I hate to list 'em because I've said it so many times:
James Elroy . . . writes too choppy, loaded down with scenes
and characters that I think add nothing to story or
theme.
Ross Mcdonald . . . always stetching for the figure of
speech. Sometimes I stop and think, What the hell does that
mean?
Mickey Spillane . . . although hardboiled history absolutely
requires we remember him, his characters and plots are
comic-book like. (OK, some of you like graphic novels. I
can't get into them. I didn't even like the movie *Sin
City*)
The Lawrence Block paperback noirs . . . Block is better with
reoccuring characters I think.
Although I think most of Chandlers novels are great, I don't
like either his or Hammett's Black Mask stuff. Too much
violence for the sake of violence. I also say that I don't
get this great love of *The Little Sister.* I thought the
book was shamelessly padded.
In closing I want to second what Brian Thorton said:
>> . . . I am only talking about whether or not
I
liked these writers, not whether or not they're good people,
fine human beings, or successful writers. Obviously, taste is
relative, and I like stuff that other people with impeccable
taste would dislike.<<
Yes, taste is relative to the individual, his background (or
hers), and general outlook on life. Sometimes, it's relative
to our age or the times.
At one time, I thought of John D. MacDonald as one of the big
three. In rereading him recently, I was disappointed.
Although his books were totally in vogue and apropriate to
the 50s and 60s, his work has aged poorly. But I still
think
*A Key to the Suite* is one hell of a good novel.
(Not part of any series I know about.)
Jack Bludis
http://www.jackbludis.com
Shamus nominee for "Shadow of the Dahlia" Amazon.com / BN.com
/ MysteryLovesCompany.com
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This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : 03 Jul 2006 EDT