Simmons is a writer who has a certain level of writing skills.

However, it seems that every time he is about to introduce a new character, he resorts to a set of cliched and hard-boiled stereotypes.

There is the albino hitman, the vengeful dwarf, the gay junkie, and the double-crossing femme fatale.

This goes on and on, making the characters lack新鲜感 and authenticity.

On the positive side, at least the story is short, which may prevent readers from getting too bored with the repetitive characterizations.

Nevertheless, if Simmons wants to improve his writing and engage readers more deeply, he needs to break free from these stereotypes and create more unique and complex characters.

Only in this way can his works stand out and leave a lasting impression on the readers.

Cracking, hard-boiled, macho reading. This was truly great fun.

Dan's writing style in this particular work stands in sharp contrast to his normal output. It ingeniously fits the tone of action-packed, detective novels that were so popular in the 70's and 80's.

The story unfolds with a sense of grit and determination, pulling the reader into a world of mystery and danger. The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own unique personalities and motives.

The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat, guessing until the very end.

Overall, this is a book that is well worth a read. It offers a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of detective fiction, while still maintaining a modern sensibility. Whether you're a fan of the genre or just looking for a good, engaging read, this book is sure to satisfy.

So, pick it up, sit back, and enjoy the ride!

Hardcase - Ex
Dan Simmons
When former private investigator Joe Kurtz steps out of Attica after serving an 11-year sentence, his troubles are far from over. He is still being hunted by the brother of a man he killed for murdering his partner. Additionally, the disciples of a Black Muslim group, whose leader he killed while in prison, are also after him. Joe, not the most compliant parolee, secretly resumes his detective work. He begins to trace a vanished mob accountant for the aging don Byron Farino. This action greatly aggravates the don's family and associates, who are clandestinely double-crossing each other and vying for power.

I absolutely loved this story. It is fast-paced and full of excitement. The character of Joe Kurtz doesn't require a psychotic sidekick as he is more than capable of handling things on his own. His actions and decisions drive the plot forward, making it a thrilling read from start to finish.

The complex web of relationships and the various agendas at play add depth and intrigue to the story. Simmons does an excellent job of creating a vivid and engaging world filled with danger and mystery.

Overall, "Hardcase - Ex" is a must-read for fans of the mystery and thriller genres. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you craving more.

Dan Simmons is a highly productive author who pens a wide variety of books.

However, unfortunately, his crime novel failed to captivate me. The protagonist seemed to constantly find himself in precarious situations only to miraculously extricate himself. This lack of real jeopardy made it impossible for me to develop any emotional connection with him or any of the other characters.

As a result, I have no intention of reading the remaining books in this particular series.

Instead, I will turn my attention to his science fiction works. I have high hopes that his SF novels will offer a more engaging and satisfying reading experience, perhaps with more complex characters and thought-provoking storylines.

I look forward to exploring this different side of Dan Simmons' writing and seeing what new worlds and ideas he has to offer.

A magnificent short story that blends horror and erotic novel, where the main theme revolves around an obsession and death over a period of twenty years. Here, Dan Simmons transforms the eternal theme of vampirism into a metaphor for the times we are living in. Dan Simmons, who for me is one of the great horror writers, in just 60 pages, gives us yet another example of his mastery.

The story takes us on a thrilling journey through the minds and lives of its characters, exploring the dark corners of human nature and the consequences of our actions. The vivid descriptions and intense atmosphere create a sense of unease and anticipation that keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end.

What makes this story truly remarkable is Simmons' ability to weave together different elements of horror and erotica in a seamless and engaging way. He manages to create a world that is both terrifying and alluring, where the line between good and evil is blurred and the characters are forced to face their deepest fears and desires.

In conclusion, this short story is a must-read for fans of horror and erotic literature alike. It is a testament to Dan Simmons' talent as a writer and his ability to create stories that are both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Crime. Something like a modern Chandler.

In the world of crime, there are those who stand out, much like the iconic Chandler. They have a unique perspective on the seedy underbelly of society.

A modern Chandler might be a detective, with a sharp eye for detail and an unwavering determination to solve the most complex cases.

He would navigate the dangerous streets, dealing with criminals and corrupt officials alike.

His stories would be filled with mystery, suspense, and a touch of noir.

Through his investigations, he would uncover the truth and bring justice to those who have been wronged.

