Tag: Hard Case Crime

NEED TO STEP OUT OF MODERN DAY REALITY FOR COUPLE HOURS? THEN READ “FADE TO BLONDE” BY MAX PHILLIPS TO VISIT HOLLYWOOD IN THE 1950S AND TAG ALONG WITH RAY CORSON AS HE ATTEMPTS TO HELP OUT A HOT BLONDE IN TROUBLE

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FADE TO BLONDE
Max Phillips
5/11/2011
Hard Case Crime
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis

Hello fans of speculative fiction, it’s your old pal Skull with a selection from Hard Case Crime written by the imprint’s co-founder Max Phillips, Fade to Blonde.  I enjoy a good detective/mystery/crime novel now and then. They help one to escape tedious reality for a few hours and take a walk on the wild side. Maybe even have a few “aha moments” or make a run for your life without leaving your easy chair. You know, that whole “portable magic” deal that another writer for Hard Case Crime, a real cool cat by the name of Stephen King spun in his book On Writing. Anyhow, enough gabbing from me. This ain’t King’s novel, it’s one by Max Phillips. Let’s go check out Fade to Blonde!

When we first see narrator Ray Corson, he’s doing odd jobs in Hollywood California, working on a housing development to be specific. Nothing points to his true love, which is writing screenplays, but he’s got a typewriter stashed back at the shack and knows how to use it. Things get interesting when a flashy dame with a pair of 45’s drives up in a cool car and asks Ray for help with a delicate matter. In his heart, Ray knows it’s probably a bad idea. But his wallet is thinner than a Band-aid, she’s got cash, and he hasn’t had a decent meal in a week. Plus, she’s got those amazing Dagmars pointing at him. So, he jumps straight into trouble with both feet. Don’t worry though, Ray’s an ex-boxer who’s over 6 feet tall and hauling 245 pounds of muscle around under his duds. Just in case that’s not enough, he carries a friend in a holster. Not the usual hit first and ask questions later, type, Ray’s a good investigator with some good friends in tinsel town who help keep him in the know about important matters. Unfortunately, some knowledge and too much confidence can get a guy in trouble faster than a Studebaker going full tilt. Especially when said guy has a conscience and isn’t a fan of cheesy creeps or liars. Things get too hot, and it looks like Ray Corson is about to get iced. Will this be the last time he works in Hollywood, or ever? Find out all about it when you read Fade to Blonde by Max Phillips!  

Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer rates Fade to Blonde FOUR STARS. It’s a swell, fast moving read that has some nice twists and turns. The book does a pretty good job of transporting readers back to a time that did not include smartphones or google. A time when actual people had to work together and there were certain individuals in every big city, who knew a lot more than they should and were willing to share for the right amount of green or favors in return. As a bonus the ending surprised even your old pal Skull. This book made me think of the Perry Mason series by Earle Stanley Gardener, which I happen to enjoy. I couldn’t really decide if I liked Ray Corson or not by the time Fade to Blonde wrapped, but perhaps that was Max Phillips’ intention. Bottom line: This story was a fun read and I encourage you to grab a copy!  

About my mortal:

Brian James Lewis is a disabled poet and writer with PTSD who finds writing to be vastly important to his recovery. Working class to the bone, he writes inclusive, real-world prose and poetry that hits home. Brian’s work has appeared in anthologies from Smoking Pen Press, No Bad Books, and HellBound Books. He’s also appeared in online publications like The Sunlight Press, the Hook of A Book Poetry Project, and The Sirens Call e-Zine. Most recently issue #26 of Trajectory Journal included his short story, “Going to be a Long. Cold, Winter.” Besides writing, Brian enjoys bringing old typewriters back to life, including a Royal KMM formerly owned by Rod Serling. Visit him at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com for news and independent book reviews, or on X/twitter@skullsnflames76. Your old pal Skull also lurks around on Facebook, so follow him there and help more writers get exposure.

