Pulp Fiction discussion
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William wrote: "Paul wrote: "Been in Quartet mode for the last month or so. Just finished the D.C. Quartet by George Pelecanos & the Red Riding Quartet by David Peace. Both brilliant." Try the LA Quartet by Ellroy..."Read the LA Quartet by Ellroy years ago William & all but one of his other books, including Perfidia recently. Ellroy's not to everyone's taste, i know & his style of patter can be tedious at times, but he's still in my top 5.
Perfidia doesn't add much to the LA Quartet, but for fans of The LAQ, it gives fans the back-story to the original LAQ . Quite enjoyable, but i'm not sure i'll read the other 3 books of the second LA Quartet, when they are released.
Algernon wrote: "Frank wrote: "Pick-Up by Charles Willeford. Its written in a pulp noir style, but the plot really isn't. It's a bit like if Jim Thompson wrote a Bukowski novel; very bleak, almost without any hope ..."Read Cockfighter some time ago. I thought it was OK. I know more about cock fighting than i ever wanted to know. Good writer, just wasn't that interested in the story. I have the movie of the same name, based on the book, starring Warren Oates, but have not watched it yet.
Im re-reading Nightmare Town by Hammett while i wait for my ordered copies of Forgive me, killer and Detour which i ordered thanks to this group.I dont have alot of new or classic fav noir books at home right now.
Just finished Cape Fear: A Novel
. A case of the movie (the original with Mitchum & Peck & the remake with DeNiro) being better than the book. The book was OK, but both movies made Max Cade much more menacing than MacDonald's.Started The Crossing
, second book in the Border Trilogy.
Paul wrote: "Just finished Cape Fear: A Novel. A case of the movie (the original with Mitchum & Peck & the remake with DeNiro) being better than the book. ..."Your reading some good stuff there, Paul.
Yes, thanks Tom. Life's too short, huh? Hope you are reading some good stuff too.Nearly finished The Fix
. A bit of Brit Grit Lit. Taking a little break from CM's Crossing.
Paul wrote: "Hope you are reading some good stuff too."I've read some lately that I highly recommend.
Carrying Albert Home: The Somewhat True Story of A Man, His Wife, and Her Alligator by Homer Hickam
Rivers by Michael Farris Smith, and
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison .
Today I just finished listening to a great story by Nikolai Gogol, The Overcoat. Granted, none of this is pulp but I like to keep it varied.
Tom wrote: "Paul wrote: "Hope you are reading some good stuff too."I've read some lately that I highly recommend.
[book:Carrying Albert Home: The Somewhat True Story of A Man, His Wife, and Her Alligator|24..."
Variety is good! Will check those out Tom.
Tom wrote: "Paul wrote: "Hope you are reading some good stuff too."I've read some lately that I highly recommend.
[book:Carrying Albert Home: The Somewhat True Story of A Man, His Wife, and Her Alligator|24..."
Thats some high quality books, nice variety in Gogol to Ellison's important novel. I love reading PI/Noir by great literary talent or the books i read for fun but i usually read alot of European classics, general fiction, poetry outside the few genres i like in Noir/SF/historical fiction that I read often.
Gogol is in alltime fav European author list along with Goethe, Camus, Lord Dunsany, Beckett,Catullus, Euripides, swedish greats like Soderberg. Södergren,Lagerlöf.
Do you like other classics other than Gogol?
Mohammed wrote: "Do you like other classics other than Gogol? "My parents always told me that I could read whatever I wanted provided I read a good variety so there are a few of the classics on my bookshelf although the list of names you just rattled off leaves me a bit behind in terms of European greats, unless you count Jo Nesbø, Steig Larsson, and MajSjöwall, Per Wahlöö among the Scandinavian greats. Sadly, most of my classic authors have been either American or British. Goodreads has been good at making me stretch my horizons as I've lately gotten into Faulkner, Truman Capote, Flannery O'Connor, Sheridan Le Fanu and others. You know what they say, though. So many books, so little time.
