Tag Archives: Mystery

Seattle Red by Reb MacRath – Review

Seattle Red

A modern two-fisted pulp, loaded with action, mystery, style, intelligence, and humor.
In this fourth book in the series, Boss heads to Seattle to take on Organized Retail Crime (ORC). Heavily researched, and highly detailed, we’re treated to firsthand descriptions of the seedier side of the Emerald City, and delve deeply into the world of ORC. Also heavily researched are the “Armless Arms” —weapons disguised as ordinary everyday objects. “Toyless is Joyless.”

Grounded firmly in the heavily researched word MacRath has created, we can gleefully enjoy a pulp romp with Boss and his colorful team as they go from one wild situation to the next. Boss tends to play the jester, but he never plays the fool. Rounding out the MacRathian trinity of tricksters is a an old geisha—or is she?—and the spirit of Mae West appearing in the most unexpected of locations.

As an aside, I have to comment on the Glenfiddich 21 Boss quaffs. I thought the author had inverted the numbers—but no! Boss drinks some really high-end stuff. And why shouldn’t he? Not only because he’s rich, but because we get to live vicariously through his good taste, and in so doing, we’re not even set back the price of a bottle!

MacRath never writes down to his audience, bringing in both pop culture and literary allusions. Authentic Seattle-speak also included! It is rare to find an action thriller/mystery this smart and also this fun.

If you like the snappy dialog of Elmore Leonard, and enjoy Quentin Tarantino’s brand of film making, you are going to go gaga over Boss MacTavin. Highly recommended.

Review: Caesar’s Ghost by Reb MacRath

Caesar’s Ghost is a well-written mystery or mhistory (mystery + history—-do you see what MacRath did there?) with a splash of the speculative. What would happen if Julius Cesar returned—-could live again in our current time? A man with that type of ambition and cunning would surely set his sights on some amazing conquest, wouldn’t he?

Along the way, Caesar is reunited with Cleopatra (Cleo), and teams up with some colorful characters, including a college professor, a private investigator, and even a mob boss. Yes, as you will see, they all become very close as Caesar works out a grand scheme to the benefit of all… Well, maybe not all. But—-at least—-to some!

I’m being a little cryptic here. I don’t want to spoil it for you. This is such a unique book, and it has something for the mystery lover, the lover of noir, and for those who have an interest in history.

No one else would have dared to write this book. No one else could have written this book. I recommend it wholeheartedly. Go on… Grab it! I know you want to. Quickly now. Adventure awaits.

Review: Top Suspense Anthology

I really liked this anthology. It stared off a little slow but when it picked up, boy did it pick up. As soon as I got to “Remaindered” by Lee Goldberg it started chugging along, full speed ahead. This is a professionally written, polished, and edited e-book by writers who are at the top of their field. You really can’t go wrong by picking this up, especially for the price. It has a little something for everyone.

Here are some of my favorites in the order they appear:

“Remaindered” by Lee Goldberg: As I already mentioned, this is a great story. If you like humor with your murder and mayhem, you’ll like this one.

“Fire in the Sky” by Joel Goldman: this is a very nice period piece that’s flawlessly written. You get much of the same richness you’d find in a novel in this short story.

“The Baby Store” by Ed Gorman: think of the movie GATTICA, only darker. Gorman likes to punch you in the gut and leave you down for the count.

“The Chirashi Covenant” by Naomi Harahara: THE JOY LUCK CLUB meets THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. Need I say more?

“El Valiente en el Infierno” by Paul Levine: this could have been a very politically charged story but Levine manages to humanize both sides and offers us a lot to think about. Fantastic!

“A Handful of Dust” by Harry Shannon: Shannon shows just how close the line is between noir and horror—then he crosses it. I loved it!

Anyway, I think you get the picture. I highly recommend this anthology. Go on and read it and find your own favorites.

Get it at Amazon

At it at Barnes & Noble