Jim wrote this description:
"In fact, I believe that today the role of the loner
protagonist (who relies on his/her toughness, determination,
personal code, and street smarts) can best be developed and
made believable through an amateur. "
Sounds like serial killers and/or bounty hunters, both
professionals in their own way.
But his main point was:
"I don't believe you need a pro to sustain a series. . . .
What you need is a reason to have this non-pro involved in
crime stories again and again, and that may best be
accomplished by protagonists who always live on the edge of
the law."
But aren't these "live on the edge of the law" types also
professionals in their own way if they are able to sustain
their place there? They may not be successful professionals
like Parker, but they have would-be trades as scammers,
crooks and bottom feeders.
But let's get concrete here, it's time to name names. Can you
actually name successful (as in believable, not sales) series
that meet your criteria? The only one I can think of is Joe
Lansdale's great Hap and Leonard series. And that is very
much an exception, as well as exceptional, case in my
mind
Mark.
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