Tag: detective

Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

In for a Penny, In for a Pound: The Factory Novels by Derek Raymond

The Factory Novels by Derek Raymond (published by Melville House) The Devil’s Home On Leave How the Dead Live I Was Dora Suarez   Sweeney Todd, the notorious barber of Fleet Street, first appeared in an 1846 Victorian Penny Dreadful entitled “The String of Pearls: A Romance”.  Dreadfuls were cheap chapbooks, sold for a penny a piece (later reduced to half-pence, or Half Penny Dreadfuls) … Continue reading In for a Penny, In for a Pound: The Factory Novels by Derek Raymond

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Fiction, Mystery

The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon (Redux)

Let’s start with Michael Chabon.  Being a fan of all things Sherlock Holmes, I read “The Final Solution” when it was first released. It’s a slim novella that, in my opinion, tread too much water.  You move from beginning to end at a satisfactory pace with no major plot disappointment or style road bumps to slow you down. But, it was average. Middle of the … Continue reading The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon (Redux)

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Fiction, Mystery, Sci-Fi / Fantasy

In Search of Steampunk

Top 10 Unanswered Questions after reading The Somnambulist by Jonathan Barnes: Who is Barabbas?  What is his past history with Edward Moon ?  Why is he chosen by Love, Love & Love? Who is the Somnambulist? Where did he come from?  Why doesn’t he talk and what’s with the milk? What is he? Who was his predecessor? What the hell happens to him at the … Continue reading In Search of Steampunk

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Fiction, Mystery, Sci-Fi / Fantasy, Short Story

Vive le Genre!

Lately there has been a renewed interest in genre fiction. Whether it’s Stephen King’s lurid covers on retro paperbacks in the grocery aisle, Michael Chabon’s serialized adventure story in the New York Times Magazine, or Arturo Pèrez Reverte’s Captain Alatriste swordsman-for-hire series, – the pulp novel is suddenly being taken seriously. And I’m glad. Books written & read for entertainment and good writing aren’t mutually … Continue reading Vive le Genre!

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