--- Brian Thornton <
tieresias@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
> William-
>
> See Bruen, Ken. The Jack Taylor series,
beginning
> with the award-winning THE GUARDS and running
(so
> far) through PRIEST.
>
> Noir fiction? Check.
>
I disagree. And it's not neo-noir either. I've read several
of them. Basically, Ken Bruen's series is a cosy in Halloween
drag. And I like the guy's writings. I own several of his
books. But take them apart and see what makes them tick. Jack
does not meet his inevitable end or justice as the result of
his folly in these books. That's the definition of noir. Or a
truncated one. I could go on. He's sleuth with David Goodis'
map. It's dressed up with alcohol and violence but Jack
doesn't change, isn't changed. What Bruen is doing is very
cool and I like it in doses but it becomes as predictable as
any series with the usual convienent characters and recurring
roles. Why is it noir? Because it's dark and about lowlifes?
I don't think that covers a noir definition.
William
Essays and Ramblings
<http://www.williamahearn.com>
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