Review: "Genre Shotgun: A Collection Of Short Fiction" by Terry W. Ervin II

Genre Shotgun: A Collection Of Short Fiction features thirteen previously published tales classified into four categories. Published by Gryphonwood Press last year the book continues the author’s word count assault on the reading public with quality storytelling and interesting characters. Like his Flank Hawk series, there are plenty of twists and surprises in these very good tales.

The book opens with the “Horror/Suspense” category. There are three stories in this section and they begin with “The Scene Of My Second Murder.” A graveyard in the middle of the night and a long ago death are just two of the many elements in the tale.

Scary stories told to young kids at a retreat or camp is a classic idea used in film as well as in books. So classic we all pretty much know how the tale will go before we read one as the names and circumstances are usually the only difference. Author Terry W. Ervin II puts a very different spin on things with “Skull Face Returns” proving there is a grain or more of truth in every story.

Scaring kids at camp also plays a major role in the next story titled “The Candy Bar Game.” A Saturday night highlight and tradition at “Camp Mekanayzn” is about to go very wrong for assistant senior patrol leader Rick in ways he never saw coming.

“Accelerated Justice” leads off the five stories is the “Science Fiction” category though several could have worked just as well in the preceding category. In the not too distant future it was supposed to be a simple trip back and forth across the border for limo driver Jack Hollister and his passenger. Classic issues still plague mankind and Jack Hollister has few options.

A deep space battle might turn the tide for humanity in “Seconds Of Eternity.” Major Parsons knows a thing or two about fighting and will push his Starfury IV to do what absolutely has to be done.

He was supposed to go into a peaceful cryogenic sleep in “Tethered In Purgatory” and await advances in medical science that could save his life. Instead, Thomas Mayvin finds himself conscious in some way and only able to observe his own body and those that come near o him. This is not at all what he paid for.

A newbie reporter two weeks out from graduation and on his first assignment is sent to Florida in “Vegetable Matters.” The reporter is to interview a Mr. Dennis Sherkle on behalf of the “Weekly Electron Star.” All reporter Marvin Petro knows is that his editor told him the story involved corporate theft and property rights. Petro will soon learn what that really means in this incredibly good tale.

Sallie Thurstin and her baby are in real trouble in “The Exchange Box.” That is until Travis Collington shows up with his special box and makes an offer she can’t refuse.

While the next category is referred to as “Inspirational” a more fitting term would be “Literary.” Despite the idea that the stories are uplifting as implied by the category term and their track record of publication, these primarily depressing tales did not strike this reader that way at all.

“It Was A Mistake” details a series of mistakes that led up to the ultimate fate.

“Even Zero Can Add Up To Something” makes a point about the math involved with the number zero. A very short tale that really can’t be described--it just has to be read.

It has been a long trip, but worth it in “The Last Meeting” as a man goes home to the church he grew up in long ago.

The final two stories of the book are found in the closing category of “Mystery.” The first story features a routine day in second period Geometry until the police got involved in “Drug Dogs.” Mitch is about to have his high school life and more turned upside down and then things will get worse.

Modern day archeology and ancient secrets abound in “Fictional History.” Artifacts must be placed in context. A major find could radically change that established context.

Terry W. Ervin II is one of those writers who has many talents. Whether it is the excellent Flank Hawk  series or the tales here in Genre Shotgun: A Collection Of Short Fiction the read is a good one. This is one of those rare cases where the blurbs from author Earl Staggs and others accurately portray the book. Short stories in a variety of settings populated with interesting characters facing major and minor moments are present here resulting in a very good read.

Genre Shotgun: A Collection Of Short Fiction

Terry W. Ervin II

http://www.ervin-author.com/

http://uparoundthecorner.blogspot.com/

Gryphonwood Press

http://www.grphonwoodpress.com

November 2012

ISBN#978-0-9837655-7-8

Paperback (also available as an e-book)

226 Pages

$9.99

Material supplied by the author quite some time ago in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2013

In Case You Wondered-- Tips From The Redneck Book Of Manners

and because I always promised you "book reviews and more" on this blog. Barry Ergang sent this my way earlier today and I thought it was very funny.

Tips From the Redneck Book of Manners

 

1.Never take a beer to a job interview.

2.Always identify people in your yard before shooting at them.

3.It's considered poor taste to take a cooler to church.

4.If you have to vacuum the bed, it is time to change the sheets.

