Dashiell Hammett - Man Of Mystery

This is informative book on Dashiell Hammett from Sally Cline. However frustrating it may have been because Hammett rarely spoke of himself and maintained personal life in the shadows, author give us a brief overview of his life, from his earlier days, struggling with writing until he became acclaimed crime novelist, his first marriage and second to Lillian Hellman, his involvement with communists, all tell us a story about complex man. Maybe most dashing parts were his perpetual illness and writers block, but with his four novells and collection of stories he is forever regarded as one of the greatest crime novelists of all time.

John Wainwright - All On A Summer's Day

Good police procedural, very realistic given that author was policeman before turning into crime fiction, very alike Ed McBain's novels. Plot revolves about different crimes occuring on a day's police work.

A Pin To See A Peepshow - F. Tennyson Jesse

A Pin to See a Peepshow by F. Tennyson Jesse is a chilling and thought-provoking novel based on true crime, weaving together a tragic tale of love, betrayal, and the dark consequences of desperation. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century England, the story follows Julia, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage to Herbert. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she falls in love with Leo, leading to a passionate affair that ultimately results in Herbert's death after a confrontation between Leo and Herbert. The aftermath sets in motion a harrowing journey that culminates in Julia and Leo being arrested, tried, and eventually hanged.

The novel delves deep into Julia’s emotional turmoil as she grapples with the complexities of love, loyalty, and guilt. Her marriage to Herbert is strained from the start, with no affection between them, and her bond with Leo represents a desperate escape. However, the novel’s real tension builds as the relationship between Julia and Leo spirals into something far more dangerous when Herbert discovers their affair. The subsequent confrontation leads to Herbert’s death at Leo’s hands, setting in motion a series of events that ultimately end in their arrest and execution.

One of the most striking aspects of the novel is the portrayal of Julia’s feelings in the period leading up to her execution. As she faces the inevitable end of her life, there is a profound sense of internal conflict—her love for Leo, her guilt over Herbert’s death, and the overwhelming weight of her fate. Julia’s reflections are especially poignant as she contrasts her situation with the lives of "normal" people going about their everyday routines—people heading to jobs, living mundane lives. This thought brings a sense of surreal isolation and helplessness, as she contemplates how life simply moves on for others while hers is tragically coming to an end. Jesse captures Julia’s quiet desperation, fear, and reflection on her life choices in a way that is both heartbreaking and haunting.

While the novel is gripping, it is worth noting that at 400 pages, it may feel a bit long for some readers. There are sections that linger on Julia’s inner thoughts and emotions, which, while providing depth, may seem drawn-out at times. However, these moments contribute to the overall tone of the story, adding to the sense of suffocating inevitability that hangs over the characters.

The novel’s structure also reflects the societal attitudes of the time, making it a fascinating study of both the characters and the culture they inhabit. The ending, while tragic, feels inevitable, making it all the more impactful. It’s a story that lingers in your mind long after the final page, forcing you to reflect on love, consequences, and the fragility of life.

Overall, A Pin to See a Peepshow is a dark and captivating exploration of the human condition, set against the grim backdrop of a true crime. F. Tennyson Jesse’s writing captures the complexities of the heart and the destructive power of love in a way that resonates with readers who enjoy literary thrillers and psychological dramas. Though the novel’s tragic conclusion and its somewhat lengthy nature may leave you feeling conflicted, it is undoubtedly a story worth reading.

Patrick Hamilton - Hangover Square

Hangover Square is one of those novels that leaves you with a lingering sense of unease long after you’ve turned the last page. Written by Patrick Hamilton and first published in 1941, this dark and atmospheric work blends psychological tension with the gritty, post-Victorian streets of London. It’s a compelling piece of fiction that digs deep into the human psyche, making it a unique read for those who enjoy the darker side of crime fiction.

Plot Overview

At the heart of Hangover Square is George, a lonely and troubled man living in London in the years leading up to World War II. He’s not your typical protagonist: a deeply complex, often self-destructive figure, George battles internal demons, including a strained relationship with his own identity, alcoholism, and an obsession with a woman named Netta. His struggles create a gripping portrait of inner turmoil, a stark departure from the usual fast-paced plots of crime fiction.

The story is told with an unsettling intimacy, as we watch George’s downward spiral in his search for love, belonging, and escape. The novel shifts back and forth between George’s relatively peaceful moments and the manic, darker side of his mind, all while London itself looms as a backdrop—an ominous, almost hostile cityscape that reflects George's state of mind.

Psychological Depth and Atmosphere

What makes Hangover Square stand out, especially for crime fiction readers, is its psychological complexity. The novel may not fit neatly into the crime genre, but it shares similar themes of moral ambiguity, mental instability, and the darker undercurrents of human nature. George’s mind becomes both his prison and his battleground, and Hamilton’s writing pulls you into that turmoil, leaving you questioning the reliability of George’s perceptions. The novel’s slow burn of tension, the sense of inevitable tragedy, makes it feel almost like a psychological thriller rather than a traditional crime novel.

Hamilton’s portrayal of London in the 1930s is equally as bleak as George’s inner world. The atmosphere is heavy, and it often feels as though the city itself is a character, influencing the choices George makes. The novel’s pacing can feel slow at times, especially when Hamilton spends long stretches diving into George’s tortured thoughts, but it’s this very depth that creates a lasting impression of desperation and isolation.

Themes of Love, Obsession, and Self-Destruction

At its core, Hangover Square is a novel about obsession—specifically George’s obsessive and unhealthy fixation on Netta. This relationship is as toxic as it is compelling, making it one of the driving forces behind George’s descent into madness. For fans of crime fiction, this theme will resonate, as it mirrors the complex and often destructive dynamics we see in noir protagonists and their struggles with desire, self-worth, and moral conflict.

While the novel may not feature a conventional crime plot, it explores the crime of the human mind—how obsession, jealousy, and desperation can lead to irreversible consequences. The psychological toll George experiences, paired with his interactions with others, takes the reader into darker territory than a typical whodunit.

Final Thoughts

Hangover Square may not be for everyone, especially for readers who prefer fast-paced action or straightforward crime plots. The novel’s psychological intricacies and pacing require patience, but for those who appreciate a deep dive into the complexities of the human mind, it offers a uniquely haunting experience. The story’s exploration of mental illness, love, and obsession will appeal to fans of crime fiction who enjoy psychological tension as much as the more traditional aspects of the genre.

If you’re someone who appreciates the darker, more introspective side of crime stories and enjoys a slow-burning narrative, Hangover Square is definitely worth the read. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most chilling crimes happen not in the streets, but within the very minds of the people we least expect. Hamilton also wrote script for famous movie Gaslight.

Cameron McCabe - The Face On The Cutting Room Floor

This novel was quite a mystery back in the day, with uncertainty about its author. Julian Symons called it a detective story to end all detective stories. It revolves around film studio where girl has been killed in the cutting room floor. Cameron McCabe, narrator of the story, tells about possible suspects but when the film is showed there  is depiction of man and woman struggling and maybe in accident he kills herself with a knife. Jensen, the possible culprit is later found dead, poisoned and shot from revolver. Now Jensen was lover of the girl, but also was McCabe so inspector Smith puts the blame on Cameron and sends him to trial. After Cameron is aquitted, he returns home only to face Smith who murders him. Very unusual crime story, and final touch is imagined review of his work as afterword. But after 30 years real name of the writer is revealed : Ernest Borneman, german who worked in the film industry. He wrote couple of other novels and died from suicide at 79 year old. 

One of the standout aspects of Face on the Cutting Room Floor is its unconventional narrative structure. The novel opens with what seems like a straightforward story of a man working behind the scenes in the movie industry. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that the world McCabe is constructing is anything but simple. The blending of fact and fiction within the narrative is brilliantly executed, with a fictional "review" of the book included by an imaginary critic. This metatextual element adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the story.

The plot is full of twists and turns, with the protagonist being drawn into a murder mystery that seems to have connections to both his professional life and personal history. The slow unveiling of secrets keeps readers on their toes, making it a difficult book to put down.

The novel explores the nature of film, identity, and the construction of truth. The editor at the center of the story deals with film reels—cutting, splicing, and rearranging footage. In a similar way, the novel itself feels like it's being cut and reassembled, with reality constantly shifting under the reader's feet. McCabe also plays with themes of voyeurism, illusion, and the idea of perception versus reality.

The writing is sharp and clever, with a noir-ish tone that complements the dark, mysterious atmosphere. McCabe’s ability to create a sense of unease and uncertainty is one of the novel's strengths.

The characters are well-developed, especially the protagonist. His character is driven by a desire to uncover the truth, yet he is constantly forced to question what’s real and what’s been fabricated—both in the case he’s investigating and in his own life. The supporting characters, though not as fleshed out, still contribute to the overall sense of mystery.

In conclusion, Face on the Cutting Room Floor is a fascinating and thought-provoking read that plays with narrative structure, genre conventions, and the idea of truth in a world filled with illusion. The novel feels ahead of its time, foreshadowing many modern techniques used in contemporary storytelling. If you're a fan of mystery, film noir, and books that defy traditional narrative forms, McCabe's work is certainly worth exploring.

Picador Classics also include afterword where they put interview with Borneman, and some other info about him.

Automat

Frenk je u mladosti bio veliki ljubitelj umetnosti u svim njenim vidovima, i prošavši obuku za istoričara umetnosti proveo je neko vreme uživajući u remek delima, slikama, skulpturama i građevinama, međutim sada, u njegovim četrdesetim godinama završio je kao kustos u jednom muzeju u Beogradu, provodeći radne dane u tišini, gledajući kroz prozor, i ponekad (a to je bilo retko) upoznajući mladiće i devojke sa poznatim delima. Dani su mu prolazili u dosadi dok je brisao prašinu sa knjiga o istoriji umetnosti, osećajući kako se svet promenio u 21 veku do te mere da je nekad pomišljao da je umetnost mrtva, i da se nikad više neće vratiti. Pomalo neobično, ali nikako neshvatljivo u slobodnim časovima igrao je rulet u kazinu nedaleko od muzeja, i ubrzo je zavoleo tu igru, gledajući kako se loptica vrti u ruletu, posmatrajući je kao nekakvo živo umetničko delo. Mnogo novca je stekao igrajući rulet, ali ga je sreća napustila kada je pao u veliki dug izgubivši mnogo novca u nekoliko večeri.

Osećajući veliku krivicu i planirajući kako će sa svojom bednom platom kustosa u muzeju preživeti, ispijao je pivo u nekom lokalnom baru. Bilo je već kasno i ulica je bila pusta, dok su semafori besmisleno prelazili iz crvenog preko žutog i zelenog, u bar je ušao njegov stari drugar iz kockarskih dana, Majkl. 

Frenk ga pozdravi i ponudi ga pivom.

-Ćao, Frenk. Dugo je bilo otkad se nismo videli.

-Da. Frenk je već ispijao drugu čašu piva dok je Majkl počinjao svoju. Zapalivši cigaretu, Majkl ga upita:

-Nešto si mi napet, Frenk. Slobodno mi reci šta te muči.

Frenk je takođe zapalio cigaretu i zakašljavši se ispljunuo šlajm u papirnu maramicu. Barmen je tiho sedeo na kraju hodnika, čisteći sto.

-Majkl, upao sam u velike dugove. Zbog jebenog ruleta.

-Oh, tako mi je žao, Frenk. O kolikoj sumi pričaš?

-Velikoj. Čak i sa podizanjem kredita, ne znam kako ću ga vratiti.

Odjednom Frenk zaplače i obrli Majkla oko vrata. 

-Pomozi mi, molim te.

Majkl ga nežno odgurne od sebe i ponudi mu jedan bromazepam da se smiri. 

-Samo polako Frenk. Popij ovo, pomoći će ti.

Frenk popije bromazepam sa pivom i malo se opusti. Zapalio je još jednu cigaretu. 

-Mogu da ti pomognem Frenk, ali biće to malo ilegalno.

-O čemu se radi?

-Poznajem jednu bandu kradljivaca slika. Zainteresovani su za jednu sliku, pa pošto si ti kustos u muzeju, možda ti je pri ruci.

-O kojoj slici se radi?

-Automat od Edvarda Hopera.

Odjednom se u njegovoj glavi stvorila slika žene zaokupljene nečim kako sedi u kafeu. Osećao se udaljen od svega kao i ta slika dok je pripaljivao cigaretu.

