I assume it's a total book in the genre. It's just a pleasure from the action and a few intellectual pursuits. I respect the authors who can create heroes and move the action forward powerfully just through direct speech. In one word - for everyone who doesn't think like that, but also for everyone who wants to learn how to write dialogues. For me - it's a huge pleasure.

The story seems to be filled with intense action sequences that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The intellectual aspects add an extra layer of depth, making it not just a mindless thrill ride but also a thought-provoking experience. The author's ability to bring the characters to life and drive the plot through their conversations is truly remarkable. It's a great example for those who are looking to improve their dialogue writing skills. Overall, it's a book that offers both entertainment and educational value, making it a must-read for many.

Whether you're a fan of the genre or simply looking for a good read, this book has something to offer. The combination of action and intellect, along with the engaging dialogues, makes it a unique and enjoyable experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a book that will keep them entertained and challenged at the same time. So, if you haven't already, give this book a try and see for yourself why it's such a great read.

This is not my book and it is not the strength of Simons. If anyone else expects something from the scale of Horror (and I don't mean the number of pages), they will also be disappointed like me. Horribly clichéd, horribly postmodern, filled with far too much vulgar and dirty language, this book shows the former private detective Joe Kurtz, who gets out of prison and gets involved in dark deals, plays with the mafia, is chased by hired killers sent for his head, and all kinds of street schemes that were not at all interesting to me. While reading this book, I had an association with the stupid action movies taken from the video libraries in the 90s with horribly bad quality and dubbed with a disgusting male voice for both the female and male characters. Yes, this book is horrible and I give one and a half stars only because of the surprise of who plays whom at the end, but I simply didn't like it. Still, I will read the next one because it was precisely because of it that I reached for this one. However, if it is also this bad, I will finally stop with Joe Kurtz.

A Certain Kind of Past

The novel begins with: "This book is dedicated to Richard Stark, who sometimes writes under the pen name of Donald Westlake". If you know either of the two names above, the dedication immediately makes clear what kind of novel this is. If you don't know them, perhaps it's an opportunity to find out. You might discover that you know it anyway because of that "Point Blank" with Lee Marvin, or that "Payback" with Mel Gibson, or that "Parker" with Jason Statham.

This Simmons, then, does not look to the future as in Hyperion, nor to the past by exploiting the innovations of the future as in Ilium. Here he looks to the past and aligns himself with it, continuing the "genre" tradition of that hardboiled-noir, direct as a train.

Some people, when reading the novel, will wrinkle their noses because they won't recognize the author who wrote this and that and bla bla bla... Do yourself a favor, don't complain and move on to something else.

If, on the other hand, you are interested in seeing Simmons take on this genre, then you will be satisfied. Not completely satisfied - at least if you are accustomed to the genre - because, although the protagonist has a distinct personality to attract the reader, the entire novel turns out to be a sort of exercise in which Simmons' fantasy follows footsteps larger than his own, without leaving a distinctive mark or a significant spark.

I had fun reading it.

I am a fan of Dan Simmons; starting from "Hyperion Cantos" and "The Terror"; but I must confess that the rest of his bibliography has been sleeping the sleep of the just in my library; even "The Solitude of Charles Dickens", which seems like a magnificent book and yet, I have not been able to get past a few pages. The same happened to me with the saga of the ex-detective Joe Kurts, in the trilogy that anticipated classic American detective stories; tough and rough types, practically invincible by a combination of cunning and strength, surrounded by mysteries not necessarily complex, mafiosos and road trips with reminiscences of the old American West. I was not too wrong; finally I decided to read it and (may Simmons forgive me) it is completely dispensable. But in its favor, it must be said that it is an entertaining read.

If we were talking about a movie, I would say that it is one of those to pass the time, don't ask too much of it and it will be an entertaining story.

3.5 stars

Think of "Pulp Fiction" with the added element of roid rage, and you'll get a sense of what awaits you in "Hardcase".

This is an action-packed, graphically violent, and pared-down-to-the-bare-minimum hard-boiled suspense novel.

Former private investigator and ex-con Joe Kurtz spends 11 years in prison after avenging the death of his partner and lover, Samantha Fielding. While incarcerated, Kurtz protects and befriends Steve Farino, the son of New York mob boss Don Farino. Don Farino becomes Joe's first client upon his release from prison when he hires him to locate mob accountant Buell Richardson.

Kurtz has his own rather amoral code of honor that he adheres to strictly, making him a sort of "endearing" anti-hero. Simmons treats readers to a veritable smorgasbord of psychotic killers: Malcolm Kibunte, Cutter, DooRag, the Alabama Beagle Boys, an assassin known only as The Dane, and Manny Levine, a dwarf who resembles a meaner version of Danny DeVito. Manny is seeking revenge for the death of his brother, Sammy (the one responsible for killing Joe's lover). These characters make Joe Kurtz seem like he has a reserved spot in heaven.

Full of twists and double-crosses, this is a fast-paced, page-turning read, although not necessarily the most believable.

