, Brenda Vaccaro, Sam Waterston, O.J. Simpson, Hal Holbrook, Karen Black, David Huddleston, David Doyle, Lee Bryant, Denise Nicholas, Robert Walden,  James Sikking, Alan Fudge, James Karen, Barbara Bosson and Telly Savalas. 

Tagline: Would you be shocked to find out that the greatest moment of our recent history may not have happened at all?

The Plot…

Capricorn One is set to be the first manned mission to Mars.  Mission Commander Charles Brubaker will be joined by Peter Willis and John Walker.  Just minutes before liftoff, the crew is secretly taken out of the capsule and driven to a remote desert military base.

In the meantime the launch proceeds as normal.  The world as well as mission control believe the crew is onboard.

The Capricorn One crew is met by NASA head Dr. James Kelloway.  Kelloway explains that it was recently discovered that Capricorn One’s life support system contained a fatal flaw. Had the crew been sent up, they would have died in route to Mars.

There was too much riding on the mission to cancel. A contingent of politicians already felt that the money to support the Mars mission and other NASA projects could be better spent elsewhere.  If Capricorn One failed, all funding would be cut off.  Private contractors and powerful politicians would lose billions.

So a secret plan was developed.  The mission to Mars would continue. The crew would perform their scheduled activities from a soundstage.  The audio/video would be sent via relays to appear that it was coming from Capricorn One. Very few people in the world would know.

Charles Brubaker isn’t buying it.  He believes that the public would understand. Peter and John agree.  They don’t want to fake the trip.  Funding need not be lost.  Kelloway says that powerful people aren’t willing to take the chance.  If Charles, Peter and John don’t agree to play along, not only are their lives in danger, but so are the lives of their families.

Reluctantly Charles, Peter and John agree to the charade.  Secretly Charles informs Peter and John when they return and their families are safe, he is going to come clean.

All goes well on Capricorn One’s trip to Mars.  The crew’s videos have everyone fooled.  The return flight to Earth is by the book.  Then on re-entry, the ship’s heat shield fails.  The ship explodes.  The crew could not survive.

Meanwhile back at the remote military base, Charles, Peter and John realize if they are thought to have died on the mission, there is no way that they can ever be seen again alive.

Miles from nowhere… in the middle of a desert… unsure where the closest city is, the three begin a run for their lives.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

NASA provided mock-up spacecraft, sets, vehicles and other technical assistance.

Capricorn One was the most successful independently produced movie of 1977.

Writer/director Peter Hyams wanted Robert Hooks or Bernie Casey for the role that went to O.J. Simpson. Simpson was the producers’ choice and they wouldn’t budge.

Peter Hyams also wrote and directed Outland (1981).  The corporation Con Amalgamate appears in both films.  In Capricorn One, it is the company that cut corners and made the faulty life-support system. In Outland, it is the corporation that runs mining on Io.

The scenes of the crop duster with Brubaker hanging on to the wing as it is chased by two military helicopters works!

Stunt pilot, Frank Tallman, said that the scenes with the crop duster chased by two military helicopters and all flying low to the ground through zig-zagging canyons was the most dangerous flying he ever did.

There were two different novelizations written for Capricorn One.  Each had a different author. Ron Goulart wrote the version published in the United States. Bernard Ross’ (aka Ken Follett!) take was published in the United Kingdom.  The U.K. version puts more emphasis on the reporter than the U.S. novel.

Capricorn One‘s two stars, Elliott Gould and James Brolin were both married to the same woman in real life.  Gould was married to Barbra Streisand from 1963 to 1971. Brolin married Streisand in 1998.

Capricorn One is my favorite film written by Peter Hyams.  It is also my favorite film directed by Peter Hyams.  It also features my favorite Elliott Gould performance.

Capricorn One is under-rated.

Capricorn One (1978) rates 5 of 5 stars

“War of the Worlds” starring Ice Cube & Eva Longoria – The Poster and Trailer is Here!

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The poster and trailer for a re-imagined War of the Worlds (based on H.G. Wells classic novel) is here.   War of the Worlds stars Ice Cube and Eva Longoria.