I've started (actually on page 71) Dark Passage by David Goodis. Only this far in and it's already twisted. Sheesh!
Started One to Count Cadence
yesterday & am already a third of the way through. Read The Last Good Kiss
last week & really enjoyed it.
Finished Dark Passage - just plain brilliant. For something lighter, I've started The Deadly Dowager, a Valancourt book, originally published 1934.
Paul wrote: "Started One to Count Cadence yesterday & am already a third of the way through. Read The Last Good Kiss[bookcover:The Last Good Ki..."Huge fan of Crumley the last good kiss is brilliant and made me see that the line of great PI stories between Hammett and more contemporary times had a great Crumley between.
I wonder alot about his debut novel about vietnam era, cant wait to see what you think about it.
Mohammed wrote: "Paul wrote: "Started One to Count Cadence yesterday & am already a third of the way through. Read The Last Good Kiss[bookcover:The..."Enjoying it so far Mohammed. Want to read the 'Milo' series too.
Milo series i hope is very strong, the first novel was a semi let-down after i just read the amazing The Last Good Kiss. I hope the second Milo book is stronger. It lacked the tight plotting, vivid characters of The Last Good Kiss.
Nancy wrote: "Finished Dark Passage - just plain brilliant. For something lighter, I've started The Deadly Dowager, a Valancourt book, originally published 1934."Note the film ends with a brief scene with Bogie seeing Bacall arrive in that little cafe in Brazil. The novel ends with Parry on the bus, fleeing the country but not yet having done so, but having just talked to Irene on the phone. The movie wanted to send people home happy--but its a great scene. J Hoberman has a review of this film in last Sunday's N Y times.
Jay wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Finished Dark Passage - just plain brilliant. For something lighter, I've started The Deadly Dowager, a Valancourt book, originally published 1934."Not..."
Well, good thing I've already watched the movie and read the book. Spoiler brackets might be appropriate when giving away endings.
Mohammed wrote: "Milo series i hope is very strong, the first novel was a semi let-down after i just read the amazing The Last Good Kiss. I hope the second Milo book is stronger. It lacked the tight plotting, viv..."
A little disappointed with One to Count Cadence Mohammed. Perhaps i should have read it before The Last Good Kiss. It's a good first novel, but lacks the wonderfully evocative prose of TLGK.
Not what i was expecting. Most of the story takes place in the Philippines (80%), with the main character relating from a hospital bed, the events leading up to his groups' deployment to Vietnam (20%).
Vaguely reminiscent of Catch-22, sans most of the wit & humor. I wouldn't want to put you off reading it & to be honest, i am still processing it, having only finished it last night.
Started Solomon's Vineyard
. I'm already a third of the way through this. I defy any fan of hard-boiled/Noir fiction to read the first paragraph of this book & not feel compelled to continue.
Paul wrote: "Mohammed wrote: "Milo series i hope is very strong, the first novel was a semi let-down after i just read the amazing The Last Good Kiss. I hope the second Milo book is stronger. It lacked the ti..."
Solomon's Vineyard -- isn't that the one that's along the lines of Hammett's The Dain Curse? That was a pretty good one, although I have to say that I felt like taking a shower right after reading it.
Nancy wrote: "Paul wrote: "Mohammed wrote: "Milo series i hope is very strong, the first novel was a semi let-down after i just read the amazing The Last Good Kiss. I hope the second Milo book is stronger. It ..."
Yes, i think you're right Nancy. I've read The Dain Curse & the style/content is similar. Maybe two showers:/
Paul wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Paul wrote: "Mohammed wrote: "Milo series i hope is very strong, the first novel was a semi let-down after i just read the amazing The Last Good Kiss. I hope the second Milo book is s..."There you go.
After reading those two, I meant to go back and check to,see if other pulp authors of the time had written anything around strange cults. Thanks for the memory jog!