-Da, posedujemo tu sliku. Koliko nude za nju?

-50 000 evra. Da li bi ti to pomoglo?

-Veoma.  

-Ok. Hoćeš li da se nađemo kod njih sutra, recimo u podne? Zapisaću ti adresu na parčetu papira. Fini su to momci.

Dok je Majkl zapisivao adresu Frenk se osećao sve udaljenijim od okoline, ali i osnažen ovom poslovnom ponudom. Majkl mu dade papirić i pozdravi ga. Platio je za pivo i izašao iz bara. Kiša je padala dok su semafori još uvek besciljno menjali boje iz crvenog preko zelenog do žutog i natrag. Frenk je osećao veliku krivicu zbog odluke koju je počinio, ali takođe i veiki predah. Dugo je razmišljao o svemu tome dok je izlazio iz kafića. Dok je prelazio ulicu pomislio je da još uvek može da odustane dok je policijski automobil išao njemu u susret. Vratio se kući, skinuo odeću i zaspao.

Ujutru se osećao posebno bedan i očajan. Svu tu lepotu, duhovnost, njegovu celu ličnost je bacio u vodu zbog para. Posle popijene kafe i cigarete obukao se i otišao na zakazano mesto. Ispred zgrade je bio parkiran veliki mercury cyclone. Bili su to fini ljudi, i tokom razgovora izmenio je nekoliko opservacija o degeneraciji savremenih slikara. Tu je bio i Majkl. Dogovarali su se kako da najbolje izvedu sliku iz galerije.

-Ima sporedni ulaz, tu možete doći kolima, dok ću vam ja spremiti sliku. I da, hoću pare unapred.

Kriminalci se nasmejaše na tu izjavu.

-Ok, dobićeš polovinu sada i polovinu kad nam daš sliku. Dali su mu štosove novčanica. Tu je sigurno bilo 25 000 evra, pomisli Frenk.

-Ne moraš da brojiš. Kad možemo da dođemo po sliku?

-Večeras pred zatvaranje, oko 7 uveče.

-Dobro. Donećemo i kopiju.

-Ok.

Tokom razgovora Frenk nije osetio da je bio duboko uvučen u kriminalni svet i kad se vratio na posao neprestano je gledao automat sliku i osećao veliku usamljenost, kao na toj slici. Takođe je postao i prilično paranoičan, svo vreme misleći da mu je policija za petama. Pare koje je dobio sakrio je između stranica svojih knjiga u njegovoj biblioteci. Primicalo se 7 sati uveče i Frenk oseti zvuk trube iz kola. Pogledavši kroz prozor video je crvenog mercury cyclone kako se približava parkingu. Polako je uzeo sliku i poneo je sa sobom do sporednog izlaza. Osim automobila nije bilo nikog na ulici. Preko puta je bio parkiran crveni plymouth road runner. Iz auta je izašao mladić sa kopijom slike i torbom sa parama. Bez reči su razmenili robu. Frenk je neko vreme stajao na pločniku dok se mercury nije udaljio, i ostavio ga samog pred ulazom, samog sa svojim mislima punim izmešanih osećanja, krivice, straha, bola, zadovoljstva...vratio se u muzej i pažljivo postavio kopiju. Zaključavši vrata muzeja otišao je sa torbom punom para do svog stana gde je prilično brzo zaspao, svo vreme misleći da je ovo ružan san.

Forenzičarka Tea je bila veliki ljubitelj umetnosti tako da je jednog dana otišla do muzeja gde je Frenk upoznao sa poznatim delima. Tea pogleda Falsifikat Automata i neki čudni osećaj je obuzme. Posle nekog vremena izašla je iz galerije i otišla do policijse stanice. Tamo su u kancelariji detektiv i Nataša pisali izveštaje dok je mačak Fric jeo mačju travicu.

-Ćao, Tea. Imaš nešto da nam kažeš? Jesi li dobila neki dokaz od mrtvog tela?

-Pa bila sam malopre u muzeju i slika automat od edvarda hopera mi se učinila nekako drugačijom.

-Ko je Edvard Hoper?, upita detektiv.

-I ja se to pitam, odgovori Nataša.