While it hasn’t sold me completely, I’d give it a shot.  Who doesn’t love a story about invading aliens trying to take over the world?

War of the Worlds premieres on Prime Video streaming on July 30th.

Ice Cube fights aliens to save his family and the world.

Premieres exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on July 30, 2025.

PEOPLE LIKE US: A GRIFTER’S SONG, Book 2 by J.D. Rhodes / Z-View

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PEOPLE LIKE US ( A GRIFTER’S SONG, BOOK 2) by JD Rhodes

First sentence…

Aunt Sally was the real deal, Sam said.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Sam and Rachel are lovers. On the run. That’s because they’re also grifters who conned the wrong folks. Mafia folks. Now Sam and Rachel have to keep moving. And they have to keep scamming to pay the cost of a life on the run.

When Sam is contacted by his former mentor, Aunt Sally, she says that she needs his help with a big money scam she’s set up.  A rich Civil War memorabilia collector needs to be reeled in.  Sam’s ready to join Sally on the score.  Rachel isn’t so sure.

Aunt Sally could be scamming them.  Luring Sam and Rachel in where the mob can punch their tickets.  THAT would put big money in Sally’s hands.  Sam says Sally would never do that.  Sally can be trusted.

The need for quick cash outweighs Rachel’s fears.  They agree to help Aunt Sally.  Soon Sam and Rachel will know if Sally can be trusted.  They’ll also learn that a mob hitman is in town, closing in on them.  Coincidence?

Rating:

THE CONCRETE SMILE: A GRIFTER’S SONG 1 by Frank Zafiro / Z-View

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THE CONCRETE SMILE: A GRIFTER’S SONG 1 by Frank Zafiro

First sentences…

“Jack-a-reno!”

Sam hated that.  Even if Jack had been his real name, he would have hated it…”

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Sam and Rachel are lovers.  On the run.  That’s because they’re also grifters who conned the wrong folks.  Mafia folks.  Now Sam and Rachel have to keep moving.  And they have to keep scamming to pay the cost of a life on the run.

Their latest mark is Jacobson.  He owns a concrete company.  Jacobson thinks some folks want to buy his business. Jacobson has done his due diligence.  The folks buying have an opportunity to make millions, but their timeline is running thin. And they need Jacobson’s company to make it happen.

So Jacobson thinks he has the upper hand.  He’ll buy THEIR BUSINESS and he’ll make the millions.  One of the first rule of a con — make the mark want to give you their money.  Sam and Rachel have the hook in.  They just need a few more days.

Then the pair discover that they’ve been discovered.  They need to blow town before the mob’s hitman zeroes in on them.  Sadly, they need the score more.

The clock is ticking… tick… tick… tick…

+++

THE CONCRETE SMILE: A GRIFTER’S SONG 1 is a fast, fun read.  Clocking in at just 71 pages, Zafiro has laid the foundation for a fun crime series.  I look forward to more Grifter Songs.

Rating:

“Night of the Hunter” (1955) directed by Charles Laughton; starring Robert Mitchum, Lillian Gish, Shelley Winters, Billy Chapin and Sally Jane Bruce / Z-View

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                                  Night of the Hunter alt poster by Laurent Carbonelle

Night of the Hunter (1955)

Director:  Charles Laughton

Screenplay: James Agee; based on THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER by Davis Grubb

Stars: Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, James Gleason, Evelyn Varden, Don Beddoe, Billy Chapin, Sally Jane Bruce, Gloria Castillo, Corey Allen, Paul Bryar and Peter Graves.

Tagline: The scenes…the story…The stars BUT ABOVE ALL – THE SUSPENSE!

The Plot…

The Great Depression has a stranglehold on the country.

Harry Powell is the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing.  Powell claims to be a traveling preacher.  In truth Powell is a psychotic serial killer.

Powell’s hatred for women consumes him.  He says to himself, “There are things you do hate, Lord. Perfume-smellin’ things, lacy things, things with curly hair…There’s too many of them. I can’t kill the world.”  Powell travels the countryside taking advantage of the weak.  He steals and kills without regret.  Then moves on to find the next victim.

