Monday, Monday

Happy Halloween!

Went to the library book sale here but could only carry home a few books. Not much interesting anyway, but I got two Nameless novels (STRANGERS, VIXENS) and a collection of short stories by Jo Ann Beard. My fourth book was one I'd already read--and not that long ago so I will look to pass that one along. 

Saw AMSTERDAM, but it was pretty awful. So many talented actors wasted. What happened to David O Russell?

Finished SHETLAND, and sad to see the end of Douglas Henshall, who played the heck out of Jmmy Perez. Finished THE PATIENT, which didn't end well for me. Looking forward to THE WHITE LOTUS tonight.

What are you up to?

FFB-ROSEANNA by Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo

 From the blog of Elgin Bleecker

 Roseanna by Per Wahloo and Maj Sjowall

Reading Roseanna confirms that Per Wahloo and Maj Sjowall were a hell of a great crime writing team.

Their publishers must have thought so, too. The pair went on to write nine more police procedurals featuring their fictional detective Martin Beck of the Swedish national police.

The story opens when workers repairing a set of locks connecting two lakes in Sweden’s inland waterway dredge up the naked body of a young woman.

Local police find no one in their small city who can identify the murdered woman. The investigation widens and Martin Beck is brought into the case.

Beck and his team figure the woman was a passenger on a cruise ship passing through the locks. The woman must have been killed on the boat and then dumped overboard.

The detectives determine which boat she was aboard and set about finding the the crew and other passengers. It is a long, painstaking process. Wahloo and Sjowall take their time yet make the police work fascinating.

Detective Martin Beck is an odd sort of hero. He is good at his job, but rather morose, always seems to have a cold, complains about the weather, and has no rapport with his wife and kids. He only connects with the guys he works with and even then he is a bit chilly.

Wahloo and Sjowall keep the story and its many clues and suspects clear and orderly. The authors had a clean, no nonsense writing style and the Lois Roth translation is well done.

Per Wahloo (1926-1975) and Maj Sjowall (1935-2020) were not only writing partners but also partners in life.

http://elginbleecker.blogspot.com/2022/10/roseanna-by-per-wahloo-and-maj-sjowall.html

Short Story Wednesday: "Hollywood Lanes" Megan Abbott in QUEENS NOIR

 "Hollywood Lanes" was a story in QUEENS NOIR, which was published in 2008. Another story in the collection, "Buckner's Error" won the Edgar that year for Best Short Story. This may have been Megan's first short story.

This story perfectly captures both Megan's writing and Megan of 2008. I wish I could print it all here. It is so packed with description, it overflows the page. The detail makes that bowling alley seem more real than any I have ever been in. It is also packed with the longing of a young girl.  I can't remember Megan ever bowling (it was out of favor in her youth), but she must have been in this one when she first moved to Forest Hills.

Hollywood Lanes existed in Forest Hills from 1952 until 2002. In this story, a twelve year old girl is working alongside of her mother at the bowling alley although she is mostly, along with everyone else working there, following the romance that goes on behind the pins each day. She is at the age when what she sees gives her feelings she can't quite define. What makes it doubly exciting is that the man's wife is working there too and everyone is waiting for her to discover the affair. 

Our protagonist is so busy following what goes on behind the pins that she doesn't notice what's going on outside the lanes. I'm not going to tell. I hope someday Megan will put together a collection. She doesn't write shorts anymore though so it's unlikely. 

TracyK

Jerry House 

George Kelley

Remembering Ed Gorman

 (Thanks to Todd Mason for "borrowing" this piece, which appears in the program for Noircon 2022)

                                  “Ed Gorman Remembered” by Patricia Abbott

You can easily find out about Ed Gorman’s amazing career on multiple sites. This is a more personal remembrance. During the decade I knew Ed Gorman, it always seemed possible that one day, I’d run into him at a conference or a bookstore but that never happened. Ed was not one to frequent such places according to those who knew him. But he was more than available on his blog until shortly before his death. 

Five years after his death New Improved Gorman, the site where Ed and some of the crime-writing/reading world interacted on a daily basis, is still available to peruse. You can learn much about him there. You can also learn much about crime fiction.

Ed Gorman’s final posts are indicative of what he did so regularly on New Improved Gorman: promote his friends and in many cases, introduce newcomers to his world. His last two posts in the summer of 2016 interviewed Max Allan Collins and reviewed a book by Bill Pronzini. Ed died a few months later of a disease he had been battling for years. 