"Hardcase" is the first of three Joe Kurtz novels, with "Hard Freeze" and "Hard as Nails" following. I'm still undecided as to whether I'll read more of Joe Kurtz. Maybe I'll stick to Dan Simmons' science fiction novels instead.

I was truly not anticipating that this book would turn out to be such an enjoyable read.

It's quite remarkable how much fun it is. And Kurtz, who is an animal in the story, adds an interesting element.

I have not delved into any of the other books within this series as of yet. However, based on this first installment, it seems to be an excellent start.

The story has managed to capture my attention from the very beginning and keep me engaged throughout.

I'm looking forward to seeing what else this series has in store and whether it will continue to be as entertaining as this initial book.

It has definitely piqued my curiosity and made me eager to explore more of the adventures and characters that await in the subsequent volumes.

Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I've enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to others who are looking for an entertaining and engaging read.

Videorezi https://youtu.be/aXCRNmoPtDs

This is an insanely fast-paced thriller that definitely has what it takes to be an action film.

Dan Simmons has once again shown that his talent is very multifaceted.

Joe Kurtz takes revenge on the murderer of his girlfriend and then spends twelve years in prison. After that, he is released on parole. He surely won't get his concession as a private detective back, but that doesn't stop him from going after his old job and settling some old scores along the way.

He has to deal with drug smugglers and arms dealers who all have their eyes on him because a bounty has been put on his head.

This thriller is extremely fast-paced. There are no calmer chapters. Joe Kurtz is basically in constant action.

It's an absolute must-read recommendation!!!

Hardcase is precisely what its name implies. It is a gritty crime novel that features a remarkable protagonist.

Joe Kurtz has emerged as one of my favorite characters in any book series I've read thus far. He is brutal, yet funny, and you would surely want to remain on his good side.

This is an outstanding story where each character has their own distinct personality and presence within the narrative. It is also an easy read once you have a clear mental image of each character, and Simmons accomplishes this flawlessly. It is a fast-paced tale, filled with action that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

This was my very first crime novel, and it will definitely not be my last. I have the next two books, Hard Freeze and Hard as Nails, on their way, ready to continue with the next chapter of the Joe Kurtz trilogy. I am excited to see what adventures and challenges await Joe Kurtz in the upcoming installments.

I had no idea what to expect from this book before I received it or even when I first started reading it.

To be honest, if the language aspect could be overlooked, I would have truly loved this book.

Well, perhaps I still would have given it 4 stars, but I'm not entirely certain.

Anyway, the numerous twists and turns really took me by surprise, and that was truly awesome.

The plot was so convoluted, with someone killing someone, yet they were supposed to be killing someone else before that, and then ended up killing yet another person.

Yes, it had an abundance of twists and turns.

Nonetheless, I really enjoyed it and will most definitely finish the series!

I'm eager to see what other surprises and adventures await in the subsequent books.

The author has managed to create a captivating and engaging story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

I can't wait to continue this literary journey.

There is a lot of good crime fiction, crafted in the style of the old masters in the genre!

It truly captivates readers with its intricate plots, well-developed characters, and thrilling twists. The stories often take us into the dark underbelly of society, where mysteries unfold and secrets are revealed.

These crime novels, written in the style reminiscent of the greats, have a certain charm and authenticity that make them a joy to read. They transport us to a world full of danger, suspense, and excitement.

Whether it's a classic detective story or a modern-day thriller, the crime fiction in this style has the power to keep us on the edge of our seats from beginning to end.

Great shooting, endless cursing. In other words - a lot of action. I don't exactly fall for this type of works, but I'm impressed by Dan Simmons' ability to write in different styles. In "The Crook", the grandeur of "Horror" is lacking. Here everything is just scribbled, developed schematically, and there are twists on almost every page.

However, it shows how hard the author has worked on the book. He has studied in detail the criminal world, the trade in weapons and drugs. A delight for the soul is the scene with the hobo, a former professor, who twice proves that one should not judge a person by his appearance. Such a lecture on philosophy, theology and literature, as the one he and his homeless companion give, cannot be heard even in some of the many halls of prestigious universities.

I'm somewhat disappointed with this book.

Dan Simmons, the author, has received a plethora of rave reviews for his novels, which consequently set my expectations sky-high. However, this particular book truly didn't live up to them. I wasn't left in awe or wowed in any way.

The story revolves around a P.I. who is released from prison after serving an eleven-year sentence for manslaughter. He then resumes his investigation business, albeit without a license, and takes on a case that is courtesy of the local Mafia don. Oh, and by the way, during his time in prison, he managed to make several enemies, so there is a whole raft of characters who have a burning desire to see him dead.

On the surface, it sounds like all the ingredients of a really good tale are present. There's the ex-convict-turned-P.I., the seedy underworld connection with the Mafia, and the element of danger with all those enemies out to get him. But for me, it just felt flat. The book is quite noir and gritty, which is usually something I enjoy. However, in this instance, it simply didn't do anything for me. It failed to engage me on an emotional or intellectual level, and I found myself simply going through the motions as I read it.

Perhaps it was my overly high expectations that doomed this book for me. Or maybe it was just that the story didn't quite gel together in the way that it should have. Whatever the reason, I can't help but feel a sense of disappointment.