Powell is caught in a stolen car.  Sent to prison, he is celled with Ben Harper.  Harper and a friend, unable to find jobs become desperate enough to rob a bank.  Two men and Harper’s friend were killed in the theft.  Harper made it home to hid the bank’s $10,000.  As the police came to arrest him, he told his two small children where the money was hidden, and made them swear to never tell.

Harry Powell learns of the $10,000 robbery and attempts to get Harper to tell where he hid the loot.  Harper takes the secret to his grave when he is hanged for his crimes.  When Powell is released from prison he decides to call on Harper’s widow.

Powell plans to woo and wed widow Harper.  Once he finds the hidden cash, he’ll kill the woman and her little children too.

“It’s a hard world for little things.”

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Night of the Hunter is based on Davis Grubb’s novel THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER.

Night of the Hunter is sadly the only film ever directed by Charles Laughton.

When Mitchum’s character is seen in silhouette in the distance riding a horse, it is actually a dwarf on a pony.  The scene was filmed in forced perspective.

Robert Mitchum said that Charles Laughton was his favorite director and Night of the Hunter was the favorite film that he starred in.

The Harry Powell character was based on a real serial killer named Harry Powers.  Powers found his victims through “lonely hearts” advertisements.  Powers killed women and their children then stole their money and valuables.  When Powers was caught, police found many letters from women wanting to meet him.  Powers was convicted and hung for his crimes.

There’s a shot of Winters that is haunting.  It will stay with you forever.

Stephen King has called Night of the Hunter the scariest film of all time.

Night of the Hunter is a classic.  Everyone should watch it at least once.

Night of the Hunter (1955) rates 5 of 5 stars

THE BOUNCER by David Gordon / Z-View

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THE BOUNCER by David Gordon

First sentence…

When the drunken football player went berserk and tried to steal a stripper, everyone yelled to get the bouncer.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Joe Brody was expelled from Harvard.  So he joined the military.  Joe was calm under pressure and had brains.  So it’s not surprising his path led to Special Forces.  Once out of the service, Joe got into contact with his childhood friend, Gio Caprisi.  Caprisi gave Joe a job bouncing at one of his strip joints.

On the surface, Caprisi is a family man who runs a few clubs.  Dig deep enough and you’ll find Caprisi is the crime boss of one of the New York families.  Dig deeper and you’ll find Caprisi has even darker secrets.

When the FBI raids one of Caprisi’s strip clubs, Joe is brought in for questioning.  Joe’s arresting officer is Agent Donna Zamora.  No denying there’s chemistry between the two.  Joe is released in short order.  Still the club is going to be shut down until the feds finish their investigation.

So when Joe is offered good money to drive on an arms deal, he accepts.  Things go sideways almost from the start.  Joe is able to make it out taking a thug named Clarence with him.  Clarence is impressed with Joe’s coolness under pressure.

Clarence offers Joe the opportunity to come in on a job that’s about to kick off.  If Joe joins in, five guys will split a million bucks.  All they have to do is steal a vial… of perfume.  A very special well guarded vial indeed.  Joe decides to join in.  The payoff is worth the risk.

Meanwhile Caprisi is dealing with the feds and problems with other crime families.  Thinking he’s a step or two ahead Caprisi makes a secret deal.

+++

THE BOUNCER is the first in the series.  I enjoyed the ride and look forward to more.

Rating:

BURN TO SHINE: A JOE LEDGER AND ROGUE TEAM INTERNATIONAL NOVEL by Jonathan Maberry / Z-View

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BURN TO SHINE by Jonathan Maberry

First sentence…

“You’re going to want to take that call,” I said.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Joe Ledger is an ex-Army Ranger and ex-Baltimore police detective.  Ledger was recruited into the United States’ several-levels-above-top-secret Department of Military Sciences.  This organization dealt with threats to the US,.  Most of their missions involved stopping terrorists using advanced technology to create bio-weapons.  Some of Ledger’s assignments ventured into the realm of the supernatural… and while Ledger might not believe in that “stuff” — his team had to deal with it.  Ultimately because of threats to the world, Rogue Team International was formed.

