Web of the City
by Bruce Grossman on March 7, 2013 · 0 comments
From 1958, WEB OF THE CITY is the first novel Harlan Ellison ever had published, written mostly at night while he was in basic training. And he sometimes wishes he pulled an Ernest Hemingway of throwing it into the ocean so no one could read it. Too bad, because Hard Case Crime has reissued it.
The story itself is somewhat standard juvenile-delinquent fodder. There is nothing mind- blowing or game-changing to the story, which focuses on Rusty Santoro, the former president of the Cougars. At the start of the book, we find out he is trying to quit, but the gang won’t hear it. The story moves along with the requisite showdown between the gang and Rusty, until he finally proves himself in one last stand, after which the gang leaves him alone.
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Big Plans: The Collected Mini-Comics and More
by Rod Lott on March 6, 2013 · 0 comments
Based in Portland, Ore., Bridge City Comics has ventured into the book-publishing game (are they crazy?!?), and in my worthless opinion, couldn’t have picked a better project to launch with than Aron Nels Steinke’s BIG PLANS. And not just because of the hopey-dreamy title.
Nope, the reason is that Steinke is a flat-out fantastic indie cartoonist who deserves however wide exposure this book may bring his way. While I had seen work from him before geared toward kids (NEPTUNE), I’m happy to say his work for adults is equally charming. Maybe even more so, this being nonfiction.
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Dorchester Terrace
by Mark Rose on March 6, 2013 · 0 comments
I really enjoyed Anne Perry’s TREASON AT LISSON GROVE, the 26th novel in the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series that was published last year, but her 27th, DORCHESTER TERRACE, was peculiarly unsatisfying with a needlessly complicated double plot. Be that as it may, Perry is still an interesting writer, deftly intertwining her historical details with attractive characters and usually, a riveting storyline.
In this adventure, now in paperback, Thomas Pitt has now become head of Special Branch, a position he is not sure he deserves. And others in the government aren’t sure as well, as they go to great pains to belittle him.
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The Disciple of Las Vegas
by Alan Cranis on March 5, 2013 · 2 comments
Is there such a thing as a “forensic accountant?” If not, you’ll wish there were after meeting Ava Lee, the lead character in Ian Hamilton’s intriguing and seductive debut novel, THE DISCIPLE OF LAS VEGAS, also the launch of a new series.
Ava makes her living tracking down and retrieving huge amounts of missing money. After several years at this trade, she and her partner — and sometime mentor, referred to only as Uncle — can easily afford to take on one client at a time. Their latest client is one of the richest men in the Philippines, Tommy Ordonez, from whose accounts $50 million has disappeared.
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Marilyn Monroe: Private and Confidential / The Films of Donald Pleasence / Beverly Garland: Her Life and Career
by Rod Lott on March 4, 2013 · 0 comments
If you favorite star doesn’t have a biography yet, just wait a bit. These days, with the rise of indie and even self-publishing, even those among Hollywood history who never quite hit the A list can earn their own titles — even multiple ones.
The sex goddess born as Norma Jeane Mortenson is one of the most written-about celebrities ever, and yet Michelle Morgan offers another in MARILYN MONROE: PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL. Not even the first work on MM by Morgan, the paperback covers the screen goddess’ entire, all-too-brief life, its main narrative literally concluding with the sealing of her coffin.
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