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Nancy
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Feb 11, 2015 12:34PM
Oops! My error ... I'm reading Elisabeth Sanxay Holding's Miasma - not, as I wrote earlier, The Lady Killer. Have to read them in order!
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Just got done reading Sweet Nothing by Richard Lange, It's a collection of short stories and most fall in the hardboiled/noir genre. Worth checking out. See My review at:http://everythingnoir.com/2015/02/12/...
Sweet Nothing: Stories
Will start reading Backstrom next: Backstrom: He Who Kills the Dragon
Bryan wrote: "Just got done reading Sweet Nothing by Richard Lange, It's a collection of short stories and most fall in the hardboiled/noir genre. Worth checking out. See My review at:http://everythingnoir.c..."
I hope the book is better than the one episode of the TV show I watched. Loved the main character -- but that was about it.
Just finished Ed McBain's Cop Hater, the first of the 87th Precinct novels. Not bad and I will read more for sure.
I am halfway through Ice Station by Matthew Reilly. Quite a ride!
Finished Miasma by Elizabeth Sanxay Holding. Now I'm going to read everything I can find by this woman. Very dark, I'd say claustrophic.
This weekend I started The Two Faces of January by Patricia Highsmith. So far I'm enjoying the in-depth sociological descriptions of the Greek setting, and the fact that it does not just have any discernible heroes and villains but neither any protagonist/antagonist pattern.It's like she goes a step further with the moral ambiguity than even James M. Cain did, though apparently Highsmith was drawing as much on Camus and Dostoyevsky as on any genre writers.
Simon wrote: "This weekend I started The Two Faces of January by Patricia Highsmith. So far I'm enjoying the in-depth sociological descriptions of the Greek setting, and the fact that it does not j..."That's one I haven't yet read. I am going to do the Ripley series before moving outward with Highsmith.
Nancy wrote: "Finished Miasma by Elizabeth Sanxay Holding. Now I'm going to read everything I can find by this woman. Very dark, I'd say claustrophic."Stark House Press have many of this author's titles available in two-title editions.
Guy wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Finished Miasma by Elizabeth Sanxay Holding. Now I'm going to read everything I can find by this woman. Very dark, I'd say claustrophic."Stark House Press have man..."
I have three of their books -- but I'm reading Holding's work in chronological order. So the book with Miasma also has Lady Killer, but I'm postponing reading that one until it comes up in the order I'm reading them. I have to say that Miasma was incredible -- the story is told only through what the main character thinks and sees. If this was her first work, I'm not stopping until I've read them all.
I, on the other hand, specifically wanted to start with one of her stand-alones because I first want to see if I like Highsmith's writing style enough to enjoy an entire series.
Nancy wrote: "Simon wrote: "This weekend I started The Two Faces of January by Patricia Highsmith. So far I'm enjoying the in-depth sociological descriptions of the Greek setting, and the fact that..."In my opinion Nancy, the Ripley series is the best place to begin an exploration of Highsmith. Ripley is an interesting & original non-hero.
The plot in The Two Faces of January actually has a very similar main concept as David Goodis' The Wounded and the Slain, which came out 9 years earlier, but I already prefer Highsmith's take on the premise since she's way better at plot structure and observing the "show don't tell" rule.
Last year i read The Tremor of Forgery. Although it was well written & recognizably Highsmith's style, it is my least favourite of the Highsmith books. It's a stand-alone novel, but to say i found it under-whelming would be an understatement.The plot just seems to meander along. It seemed to me to be more a story of the narrator's self reflection, rather than the plot driven stories i've come to associate with Highsmith's other novels.
As i said, it's not that it's badly written, it just didn't appeal to me.
Nancy wrote: "Finished Miasma by Elizabeth Sanxay Holding. Now I'm going to read everything I can find by this woman. Very dark, I'd say claustrophic."I just checked out Miasma and three other Holding books from the public library. Both are double novel editions, so the Miasma I have is probably the same ed you just read. Based on your comments, I am looking forward to them. . .
William wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Finished Miasma by Elizabeth Sanxay Holding. Now I'm going to read everything I can find by this woman. Very dark, I'd say claustrophic."I just checked out Miasma a..."
