Category: Authors

WRECKED: AN IQ NOVEL by Joe Ide

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WRECKED: AN IQ NOVEL by Joe Ide

First sentence…

“Do you know what Abraham Lincoln said after a six-day drunk?” Jimenez said.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Isaiah Quintabe, who everyone calls IQ because of his superior intellect, is back.  IQ was in high school when his brother was killed in a hit and run.  It was at that point that IQ began earning money from neighborhood folks needing help. After IQ found a a runaway young girl word spread. Soon he was getting requests for assistance with “cases the police couldn’t or wouldn’t touch.” The cases didn’t pay much and sometimes the reward was food or a service IQ needed.

But that was over a decade ago.  Now IQ is famous in the neighborhood for the “cases” he’s resolved.  IQ’s the go-to guy when folks need a detective or issue resolved.  IQ became so busy that he brought on his childhood friend, Dodson to assist.  If IQ is the brains of the outfit, Dodson is the one with street smarts. Dodson used to run with a rough crowd, but those days are over.  Now he’s married with a young daughter.  His job is to make IQ a legitimate detective.  One with a social media presence.  One who gets paid with cash instead of new tires or a carpet cleaning.

When IQ meets a local artist named Grace, he begins to fall for her.  She needs help.  Grace hasn’t seen her mother in decade.  Grace wants IQ to find mom and fast.  Her mother has something that could get some bad men sent to prison for a very long time.  These guys are killers and will stop at nothing to get what they want.

To complicate matters, Seb, the African gangster responsible for IQ’s brother’s death has IQ in his crosshairs.

The race is on to find Grace’s mother.  Even IQ gets there first, how can he protect her from the killers closing in?

+++++

Joe Ide has another winner.

Rating:

RIP: Ron Ely

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Yesterday it was announced that Ron Ely died of natural causes on on September 29, 2024, at the age of 86.

Mr. Ely was best known for his role as Tarzan on the NBC series of the same name.  The series ran for 57 episodes over the course of two seasons.  Mr. Ely performed most of his stunts throughout the series and suffered multiple injuries.

Prior to Tarzan, Ron Ely appeared in supporting feature film roles and guest spots on television series.  After the series ended Mr. Ely continued acting on television and feature films for the rest of his career. Although Ron Ely retired from acting in 2001, he came back to appear in the television movie Expecting Amish in 2014.

Ron Ely also authored two excellent detective novels, NIGHT SHADOWS and EAST BEACH.

Television projects that feature Ron Ely include: Father Knows Best; Steve Canyon; Playhouse 90; How to Marry a Millionaire; The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis; The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp; The Aquanauts (18 episodes); Thriller; Tarzan (57 episodes); The Courtship of Eddie’s Father; Ironside; Marcus Welby, MD; Wonder Woman; Face the Music; The Love Boat (3 episodes); Matt Houston; Hotel; Fantasy Island (5 episodes); Blacke’s Magic; Sea Hunt (22 episodes); Superboy; The Hat Squad; LA Law; Hawkeye; Renegade (2 episodes); Sheena and Expecting Amish.

Feature films that Ron Ely appeared in include: South Pacific; The Fiend Who Walked the West; Night of the Grizzly and Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze.

I probably first saw Ron Ely in Tarzan.  I loved that Mr. Ely’s Tarzan was not only physical but also intelligent.  I have great memories of watching the series with my grandfather.  Then going out to play Tarzan with my other friends.  After the series ended I enjoyed seeing Mr. Ely in television roles and movies.

Mr. Ely was also an excellent writer.  I own his two detective novels and always hoped there would be more.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Rob Ely’s family, friends and fans.

ONE SHOT by Lee Child / Z-View

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ONE SHOT: A JACK REACHER NOVEL by Lee Child

First sentences…

Friday.  Five o’clock in the afternoon.  Maybe the hardest time to move unobserved through a city.  Or maybe the easiest.  Because at five o’clock on a Friday, nobody pays attention to anything.  Except the road ahead.

The man with the rifle drove north.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

After a mass murderer kills five people with just six shots the police get lucky.  Evidence accidentally left behind leads to the killer’s capture before the day is done.