5.Even if you're certain that you are included in the will, it is still considered tacky to drive a U-Haul to the funeral home.

Dining Out

1.If drinking directly from the bottle, always hold it with your fingers covering the label.

2.Avoid throwing bones and food scraps on the floor as the restaurant may not have dogs.

ENTERTAINING IN YOUR HOME

1.A centerpiece for the table should never be anything prepared by a taxidermist.

2.Do not allow the dog to eat at the table no matter how good his manners are.

PERSONAL HYGIENE

1.While ears need to be cleaned regularly, this is a job that should be done in private using one's OWN truck keys

2.Proper use of toiletries can forestall bathing for several days. However, if you live alone, deodorant is a waste of good money.

3.Dirt and grease under the fingernails is a social no-no, as they tend to detract from a woman's jewelry and alter the taste of finger foods.

DATING (OUTSIDE THE FAMILY)

1.Always offer to bait your date's hook, especially on the first date.

2.Be aggressive. Let her know you're interested: 'I've been wanting to go out with you since I read that stuff on the bathroom wall two years ago.'

3.Establish with her parents what time she is expected back. Some will say 10:00 PM; others might say 'Monday.' If the latter is the answer, it is the man's responsibility to get her to school on time.

4.Always have a positive comment about your date's appearance, such as, 'Ya'll sure don't sweat much for a fat gal.'

WEDDINGS

1.Livestock, usually, is a poor choice for a wedding gift.

2.Kissing the bride for more than 5 seconds may get you shot.

3.For the groom, at least, rent a tux. A leisure suit with a cummerbund and a clean bowling shirt can create too sporty an appearance.

4. Though uncomfortable, say 'yes' to socks and shoes for this special occasion.

5. It is not appropriate to tell the groom how good his wife is in the sack.

DRIVING ETIQUETTE

1.Dim your headlights for approaching vehicles, even if the gun is loaded, and the deer is in sight.

2.When approaching a four-way stop, the vehicle with the largest tires always has the right of way.

3.Never tow another car using panty hose and duct tape.

4.When sending your wife/girlfriend down the road with a gas can, it is impolite to ask her to bring back beer.

5.Never relieve yourself from a moving vehicle, especially when driving.

6.Do not lay rubber while traveling in a funeral procession.

TWO REASONS WHY IT IS HARD TO SOLVE A REDNECK MURDER:

1.All the DNA is the same.

2.There are no dental records

Kings River Life-- Mystery short story by Bonnie Cardone & much more in KRL this week

As posted elsewhere earlier this week. I apologize for the delay listing here due to things being a little more chaotic in recent days than normal ..... 

Up in Kings River Life Magazine this morning a review & giveaway of Christopher J Lynch's latest mystery thriller, "Russian Roulette", along with an interview with Christopher http://kingsriverlife.com/11/16/russian-roulette-christopher-lynch/

Also up a review & giveaway of Sofie Kelly's latest Magical Cats mystery "Final Catcall",  along with a fun guest post about literary cats http://kingsriverlife.com/11/16/final-catcall-by-sofie-kelly/

Bonnie J. Cardone shares a mystery short story with KRL called "Shark Bait" http://kingsriverlife.com/11/16/shark-bait-a-mystery-short-story/

We also have a review of the new mystery TV show The "Blacklist" http://kingsriverlife.com/11/16/blacklist-tv-review/

And we also have a review & giveaway of Carl Brookins latest mystery novel "The Case of the Purloined Painting", and an interview with Carl http://kingsriverlife.com/11/16/the-case-of-the-purloined-painting-by-carl-brookins/

Lastly, we have a review & giveaway of Keri Arthur's new mystery/fantasy novel "Who Needs Enemies" and an interview with Keri http://kingsriverlife.com/11/16/who-needs-enemies-by-keri-arthur/

Due to those annoying broken links of yahoo groups, you can also go to the home page and scroll down to find all of these great articles & more http://KingsRiverLife.com

Happy reading,

Lorie Ham

--

KRL is now selling advertising & we have special discounts for
mystery authors & bookstores! Ask me about it!
Mystery section in Kings River Life http://KingsRiverLife.com

Check out my own blog at http://mysteryratscloset.blogspot.com/

Lesa's Latest Contest

As posted elsewhere earlier this week. I apologize for the delay listing here due to things being a little more chaotic in recent days than normal .....