Just FYI, William -- I like really more way-off-the-beaten-path stuff -- so if you hate Miasma, I apologize in advance!
Paul wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Simon wrote: "This weekend I started The Two Faces of January by Patricia Highsmith. So far I'm enjoying the in-depth sociological descriptions of the Greek setting, and..."Ripley is interesting because he functions in his own amoral universe. I don't get why some people don't understand this concept and complain about his character. I totally get it -- what he does is wholly logical to him. Maybe not to us, but definitely to him.
Simon wrote: "I, on the other hand, specifically wanted to start with one of her stand-alones because I first want to see if I like Highsmith's writing style enough to enjoy an entire series."Simon if you want one of Highsmith's stand-alone novels to begin with, i would suggest 'Strangers on a Train'. Both the book & the movie are classics. Apparently Dashiell Hammett turned down the opportunity to work on the film & Raymond Chandler after writing a 1st draft & then a 2nd, which Hitchcock famously held his nose with thumb & forefinger & dropped the draft into a bin, also withdrew from the project.
'Tremor of Forgery', i mentioned earlier. 'The Price of Salt' is another of Highsmith's stand-alones. I haven't read that, but will do in due course. It was considered quite scandalous when released as it dealt with a Lesbian relationship. Perhaps to distance herself from any repercussions following it's release Highsmith used the pseudonym Claire Morgan.
I personally consider the Ripley series to be Highsmith's crowning achievement in her writing career.
I agree with Nancy's comment. Those who complain about the Ripley character clearly struggle with characters they can't pigeonhole. His character is a sociopath, rather than a psychopath & i think Highsmith does a superb job of making his character so compelling.
Wasn't it Patricia Highsmith's Tom Ripley that inspired Donald Westlake to under his pseudonym Richard Stark create the character of Mr. Parker?
Simon wrote: "Wasn't it Patricia Highsmith's Tom Ripley that inspired Donald Westlake to under his pseudonym Richard Stark create the character of Mr. Parker?"Hadn't heard that Simon. Could be. Both are amoral sociopaths.
Although I always think of Parker as a blunt instrument, where Ripley, by comparison, is a razor sharp stiletto.
Going to jump into the world of Lawrence Block today, The Sins of the Fathershttp://everythingnoir.com/
Bryan wrote: "Going to jump into the world of Lawrence Block today, The Sins of the Fathershttp://everythingnoir.com/"
You're going to like Matthew Scudder. The series keeps getting better with each new book.
I'm halfway through Pop. 1280 by Jim Thompson. Sheriff Andy of Mayberry Nick Corey is NOT! question to anyone who's read this book -- there is dark humor in here, right? Because despite how dark this novel is, I've laughed a couple of times.
Nancy wrote: "I'm halfway through Pop. 1280 by Jim Thompson. Sheriff Andy of Mayberry Nick Corey is NOT! question to anyone who's read this book -- there is dark humor in here, right? Because des..."
I agree with you. I never knew if he wanted to look like a bumbling idiot so he can get away with what he does easier, or he is just has dumb luck.
Bryan wrote: "Nancy wrote: "I'm halfway through Pop. 1280 by Jim Thompson. Sheriff Andy of Mayberry Nick Corey is NOT! question to anyone who's read this book -- there is dark humor in here, righ..."
Since I'm not finished with this book yet, I can't say for sure, but when I first started reading it, I was thinking that a bumbling idiot sheriff just isn't going to make for a good antagonist. I was so wrong.
I'm appalled at some of the stuff in this book, frankly and what scares me more is that it might be based on reality. I give you the chapter where Corey's relating how he met Myra -- and the carnival game of hitting a "colored fella" in the head with a ball. OMG.
Apparently Thompson based all the Sheriffs in his books on his Father, who was himself a rather dodgy Sheriff by all accounts. I've been reading
, which is a great reference for anyone interested in Thompson's writing. You really need to have read a couple of Thompson's books, to know what the author is referring to. Unfortunately, as it's a library book, i'm not going to finish it in time, but i intend to buy it. One of the most interesting & well written memoirs i've read in ages. Highly recommended.
Just finished
.I'm going to write a review so i won't say more than this for now. I'm not a fan of short stories, preferring to immerse myself in a story, but this collection of (7) short stories is great reading for fans of Chandler's writing.