It amazes me now that busy, successful writers like Ed Gorman and Bill Crider managed to post every day or even more often on their blogs. Ed’s posts were a good introduction to the crime fiction genre. In 2006, there was a vibrant blog world. A site called CrimeSpot (the creation of Graham Powell) collected blogs dealing with crime fiction and updated itself almost hourly as new posts appeared. Long before Facebook, people publishing crime stories or interested in them were able to interact through this truly wonderful resource. 

One of the first interactions I had with Ed was when I commented on my blog that the only Western I had ever read was Lonesome Dove. He promptly sent me two of his Westerns, which changed my idea of what Westerns could be and I still read them today. 

In 2008 I began a feature on my blog called Friday’s Forgotten Books. At first I solicited book reviews (Bill Crider was the first person I asked) but eventually crime fiction bloggers began to post them unsolicited and send me the links or send the review directly to me. For a few years, Ed posted a review of an old book nearly every week. But eventually he asked me if I would be willing to post his review on my blog. So, a day or two ahead of time, he sent it to me. I was never sure why he wanted them on my blog, but I was glad to have them. His reviews were always interesting, insightful, and very much “Ed.” 

Ed was kind to me in other ways. He asked me for stories to publish in two of the anthologies he published with Martin Greenberg (Prisoner of Memory, 2008; Between Dark and the Daylight, 2009). This was heady stuff for a newer writer. Ed immediately treated people as if they belonged to the clan. 

I am so grateful for the years Ed was a part of my life. In the pre-Internet world I would never have met him. Even if “meeting” has a different meaning now.

Monday. Monday

 

Although I acknowledge TAR is not for everyone (very long and an unlikable character) it was the best movie I've seen in a very long time. Such a complex look at genius and what we sometimes tolerate from those who seem to have it. Blanchett is amazing-in every scene over a 2 hour and 40 minute movie. And the direction and screenplay is brilliant. So too the supporting cast.

Also enjoyed SHERWOOD, (Britbox) which almost left me in tears. And that it's based on a true story makes it that more poignant. 

Not enjoying this season of SHETLAND. After a bit, the seasons tend to run together. I really did prefer the earlier seasons where they didn't drag on for so many episodes. There doesn't seem to be enough plot to justify 8 hours of it.

PBS' MAGPIE MURDERS was a great first episode. 

Trying to read a novel, but I keep putting them aside. I think years ago, when there wasn't so much similar fare on TV, it was better reading. I'm trying to read FORSAKEN COUNTRY by Allen Eskens. I also have the Mary Rogers, memoir, SHY, but that looks awfully heavy to hold at night. Also THE IT GIRL, by Ruth Ware.

Lovely weather the last two days. I think we have a couple more good days before the shoe drops.

Oh, my one-year followup mammogram was okay. Now I can breathe for a while.

FFB

(Ed Gorman- from the archives)

The early Maigret detective novels by Georges Simenon bear the stamp of the busy pulp writer Simenon was before finding his voice and mission with the cranky even surly Commissaire.

In The Yellow Dog, a particularly well-plotted crime novel, Maigret travels to the small coastal town of Concarneau where a local wine merchant has been murdered under mysterious circumstances. According to a witness the man was strolling home on a windy night and paused to walk up steps leading to the narrow sheltered porch of a long empty house. Moments later the man fell backwards, dead from the shots.

Once there, Maigret meets the four men and one waitress who seem to know much more than they're willing to share with him. He also sees a large yellow dog that keeps appearing at the crime scenes to come. Maigret feels a kinship with the animal which is more than he can say for anybody he meets in the town. 

Where did the dog come from? Why does he keep showing up at such odd moments? Does he belong to the person who by book's end kills more people?

This is a serial killer novel. Simenon even casts the local newspaper editor as one of the villains. The editor has a history of exploiting bad news to the point of making each local tragedy worse. And the killings are no exception. Simenon suggests that it is sop for Frenchmen to a) have mistresses and b) go about armed. Both are factors in the investigation. 

Most of the elements of classic Maigret are here. The weather is as vivid as the characters; Simenon buttresses his sociological look at French life with bleak humor; and his pity for decent people life has treated badly borders on the religious along with his contempt for pomposity and self-importance and cruelty. 

There is always a claustrophobic feel to the Maigrets; this allows the reader to experience what the Inspector himself does. As a forlorn chronicler of humankind Simenon is still without peer.

 

Short Story Wednesday: "Tiny, Meaningless Things" Marissa Silver, THE NEW YORKER

Evelyn is a 74 year old woman. She is the mother of three adult daughters and was married twice. She spends her days largely doing house-wifely tasks that her daughters find mysterious. How can she clean her apartment and iron her days away? One day, the seven-year old boy (Scotty)from across the hall knocks. And then begins his regular visits, where he assists Evelyn with the kind of tasks he can do. She feeds him cinnamon toast and one day gives him a dollar, telling him he must value his work. Both of them are content in their roles. 