-Čuveni slikar, reče Tea. -Ali razumljivo je da vi ništa ne znate o umetnosti. Možda ako bih našla nekog eksperta da vidi da li je original ili je bila krađa...

-Pitaj Čeda Pitersona, on zna puno umetnika.

-Ok.

Tea se odveze do kancelarije Čeda Pitersona, privatnog detektiva. Nešto je crtao kad je pokucala na vrata.

-Uđite, reče Čed Piterson pitajući se ko bi to mogao biti u ovom kišnom i hladnom danu. Iznenadio se kad je primetio Teu.

-Ćao, Čede. Treba mi tvoja pomoć. Bila sam u nekom muzeju i slika automat mi se činila nekako izmenjena kao da je u pitanju falsifikat.

Čed Piterson zapali cigaretu. 

-Moguće je da je bila krađa. Mogu da pošaljem stručnog eksperta da pobliže pogleda tu sliku, a znam i jednog tipa koji mi je učinio uslugu, upoznat je sa svetom kradljivaca slika.

-Hvala ti.

Ubrzo je ekspert došao do muzeja gde ga je Frenk uveo. Tu su bili i detektiv i Nataša, Tea, i Čed Piterson. Staviviši pozlaćeni okvir ispred očiju, pobliže je pogledao sliku i posle detaljnog gledanja utvrdio da je falsifikat.

-Ovo je sigurno falsifikat. Znate li kako je dospeo ovde?, upita Frenka.

-Nemam pojma, reče Frenk.

-Molim vas da ostanete u muzeju dok ne rešimo ovo pitanje. Sa vama će biti policajac.

-Dobro. 

Frenk je drhtao od straha. Proklet bio dan kad je u taj bar ušao Majkl.

Čed Piterson je pozvao u pomoć jednog bivšeg kriminalca koji mu je rekao o aktivnoj bandi kradljivaca slika. Uz njegovu pomoć Nataša se kamuflirala u preprodavca umetničkih dela i odvezla se plymouth acapulco do njihove jazbine. Neko vreme su pričali dok Nataša nije izvadila pištolj i rekla : Policija! Stojte tu gde ste! Sve što kažete može biti iskorišćeno protiv vas, imate pravo na advokata i pravo na ćutanje! 

Izvela je kriminalce i ubacila ih u plymouth acapulco za čijim volanom je sedeo detektiv. Posle mnogo ispitivanja u policijskoj stanici doznali su sve pojedinosti.

Frenk je osećao kako se obruč oko njega sužava kada su detektiv i Nataša došli kod njega da ga uhapse. Pobegao je u drugu sobu i skočio kroz prozor, i njegova zadnja sećanja su bila letovanje u italiji gde je razgledao biste romanskih imperatora...

Joel Townsley Rogers - The Red Right Hand

This is classic piece of crime fiction which may be overlooked today. It is a haunting psychological thriller that delivers an unsettling and surreal experience, reminiscent of a David Lynch film. With its intricate plot twists, shifting identities, and a sense of creeping dread, it leaves readers questioning everything they think they know.

The novel follows a complex web of characters, with a central focus on a soon to be husband and wife who are travelling to get married but are stopped by a hobo who kills her lover and leaves with the car. But like in best crime novels, things are not what they seem, and what starts as as a straightforward mystery quickly morphs into a deeper exploration of the human psyche. The narrative is filled with unexpected turns, particularly as the husband of the victim is revealed as the killer. The pacing of the book is deliberately slow, building tension with every page, as the characters and their motives come into focus. While the surreal elements can sometimes leave readers confused, it’s clear that this disorientation is intentional, immersing the reader in a world where nothing is quite as it seems. The final pages are particularly complex, leaving more questions than answers and adding to the book's Lynchian atmosphere. At its core, Red Right Hand is a study of human nature and identity, exploring the lengths to which people will go to hide their darkest secrets. Its mix of noir, suspense, and psychological complexity makes it a captivating read for fans of crime fiction, though it’s not for the faint of heart. The story’s ambiguity and eerie tone stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Foreword by Joe R Landsdale in the preface suggest to be read in one go, as its stream of counciousness by central character, Dr. Ridller is continuosly pushing the story with no brakes in chapters. This novel won french police novel award in 1951. Story blends atmosphere of 1920's era of mystery fiction, hard boiled noir, psychological thriller and horror fiction. Anthony Boucher says that it has tension of Woolrich, fertule plot imagination of Keeler, techical ingenuity of Christie and stern deductions of Carr. In his introduction Landsdale says that it's far more stylistically adventurous than most clue on clue novels, and as a mystery that transcends it genre, operating on a stream of conciousness in the vein of William Faulkner, and presaging the work of Jack Kerouack. Thanks to Otto Penzler, this hidden gem is now again available.

