John Baker is a
UK crime novelist with about 9 books under his belt, though I don’t believe
there has been anything published by him since 2009 when Winged With Death appeared.
The Times has
said about him……. ”One of Britain’s most
talented contemporary crime writers.”
I’ve read Poet in the
Gutter a fair few years ago and wouldn’t disagree. Which begs the question,
well why haven’t I read more by him?
The full list of his series books are as follows:
Sam Turner
1. Poet in the Gutter (1995)
2. Death Minus Zero (1996)
3. King of the Streets (1998)
4. Walking with Ghosts (1999)
5. Shooting in the Dark (2001)
6. The Meanest Flood (2003)
Chinese Girl
1. The Chinese Girl (2000)
2. White Skin Man (2004)
He has a website here. He also has a Twitter account which doesn't necessarily appear to be the most active - @johnbakeronline
Poet in the Gutter (1995)
Sam Turner has always had a romantic yearning to be Sam
Spade. So he tells his men's group in York that he's a private eye - it's
better than admitting he's an unemployed alcoholic. But then one of his friends
asks for help in tracking an erring wife. So suddenly Sam is a P.I. And the
next thing he knows, he's on the track of a serial killer - with the help of a
street liver and an ex English teacher pensioner. . .
From memory it's not especially serial killer-esque, more about a man trying to find a purpose in life.
King of the Streets (1998)
John Baker's characters are his strongest point. However,
his plot is every bit as well developed. P.I. Sam Turner has a full docket as
he seeks a sadistic murderer and confronts the drug and gym trade in his
beloved York. His delightful sidekick, Geordie, is his sweet self as they take
on crooks who have connections in the very highest places. Cornelius Garrett
does well with a wide range of accents, ages, and personalities; his best
efforts are Sam and Geordie, who couldn't be more different but are further
enhanced by Garrett's efforts. Although violent and graphic, the story is a
believable portrait of modern life and crime. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine
Looks good to me, Col, including the titles — a bit oxymoronic, so to speak.
ReplyDeleteI ought to read more from him soon, but I'm full of good intentions.....
DeleteAll his titles seem intriguing and make you want to discover more - well at least I think they do!
I know just what you mean, Col, about enjoying a book, and then wondering why you haven't read more from that author *sigh.* Sam Turner sounds like an interesting character, and I do like the setting.
ReplyDeleteAn age old problem, Margot - and unfortunately it's one I'm probably never going to cure. Not as long as I stay active on the internet, following blogs etc.
DeleteMaybe 2016 I'll read him!
Me, Too, Col. I have read Poet in the Gutter and I have the next one but haven't read it. Maybe next year.
ReplyDeleteBecause I kept Poet in the Gutter, I'm probably going to re-read it (am I mad?), before embarking on the second.
DeleteNot mad at all, sometimes I wish I had done that with some series.
DeletePhew - reassuring to know (or we could both be mad....haha) - hopefully I will find the time somewhere!
DeleteHm. Looks pretty damn' fine.
ReplyDeleteWorth a look, I think.
DeleteWhere do these people come from? Never heard of him, sounds fine, but can't be picking up new authors!
ReplyDeleteNever heard of John Baker......tsk....
Delete