4 stars, easy.
Paul wrote: "Apparently Thompson based all the Sheriffs in his books on his Father, who was himself a rather dodgy Sheriff by all accounts. I've been reading [bookcover:Savage Art: A Biography of Jim Thompso..."
That's a great book -- I highly recommend it.
Nancy wrote: "Paul wrote: "Apparently Thompson based all the Sheriffs in his books on his Father, who was himself a rather dodgy Sheriff by all accounts. I've been reading [bookcover:Savage Art: A Biography o..."
Agree Nancy. Definitely one for the collection, not a book one can rush through, or want to.
I've finished Thompson's Pop. 1280 -- and LOVED it. I will say, though, that I plan to give myself some time before I pick up another book by him. I can only take so much.
Nancy wrote: "I've finished Thompson's Pop. 1280 -- and LOVED it. I will say, though, that I plan to give myself some time before I pick up another book by him. I can only take so much."It's on my TBR list Nancy. I felt exactly the same after reading 'The Killer Inside Me'.
Paul wrote: "Nancy wrote: "I've finished Thompson's Pop. 1280 -- and LOVED it. I will say, though, that I plan to give myself some time before I pick up another book by him. I can only take so mu..."Isn't that funny how that happens? That was how I felt after reading Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West, by Cormac McCarthy. I love the way he writes and I loved the book, but I can't read him again any time soon because I'm still sort of scarred from the experience.
Yesterday I finished The Two Faces of January. I like that for all the plot's complexity, it's for the most part invisible to the reader. Same thing with the prose's switching between exposition and plot, or between different perspectives.The fact that while it's built around a conflict between three people, none of them gets a narrative role resembling a traditional protagonist/antagonist pattern, makes it very difficult to predict what will happen next since the character development does not follow familiar arcs.
Just finished James Ellroy Blood On The Moonm and now diving into Because The Night
Paul wrote: "Starting 
next."Paul wrote: "Starting
next."Read this a little while ago and really enjoyed it together with it's sequel, At The End of a Dull Day, though I read them wrong way round. Preferred At The end of a Dull Day though both are pretty raw. Hope you enjoyit as much as me.
Dave
David wrote: "Paul wrote: "Starting next."Paul wrote: "Starting
next."Read this a little while ago and really enjoyed it together with ..."
Thanks for that Dave. Nearly finished it already & am enjoying it. Will look into the sequel.
Finished
. Enjoyable. The main character is an amoral sociopath & the story is fast paced. A quick read at only 144 pages. 4 stars.
Reading
next.
Finished
. Couldn't put it down. Sallis is a genius & in his main character, Lew Griffin, has created a unique & intriguing protagonist.An easy 4 stars from me.
Reading
next. Have been wanting to read this for sometime.
Just got done with
check out my full review here:http://everythingnoir.com/2015/03/02/...
starting
going old school today.
Finished
. Suberb Noir.4 stars.
Reading
next.
Nancy Bryan - I couldn't agree more. Is this what is meant by 'casual racism' ? If so, it's no less appaling.
Brian wrote: "Nancy Bryan - I couldn't agree more. Is this what is meant by 'casual racism' ? If so, it's no less appaling."I think what bothers me the most about that is
A) the people who dreamed this up and
B) the people who paid to take part in this as "entertainment."
It goes way beyond, IMO, casual racism.
Hey all, I'm new to this group. I just finished Perfidia over the holidays. I cannot wait for the next one in this quartet.
Just finished
. Still mulling it over. 'Doc' seems similar in some ways to Stark's 'Parker' character. Wonder if Stark/Westlake drew on Thompson's work for inspiration. Not a likeable character in the whole book. But that's Thompson, he doesn't do 'nice'.
Odd ending.
Half way through
. Anoher suberb novel from Sallis. This is the first installment of the 'Turner Trilogy'.Hi Jonesmikey, welcome.
Finishing up The House of Wolfe: A Border Noir. Noir? Not how I see noir, although some people will maybe see it otherwise. Action-packed thriller - yes. If anyone in this group (in the US) wants a free, brand new hardcover copy, I won't be keeping mine.
Pulp Fiction
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