HARD CASE CRIME GIVES US THE DETECTIVE THRILLER “BINARY” BY MICHAEL CRICHTON WRITING AS JOHN LANGE AND IT’S A REAL BLAST FROM THE PAST!

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BINARY
Michael Crichton/John Lange
Hard Case Crime
October 29, 2013
Reviewed by Brian James Lewis

Hello my friends, and welcome to the Skullcave! Today we’re talking about the Hard Case Crime edition of Michael Crichton’s 1972 suspense novel BINARY. Back then Crichton was writing under the pen name John Lange and in a style that was contemporary for the times. Readers will need to keep that in mind, especially younger ones who’ve never experienced life without a cellphone in their pocket. In 1972, police used walkie-talkies, landline telephones which could be hacked quite easily, car radios, and did a lot of legwork to keep tabs on criminals. Computers were new and awkward to use technology that wasn’t available to the general public. So, get your plaid bell bottom slacks, wide collar shirt, and Dingo boots on. Now let’s roll!

Binary starts off by giving readers a peek into an unusual crime involving a special shipment via rail. The heist is pulled off successfully, but why the interest in two large tanks of pesticide? Some answers arrive with one John Graves, when he arrives in San Diego, California after a long flight. As a government intelligence agent, Graves has become an expert on the eccentric, dangerous, and very rich John Wright. It turns out that they have an emergency on their hands. Not only is John Wright in San Diego but so is the president of the United States. They are both there for a political convention, but with very different agendas. The president is seeking reelection while Wright is looking to correct a lot of things he perceives as wrongs. It is up to Graves and a mashup of law enforcement agencies including the US Marshalls, and local police to stop Wright from achieving his goals. Otherwise, a million people will die horrible deaths. But there is nothing simple about this job. Wright may be twisted, but he’s also genius level smart and loves puzzles. Can Graves figure out his deadly game before it’s too late?

Your old pal Skull enjoyed this fast-moving novel, but there were a few things that just didn’t fly: How many “Johns” do we need in one book? We know that John Lange was pseudonym for Crichton, but then he goes on to name both of his lead characters John, too? The world is full of perfectly good names that would have also worked and been less confusing. I mean I am a Michael Crichton fan, but sometimes things just get a bit too detailed. At the same time, this is also one of his strengths because readers aren’t stuck with a vague concept, they get the complete picture. Another thing I liked about Binary was the absence of gun violence for the most part. John Graves is seeking a solution with the least amount of physical harm being done. After enduring a ton of bombastic novels and movies where every single thing gets blown to hell, it’s cool to see that reason and deduction are still valued. Violence is too prevalent and highly lauded today. We need to start stepping back from that testosterone-fueled approach both in fiction and real life. Overall, Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer rates Binary by Michael Crichton writing as John Lange a hearty FOUR STARS! Incidentally, I’ve enjoyed almost every Hard Case Crime release with their vintage art covers and plethora of authors, some of whom I was pleasantly surprised by. I’m glad they brought these novels by Michael Crichton back into the public eye, especially since we won’t be getting any new releases from this talented author who was gone too soon. Check ‘em out!

For more information about more Hard Case Crime titles by John Lange and others go to: www.HardCaseCrime.com Also be sure to follow me, your old pal Skull at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com It’s a great way to find out about independent speculative fiction, poetry, and some unique books by mainstream authors. Thanks for stopping by the Skullcave, see you soon!

Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer is an inclusive blog where everyone is valued, except for haters who are heartily encouraged to climb into the nearest industrial trash compactor and press start. My human host, Brian James Lewis is a disabled poet and writer with PTSD who has 3 new Beat Generation style poems in Trajectory Journal issue 23, available now! As is issue 22 which contains his terrifying short story Following My Destiny about misguided mass shooter Chance McCandless. If you want to sample Brian’s work for free, check out the Halloween 2023 issue of The Sirens Call E-zine for his short story “Still A Great Night To Be A Kid.” You can also read his poem “Again” which is about living with mental illness, on JMWW. We’re also on Twitter @skullsnflames76 and Goodreads under his name.