But after a bit, he begins taking things: a package of kleenex, a corn cob holder. At some point, Evelyn decides even though the thefts are small, she must act on it and she marches across the hall and tells his mother. Scotty brings out the box of things he has stolen and his mother, though mystified by it all, makes him apologize. While Evelyn is visiting a daughter, the family moves. Is it related to this incident?  I think it is odd enough to make a family with a small child move. 

Marissa Silver is writing a collection of stories about Evelyn and another older woman. She is a regular contributor to THE NEW YORKER. I like this sort of story but it's probably not for everyone. 

Kevin Tipple

Jerry House 

George Kelley

Monday, Monday

 

A friend and I went to the DIA exhibit of Van Gogh in America where 70 of his canvasses, many from private collections, were on display. This may be the only showing in NA. I have seen some of these before, of course, but many I saw for the first time. If you are nearby between now and January, it is well worth your time.  So easy to get the audio now right on your phone.

Getting colder here. At least the city of Birmingham appear to be reaching the end of the street work. Or nearly.

Reading LESSONS by Ian McEwan. He sure can write.

Watching SHERWOOD, THE HANDMAID'S TALE, ATLANTA, DERRY GIRLS (funniest season), and a Norwegian doc about a kidnapping on Netflix. This I must say, is there any detective on any series who doesn't have a parent with Alzheimer's, an estranged spouse, a difficult child?

Listening to podcasts while I walk and clean: (Washington)POST REPORTS, NEW YORKER RADIO HOUR, POD SAVE AMERICA, FILMSPOTTING, WTF (Marc Maron, DETROIT DAILY, DETROIT TODAY, NYT BOOK REVIEW PODCAST and many more. It seems like I must have words going into my head. 

How about you?

NOIRCON

Reminding those interested next Friday, Saturday, Sunday the virtual Noircon will be available for $36. Lots of panels and guests. I attended in Philly live at the Society Hill Playhouse a few times and enjoyed it. You will be able to access it for 30 days past the weekend.

FFB: IN AT THE DEATH, Francis Duncan

From the archives of Richard Robinson

In At the Death by Francis Duncan, (c) 1952, Penguin Random House – 2016 Vintage trade paper, mystery, #6 in Mordecai Tremaine series

The Blurb: (from back cover)

“When murder is afoot, nothing is as it seems. Mordecai Tremaine and Chief Inspector Jonathan Boyce rarely allow a promising game of chess to be interrupted — though when murder is the disrupting force, they are persuaded to make an exception. After a quick stop at Scotland Yard, the pair are spirited away to Bridgton.

No sooner have they arrived than it becomes clear that the city harbors more than its fair share of passions and motives…and one question echoes loudly throughout the cobbled streets: why did Dr. Hardene, the local GP of impeccable reputation, bring a revolver with him on a routine visit to a patient?

Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Margery Allingham’s classic mysteries, Mordecai Tremaine’s latest excursion into crime detection convinces him that, when it comes to murder, nothing can be assumed…”

My Take:
While last year I read the fourth book in the series, Murder for Christmas, and enjoyed it enough to buy a second novel, this one. After reading this, I’ve ordered the other three Duncan novels in these five Vintage Crime editions, and look forward to reading them.

I like the somewhat unusual Tremaine character, Duncan does a nice job with setting, and the plot had enough elements to keep me guessing until near the end. These are easy going mysteries, no graphic violence, no thriller elements, just the thing to read while relaxing in a comfy chair on a Summer afternoon.

The Mordecai Tremaine novels by Francis Duncan, in order. Five are available in Vintage Crime editions.

1. They’ll Never Find Out (1944)
2. Murder Has a Motive (1947)
3. Murderer’s Bluff (1948)
4. Murder for Christmas (1949)
5. So Pretty a Problem (1950)
6. In at the Death (1952)
7. Behold a Fair Woman (1954)

Duncan also writes a series featuring Peter Justice, about which, sadly, I have no information.

 

Short Story Wednesday: THE ANGEL OF ROME and other STORIES, Jess Walter

 I have read four of these stories, all very well written, although one ended too abruptly for my taste. But the winner for me was "Town and Country."  I groaned when I saw it was about Alzheimer's, but it was such a great take on it. And the voice of both the father and son are so strong. I hope Town and Country Motel exists somewhere because I know a few folks who would fit in there perfectly. "Mr. Voice" was also a delight--the good stepfather isn't often found in literature.

