A couple of fairly recent additions to the library are some car-noir novels. Yep, car-noir.........not too sure what that is myself to be truthful, but if I pull my finger out and read them I guess I will know more.Both novels concern a guy called Harold Dodge...pushing fifty, going grey, carrying a few extra pounds.......wow I think I'm in love with him already; sounds like someone I would definitely like to read about, spend time and perhaps hang out with. He seems adorable!
Book 1 was published in 1998 and the second title came out a year later. He published a third fiction tome called THE MARQUIS DE FRAUD in 2001, which concerns intrigue and betrayal in the world of horse-racing. Apparently it is based on a true story.
Bird Dog
Bird Dog In his explosive debut, Philip Reed suggests the
best of Elmore Leonard and Carl Hiaasen as he guides you on a lethal joyride
you won't forget. Harold Dodge is pushing fifty, going gray, and carrying a few
extra pounds. He's a good man. But in LA, good men some-times have to do bad
things. Harold lives for women and cars...he just never figured on dying for
them.
Low Rider
Low Rider Life continues to throw Harold Dodge some wicked
cures. Vikki Covo, widow of Harold's former boss at the car dealership, is
angling for a million-dollar settlement on her husband's life insurance policy.
If Harold negotiates the settlement, he'll get 10% plus Vikki's gratitude.
Vikki is one of those wicked curves and in the shape of a dollar sign. This
Harold could learn to love her almost as much he loves his '64 Chevy Impala. If
only she was as easy to handle...Bird Dog will be re-published soon in e-book format by 280 Steps. I think I prefer their book cover to the one on my copy, but I expect the words will read the same!
Car noir, okay. Let us know how that goes. I am intrigued.
ReplyDeleteI have liked a lot of Leonard and Hiaasen books in the past. I do like sort of quirky off-beat humour, which I know doesn't work for everyone.
DeleteHopefully they are good and recommendable.
I haven't yet come across a book blurb saying......."worst book ever-written" or "biggest pile of dog-mess I have had the sad misfortune to read" ........I'm sure we've all read those books at some point.
It'll be really interesting to see what you think of these, Col. And I do like Hiaasen's work and some of Leonard's. Well, time will tell if these appeal to you.
ReplyDeleteMargot thanks. I think they will be enjoyable. I can't imagine a book being brought back into print after 20-odd years unless it has merit. Looking forward to them as I perhaps haven't picked up this type of book for a while.
DeleteThe Marquis de Fraud is a wonderful title, the covers are nice, and the concepts sound good - a positive review from you would probably put at least a one-book tryout onto the list
ReplyDeleteMoira, I have a few books (ok a few hundred then) to clear first before a dose of car-noir. Hopefully Harold is a snazzy dresser and fits the blog profile!
DeleteCar noir? I will definitely give you a chance to check these out first. They actually sound fine, but not adding anything more to my list until I get your opinion.
ReplyDeleteTracy, no problem. Hopefully I enjoy them when I get there - and then you can add them!
DeleteCar noir? Now that's a first for me. I suppose "noir" can be about anything. Look forward to your reviews, Col.
ReplyDeletePrashant, first for me too. Hopefully good things ahead though.
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