The man calls himself Mr. October.  He’s been known by other names.  Mr. October is fine… for now.  Mr. October has plans to change the world.  Chaos will reign.

She should be dead. She was dead.  She remembers that much.  Slowly her memory is coming back.  Mr. October calls her Mother Mary.  Mother Mary’s IQ is on a genius level scale that is off the charts.  As intelligent as she is, Mary is just as insane.  She wants to see the world burn.  It has to burn to shine.

Mr. October has the financial resources to get Mary whatever she needs to make a virus strain more potent than ever seen before.  The virus will infect people across the country.  The infected will become “bombs” spreading the plague.   The US… and then the world will fall.

Joe Ledger and his team are sent to Pine Deep.  From past experience Ledger knows to count on strange things.  Groups of heavily armed men, gearing up for battle, usually indicate a militia.  The “soldiers” look like skinheads.  But the mission they’re preparing for is much more sinister.  And even the “soldiers” have no idea how they’re being used.

It’s been said it’s impossible to stop an assassin willing to die.  How do you stop an army of those assassins?

Joe Ledger and his team are going to find out.  Or die trying.

+++

Fans of Jonathan Maberry’s Pine Deep series/characters will get a kick out of their inclusion in BURN TO SHINE.

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

Rating:

“She Rides Shotgun” (2025) starring Taron Egerton & Ana Sophia Heger – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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The poster and trailer are here for She Rides Shotgun starring Taron Egerton and Ana Sophia Heger.  The film is based on Jordan Harper’s novel.  I’ve read the book. It gets my highest recommendation.  I cannot wait for the movie.

Deal me in.

She Rides Shotgun – Watch the trailer now! In Theaters August 1.

Starring Taron Egerton, Ana Sophia Heger, Rob Yang, and John Carroll Lynch.

Where can you run when there’s nowhere to hide? Taron Egerton stars as newly released ex-con Nate in this gritty, explosive action-thriller. Marked for death by unrelenting enemies, Nate must now protect his estranged 11-year-old daughter, Polly (Ana Sophia Heger) at all costs.

Shy, precocious, and wary of her father, Polly is swept up in Nate’s dangerous plight as they flee to evade the corrupt sheriff and brutal leader of a gang who will stop at nothing to protect his criminal interests. With scant resources and no one to trust, Nate and Polly form a bond forged under fire as he shows her how to fight and survive — and she teaches him what unconditional love truly means in this intense, moving story about loyalty, strength, and redemption.

“Get Carter” (2000) directed by Stephen Kay; starring Sylvester Stallone, Rachael Leigh Cook, Miranda Richardson, Alan Cumming, Mickey Rourke & Michael Caine / Z-View

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Get Carter (2000)

Director:  Stephen Kay

Screenplay: David McKenna; based on JACK’S RETURN HOME by Ted Lewis.

Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Rachael Leigh Cook, Miranda Richardson, Rhona Mitra, Johnny Strong, John C. McGinley, Alan Cumming, Gretchen Mol, Tom Sizemore, John Cassini, Mickey Rourke, Mark Boone Junior, Darryl Scheelar, Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe, Tyler Labine, Stephen Kay, Frank Stallone and Michael Caine.

Tagline:  The Truth Hurts

The Plot…

Jack Carter, a Vegas mob enforcer, returns to Seattle for his estranged brother, Ritchie’s funeral.  Ritchie was killed in a car crash after drinking.  Problem is Ritchie never drank.  As Jack digs deeper, he starts to believe Ritchie was murdered.

But why?

Clues point in several directions.  Ritchie’s death could have something to do with the club he managed.  Cliff Bumbry, the owner of the club has his fingers in other pies.  Did Ritchie have dirt on Cliff?

Rumor is Ritchie was having an affair.  Could that have led to Ritchie’s murder?

Some leads point to tech millionaire Jeremy Kinnear.  How were he and Ritchie linked?

Worse still, Cyrus Paice may be involved.  Paice was a rival of Jack’s when Jack was coming up.  There’s still bad blood.

As Jack digs deeper he will discover the truth.

