Friday, March 3, 2023

Blood Relatives (1978)



This is good adaptation of 87th precinct book by Ed McBain, directed by Claude Chabrol. Plot revolves about killing of some teenager girl. Donald Sutherland gives great performance as lead detective, and David Hammings plays short but effective role. There is also Donald Pleasence as first suspect. Movie is beautifully shot and somehow manages to evoke spirit of Ed McBain police procedurals.

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Ed McBain - Vespers



Another solid entry in famous 87th precinct series of novels, this one revolves around murder of priest. First suspicion is cast by near-by Satanic church, but it soon is revealed that some nigger dealed drugs to italians and after misunderstanding he went to church and hid drug inside of it. There is also minor subplot of detective girlfriend, former prostitute from Mexico who is chased down by south american thugs.

Agatha Christie - Crooked House



This is by her opinion one of best novels she has written. Handsome bachelor meets young woman and she invites him to her house just at the moment when head of the estate died. It soon discovers that he was poisoned and all odd ball characters are suspicious, but as it is with these kind of novels, the most innocent one is found guilty.

Ed McBain - The Heckler



This is enjoyable entry in 87th precinct novels by Ed McBain where criminal mastermind fucks with the police and creates diversions to lead them off his big plan, going so far to trap stadium with explosives. But as he goes away with the money bad luck finds him in last moment in shape of a beat cop. Luckily he escapes in the river but with no money.

George Sims - The Last Best Friend

Unusual crime novel about antiquarian Ned Balfour who finds out that his friend was murdered, and in unravelling of mystery gets skin deep i...