james.doherty@gsa.gov
Fri, 5 Nov 1999 15:57:00 -0600
A few months ago, for an issue of the *Mystery Readers
Journal* devoted to Chicago-set mysteries, I contributed an
article on the best Chicago-set cop stories (in fact, some of
you rare birds helped me with the research). I stated then,
and repeat now, that the best, bar none, Chicago-set cop
novel was Browne's comparatively recent *Pork City*, a
fictionalization of the infamous Jake Lingle murder case.
Browne's hero in that book was real-life Depression-era DA's
Investigator Pat Roche. The fact that Browne had been there
during the period, and may even have known many of the
real-life figures he used as characters, added a bite of
authenticity few historical novelists are able to
attain.
His Paul Pine novels, at once one of the most slavish of all
Philip Marlowe imitations, and one of the most enjoyable
post-war PI series, are must-reads for any hard-boiled
fan.
On top of that Brown was a truly nice decent man, a great
storyteller, and a true gentleman.
JIM DOHERTY
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