Someone suggested that we list some "essential" titles for
our list, as a help to people who didn't know the writers. A
great idea -- and sort of a challenging one. Sometimes a
writer's best book might not be the best one to start out
with. Anyhow:
Raymond Chandler -- I've often thought that, just as there
are cat and dog people, there are Hammett and Chandler
people. As much as I admire Hammett, put me squarely in the
Chandler camp. THE LONG GOODBYE, an absolutely gorgeous
novel, is my favorite book of his, but I'd recommend starting
with FAREWELL, MY LOVELY.
James Crumley -- His best novel to date, I think, is THE LAST
GOOD KISS, but I'm not sure if it's still available. THE
MEXICAN TREE DUCK should still be in print and it's
excellent, too. Hell, everything Crumley's ever done is
excellent, even his "straight" war novel ONE TO COUNT
CADENCE. (I was surprised and pleased to see his name on so
many lists. He's easily my favorite living writer in the
genre.)
Chester Himes -- The Harlem series starts out fairly
conventionally but gets stranger and stranger as it goes on.
That's not a criticism -- I think the final novel in the
series, BLIND MAN WITH A PISTOL, is the best of the series --
but it's not the place to start. Try THE BIG GOLD DREAM or
ALL SHOT UP.
Ross Thomas -- Sort of a neglected writer nowadays, but I've
loved everything I've ever read of his. He's an amazingly
consistent writer, and anything he did is worth picking up.
My favorite titles of his are THE FOOLS IN TOWN ARE ON OUR
SIDE and CHINAMAN'S CHANCE. Anyone who likes Elmore Leonard
should really try Thomas.
Ross Macdonald -- As a lot of people know, Millar didn't
really find his voice until about halfway through the series.
That'd be the best place to start, with THE GALTON CASE. (My
favorite title is the incredibly moody THE CHILL.)
Well! That was fun!
doug
===== Doug Bassett
dj_bassett@yahoo.com
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