Hmm. Aren't most of these points applicable to a wide range
of the authors we discuss? Try Hammett, Cain, McCoy, Thompson
and see how they score. I can't actually think of a single
exception to #4. #6 is interesting, but almost inevitable if
you're writing a series about detectives who use violence --
they have to succeed or there's no sequel (as an aside, I'm
not sure how 'successful' Hammer is: the brilliant opening
chapter of ONE LONELY NIGHT [credit where it's due] would
suggest otherwise). But, fine. You see the similarities
between Himes and Spillane. I see the differences. That's why
we have our own eyes.
Al
----- Original Message -----
From: Michael Robison
To:
rara-avis-l@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, July 15, 2007 1:35 AM
Subject: Re: RARA-AVIS: Real Cool Killers
Allan Guthrie wrote:
Himes was one of a kind... I don't see him being
at
all like Spillane, though.
***********
Really? Well, I can mention a few ways that I see
The
Real Cool Killers as being similar to Spillane's
Mike
Hammer novels.
1. His two protagonists are raging
extemists.
2. The protagonists see violence as a favored
option
in dealing with anyone who gets in the way of
them
achieving their goals.
3. The goals of the protagonists do not
exactly
parallel the law.
4. The protagonists live in a violent and
crime-filled world.
5. When the protagonists occasionally decide
to
exhibit a little compassion, a fallen woman is
a
standard choice.
6. The protagonists succeed because of their
violent
vigilante ways.
miker
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