I read Harris’ Hannibal a few years ago. 
Not bad. Moves right along.

Scrum - 16 March 2009 02:46 PM

I read Harris’ Hannibal a few years ago. 
Not bad. Moves right along.

Yeah, it’s a great novel.
I’m curious to know why Mr. Harris has only published five books since ‘75. I’d love to know if it takes him a very long time to write (a novel), or whether he just doesn’t write very often; you know, taking a a few years off between each book.

bech a book

Does this mean the Messier is over?!?
Say it ain’t so, Son. Say it ain’t so.

It ain’t so
in the middle of tishomingo blues
taking my time
mmmmm

With the arrival of my brother from England came five Richard Stark novels, and two Donald Westlake’s. So I guess I’ll be ploughing into those soon.

7 books at once, thats something

With my four Parker books you will have 11 of his and be set for the rest of the year hehe.

Just finished Dana Spiotta’s Eat the Document. Brilliant.

Parker - 31 March 2009 10:30 AM

7 books at once, thats something

With my four Parker books you will have 11 of his and be set for the rest of the year hehe.

I’ve still got Ask the Parrot to read, too. I’ll wait until I’ve read the early ones before tucking into the later ones, though.

Just finished The Moonshine War.
Worth the effort to find it if you haven’t read it.
Reads like a western.
Reads like all the others.
Great characters and Elmore’s signature dialog-driven plot.
Helluva gem from 1969.

Hi. First post. Discovered Leonard by my Dad’s recommendation just under a year ago. I’ve always been a crime fiction fan but Mr. Leonards work is really remarkable. To stay on topic of of this particular thread, I’m currently halfway through Swag, I have already read Stick, Mr. Paradise, The Hot Kid, The Big Bounce and Up in Honey’s Room. I am just finishing exams and I am looking forward to sharing my summer with Mr. Leonards books. Thanks.

woops, by the way, Swag will probably end up being my fav so far followed by Mr. Paradise.

Chrispti,

Swag is great place to start. In my opinion, best books are Swag and City Primeval. Nothing wrong with others you plan on reading, but I would move City Primeval to top of the list.

When I was growing up, my father used to drum into me the fact that the use of profanity indicates a lack of vocabulary. However some things simply require an expletive for emphasis, I feel. Which leads me to The Hunter by Richard Stark: it’s a fucking fantastic novel.

Published in 1962, marking the first appearance of the now iconic character Parker, this is a simple tale of double cross and revenge. I recommend it to any forum members that so far have not had the pleasure of discovering Stark’s work. It was a very, very good read.

“Bloodbrothers,” by Richard Price. It was just re-issued to coincide with the paperback release of last year’s “Lush Life.”

Anyway, he wrote it in 1975 when he was only 25. A brilliant look at coming of age in the Bronx at that time. A bit dated, but still thoroughly enjoyable. Price may very well be the second best writer of dialogue ever (after you know who).

Jade - 03 April 2009 11:16 PM

When I was growing up, my father used to drum into me the fact that the use of profanity indicates a lack of vocabulary. However some things simply require an expletive for emphasis, I feel. Which leads me to The Hunter by Richard Stark: it’s a fucking fantastic novel.

Published in 1962, marking the first appearance of the now iconic character Parker, this is a simple tale of double cross and revenge. I recommend it to any forum members that so far have not had the pleasure of discovering Stark’s work. It was a very, very good read.

What did i tell you, now you know how i felt after reading The Hunter

Do you remember the first opening words ?  Talk about starting the book in the middle of something.