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Review of Carroll John Daly's The Adventures of Race Williams
Carroll John Daly was a significant figure in hardboiled detective fiction during the 1920s and 1930s, yet his work has largely faded into obscurity. I was introduced to him through reading a story in an anthology and learning about him in an encyclopedia. The premise of the first story is quite engaging, with a mysterious letter and a dead girl. Race Williams, the detective, is an interesting character. He doesn't have a hot woman secretary, which sets him apart from other fictional detectives. The descriptions of his interactions, like at the bar, add a touch of realism. The references to drug-laced candies and the attempts on Williams' life make the story exciting. I like the character's attitude of standing up to bullies, although I wish he had dealt with the snobbish waiter. Overall, I enjoyed reading this collection of stories and would recommend it to fans of hardboiled detective fiction.
Carroll John Daly was a significant figure in hardboiled detective fiction during the 1920s and 1930s, yet his work has largely faded into obscurity. I was introduced to him through reading a story in an anthology and learning about him in an encyclopedia. The premise of the first story is quite engaging, with a mysterious letter and a dead girl. Race Williams, the detective, is an interesting character. He doesn't have a hot woman secretary, which sets him apart from other fictional detectives. The descriptions of his interactions, like at the bar, add a touch of realism. The references to drug-laced candies and the attempts on Williams' life make the story exciting. I like the character's attitude of standing up to bullies, although I wish he had dealt with the snobbish waiter. Overall, I enjoyed reading this collection of stories and would recommend it to fans of hardboiled detective fiction.