Marc Behm - Eye Of The Beholder

Eye of the Beholder is a psychological thriller that delves into the complex and obsessive nature of human desire. The novel follows an investigator who becomes deeply involved with a woman he is tracking—despite knowing she is a serial killer. His professional investigation quickly turns personal as he grows fascinated with her, blurring the lines between duty and obsession.

The story explores themes of loneliness, control, and the moral ambiguity of human behavior. The investigator’s fascination with the woman isn’t just about solving a crime; it’s about understanding her mind and, perhaps, confronting his own emotional emptiness. As the plot unfolds, the reader is left questioning the nature of obsession and the consequences of trying to connect with someone who might be beyond reach.

A gripping and thought-provoking tale, Eye of the Beholder reveals the dark side of human connection and the dangerous allure of the unknown. It was also made into a french movie Deadly Cuircuit with Isabelle Adjani.

Ethel Lina White - The Lady Vanishes

The Lady Vanishes by Ethel Lina White is a gripping crime novel that blends suspense, mystery, and psychological tension. Set aboard a train traveling through Europe, the story follows young Iris Carr, who is on her way home from a holiday. As she rides the train, she befriends an elderly woman named Mrs. Froy, a charming, somewhat eccentric lady. However, after a brief nap, Iris wakes up to find that Mrs. Froy has mysteriously disappeared—vanished without a trace.

As Iris attempts to investigate the disappearance, she faces growing skepticism from the other passengers. Everyone denies having seen Mrs. Froy, and some even suggest that Iris may have imagined her or is losing her sanity. Despite the doubts of those around her, Iris persists, determined to uncover the truth. She finds herself caught in a web of conspiracy, with people actively trying to undermine her efforts.

As the story unfolds, Iris is forced to navigate a complex mystery, where nothing is quite what it seems. She discovers that Mrs. Froy’s disappearance is linked to a larger plot involving espionage, and in a surprising twist, the elderly woman was not just a simple traveler—she was involved in a dangerous game of international intrigue.

The novel explores themes of trust, perception, and the battle between reality and illusion. Through Iris’s eyes, we see how easily reality can be distorted, and how perseverance and courage can ultimately reveal the truth. The ending offers a satisfying resolution, with Iris uncovering the shocking truth about Mrs. Froy's identity and her role in the mystery.

The Lady Vanishes is a masterfully crafted tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, combining elements of psychological thriller and classic crime fiction. It’s a timeless story of mystery and deception, where the line between what’s real and what’s imagined becomes increasingly blurred. It was adapted as a film by Alfred Hitchcock.

Francis Iles - Before The Fact

Before the Fact by Francis Iles (A key figure in development of crime genre) is a psychological thriller that delves into the destructive power of blind love. The story follows Lina McLaidlaw, a wealthy but insecure woman, who marries the charming yet irresponsible Johnny Aysgarth against her family’s wishes. As their marriage progresses, Lina begins to uncover Johnny’s true nature—a liar, a thief, and possibly a murderer.

Despite her growing awareness of Johnny’s crimes, Lina remains deeply in love with him, rationalizing his actions and ignoring the warnings of others. Her obsession leads her into a downward spiral, culminating in a chilling climax where she knowingly becomes a pawn in Johnny’s deadly schemes.

The novel is a haunting exploration of self-deception, moral weakness, and the devastating consequences of unconditional devotion. Its ambiguous ending leaves readers questioning the limits of love and trust. Upon this novel Alfred Hitchcock made the movie Suspicion, but producers wanted a happy end and he had to make it against his will.