James Barr fits the profile.  He’s an ex-military sniper.  He’s had a difficult time adjusting to civilian life.  The police are giving high-fives all around.  This will be an open and shut case.  James Barr says two things: he’s innocent and he will only speak to Jack Reacher.

Reacher is a former military cop.  Now he’s a civilian.  Reacher sees a news report about the shooting.  He remembers James Barr well.  Reacher brought Barr up on charges for a killing spree in Kuwait.  Despite overwhelming evidence, Barr was never charged.  That never sat well with Reacher. Now he plans to inform prosecutors of Barr’s past.

Reacher is shocked Barr requested to see him.  They hate each other.  When Reacher asks to speak to Barr, he discovers that Barr was badly beaten while in custody.  Making things worse Barr cannot remember much about the day of the shooting.  Barr knows Reacher’s an exceptional investigator who won’t rest until the truth is revealed.  Reacher doubts Barr’s innocence, but decides to look at the evidence.

The shots came from just 35 yards out.  Yet, there were six shots and only five kills.  Barr wouldn’t have missed at that range.  Why was one shot a miss?  Then there’s the evidence that led to Barr.  He wouldn’t have left behind a shell casing with a fingerprint.  And what killer would take the time to put a quarter (with another fingerprint) in the parking meter where he was shooting from?  Things weren’t adding up.

As Reacher digs deeper, he becomes the next target.

+++++

Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels are always a fun ride.  ONE SHOT is no exception.

Rating:

THE WIDENING GYRE: A SPENSER NOVEL by Robert B. Parker

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THE WIDENING GYRE by Robert B. Parker

First sentence…

I was nursing a bottle of Murphy’s Irish Whiskey, drinking it from the neck of the bottle sparingly, and looking down from the window of my office at Berkeley Street where it crosses Boylston.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Spenser is hired to find who is blackmailing Meade Alexander.  Meade is a congressman running for the Senate. He’s happily married. Meade’s a law and order guy.  The most important thing in his life is he’s  a Christian.  Meade’s as All-American as apple pie and baseball.  Meade’s also being blackmailed.  But not because of anything he’s done.

Ronni, Meade’s wife caused the problem.  There’s video of her having sex with college boys.  Lots of video.  And she’s into it.

Meade wants the problem to go away.  If the video gets out, his campaign is finished.  Spenser agrees to take the job, not so much for Meade, but because of Ronni.  As Spenser digs deeper he discovers so heavy hitters in the Boston underworld are involved.

Yikes!

+++++

Robert B. Parker’s Spenser novels have always been required purchases for me.  Parker and Spenser never disappoint.

Rating:

THE LAST FEW MILES: A CARTER MCCOY NOVEL by Eric Beetner / Z-View

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THE LAST FEW MILES: A CARTER MCCOY NOVEL by Eric Beetner

First sentence…

Carter McCoy closed the menu and handed it back to the waitress.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Carter McCoy doesn’t have long to live.  Six months give or take a few.  The doctor told him the name of the disease that’s killing him, but does the name really matter at this point?  There’s no cure.  McCoy is 72 years old.  Other than the disease he’s in great shape.  Some might say that’s ironic.

You might think that since McCoy’s wife and daughter are dead, he has nothing to live for.  You’d be wrong.  The man who caused his daughter’s death escaped justice and is still alive.  McCoy has wanted to kill the man for years.  Only thing stopping him was his wife.  Now she’s gone and Carter’s time is running out.

And there’s one thing he’s going to do before his time is up.

+++++

I’m a huge fan of Eric Beetner’s tales.  THE LAST FEW MILES: A CARTER MCCOY NOVEL is another winner.  An old man with just months to live wants to kill the man responsible for his daughter’s death.  The man isn’t a killer, he’s old and he’s dying. In any good writer’s hands that’s a great set-up for a crime novel.  In Beetner’s mits it’s just the kick-off for his yarn.

Soon a young woman in a tragic situation will against odds become Carter’s friend.  She’s in a terrible situation.  Perhaps Carter and a bullet could save her.  Carter’s dying so he has nothing to lose.  And if he’s successful she could have a chance at a good life.

The only thing that could stop him are the police that are getting close and the disease that’s even closer.

THE LAST FEW MILES: A CARTER MCCOY NOVEL is a fast read, with twists, suspense and ever increasing stakes.  I applaud the ending.  It wasn’t what I was expecting but works perfectly.

Rating:

RIP: Kris Kristofferson

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Kris Kristofferson died peacefully at his home on September 28, 2024.  Mr. Kristofferson was 88.  No cause of death was given.

After graduating high school Kris Kristofferson enrolled in Pomona College in California.  He hoped to become a writer.  Mr. Kristofferson excelled in football, rugby, as well as track and field while at Pomona.  Because of his athletic prowess, Kris Kristofferson was featured in the March 31, 1958 edition of Sports Illustrated.  Mr. Kristofferson graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in literature.

Kris Kristofferson was then awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to the University of Oxford.  While there he achieved honors in rugby and boxing.  It was at this point that Mr. Kristofferson began writing and recording songs with Top Rank Records under the name Kris Carson.  Due to the lack of success with this venture, Mr. Kristofferson enlisted in the U.S. Army.

While in the service Mr. Kristofferson completed Ranger school, became a helicopter pilot and earned the rank of Captain.  He also continued performing with a band when possible.  When his enlistment was coming to an end, Mr. Kristofferson was given the opportunity to teach at West Point.  He instead opted to leave the service and move to Nashville.

Kris Krisofferson continued to work at odd jobs and later as a helicopter pilot while he pursued a music career.  Within a few years singers such as Ray Stevens, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roger Miller began recording Mr. Kristofferson’s songs.  Mr. Kristofferson also got his own recording contract.  In 1971, Kris Kristofferson’s album Me & Bobby McGee became a hit.  It was also the same year that Mr. Kristofferson made his feature film debut.  For the remainder of his career, Kris Kristofferson performed as a singer, song writer, as well as an actor in feature films and television.

Kris Kristofferson’s awards and honors include…

  • 1970 CMA winner – Song of the Year for “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down”
  • 1972 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Song for “Me And Bobby Mc Gee”
  • 1972 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Song for “For The Good Times”
  • 1972 Grammy Awards nominee – Song of the Year for “Me And Bobby Mc Gee”
  • 1972 Grammy Awards nominee – Song of the Year for “Help Me Make It Through The Night”
  • 1972 Grammy Awards winner – Best Country Song for “Help Me Make It Through The Night” Sammi Smith
  • 1973 CMA nominee – Song of the Year for “Why Me Lord”
  • 1974 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Song for “Why Me”
  • 1974 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Vocal Performance, Male for “Why Me”
  • 1974 Grammy Awards winner – Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for “From The Bottle To The Bottom”; shared with: Rita Coolidge
  • 1975 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for “Loving Arms”; shared with: Rita Coolidge
  • 1976 Grammy Awards winner – Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for “Lover Please”; shared with: Rita Coolidge
  • 1977 Golden Globe Awards winner – Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for A Star Is Born
  • 1985 Academy Awards nominee –  Best Music, Original Song Score for Songwriter
  • 1985 CMA nominee – Music Video of the Year for The Highwaymen: Highwayman shared with: Johnny Cash · Willie Nelson · Waylon Jennings · Peter Israelson
  • 1985 CMA nominee – Single of the Year for “Highwayman” shared with: Willie Nelson · Waylon Jennings · Johnny Cash
  • 1986 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “Highwayman”; shared with: Willie Nelson · Johnny Cash · Waylon Jennings
  • 1990 CMA nominee – Vocal Event of the Year for “Highwaymen” shared with: Waylon Jennings · Johnny Cash · Willie Nelson
  • 1991 CMA nominee – Vocal Event of the Year for “Highwaymen” shared with: Waylon Jennings · Johnny Cash · Willie Nelson
  • 1991 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Vocal Collaboration for “Highwayman 2” shared with: Johnny Cash · Willie Nelson · Waylon Jennings
  • 2004 Country Music Hall of Fame
  • 2012 CMA nominee – Musical Event of the Year for “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” shared with: Jamey Johnson · Willie Nelson · Snoop Dogg
  • 2014 Grammy Awards winner – Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 2017 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Americana Album for “The Cedar Creek Sessions”