 This week, I'm giving away 2 crime novels set in the West. You could win C.J. Box' The Highway or Terry Shames' A Killing at Cotton Hill. Details available on my blog, http://www.lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com. Entries from the U.S. only, please.

Lesa Holstine 

lesa.holstine@gmail.com 

 http://www.lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com

Sandi Update

We had blood work scheduled this morning as it was, but things went downhill a little bit over the weekend so they had to work her in for an office visit as well.The blood work was mainly for INR and that barely budged so that med has been boosted.

The surgical site is healing and they are very pleased as to how it looks. It continues to weep stuff, but what is coming out is normal. Everything happening with that is a good sign.

What is not a good sign is the fact that, starting late last week and going through the weekend, Sandi's breathing with and without the oxygen sharply worsened. By Sunday it was very clear that something had to be done so I contacted her doctor over Sandi's objections as she didn't want to be a bother and discussed what was going on.

About two weeks ago Sandi was taken the rest of the way off the steroids in order to give her body a rest as long term steroids can do nasty things and to allow her immune system to climb a bit. Steroids can and do suppresses the immune system and with cold/flu season on us with additional risk, it was deemed a good idea to cut her back and then remove the steroids. What is happening now is that the basic condition of pneumonitis is trying to flare up in a new way and creating an asthmatic like situation for Sandi.

Later today, if the prescription gets filled fast enough, she will be start using a steroid inhaler. The hope is that the steroids in the inhaler will help things in her lungs without causing the steroid side effects and risks that the normal steroid pills have.

While this is a definite and significant setback, she is nowhere near as sick as when she had to be hospitalized a couple of months ago when this started.  At this point, she gets to stay home and try the inhaler and see how that works. Hopefully it will work as fast as hoped and Sandi will start doing better again.

Blood work and an office visit remain scheduled for Friday.

Guest Reviewer Caroline Clemmons Reviews: "Out Of The Night" by Geri Foster

It has been quite some time since author Caroline Clemmons last reviewed a book here. Please welcome back Caroline to the blog. 

Geri Foster’s OUT OF THE NIGHT is a thriller/romantic suspense that will keep readers turning the pages until the last word. This intricate plot is one that both men and women will find fascinating. The third book of Ms. Foster’s Falcon Securities series, each is a stand-alone book. Many authors say books in their series are stand alone, but in this case the statement is true. Nevertheless, readers will be hungry to read each one.

Falcon Securities is an agency headed by Frank Hamilton and answers only to the President of the United States. Tony Archuletta is a Falcon Securities agent being held in the infamous Lubyanka Prison, where experimental drugs were used to break him in interrogation. The doctor who administered the drugs overdosed him and wiped out Tony’s memory. Will it return? No one knows.

Abby Williams is an investigative reporter who still loves Tony even after he broke off their relationship. Poor Abby is in the wrong place at the right time and is given the assignment to impersonate a Russian guard and extract Tony from the prison. With a few scares, she completes the assignment. She doesn’t realize Tony has lost his memory until he tries to kill her. He has no idea who she is and believes she has taken him out of prison to shoot him. 

Bit by bit, Tony’s memory kicks in, but never enough. His assignment had been to rescue the CIA agent, Joe Mitchell, who knows the identity and location of all undercover CIA agents, before the man can be broken. If Joe talks, he would endanger every agent and compromise years of work. Frank Hamilton believes Joe will kill himself rather than reveal what he knows, and the rush is to rescue him before either event happens. 

Rushing across Russian and other countries, each step of the way presents another dangerous confrontation. Tony doesn’t understand why Abby’s presence comforts him, but he asks her to remain with him on his race to free Joe. Other Falcon agents lend their assistance, but Tony is the only one with the key to Joe’s location—if his memory returns. 

This book has more twists and turns than a switchback road. Subtle romantic moments add dimension. Secondary characters add an interesting mix and the characters are very well developed. A highly energized ending is one you'll remember long after you've finished reading OUT OF THE NIGHT. If you like Robert Ludlum, Tom Clancy, and Dan Brown, you will enjoy reading Geri Foster’s OUT OF THE NIGHT and her other Falcon books, OUT OF THE DARK and OUT OF THE SHADOWS. Watch for more of this series in the future. 

Caroline Clemmons©2013

Caroline Clemmons writes Romance and Adventure
www.carolineclemmons.com
Visit my blog http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com
Team blog http://sweetheartsofthewest.blogspot.com

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Pimpage: An Occasional Feature in Which I call Att...

