Love mystery? Then you'll love this book. Hate mystery? Then YOU'LL love this book. Pronzini is a fount of information about the "best" (read: hilariously inept) in mystery fiction. He's read every book ever written in the genre, it seems, and shows genuine affection for the form. The fun he pokes at the authors and their works is gentle and doesn't distract at all from your wonderment at the fact that these books ever even existed. It might, however, make you want to seek them out and try for yourself. Or maybe it'll help prevent a misstep in purchasing a book you wouldn't end up enjoying. Either way, this book is worth a listen (or three). These mystery authors have gone unsung for too long.
©1987 Bill Pronzini (P)2011 David N. Wilson
"Gun in Cheek"
It was a good book. It is about the history of the mystery genre, some of the worst books in the genre. It was a lot of fun.
I liked the chapter on the publishing house Phoniex Press. That chapter was really enjoyable.
60-year-old retired library worker, some college , married 30 years, husband retired railroad yardman. one son, 18 years old. God does have a sense of humor!
"Good for a Chuckle"
This was a fun read, if slightly dated. The narrator is excellent. It's an interesting history of mystery "pulp" fiction. It covers the various styles of protagonists. If you're a mystery fan, it's worth a listen.
"A hoot."
This audiobook is funny. The narrator seemed to really enjoy himself and so did I. I haven't heard of most of the detectives and I wouldn't want to read any of the books, but you don't have to be a fan of trashy detective stories to get a kick out of this audiobook. Of course, if you are, well, so much the better.