In my recent hardboiled readings, I have hit upon a streak of
masterpieces:
Lawrence Block's _Deadly Honeymoon_. This is as hardboiled as
they come, a real gem in both technique and content.
Walter Mosley's _Walkin' the Dog_, a Socrates Fortnow book.
To my mind, this is Mosley's best book, even better than _A
Little Yellow Dog_. The characterization has depth, the
writing is impeccable, and the story is absorbing. He gets
the details right, too.
K.C. Constantine's _Sunshine Enemies_ (read the book to see
the pun in the mysterious title). Another tour de force in
realistic hardboiled writing. The mystery, such as it is, is
secondary to the real story, which is the death of Mario
Balzic's mother. With this book, Constantine succeeds in
writing a hardboiled story about a chief of police in which
the protagonist comes first (this ain't no procedural). We
already knew that his stories were about Balzic, but this
novel is a striking example. Some of the best dialogue I've
ever read.
Donald Westlake's _Bank Shot_, a hilarious and tightly
written Dortmunder caper. Very original plot. I would say
it's as good as _The Hot Rock_, an acknowledged classic.
There is an interesting picture of a bearded young Westlake
on the flap.
Richard Stark's _Comeback_, a Parker novel that lives up to
the best in the series. Striking economy of means from
Westlake, tough and suspenseful. You must read this.
And that's all. Now tell me: if this isn't a Golden Age of
hardboiled writing, what is?
My appetite for hardboiled has come back: I see a lot of good
stuff on the pile. I've got a little time. More later.
Regards,
MrT
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