Now, is that a cover, or is that a cover? I have no idea where I picked this little gem up from; a pulp fiction collection from, I would guess, the '50s or '60s. The very first page of the first story contained the phrase 'ace detective', so I knew this would fit the bill perfectly. When I finish it and write about the stories perhaps some more experienced thriller readers will be able to tell me if any of the 'popular authors' are known at all.
First, however, there is a more modern thriller that has claimed my attention. Regular readers may remember that I have a small obsession with that friendly neighbourhood serial killer, Dexter Morgan, and while on a payday-treat mooch around the bookshop yesterday I heard his siren call and was unable to resist the latest book any longer, Dexter in the Dark by Jeff Lindsay.
It is my perfect escapism, a hundred pages slipped down last night without any effort but it is well written and witty enough so that I don't feel that I have to take my brain out of my head and leave it on a shelf to go mouldy to be able to read it. So far it is just as good as ever, and I am enjoying the fact that the books are now completely divorced from the TV series (which is inspired-by these days rather than based-on) as it just means I get Double Dexter.
I have also bought a couple of more serious books but this weekend I am losing myself in the murky world of crime and punishment, and glamourous women pointing guns at ace detectives.
2 comments:
So, Eloise, the crucial question I have for you about the Dexter books is: Are they as creepy as the show? Because while I really enjoyed the show, it has disturbed me since I watched the one episode. . . I'd love to read the books, but hate to be haunted by creepiness.
Hmm, difficult to answer, - I don't find them creepy. This is strange as I hate serial killer books usually, they scare me stupid, so Dexter is a real exception. However, they are quite nasty in places. I think the narrative voice cancels out the disturbing effect for me.
Post a Comment