

I asked Brad about his debut as information both on his website and the internet in general is a bit scarce....... "Rises A Moral Man had a print run of 1000 and you’re right…it’s hard to find today. It’s about a young guy who discovers that his background is not what he thought. He travels north to an Indian reservation and becomes involved in a land scheme and a murder."
Never one to hide my ignorance under a bushel, I was unaware of native Canadians, Native Americans or Native Indians in Canada - is there a PC umbrella term for the indigenous people of Canada?
Definitely an author to be read later this year, irrespective of whether or not I undertake a Canadian reading challenge.

One-Eyed Jacks

In the big city, Tommy and T-Bone encounter an intriguing
cast of characters operating on the questionable side of the tracks. Fat Ollie
runs the weekly poker game on Quenn Street; Buzz Murdoch gives Tommy a job as a
doorman at the Bamboo club; Herm Bell is a sharp kid on a run of luck; and Tony
Broad is a small-time hood with big-time ambitions and a seedy sidekick named
Billy Callahan. There's also Lee Charles, a sharp, cynical, smart-mouthed torch
singer, who happens to be Tommy's ex-girlfriend.
The five grand ultimately becomes available to a number of
these people in a number of ways - all at great risk to Tommy and T-Bone.
Stuck with a wife he doesn't like, a job he hates, and a
rapidly crumbling sense of self-worth, Dock Bass could use some good news.
So when he learns that he's inherited an ancient house from
a deceased relative he never knew existed, he is ready to make a move. Even
better, the old place turns out to be a treasure trove of Civil War
memorabilia. But as the onslaught of collectors, history buffs, and media
hounds - including an easy-on-the-eyes television reporter - descends, Dock
needs every stubborn and independent bone in his body to fight of the hustlers,
opportunists, and scam artists.
280 Steps have recently released One-Eyed Jacks as an e-book around now.
(Other publications to come include another screwball novel from Rob Kitchin at some point.)
280 Steps have recently released One-Eyed Jacks as an e-book around now.
(Other publications to come include another screwball novel from Rob Kitchin at some point.)
I like that second title, Col. That's the name of Travis McGee's boat in the John D. MacDonald series.
ReplyDeleteI knew I had heard that before, but I was thinking along the lines of cards and poker and gambling - particularly with the other title. Doh - should have remembered though - I read 4 or 5 Travis books last year!
DeleteWhich is the boat name? Busted Flush? I love the names of these books, they could well lure me in...
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travis_McGee
DeleteBusted Flush is McGee's boat. I actually love the title - Shoot the Dog more I think.......not advocating it at all though, we have two!
First Nations is the term, and I think I learned it in an Olympics opening ceremony.
ReplyDeleteRebecca thank you. I'll do a bit of reading-browsing-googling to expand my knowledge.
DeleteI have a book of Brad Smith's that I don't see up there- Crow's Landing. Thanks for the reminder because I read the sample, enjoyed it and bought it several months ago. Will try to read it this month.
ReplyDeleteLong time - no speak haha! You're ahead of the curve again - hope it rocks and I'll look forward to your review.
DeleteCan't believe he's passed me by unnoticed all this time! If I was buying a book of his blind and based on title alone - Crow's Landing is the one that sings out to me the least.
Ha well, Dennis Lehane endorsed it which is what made me buy it. Everything is word of mouth these days...
DeleteThat and the comparison to Elmore Leonard swung it for me!
DeleteYou know I am always interested in reading new Canadian authors. I will definitely try this one. When I feel like I can add more books to my piles. The comparison to Elmore Leonard is definitely in his favor, but I need to try some Elmore Leonard first.
ReplyDeleteTracy, I hoped this might tempt you. One day maybe.
DeleteCol, save for a couple of vintage ebooks, I don't think I have read Canadian fiction and especially not contemporary books. I have made a mental note of some of the writers picked up from our blog friends. These are interesting titles and covers.
ReplyDeletePrashant, I don't read as much of it as I would like to, but I suppose I could say that about all the types of books I enjoy. I like these covers and titles, they wanted me to find out a bit more about each book.
Delete