The truth hurts.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Get Carter (2000) is a remake of Get Carter (1971) which starred Michael Caine. Caine co-stars in the remake.  Stallone and Caine also appeared together in Victory (1981).  Caine was originally only supposed to appear in a one scene cameo.  The scene scored so high with test audiences, the film was adjusted to give Caine a bigger role.

When producers were hesitant to hire Mickey Rourke (because of his past behaviors), Stallone guaranteed a portion of his salary, to cover any delays caused by Rourke.  Rourke was on-time and ready every day.

Gretchen Mol plays an important role but is not listed in the film’s credits.

Tom Sizemore’s voice (also uncredited) is heard when Carter talks to his Vegas boss.

Director Stephen Kay appears uncredited as a party guest.  Get Carter features Stephen Kay’s second outing as a feature film director.  Kay would go on to direct multiple highly rated episodes of The Shield; Sons of Anarchy; Yellowstone; Mayor of Kingstown; Lioness and Landman.

Frank Stallone appears uncredited in the funeral scene.

Get Carter (2000) is one of my all-time favorite films.  The movie and especially Stallone’s character resonates with me.  In it you’ll see some of Stallone’s best acting (especially the roof top scene with Rachael Leigh Cook).  The film isn’t perfect or a classic, but it remains one of my go-to movies.  Your mileage may vary (a lot on this one).

Get Carter (2000) rates 5 of 5 stars

PUT YOUR LIFE IN THE POT by James Maxwell

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I love good great crime stories.  I don’t care if they are told in novel, comic, movie or episodic television form.  Just make ’em great.  James Maxwell’s PUT YOUR LIFE IN THE POT just might fit the bill.  Here’s the downlow…

This neo-noir tale renders San Jose, California, as a stage for crime, corruption, and the hope of getting that American dream you’ve always been denied. Recommended for fans of Dennis Lehane, Jim Thompson, and films like Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead.

You wanna go all in with me?

Tristian Sloan is a young man frustrated with his minimum wage job and dead-end life. Why hasn’t he made anything of himself? How come he always gets a raw deal? He just wants a way out. The plan is simple, and nobody’s supposed to get hurt.

Tristian and his so-called friend, Joey Patrone, are a pair of codependent liquor store monkeys who hate each other almost as much as they hate their boss. They work their days away for minimum wage and blow their money on booze and call girls.

Now they’ve had enough. Joey comes up with a plan to get rich quick by ripping off the mob who owns the liquor store. He just needs Tristian’s help to cover his neck. But Tristian doesn’t like how reckless his friend has gotten – the guy’s totally psycho, and no longer cares who gets hurt.

Tristian sabotages Joey’s plan to take the money for himself, but everything spins into bloodshed when the wrong people catch wind of the money. Now, he is caught between a vicious gang, a psychopathic schemer, and his own failures as a man.

PUT YOUR LIFE IN THE POT is sitting with a 4.8 Amazon rating.

Deal me in.

THE LONG LAVENDER LOOK: A TRAVIS MCGEE NOVEL by John D. MacDonald / Z-View

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THE LONG LAVENDER LOOK by John D. MacDonald

First sentences…

Late April.  Ten o’clock at night.  Hustling south on Florida 112 through the eastern section of Cypress County, about twenty miles from the intersection of 112 and the Tamiami Trail.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

At night on a deserted Florida back road after a long day, Travis McGee and his buddy Meyer are making good time. Eighty miles an hour good time.  Suddenly a scantily clad woman runs across the road.  McGee is able to avoid hitting her but his car goes off the road.  It hits hard and begins sinking.

McGee and Meyer are bruised and battered but nothing is broken.  They make it out and to the shore.  Then watch as the car sinks in swamp water.

With no options but to walk to the nearest town, they begin their trek.  There’s little hope of a passing car so late at night on a deserted road.  McGee and Meyer are happy to see a truck with a burly driver approaching.  They feel their luck has turned.

Then the driver starts shooting at them.

+++

THE LONG LAVENDER LOOK features Travis McGee at his best.  (John D. MacDonald too.)

Rating: