Kevin Smith (kvnsmith@colba.net)
Fri, 13 Aug 1999 14:08:44 -0400
Before we canonize Pronzini, remember it's no good just
writing great books; eventually someone has to read
them.
While I've enjoyed everything Pronzini has written (or that
I've been able to find and afford), the sad fact is that most
of his stuff is out of print, at least as far as I know, and
he doesn't even have a current mass paperback deal, so mostly
he's preaching to the hardcover choir and those who don't pay
for their books (critics and folks with a decent library near
their homes).
Ross Macdonald may have been a one-trick pony (as was
Chandler), but he knew that pony damn well, and a lot of
folks enjoyed watching him ride, including some folks who
didn't even know they liked horses.
And as impressive as 1001 MIDNIGHTS is, it seemed to me that
a lot of the contributors spent a lot of time slapping each
other on the back, and slagging other contemporaries who
weren't part of the club. Of course, maybe I'm biased myself,
and after all, I haven't read the book for years.
Yep, Pronzini might be a great guy (and from all accounts he
is) but I'm not sure if Macdonald should pack his bags and
leave quite yet.
But by all means, let's put something by Pronzini on the
reading list. BLUE LONESOME is about to hit the racks as a
trade paperback, which means it will be at least almost
affordable, and more easily available. And I think our own
Blurbin' Paul Bergin is quoted on the cover. If it's half as
good as A WASTELAND OF STRANGERS or SHACKLES we're in for a
real treat.
Kevin Burton Smith The Thrilling Detective Web Site http://www.colba.net/~kvnsmith/thrillingdetective/
Now available! Our Summer Issue, focussing on Radio Private
Eyes, plus new fiction by Peter Parmantie and Kathy
Korty.
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