My buddy Axel Brand just got a rave review from Library Journal for his debut novel THE HOTEL DICK:
With a narrative voice reminiscent of
Dragnet's Joe Friday and a spot-on 1940s style that subtly slips
modernisms into the smooth, often humorous telling, Brand has written a sound
period piece featuring Lt. Joe Sonntag. Sonntag maintains a cool approach when
movie star Spencer Tracy appears to be the only viable suspect in the murder of
a hotel detective. The plot is as devious as any of Donald Westlake's and
hard-boiled enough to please Bill Pronzini fans. The end result is pure
entertainment.
Dragnet's Joe Friday and a spot-on 1940s style that subtly slips
modernisms into the smooth, often humorous telling, Brand has written a sound
period piece featuring Lt. Joe Sonntag. Sonntag maintains a cool approach when
movie star Spencer Tracy appears to be the only viable suspect in the murder of
a hotel detective. The plot is as devious as any of Donald Westlake's and
hard-boiled enough to please Bill Pronzini fans. The end result is pure
entertainment.
Axel also got a rave from Kirkus, who said, in part:
Brand's debut unfolds in leisurely fashion, with many detours. His noir
style effectively combines muscle and cheek, and Sonntag is an
appealingly laconic sleuth.
style effectively combines muscle and cheek, and Sonntag is an
appealingly laconic sleuth.
I haven't read the book yet myself but I am sure, knowing Axel, that it deserves all the acclaim it has been getting.
My review goes up on my blog tomorrow.
I know we shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover – but that cover ROCKS!
I am 36 years old and have become a big fan of old radio shows such as Suspense, The Whistler and Jack Benny…etc., and it’s funny how words don’t mean what they used to…LOL.