Thomas Pluck

This one came close to being my book of the year. If you like Elmore Leonard, Ken Bruen, or the like, this one will bring you great pleasure. The plot is both simple and complex. Jay has just been released from prison after 20 plus years for the murder of the town bully when he was 15. Where things get complex is in the backstory and what led to that murder on that fateful day.

True to noir tradition, there's a dame that owns his heart, loyal friends, and bad guys that wish him ill will. He must rely on his wits in order to find a way to navigate his way to some semblance of a better life.

If I have a criticism, it's with the editors. Things go on just a little too long and the number of beatings and crimes makes it harder and harder to suspend disbelief. A certain weariness begins to set in. Luckily the crisp writing and a satisfying ending prevent things from sliding into the tank.

I look forward to reading more from Thomas Pluck and you should get on board quickly as well.… (altro)

“Hoods, Hot Rods, And Hellcats” is a superb anthology. Not a clunker in this bunch of stories. The goal of this collection was to cut beneath the fabric of the fifties culture and portray the greasers, hotrodders, skanks, crooks, losers, and twists that were out looking for some excitement. Given the authors in this collection, you would bet that it would be good, but you wouldn’t think it would be this good.This is one of those books that, once you pop it open, you wonder why you let it linger on your bookshelf for so long without reading it. Yeah, it’s that good.… (altro)