Nancy wrote: "Paul wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Paul wrote: "Mohammed wrote: "Milo series i hope is very strong, the first novel was a semi let-down after i just read the amazing The Last Good Kiss. I hope the second M..."I (for some reason) thought cults were a 70's phenomenon; Jonestown, Manson, etc. Apparently not:(
I'm wanting to read something by Georges Simenon. I have a bunch of books by him; most, if not all the 'Maigret' series & i'm tossing up between one of those or possibly one of his standalone novels;
,
or possibly
.Anyone in this group have a favorite?
The Engagement is one of my favorite books in general, but I have to confess I've not read his other standalones. I have quite a few of them, but haven't got to them yet.
Paul wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Paul wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Paul wrote: "Mohammed wrote: "Milo series i hope is very strong, the first novel was a semi let-down after i just read the amazing The Last Good Kiss. I hop..."Re cults before the 70s: I found a few novels from the 30s to the 60s that have cults:
The Egyptian Cross Mystery, The Moving Target, and Margaret Millar's How Like an Angel. I'm sure there are way more than three, though.
Nancy wrote: "The Engagement is one of my favorite books in general, but I have to confess I've not read his other standalones. I have quite a few of them, but haven't got to them yet."Yes, that looks promising Nancy.
Paul wrote: "Mohammed wrote: "Milo series i hope is very strong, the first novel was a semi let-down after i just read the amazing The Last Good Kiss. I hope the second Milo book is stronger. It lacked the ti..."
The synopsis for Solomon's Vineyard sounds awesome just by going by randomness of the kind of story it is. Femme fatale named princess haha! Hope the PI is hardcore ala The Op and not a brute ala Mike Hammer
Christa Faust's "Money Shot" - terrific and very pulpy. Her hero is Angel Dare, ex porn star, who can't resist the lure of one last hurrah...only to find herself getting beaten senseless over a Romanian waif with a briefcase full of cash...
Paul wrote: "Read Bangkok 8
over the weekend & enjoyed it so much, i'm now reading Bangkok Tattoo
."I have both of those but haven't read them yet.
Paul wrote: "Read Bangkok 8 over the weekend & enjoyed it so much, i'm now reading Bangkok Tattoo."
Bangkok 8 was terrific. Bangkok Tattoo was also enjoyable. There is a group of self-appointed "Bangkok Noir" authors in Bangkok, some of whom I have met. Most of them are second rate, with horizons that don't stretch beyond the girlie bars. Burdett is in a different class: a serious and talented writer of thrillers, who revels in getting under the skin of the city and its people.
over the weekend & enjoyed it so much, i'm now reading Bangkok Tattoo."Bangkok 8 was terrific. Bangkok Tattoo was also enjoyable. There is a group of self-appointed "Bangkok Noir" authors in Bangkok, some of whom I have met. Most of them are second rate, with horizons that don't stretch beyond the girlie bars. Burdett is in a different class: a serious and talented writer of thrillers, who revels in getting under the skin of the city and its people.
As soon as I finish the two I'm reading now, I'll be starting Clinch by Swedish author Martin Holmén. If you aren't aware, Pushkin-Vertigo has been publishing a line of crime novels that are pretty obscure -- I haven't read a bad one yet.
Earlier this spring I read “Hard-boiled Fiction and Dark Romanticism” by Jopi Nyman. It was a good, thought-provoking read. Better, it supplied some titles to add to my reading list. One of these was “The Day of the Locust” by Nathanael West.“The Day of the Locust” was written in 1939 and set in Hollywood. I had heard of the book because of the movie (which I’ve never seen), but I had never heard of Nathanael West. I found the book noirish in the same way that “The Great Gatsby” could be called noir. I wouldn’t call it pulpy, but it concerns outcasts who are down on their luck. Anyway I enjoyed the book and was impressed by West’s writing.
One of the main secondary characters was named Homer Simpson. I had no idea. I think I’ve lived a very sheltered life.
Ralph wrote: "Earlier this spring I read “Hard-boiled Fiction and Dark Romanticism” by Jopi Nyman. It was a good, thought-provoking read. Better, it supplied some titles to add to my reading list. One of these w..."Gatsby as noir. That's a new one.