I very much liked the novel BEAUTIFUL RUINS by Walter from a few years back too. 

Kevin Tipple

Jerry House 

TracyK 

George Kelley

Monday Monday

 

Enjoyed DAVID MILCH, A LIFE-it really depended on the reader knowing his work though. I did because NYPD BLUE and DEADWOOD were two of my favorite shows. Milch is a complicated guy-full of addictions, which made it an interesting if somewhat sad story. Milch has dementia now so I am glad he got this out in time.

Another writer took up some time this week. Marc Maron had Tony Gilroy on his WTF podcast. It was a terrific interview. So generous with what he shared about his career and writing screenplays. Michael Clayton is such a great movie.Then I had to rewatch it on Prime for $3.00 and then I got out the screenplay, which I bought years ago. So much of his story comes through in ways other than with dialog. Made me want to get Disney to watch Andor. 

One movie at the theater: THE GOOD HOUSE.A pretty mediocre movie but Kline and especially Weaver were fine. It really needed some new beats on alcoholism, which it didn't manage.

TV: Still watching Vera. Not very impressed with the Van der Valk series on PBS. When you update a series from the seventies to now, something gets lost. I do however love seeing Amsterdam again. Hard to believe it is 25 years since we lived there because it looks the same even if the stories are different. Finishing up The Patient, Bad Sisters, Atlanta and struggling through Industry. You know you are getting old when watching twenty-somethings have sex like bunnies gets tiresome. 

The leaves are changing quickly now although not as dramatically as some years because we didn't have much rain. Quite cold some days too.

 How about you?

FFB: BLACK IS THE COLOR, John Brunner

From the archives: Randy Johnson (2015)

Forgotten Books, John Brunner

As a young boy discovering a love of reading even as I was learning, John Brunner was an early find, third I believe, behind Heinlein and Norton. The early stuff was mostly from the Ace Doubles. Black Is The Color is a little bit different. From 1969, part spy novel, it has a plot line that would fit in in things happening today.

Mark Hanwell, a disillusioned young man returns home to London after six months in Spain where he’d met and worked for The Big Famous Writer he only ever refers to as Hairy Harry. It didn’t take long for him to realize his hero had feet of clay, making the bulk of his money selling pornography and weed. In fact, the last four pieces of writing under his name had been written by Mark.

Home, he goes looking for a woman who’d sent him a few letters early on, then stopped. A singer, he traced the bank d she’d been with falling into as different a world as he’d ever run into.

Sadism was part of it, voodoo, a plan to start a race war in England, Mark finds his work an and the man she’d taken up with, a South Africaner.

 I’d never heard of this book before I came across it. Good stuff.

 

Sometimes I wonder what people who died pre-2016 would make of the world we know now. 

Short Story Wednesday: VALENTINES by Olaf Olafsson

 Because I enjoy Olafsson's novel a few weeks ago, I picked up this collection of short stories. There is one for each month of the year and they all concern romance. In the first four (what I have read so far) it is romance or marriage gone wrong. Each of them has an upsetting ending that is not exactly a twist, but it's unpleasant. (And sometimes not really earned).

And after reading one, I read the other three anticipating a bad end and it colored my reading. There is no indication these stories were published anywhere else so I am wondering if he wrote them strictly for a collection and with the rough landings in mind. Can a story be written too much for the ending? Usually that is not the case with mainstream writing but it often is for genre writing. I think it works better for one than the other. I guess I will try a few more of these but I am not impressed. 

Jerry House

Kevin Tipple 

TracyK 

George Kelley 

Kerrie Smith 

James Reasoner

Monday. Monday

 

A great relief that my brother and his extended family all survived Ian although I read in the NYT today that his county really blew their evacuation and cost lives. Glad theirs were not affected by such incompetence. However, electricity and Internet is still elusive.

No movies. 

TV: watching Vera on Hoopla, trying Industry on HBO Max, which my son and daughter like but I'm having trouble getting into it, Atlanta on FX, Bad Sisters on Apple and The Patient. Reservation Dogs just finished wonderfully. Also a really quirky Canadian show on Netflix Michael: Tu and Th, about a therapist and his patient. A bit like Schitts's Creek as to its sense of humor.

Reading THINGS WE LOST TO THE WATER, Eric Nguyen, short stories by Olaf Olafssen and a novel by Elena Ferrante (THE DAYS OF ABANDONMENT). Also just started the David Milch memoir.

Lots of time with friends this week. Again, I am so thankful for them. I know I want to run around more than most people seem to need to. Did I always?