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Pimpage: An Occasional Feature in Which I call Att...: BEAT to a PULP: Hardboiled 3: Patti Abbott, Fred Blosser, Hilary Davidson, Chris F Holm, Sophie Littlefield, Andrew Nette, Keith Rawson, Kie...

Review: "The Shamus Sampler" Edited by Jochem Vandersteen

As author Reed Farrel Coleman writes in the introduction, crime fiction these days has grown far beyond the private investigator. Not that PI novels no longer exist, far from it. But, these days the PI novel does not hold the preeminent position in the world of crime fiction as it used to back decades ago. The classic PI of yesteryear may be gone to a certain extent as no one walks around in trench coats while wearing a fedora these days. But the classic PI is still present in manner and action, though he or she appears in a far different form these days. That idea is very clearly illustrated in the excellent read The Shamus Sampler that features “new detective stories from around the world.”

This highly entertaining anthology begins with one of the hardest stories to explain while not giving away too much. “Mysterious Private Investigations” by Peter DiChellis is one very complicated tale. It involves a jewelry heist, a private investigator, a man in jail for a crime he did not commit, and a search for justice, among other elements.

Jake Diamond is up next in “One Hit Wonder: A Jake Diamond Short Story” by J. L. Abramo. If Darlene Roman had answered the phone like she should have instead of ducking across the street for a drink at the health food bar across the street, Jake would not have answered the phone. He did answer and the caller, who didn't give him time to speak, gave the instructions on how he wanted somebody killed. With little to go on, Jake has six hours to find the intended victim somewhere in the city of San Francisco.

“The Case of the Derby Diamond” by Jeffery Marks comes next with a classic style PI tale set just after World War II. Mrs. Van Hoskins is a very wealthy woman and exceedingly unhappy as her ring, a seven carat diamond surrounded by a jewel encrusted horseshoe, is missing. She wants it back. PI Donnelly has the chance to find the ring and make some money as The Van Hoskins want things keep very quiet.

Gypsy is a call girl and is about to get out of the life. She plans on making Nick Kepler her final client in “Gypsy's Kiss” by Jim Winter. Somebody is not happy with her, or her decision, and is making the point loud and clear. The Cleveland PI will have his hands full trying to keep Gypsy alive and well.

Sergeant Thomas Hamilton kept Harry Charters alive during the war and Harry knows he owes him a huge debt. It has been ten years since they saw each other and the passing years have not been kind to either man. Hamilton’s son is missing in “The Smell Of Perfume” by Graham Smith. Hamilton wants Chet found and wants Harry’s help.

Jim Wolf, private investigator, lives on a boat in a harbor in Oakland. When he isn't actively working he hangs out at a bar known as “Big Emma’s.” He almost never works for lawyers, but makes an exception for defense lawyer Sandra Jacobs. She needs his help on behalf of a client in “Rage: A Jim Wolf Mystery” by Tim Wohlforth. Wealthy psychotherapist Henry Platt was brutally killed at his outdoor pool. Sandra’s client, his wife Carol, has admitted to killing him, but none of it makes sense.

Set in Morris, Oklahoma in 1965 “The Patriot” by Sean Benjamin Dexter is right out of the Cold War with a tale of Russian spies, espionage, and life in small town, Oklahoma. One of the residents thinks he heard somebody who sounded like a “Ruskie” on his amateur radio talking about the local Dow Chemical plant. Local police can’t be trusted so the resident has come to local private investigator, Alex Taylor, for help.

He may not be a private investigator as such, but reporter Liam Michael Murphy who goes by the nickname of “Mad Mick Murphy” acts like one in “Drumstick Murder” by Michael Haskins. He is at the annual Key West Songwriters Festival and is supposed to interview the legendary Dallas Lucas. His interview subject is dead and it is very clear it was not a suicide. With Lucas murdered the planned interview feature will now be a piece on his murder--unless the local cops decide the reporter did it.

It is always a treat to come across a story from Texas author Bill Crider. Far from the East Texas stomping grounds of his Sheriff Dan Rhodes series, “A Matter Of Heart” is set on Galveston Island. The highly entertaining tale features a private investigator working the murder case of one Sue Traylor. It is a complicated case that has links to the past and the colorful history of Galveston when literally anything was possible on the island.

 “Christmas Morning” by Stephen D. Rogers comes next where a man is sure his wife is cheating on him. He bases that on how she behaved at the recent holiday party they attended. He wants proof and will use that to convince her to stop. First up, the private investigator has to find proof that his client is right.

Keith Dixon takes readers over to the United Kingdom in “The Same Old Story.” Richie Downes is insisting that he be the latest client of a private investigator by the name of Sam Dyke. He is a big physically imposing man who insists that he is not looking for a divorce; he just wants to know who his wife is seeing. All he wants is the name of the person and does not want proof. He is willing to promise not to hurt anyone. Dykes needs the money and reluctantly agrees.

“Q” didn't want to have to give up a knife she liked, but considering she just used it to gut a man in the frozen alley, it seemed like wiping and dropping it was a good idea. That dead guy is just one of the many issues going on in the complicated “The Dutch Connection” by Kit Rohrbach.

Fred Zackel is next with his tale set in San Francisco titled “Mario and Cheryse.” A streetwalker named Cheryse should lead to Mario Rosales. His grandmother wants him found and convinced to turn himself in before the cops find him. She would much rather have Mario alive and in jail as opposed to being killed in the streets by the cops.

Editor Jochem Vandersteen brings the book to a close his own tale titled “Hired From The Grave: A Noah Milano Short Story.” Noah Milano is a security specialist/ investigator who got a phone call from a man named Mark Beck who wanted to hire him. He would explain why when Milano cane to his Burbank area apartment. When Milano arrived, he found Beck dead in what could be construed as an accidental auto-erotic asphyxiation. Milano doesn't buy it and soon is working the case as a murder.

Each of the fourteen stories in “The Shamus Sampler” features a small introduction to the piece that provides context to the story as well as an author bio at the end. Each of the author bios makes a point of mentioning titles of other works by the author as well as the name of the publisher. The tales in this anthology are not only very good ones, but are often very complicated and provide plenty of twists right up to the end.

The Shamus Sampler

Editor Jochem Vandersteen

Sons of Spade

http://sonsofspade.blogspot.com/

November 2013

ASIN: B00FJ1DN68

E-book

178 pages (estimated)

$2.99

Material supplied by a good friend for my use in an objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple © 2013

Sample Sunday-- "Package of Pain" in "Mind Slices: A Collection of New and Previously Published Stories"

Sunday today means a mystery sample from my MIND SLICES short story collection. Previously published in the Spring 2007 edition of Mouth Full Of Bullets the story will hopefully keep readers guessing to the end. I don’t remember now what gave me this twisted little idea……

Package of Pain

                                                                                       

Mike Thornstein sat in his truck in front of his own house as a light drizzle coated the windshield.  The package was there again, even though it wasn’t supposed to be.  He had been promised by everyone that it was all over.  The investigation was supposed to have ended months ago.  He had been cleared, publicly exonerated, but nothing changed.

It sat there wrapped in plain brown paper on his stoop.  When they first started showing up every Friday like clockwork, his colleagues had searched for the sender.  Each one had been mailed from a mailbox in Fort Worth.  Television had “Walker,” but all Mike had were bureaucratic bosses who decided the packages weren’t a threat.  When the sender wasn’t identified after a few weeks, manpower and resources were delegated elsewhere.  Mike was still on suspension while awaiting assignment, albeit very unofficially, and the packages were still coming.  Something had to be done to end it.

The windshield wipers slapped across clearing the glass.  Visible again, the package sat there waiting for him.  He turned the engine off and listened to it tick as it cooled.  The glass slowly misted over as the drizzle continued.  The package dissolved from view into globs of water on the glass. Sitting there, watching the mist fall, wasn’t going to solve the problem.

Mike heaved himself out of his old truck and crossed the leaf-strewn yard.  Rain and wind had stripped most of the leaves off the trees .....

If you liked the above sample, there are 15 more short stories in Mind Slices: A Collection of New and Previously Published Stories.  Some tales lean towards the science fiction side, some lean towards mystery, and almost all of them are suspenseful in some way. Most stories also contain more than one genre. The e-book is currently $2.99 and is available online at:

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009OIV346 

Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/243655

Barnes and Noble’s NOOK  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mind-slices-kevin-tipple/1113576100?ean=2940044983076

If you have not yet read the book, I hope you take a chance on it.  

Kevin

The Education of a Pulp Writer: What I'm Working On

 Super cool....
The Education of a Pulp Writer: What I'm Working On

Review: "Thuglit 8" Edited by Todd Robinson

Thuglit 8 is the latest installment of the series and another hard hitting anthology of eight stories that portray life on the edges of society. If you want to feel good about humanity you should look elsewhere for your reading material. Or, read Thuglit 8 after donning a pair of rose tinted glasses and loading your favorite shotgun.

After a brief intro by Todd Robinson, the stories begin with “McFerrin and Black” by Buster Willoughby. Working at the retirement home is a hard job, but it has its perks. Like when sometimes one of the old folks lets slip some information about riches to be found.

A wrestler is looking for a payday and a way out in “The Rightful King of Wrestling” By Chad Dundas. He might have of found both if he takes that gig south of the border.

The work of Patti Abbott is always a treat and this issue is not exception. In “The Higher The Heels” Cara Willis is a realtor who knows how to move real estate. Her personal track record with men isn't so good, but maybe Joey Rinaldi will surprise her in good ways.

A day in the life of a teen selling crack in North Charleston, South Carolina during the summer of 2012 is found in “Cocaine Starlight” by Isaac Kirkman. The crack selling is just part of it in this tale packed with details and backstory.

Sure, Edmond ran her down with his car and busted her up a bit. Something similar has happened before so what are a few more scars in “Three Days Ahead.” by Caleb J. Ross. He may have run her down, but he also is hanging out at the hospital and spending time with her. Can't say that about her family. He also has a plan for the future and she can be a major part of it.

His girlfriend, Tammy, told Russell where to go past the old Shiloh cemetery so that he could score for them. As long as he plays it cool with the dealers in “Nothing to Lose” by David A. Summers everything should be fine.

It is the late 30's and movie serials are all the rage. Working as an extra is good in “Extras” by Mark Pruett, but the side job is where he makes the money. He identifies problems for people and, for the right price, quietly removes them. Eddie Ross has had all weekend to make a decision and now it is time to close the deal.

Christmas Eve is not a happy evening for Max in “Not Even A Mouse” by Nolan Knight. A guy with the name of “Jello” is not doing any better. Max and Jello are on a collision course even if they don't know it just yet in the story that is the final one in the book.

Author bios bring the book to a close.

The latest in the series, Thuglit 8, is another solidly good one. The tales are dark, for the most part, and feature people on the edge doing the best they can to cope with reality in their own ways. Some ways work, at least for a moment in time, while other ones don’t.

Thuglit 8

Edited by Todd Robinson

http://thuglit.com

October 30, 2013

ASIN: B00GCRQXGA

E-Book (also available in paperback)

125 Pages

$0.99

Material was recently purchased for my use in an objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2013

Update On Sandi

Been rather a hard day for me so I am online very briefly and this update on Sandi is very late.

Short version-- some stuff went up, other stuff went down, meds changed yet again. We have to be back in on Tuesday for additional blood work in addition to the regular Friday thing. The surgical site continues to drain and do other things and we are told this will take time and all is normal.

Hope your Friday evening is a good one.

FFB Review: "When The Sacred Ginmill Closes" by Lawrence Block

Friday means Friday’s Forgotten Books with Patti Abbott.  I have been reading Lawrence Block though having come to him in recent months by way of his free book promotions. Enjoyed everything so I am now working on books that I can get by way of my local library. That resulted in today’s review of When The Sacred Ginmill Closes…..

Written from the perspective of ten years later, it is the summer of 1975 as When The Sacred Ginmill Closes and ex-cop Matt Scudder is drifting through life doing the odd job here and there. He has “saloon friends,” Skip Devoe and Tommy Tillary, among others as he spends a lot of his time drinking in various neighborhood bars and watering holes. Scudder’s world has narrowed down to a few block area of Columbus Circle in New York City. These days he lives out of a hotel and is able to sometimes send money to the ex-wife for the kids. Those who want to get in touch with Matt Sudder know to check at a local watering hole known as Armstrong’s as that is his main place.

Hardback Cover

He was at Morrissey’s the night it was robbed. Soon the brothers who own and run the place want Scudder to find the robbers so that they can deal with them privately.

Skip Devoe owns Miss Kitty’s along with his partner. Another bar that Scudder hangs out a lot. They run two sets of accounting books – one real and one fake for the IRS. The real ones are gone and Skip and his partner need the books back fast.