Tom wrote: "Paul wrote: "Read Bangkok 8 over the weekend & enjoyed it so much, i'm now reading Bangkok Tattoo."I have bo..."
I like the cynical views, tempered by Buddhist beliefs, of the main character, especially when comparing Buddhist sensibilities with the 'farang' (Westerners) outlook on life. These comparisons make for amusing reading. Good story-lines too.
Paul wrote: "Tom wrote: "Paul wrote: "Read Bangkok 8 over the weekend & enjoyed it so much, i'm now reading Bangkok Tattoo...."
It really works in these books because Burdett knows what he's talking about. He's not just throwing out corny or ignorant one-liners, Buddha 101 nonsense. He knows how to contrast the Thai and the Western points of view, and this is the intelligence that underpins these perceptive and entertaining books.
over the weekend & enjoyed it so much, i'm now reading Bangkok Tattoo...."It really works in these books because Burdett knows what he's talking about. He's not just throwing out corny or ignorant one-liners, Buddha 101 nonsense. He knows how to contrast the Thai and the Western points of view, and this is the intelligence that underpins these perceptive and entertaining books.
Just finished Ablutions
. Enjoyed The Sisters Brothers
more, but this was still an enjoyable read for me.I'm halfway through Kiss Her Goodbye
. Very enyoyable, so far. I figured it about time i delved into my Hard Case Crime library, having only read one from that collection previously.
Paul wrote: "Just finished Ablutions. Enjoyed The Sisters Brothers more, but this was still an enjoyable read f..."I loved The Sisters Brothers. His latest book isn't quite up to the level of that one.
Nancy wrote: "Paul wrote: "Just finished Ablutions. Enjoyed The Sisters Brothers more, but this was still an enj..."Would that be 'The Bastard' you are referring to Nancy?
Just about finished The Grey
. A little underwhelming tbh, though having read & loved The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge
recently (another tale of survival in the wilds), comparisons are inevitable.
Paul wrote: "Would that be 'The Bastard' you are referring to Nancy?"I thought his latest book was Undermajordomo Minor
.
You're right Tom. The 'book' i referred to, is apparently a short story (21 pages).I have Undermajordomo Minor which was released last year, though i've not read it as yet.
Paul wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Paul wrote: "Just finished Ablutions. Enjoyed The Sisters Brothers more, but this wa..."Actually, I meant his Undermajordomo Minor. It was just an okay.
Nancy wrote: "Paul wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Paul wrote: "Just finished Ablutions. Enjoyed The Sisters Brothers more..."The Sisters Brothers would be tough to top. Really excellent dark humor.
Paul wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Paul wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Paul wrote: "Just finished Ablutions. Enjoyed The Sisters Brothers[bookcover:The Sisters Brothers..."That was a cool book. I laughed so much.
Nancy wrote: "Paul wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Paul wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Paul wrote: "Just finished Ablutions. Enjoyed The Sisters Brothers[bookcover:The Sis..."Yes, very enjoyable Nancy.
Finished
. Would not recommend. Generic. Cormac McCarthy & Michael Punke (The Revenant) do it so much better.I'm a 1/4 of the way through Fifty-to-One
. Enjoyable so far.
Just starting Shelby Foote's southern gothic novel Love in a Dry Season. Pretty good so far. Very Faulknerian. I'm also starting the graphic novel Suicide Squad, Vol. 1: Kicked in the Teeth.
Pulp Fiction
Books mentioned in this topic
The Killer Inside Me (other topics)The Little Sister (other topics)
Deadly Mistake (other topics)
De Tanden van de Draak (other topics)
De Ondergang van de Donderdraak (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Raymond Chandler (other topics)Raymond Chandler (other topics)
Octavia E. Butler (other topics)
Naomi Alderman (other topics)
M. John Harrison (other topics)
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I miss reading George Pelecanos, his DC Derek Strange books reminded me very much about the issue of crime, race in The Wire. I have i think somewhere DC Quartet books of his.