Sebastian Japrisot - Trap For Cinderella

In this novel unknown woman awakens in a hospital, suffering from amnesia, head injury and severe burns. As we found out she was caught in a fire in her room, but as the story progresess we don't know who put the fire, or the identity of woman. Very unusual crime novel, somewhat surrealistic, which was made into film Trap For Cinderella (1963). Japrisot wrote two more crime novels, One Deadly Summer and The Lady In The Car With Glasses And A Gun. He also wrote a screenplay for And Hope To Die (1972), based on novel by David Goodis.

Celia Fremlin - The Long Shadow

Imogen husband has died and now Imogen became a widow. However, when on Christmas all her relatives and friends come in curious things began to happen and it is revealed that her husband was not very much the person they thought they know. Celia Fremlin (1914 - 2009) was a writer only of peculiar domestic thrillers where all the actions are happening in a house. It is fantastic how she make most mundane things scary and dangerous. However, Celia Fremlin's daughter commited suicide, and soon her husband commited suicide, so it is from that tragedies that her novels came upon. This particular novel is on the list of H.R.F. Keating list of best crime novels

C.H.B. Kitchin - Birthday Party

C.H.B. Kitchin (1895-1967) was a british novelist who also wrote detective novels. He was a wealthy man because of his inheritance and also a homosexual. Angry as he was for his novels didn't reach wider audience, he wrote detective novel Death Of My Aunt. People liked it and he continued to write detective novels. He was also a homosexual. This particular book is somewhat a blend of serious literature and detective fiction. It is told in chapters from a point view of four characters. After head of the family died of a gunshot that was rules by suicides, four people except something in return. Ronnie is father son and he hopes to buy the house for his communists friend, but Isabel, father's daughter don't like it. There is also Dora and Stephen Payne who also want a part of a cake. As things progresses, many unusual things happen. Good crime novel which is on the list of H. R. Keating beat crime novels.

Kobo Abe - The Ruined Map

This is a fine example of metaphysical (or postmodern) crime novel. Unnamed private detective get hired by a woman to find her husband. Detective has small clues, just a location of women's brother and some shady dealings with pornography ring. As the novel proceeds, more and more surreal things become, and in the end private investigator himself get lost in a labyrinthine. Quite dreamlike novel, like one of David Lynch's movies.

The Crime Novel : A Deviant Genre - Tony Hilfer

In this book Tony Hilfer explains the crime novel as a genre of its own, contrary to classic detective novel in England and hard-boiled variation in America, where there is a detective who investigate a crime and upon completion restore social order, whereas in crime novel that kind don't exists, we follow the path of the criminal, morality is often relative, and justice fails. In subsequent chapters author gives us an example of either a killer, a victim, a gulty bystander and someone falsely accused. Works by authors such as Patrick Hamilton, Shelly Smith, Cornell Woolrich, Marie Belloc Lowndes, John Franklin Bardin and James M. Cain are analyzed in each chapter. Final chapter is dedicated to Georges Simenon, Patricia Highsmith, Margaret Millar and Jim Thompson. Written in user friendly language, this book is fun to read and lovers of crime fiction will surely enjoy it.

Dennis Lynds - Freak

A wealthy man, owner of computer company hires Dan Fortune to find his missing son who escaped somewhere with his girl. Dan Fortune accepts the offer of a job and stumbles on a web of murder, betrayal, and tragedy. Quite good crime novel from Michael Collins (1924 -2005), winner of many awards and writer of Dan Fortune mysteries. As is written in book 'Private Eyes : 101 Knights', many critics believe Dan Fortune to be the culmination of a maturing process that transformed the private eye from the naturalistic Spade, through the romantic Marlowe, and the psychological Archer to the sociological Fortune.

He is also one of the best private eyes among Lawrence Block, Elmore Leonard, Bill Pronzini, Robert Parker, Joseph Hansen and Joe Gores.

