RARA-AVIS: Emerson, oddities, and farewell (temporary)

McHale, Steve (SMcHale@filenet.com)
Thu, 24 Sep 1998 11:14:34 -0700 I'm reading Earl Emerson's Portland Laugher and I am dazzled by it. I
grew tired of Emerson after Fat Tuesday, but I took this up as per Ray
at Book Carnival. This is complex and exciting!

I am disappearing for 10 months as academia calls my name (MBA. Sorry,
no MFA) but I wanted to leave a few oddities to this well-read group of
hard-boiled fans if there is the off chance that you haven't had the
pleasure of reading these. The following I've easily found at secondhand
bookstores. The authors strike me as obscure but they are excellent
reads. Maybe we can start a list of "best unknowns." Perhaps some of you
know something about these authors and can share: I'll bet Mario knows.

The Organization by David Anthony. This man can write! He also did the
Midnight Lady and The Morning Man.
Cain's Wife (a.k.a. Cain's Woman) by O.G. Benson. I think this is his
only work.
Trouble Texas Style by John Bramlett. Reads like Day Keene. Just as
good.
Florentine Finish by Cornelius Hirchenberg. I think this is his only
work. I would swear this was Frederick Brown.
Built For Trouble by Al Fray. He reads like Charles Williams or Day
Keene
Goat Island by William Fuller. Another from the Day Keene school.
Murder On Wall St. by John B. Ethan
Murder In Vegas by William R. Cox
Weave a Wicked Web by Paul Kruger
No Halo for Me [AKA The Pawns of Fear] by Jason Manor
Blood Brother by Niles Peebles
The Big Silence by Bernard Schoepen. He's recent and very influenced by
Ross MacDonald.

Thanks to all for the tip on Phoenix City Story. The video stores here
in sunny Southern California suck, but I will keep trying.

Steve McHale
smchale@filenet.com
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