Beware of false pirates …

I ran across a goofy website claiming to offer my upcoming book for pre-order. The text promoting my novel was so laughably bad I doubt anyone who has ever read a book would be fooled by it, but I am posting here nonetheless to let potential buyers know there are some bogus sites out there. …

“Blade of the Samurai,” by Susan Spann: History and Murder

Historical mysteries offer the reader a great deal.  A good mystery novel features a solid plot, unique characters and, usually, a sense of justice. But a good historical mystery offers one thing more: a chance to vicariously experience another time and place. Today's case in point is "Blade of the Samurai," by Susan Spann. Spann's …

“Colonel Sun,” a non-Fleming Bond novel that feels right

I have always divided the literary and cinematic James Bonds in my mind. I enjoy the movies, with the mini-helicopters and automobile ejector seats and explosions, but they seem to be about some other fellow, not the brooding but dutiful man Ian Fleming wrote about in his books. Sure, the two Bonds share some traits, …

About “The Bloody Black Flag”

I passed out business cards and talked to people today about my forthcoming novel, "The Bloody Black Flag," and so I might see some new faces here on the blog. So ... let me tell you a little more about my book. But first, I will let someone else tell you about it: "A fast-paced …

“The Moon Maid,” by Edgar Rice Burroughs: Pulp adventure in the Barsoomian vein

Not long ago, I wrote about my attempt to read the pulp adventures of Doc Savage, as told by Lester Dent. Attempt, I say, for I could not get past all the gee-whiz prose and the absolute perfection of Doc himself. I never finished the book. I must admit, though, that Doc's adventures made me …

“The Man of Bronze,” by Lester Dent, or How in the Bloody Hell Did This Series Sell So Well?

I love the idea of Doc Savage.A man trained from birth to build his mind and body to perfection, in order to pursue a life of adventure and righting wrongs.  A man surrounded by top minds in numerous fields, each an expert in one or more areas of science or engineering or some other useful …

“The Cold Cold Ground,” by Adrian McKinty

Take Ed McBain's 87th Precinct thrillers. Add first-person narrative from a smart, and funny, lead detective. Mix in a few large vodka gimlets and dark stouts, then set it all down in Ireland in 1981, when hunger strikes and protests lit a spark on the unrest fueled by political militias, gang violence and terrorism. All …