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A Choice of Nightmares
Robert Staples is on the verge of finally making it as a second-rate actor when his agent asks him to deliver a package. Staples promptly loses the package, forcing him into the heart of a bloody and highly lucrative drug-running operation. Pulled in all directions by desperate men, sociopaths, and a sexually alluring woman, Robert soon finds himself embracing the explosive lifestyle. Fast-moving and sharply written, A Choice of Nightmares is a modern-day roman noir about drugs and money, and the passions they ignite.
294 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 16, 2012
Robert Staples is the classic noir protagonist of sorts, one who is forced into a situation he isn't acclimatised for. The hack actor turned glorified courier turned pawn in a drug cartels takeover plans is often in the deep end struggling to keep his head above water. His loyalties tested and plans for returning to the silver screen come under scrutiny as he does what he can to appease his boss - old and new while dodging bullets, muscle men, and a killer dame.
Lynn Kostoff writes some awe inspiring scenes, particularly where Denice, Rob's love interest is concerned. Her every appearance is preceded by a poetic-like description which creates an almost mythical aura as witnessed through Rob's lustful eyes.
Certain aspects of 'A Choice of Nightmares' are reminiscent of the great noir authors in Goodis and Thompson - with dialogue such as:
"Problems and opportunities...There's not much difference between them if you look closely enough."
and great throwaway lines:
"He'd known many days when he could hear mortality in the whine of a mosquito and each passing second drew blood."
The overall theme and feel of 'A Choice of Nightmares' oozes desperation and a sense of longing which envelopes the reader in a grey cloud of despair parallel to that of the damaged drug riddled main character, Rob.
Despite the authors obvious talent at capturing the noir essence, at times I felt 'A Choice of Nightmares' suffered from an identity crisis often switching between the traditional noir and drug running cartel. Beginning with Rob's unfortunate demise from movie star to ignorant delivery man and following through with a multi-layered cross continent drug ring, Kostoff lost me at times (both to the complement and detriment of the novel). I can't help but think if Kostoff focused on either the drug ring OR Robert and his femme fatale, that 'A Choice of Nightmares' would've been up there with the greats. 4 stars.
Closing thought - perhaps a re-read would be beneficial to better absorb the key players and the different points of focus throughout the novel.
Lynn Kostoff writes some awe inspiring scenes, particularly where Denice, Rob's love interest is concerned. Her every appearance is preceded by a poetic-like description which creates an almost mythical aura as witnessed through Rob's lustful eyes.
Certain aspects of 'A Choice of Nightmares' are reminiscent of the great noir authors in Goodis and Thompson - with dialogue such as:
"Problems and opportunities...There's not much difference between them if you look closely enough."
and great throwaway lines:
"He'd known many days when he could hear mortality in the whine of a mosquito and each passing second drew blood."
The overall theme and feel of 'A Choice of Nightmares' oozes desperation and a sense of longing which envelopes the reader in a grey cloud of despair parallel to that of the damaged drug riddled main character, Rob.
Despite the authors obvious talent at capturing the noir essence, at times I felt 'A Choice of Nightmares' suffered from an identity crisis often switching between the traditional noir and drug running cartel. Beginning with Rob's unfortunate demise from movie star to ignorant delivery man and following through with a multi-layered cross continent drug ring, Kostoff lost me at times (both to the complement and detriment of the novel). I can't help but think if Kostoff focused on either the drug ring OR Robert and his femme fatale, that 'A Choice of Nightmares' would've been up there with the greats. 4 stars.
Closing thought - perhaps a re-read would be beneficial to better absorb the key players and the different points of focus throughout the novel.
December 19, 2023
Some marvelous writing
The author created some delightful literary moments throughout the book. The description of characters created some intensely real, and recognizable players, and almost caricatures of others. It all seemed to fit in the post 80’s of Miami Vice Florida.
It took a little work to differentiate all of the players, I had to search back in the book to place them in my mind at times.
There really are some deliciously written passages throughout, hidden gems of delight, that were a treat to reread. And the opening sentence had me hooked right away, creatively one of the best I’ve come across.
The author created some delightful literary moments throughout the book. The description of characters created some intensely real, and recognizable players, and almost caricatures of others. It all seemed to fit in the post 80’s of Miami Vice Florida.
It took a little work to differentiate all of the players, I had to search back in the book to place them in my mind at times.
There really are some deliciously written passages throughout, hidden gems of delight, that were a treat to reread. And the opening sentence had me hooked right away, creatively one of the best I’ve come across.
April 5, 2012
Fast paced and gritty. The life of Robert Staples, a never was actor whose life spins out of control when he is asked by his agent to deliver a package. He gets caught up in drug use and a sexual involvement that drives him and ultimately is used by everyone around him. Violence and the heat of the Miami sun are accurately portrayed. I enjoyed this very much like Kostoff's other two novels. I Had a hard time putting it down.
February 10, 2020
What a great read. I did not know where this book was taking me. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good thriller because the ending will blow you away. It did me and I usually work out what's what well before.
June 5, 2011
Not as good as Late Rain.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews