This is the first book in Eisler's John Rain series. Rain is an assassin who specializes in making it look like an accident. He has rules and never comes off as sociopathic. He likes jazz and fine scotch but just happens to kill people for a living. In this way he is similar to Block's Kellar, who collects stamps but also kills people. The action is always up-tempo and the Tokyo setting is painted vividly. Apparently Eisler worked for the CIA and you can see it in his fiction. If you like hitman fiction or just thrillers in general, pick this up. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series which I think is Hard Rain.
Also, if you like hitman stories, as I do, check out These Guns for Hire edited by J.A. Konrath. It is a short story collection that has a little bit of everything. My personal favorite is the Jeff Strand story because it was hilarious, but they were all entertaining.
As always let me know what you think or email me at jeffsemonis at yahoo.com.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Dead Man's Hand edited by Otto Penzler
This is a collection of poker stories, edited by famed mystery maven Otto Penzler. There isn't really a bad one among them, although some authors are more well known than others. Jeffrey Deaver contributes a story, Bump, that could be ripped from the headlines of Hollywood. Alexander McCall Smith contributes a tale set at sea with a chilling ending. Christopher Coates offers up a tale that combines poker, death metal, and murder. I would have never thought of it but it's a helluva story.
My personal favorite is The Monks of the Abbey Victoria by Rupert Holmes. It is a period piece set in the mid-twentieth century at NBC. It combines poker with men and misdeeds and reminds me of an episode of Mad Men. It has period detail and a twist that you don't see coming, at least I didn't. I will be checking out Holmes' novel Swing, as well as works by the other authors in this anthology. If you like poker and crime fiction the check this one out.
As always comments are appreciated and you can reach me by email at jeffsemonis at yahoo.com.
My personal favorite is The Monks of the Abbey Victoria by Rupert Holmes. It is a period piece set in the mid-twentieth century at NBC. It combines poker with men and misdeeds and reminds me of an episode of Mad Men. It has period detail and a twist that you don't see coming, at least I didn't. I will be checking out Holmes' novel Swing, as well as works by the other authors in this anthology. If you like poker and crime fiction the check this one out.
As always comments are appreciated and you can reach me by email at jeffsemonis at yahoo.com.
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