R. Austin Freeman - A Certain Dr Thorndyke

In this novel one man on a ship to Africa buries his friend and assume his identity. Then he finds on the journey home a nice girl and fall in love with her. But he is also a criminal and wants to escape the law, although he isn't quite a criminal, because his sister father stole the gems, and in the process of events, after careful investigation by Dr Thorndyke they are in no worry of arresting. R. Austin Freeman (1862 - 1943) was an inventor of inverted detective story, when we see the crime first and the following of criminal, and in the second part investigation of inspector. R. Austin Freeman was best known for his novels about forensic doctor-investigator Dr Thorndyke and is probably progenitor of all these modern forensic crime writers. Raymond Chandler praised his work, writing in a letter to Hamish Hamilton : "This man Austin Freeman is a wonderful performer. He has no equal in his genre and he is also a much better writer than you might think, if you were superficially inclined, because in spite of the immense leisure of his writing he accomplishes an even suspense which is quite unexpected."

He also wrote an essay The Art Of The Detective Story, in which he said : "The reader had seen the crime committed, knew all about the criminal, and was in possession of all the facts. It would have seemed that there was nothing left to tell, but I calculated that the reader would be so occupied with the crime that he would overlook the evidence. And so it turned out. The second part, which described the investigation of the crime, had to most readers the effect of new matter."

Freeman paid a great deal of attention to details, and carried out the experiments described in his books to ensure that they worked and would give the expected results. He also went to the trouble of visiting the places he wrote about so that the details in his descriptions were correct.

De Balcam says that "Freeman displays a mastery of craftsmanship" in every story, and that he always used the language of the trade concerned. Freeman is "a man who writes of things that he has seen, handled and understood, and not of things that he has met only in print, or in a hazy, inattentive observation". This is a critical aspect of Freeman - he tested the methods he used.

Elizabeth Sanxay Holding - Lady Killer

Solid crime novel about group of men taking a cruise on the ship. One of them is very curious, and then finds a dead womans body in a cabin of the ship. But nobody believes it and when other things happen, she grow more and more baffled. Why is she so curious? I thought in the end she will prove to be a murderer, but ex-cop who is on the ship describe her as a sick woman looking everywhere for a murder or some crime. In the end it reveals that another woman killed her husband lover, who was planning to get her money and take away to some remote place. Raymond Chandler praised her, calling her 'the top suspense writer of them all'. And literary critic Anthony Boucher said 'that for subtlety, realistic conviction, incredible economy, she's in a class by herself'.

Craig Rice - The Big Midget Murders

Craig Rice (1908 - 1957) was an unusual character in history of crime fiction. She perfectly blended hard-boiled crime fiction and surreal, screwball comedy. Her protagonists are Jake Justus, press agent, Helene Brand, party animal and Joseph Malone, an alcoholic lawyer. There is funny policeman Von Flanagan who barely has no involvement in his case, and is constantly whining about his wish to be somebody else than a policeman. In this particular novel, midget was killed after the show, strangled with a stockings. Trio of detectives decide to remove his body from the casino, and there starts funny incidents, which all lead to hilarious situations. Book critic wrote of her as 'Dorothy Parker of detective fiction, she wrote the binge and lived the hangover'. Unfortunately, she was an alcoholic and made two suicide attempts, before overdosing on barbiturates and alcohol in 1957.

                                                                

Harry Stephen Keeler - The Five Silver Buddhas

This is probably the weirdest crime novel that I read. It revolves around man who bought at an auction figure of buddha, and then story develops as other men bought four other ones. As it turns out, these figurines bring bad luck and in the novel we see some secret weapon stolen from rich man, which could help the war of white people versus yellow. Neil Gaiman said of the Keeler that he was probably best bad writer of all time but that he loves him. All in all, an atypical murder mystery, but rather funny.

A Companion To Crime Fiction - Charles J. Rzepka

This is very informative and insightful book on crime fiction, from the 19th century to 21st century. Great explanation how crime fiction evolved from real life crime cases, good section on golden age of detective story, nice chapter on hard-boiled writers, and on roman noir. There is also very good section on metaphysical detective story that I personally found very intruiging, and chapter about true crime. But section on film and comic books is rather limited, and there are some of my favorite authors who are not listed at all, but I guess that is the case for  these kind of books, a little for everything and nothing for something. But although it's written in somewhat dry, scholarly tone, I found it very interesting and can recommend it for those little bit more interested in crime fiction aside for reading crime novels. 

Vanishing Poinr (1971)

Good car chase road movie about disgruntled ex-cop and driver who decides to race with his car while police are chasing him.