The modern Chandler would be a hero in a world where crime seems to reign supreme.

His actions would inspire others to stand up and fight against the forces of evil.

And in the end, his name would be remembered as one of the greats in the annals of crime fiction.

2,5 stars
This was truly a disappointment.

The writing appeared to be forced, and it was not in the least up to the standard that I usually anticipate from Mr. Simmons. I am afraid that crime-fiction might not be his forte. At times, this work seemed like a bad parody. It really made me lose my enthusiasm for the rest of the series. I have decided to stay clear of it. I had such high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it failed to meet my expectations. I was looking forward to a thrilling and engaging crime-fiction story, but what I got was something that felt lackluster and unconvincing. I hope that Mr. Simmons will find his true calling in another genre and produce works that are more in line with his talent and potential.

This is the first book that features Joe Kurtz, Simmons' hard-boiled noir private eye.

By this time, Simmons had already become a dominant figure in both the horror and science fiction fields. It's quite interesting to note that he decided to venture into a different niche genre.

The story is set in Buffalo and it's about a man who unjustly spent eleven years in prison. After his release, he sets out for revenge (or perhaps it's justice? Are they really the same?).

Simmons makes use of many familiar tropes of the genre and even throws in a few humorous bits. This helps in telling a tense and suspenseful story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

So, grab your trench coat and get ready to immerse yourself in this thrilling tale.

You know precisely what you're about to embark on when a book commences with the rather grisly scene of someone forcefully shoving a man's hand into a garbage disposal, and then callously throwing that man out of a four-story window. Indeed. Simmons establishes the tone right from the start in "Hardcase," and repeatedly reinforces it.

The narrative is refreshingly straightforward: a private investigator is released from jail after serving time for a revenge killing and promptly gets back to doing what he does best. That is, kicking butt and taking names while offering his detection skills to the highest bidder. All the while, he has to check in with his parole officer on a regular basis.

Clearly, this is a passionate love letter to the hard-boiled detective genre. It contains all the classic tropes, flaunted loudly and proudly. There's the private investigator with a mean streak and absolutely no concern for the rules, the loyal assistant, double-crossers, femme fatales, psycho street scum, and harrowing hitmen. They're all here. This is a very deliberate choice. Simmons isn't worried about being cliché. His focus is on having a great time and ensuring that you do too.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars. If you're seeking a super fun, extremely violent, fast-paced homage to the genre, then this is the story for you. Joe Kurtz will unapologetically kick any and all asses without a second thought.

This was an extremely enjoyable and brisk read that was filled with an abundance of exciting action and truly memorable characters. The relatively short page count, however, perhaps caused the plot development to race by at a rather rapid pace. As a result, there were significant stretches that strained credibility.

Despite these flaws, I still found myself liking this book. It had its own charm and entertainment value. Nevertheless, I have to admit that the later installments in the series were of a higher quality. They seemed to build upon the foundation laid by this initial book and offered more in-depth character development, a more complex and engaging plot, and a greater sense of overall satisfaction.

Overall, while this book was a fun and engaging read, it was clear that the series had room for growth and improvement, which was fortunately realized in the subsequent books.

The series was a solid 3 stars.

The main character was your basic tough guy cliché. He was the kind of character you've seen countless times before in this genre. Muscular, with a gruff exterior and a heart of gold hidden deep inside.

The plots in all three books were over the top. They were filled with action, adventure, and improbable twists and turns. But that is to be expected from this genre. After all, readers of this type of book are looking for excitement and thrills.

The writing was good, though. It was engaging and kept me turning pages. The author had a way of creating vivid images in my mind and making me feel like I was right there in the middle of the action. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, even if it wasn't the most original thing I've ever read.

I'm a huge fan of Dan Simmons, having been enthralled by his science fiction, horror, and historical fiction works. However, this particular book left me feeling disappointed.

It managed to hold my interest just enough for me to make it through, but I have no desire to read the rest of the series. Simmons seems to be slumming it here, emulating the style of Mickey Spillane.

The characters are crude and unrefined, and the plot is filled with excessive churning and convolutions. It lacks the depth and sophistication that I have come to expect from Simmons.

Perhaps he was trying something different, but in my opinion, it didn't quite work. I hope that in future works, he will return to the form that made me a fan in the first place.