Then there is the problem Tommy Tillary. A salesman who can close anything over the phone, his public presence leaves a bit to be desired. Not to mention the fact that he is cheating on his wife and very publicly escorting his girlfriend around. Scudder wouldn’t care about that either, but now the wife is dead, and Tommy wants to hire Scudder to clear him as a suspect.

Starting with the robbery at Morrissey’s just before the fourth of July and ending ten years later with a summation regarding the extensive cast of characters, When The Sacred Ginmill Closes is a mystery heavily steeped in the past. The novel is for the most part, one extended long flashback recounting people, places, and events that have long since faded away. At the same time, the book showcases how things used to work long before the current conveniences we all take for granted today. Long before the internet, cell phones, and all the rest of it, who you knew as a contact was vitally important for anyone asking questions. That was true whether they were a licensed private investigator, or in the case of Scudder, a person doing a favor for a friend, shoe leather was required and was always present.

Such is the case here as Scudder plays with the pieces of very complicated puzzles, drink in hand, and gradually figures out how they all fit. Published by Arbor House of New York, When The Sacred Ginmill Closes is a good one from start to finish.

When The Sacred Ginmill Closes

Lawrence Block

http://www.lawrenceblock.com

Arbor House

1986

Hardback

Material supplied by the good folks of the Plano Texas Public Library System.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2013

True

and I would not wish it on anyone......

 

Review: "One Thousand Dollars A Word" by Lawrence Block

It is a very familiar plight for just about any writer. James “Jim” Trevathan wants a raise and after twenty years he doesn't think it is unwarranted. He is a writer for a magazine edited by Warren Jukes. Jim has been placing stories nearly every month for over twenty years and still gets only 5 cents a word. He wants and deserves more.

Editor Warren Jukes isn't prepared to pay more. In his mind there is no need. If Jim wants more money he better produce more stories each month. Or, he can just hit the road as Warren isn't about to pay more no matter how much he likes the guy.

What Jim will do to get his raise is what drives the second half of this simple, and yet complicated at the same time, story. Sure to touch a nerve with any writer, One Thousand Dollars A Word” is way too real. It is also a very good crime story that first was published in 1978 in AHMM.

The book also contains chapter one from Lawrence Block's latest book The Burglar Who Counted the Spoons.

One Thousand Dollars A Word

Lawrence Block

http://www.lawrenceblock.com

Self Published

November 2013

ASIN: B00GEFYB5U

E-Book

Estimated 17 pages

Material was picked up during the author’s free read promotion for my use in an objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2013

Guess What Day It Is!

enough said....
 

 

Down These Mean Streets....

come two prepared to clean up the city one dirty punk at a time....

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Free for Kindle for a Limited Time

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Free for Kindle for a Limited Time: Amazon.com: Cleveland in My Dreams eBook : Lawrence Block: Books

Review: "Mind Prison: A Short Story" by Dave Zeltserman

Graham Winston has a plan to revolutionize what it will mean to be a prisoner in Massachusetts. Because the Governor and a number of other key political people are on board with it, technology will be used to rehabilitate prisoners while also saving the state tens of thousands of dollars.

Whether the plan is ethical or morally right is another question. A question Dr. Graham Winston isn't at all prepared to answer. Especially since he is cheating on his wife with a beautiful Russian and looking for a way out of his marriage.

Mind Prison: A Short Story features two very different and complicated mystery story lines that gradually come together in an ending that packs plenty of twists and surprises. The fate of those involved is not clear until the final paragraph and even then is somewhat open to reader interpretation. It is another good read from author Dave Zeltserman and fits well in his growing canon of dark and twisted tales.

Mind Prison: A Short Story

Dave Zeltserman

http://www.hardluckstories.com

Top Suspense Books

http://www.topsuspensegroup.com

October 3, 2013

ASIN: B00FN8DUSI

E-Book (16 Pages estimated)

$0.99

Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2013

Mark Troy's Gift

As posted elsewhere earlier today....

In honor of Veterans Day I am giving copies of my latest novella, The Rules, to current and former members of our armed services and their families. The Rules is an ebook for the Kindle. You need a Kindle or a Kindle app in order to read it. To get your copy, send me a note to mark@marktroy.net. There is no time limit. Spread the word.

Thank you for your service and I look forward to sending you a copy.

Mark Troy
mark@marktroy.net
http://www.marktroy.net
The Rules, an Ava Rome mystery, now available on Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/The-Rules-ebook/dp/B00FGTBLW6/
The Splintered Paddle Coming in June 2014 from Five Star Publications