Television projects that feature Kris Kristofferson include: Freedom Road; The Lost Honor of Kathryn Beck; The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James; Stagecoach; Amerika (7 episodes); The Tracker; The Larry Sanders Show; Dead Man’s Gun; Two for Texas; Dead Man’s Gun (narrator; 44 episodes); Where the Red Fern Grows; The Break; Lives of the Saints and Texas Rising (5 episodes).

Feature films that Kris Kristofferson appeared in include: The Last Movie; Cisco Pike; Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid; Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia; Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore; The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea; Vigilante Force; A Star is Born; Semi-Tough; Convoy; Heaven’s Gate; Songwriter; Trouble in Mind; Big Top Pee-Wee; Mellennium; Lone Star; Fire Down Below; Blade; Payback; Planet of the Apes; Eye See You; Blade II; Blade Trinity and The Jacket; Dreamer.

I probably first saw Kris Kristofferson in A Star is Born. My favorite Kris Kristofferson role was in Lone Star, followed closely by his appearances in Payback; Eye See You and the Blade movies.  Two movies that Mr. Kristofferson starred in are The Tracker and Trouble in Mind.  I remember liking them both, but haven’t see them in years.  I going to try to rectify that.

What a life Kris Kristofferson led.  If you were creating a hero for a story and you said he was an ex-Ranger, three sport college athlete with the heart of a poet, your editor would say, “C’mon.  That guy is too good to be true.”  And he’d be wrong.  Kris Kristofferson was THAT guy.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Kris Kristofferson’s family, friends and fans.

ROBERT B. PARKER’S BULL RIVER: A COLE AND HITCH NOVEL by Robert Knott / Z-View

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ROBERT B. PARKER’S BULL RIVER: A COLE AND HITCH NOVEL by Robert Knott

First sentence…

We rode hard up the road to the governor’s mansion.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

US Marshall Virgil Cole and his Deputy Everette Hitch are tasked to escort “Captain” Alejandro Vasquez to San Cristobal.  Vasquez, a Mexican desperado, is accused of killing two men. Vasquez claims he’s innocent.  Virgil’s woman, Allie French is worried that they won’t be back in time to attend Appaloosa’s huge citywide celebration.

The trip to San Cristobal is uneventful .  Cole and Hitch transfer Vasquez to the local authorities.  Before Cole and Hitch head back, the local bank is robbed.  One of the robbers is Henry Strode, the bank’s President.  The sheriff asks Cole and Hitch to assist.  Fairly quickly Strode is found.  He’s lying badly beaten and unconscious in the middle of the road.  They take Strode into a house and leave him with a local deputy hoping he’ll regain consciousness.

Strode does come to.  He steals a gun and makes his escape.  Turns out Strode isn’t his real name.  He only assisted in robbing the bank because his brother had his wife and threatened to kill her.  Now Strode’s brother has the bank money, his wife and is headed to Mexico.  So is Strode.

Cole and Hitch prepare to head to Mexico to capture Strode, his brother and hopefully return with the bank’s cash.  Then they learn that Strode isn’t his real name!  “Captain” Alejandro Vasquez says that he knows the real identity of Strode and his brother.  Vasquez also says he knows where they’re heading.  If Cole and Hitch get him released from jail, Vasquez will show them the way.  Oh, and he’ll want Cole to put in a good word to the judge.  Cole says he’ll tell the judge the truth about whatever help Vasquez gives, but makes no other promise.

Vasquez may be lying and his plan may be to escape.  Cole decides to chance it.  Cole, Hitch and Vasquez head into Mexico looking for the desperados.  Little do they know that a worse problem is brewing in  Appaloosa.

+++++

Robert Knott was an excellent choice to continue Robert B. Parker’s Cole and Hitch series.  Each new yarn is an automatic pick-up.

Rating:

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.

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:

“‘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: