VENETIAN BLONDE

by Champ Clark

"She stopped me in my tracks. Made me think twice about sitting at the bar and ordering that drink. Alcohol can make me stupid and sloppy. And, when drinking, I had a habit of falling in love. I didn't want to fall in love with Frankie. I guessed she could break my heart."

204 pages, Paperback

Published March 11, 2021

Reviews

[julie salmon]

I've read a million detective novels, and have decided what makes a great one is the character of the detective him/herself. If the detective is a dud, so is the book. Such is not the case with Champ Clark's "Venetian Blonde" (touted on the cover as a "Drake Haynes Sizzler!") Drake Haynes, an out-of-work former newspaper reporter trying to survive as a freelance "investigative journalist", has empathy, character and a whole lot of quirks. I'd spend an evening drinking with him at the "Tap" anytime. Love this new detective, and hope to see more of him in the future!

[Warren Davis]

A modern day noir written in the terse style of Raymond Chandler and just as satisfying. Our hero in this case is not a detective, but rather a former reporter named Drake Haynes, who falls easily in love and just as easily into trouble. The tangled web of situations and characters woven by author Champ Clark is thoroughly enjoyable every step of the way and leavened by a healthy dose of humor thanks to Drake's somewhat off-kilter way of looking at the world. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. The satisfaction in reading it comes not from solving a mystery, but following along with the main character as he chooses to dive deeper and deeper into situations that he doesn't understand. Most people probably wouldn't, but once a reporter, always a reporter. A fun ride, and an easy read. Highly recommended.

[Dawn Kelsey]

Equal parts Gumshoe Detective Novel & Confederacy of Dunces... set in Los Angeles and the "Deep South." Shaken, stirred and on the rocks. The lead character Drake Haynes dances with a bartender named Frankie at a tiny bar in Santa Monica to Elvis's "Wise men say, only fools rush in.." and in a moment his heart is gone. Follow him as he tries to connect the dots in this amazing debut fiction novel by the immensely talented Champ Clark. First in the series, read it tonight! jm

[John Mese]

Equal parts Gumshoe Detective Novel & Confederacy of Dunces set in Los Angeles and the Deep South. Shaken, stirred, and on the rocks. The lead character Drake Haynes dances with a bartender Frankie at a tiny bar in Santa Monica to Elvis's "Wise men say, only fools rush in..." and in a moment his heart is gone. Follow him as he tries to connect the dots in this amazing debut fiction novel by the immensely talented Champ Clark. First in the series, read it tonight! jm

[Pat]

A great quick read. Flows beautifully and so much fun.

[Gus]

I liked this book a lot. It moved like Chandler (Raymond, not Bing). And like Chandler, it's about a good man trying to figure out a dirty world.

I hope Mr. Clark writes another one soon.