<<Since I find this kind of
'50s red menace paranoia rather comical, even when written
with serious intent, I couldn't really figure out just from
the book itself whether Prather was spoofing it or not. From
what I've gathered here, he didn't.>>
In those days it was a good move for an author to show
patriotism. Lots of writers exploited the red scare paranoia,
and made scads of money while doing it. I would distinguish
between what Prather thought (thinks) and what Shell Scott
says and does. Otherwise, we'll also have to believe that
Prather is always chasing after girls in sunny Southern
California...
I do believe that Prather wrote a lot of dialogue and
situations with tongue in cheek. I find this kind of
hardboiled comedy very attractive.
Regards,
mt
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