Something like a tough school detective in a slightly more contemporary time. Regarding Dana Simmons, this seemed rather short and predictable to me, but it still quite entertained me.

The story of Dana Simmons as a detective in a tough school setting has its own charm. Although it may lack some depth and complexity, it manages to engage the reader with its straightforward plot. The contemporary backdrop adds a touch of relevance, making it easier for the audience to relate to the characters and their experiences.

Despite its predictability, there are still elements that keep the reader interested. The actions and decisions of Dana Simmons as she navigates the challenges of the school environment provide some excitement. Additionally, the short length of the story makes it a quick and enjoyable read, perfect for those who are looking for a light-hearted detective tale.

Leonard's latest work is a thrilling tale that revolves around an ex-con private investigator.

Set against the backdrop of a powerful mafia dynasty and a menacing darker ethnic drug-running gang, this story takes readers on a wild ride.

The plot is filled with the typical elements one expects from this genre, but with Leonard's unique twist.

However, this particular offering is less humorous than most of his previous works.

It seems to have a more serious tone, perhaps because it is dedicated to Richard Stark.

Nevertheless, it still manages to be good fun, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Whether you're a fan of Leonard's or simply enjoy a good thriller, this book is definitely worth checking out.

So, get ready to immerse yourself in a world of danger, mystery, and intrigue as you follow the adventures of the ex-con PI.

You won't be disappointed.

Abgebrochen

This story seems to have been abruptly ended, which is quite disappointing considering the previously read novels. It fails to engage the reader fully with its characters, setting, or the language used. The characters lack depth and development, making it difficult for the reader to form an emotional connection with them. The setting is also not vividly described, leaving the reader with a rather模糊的 impression. Additionally, the language appears to be rather平淡 and lacks the creativity and charm that would have made the story more interesting. Overall, it is a letdown and leaves the reader longing for more in terms of character, setting, and language.

A week after having read it, the good taste (in blood) of this peculiar book still remains with me.

Simmons is capable of writing about everything, SF, Terror, pseudohistorical novels, etc. This book starts with a vengeance in the first chapter and ends like the Rosary of the Aurora. Short, with a concise language, and correctly translated, it can be read in one go.

It is not the masterpiece of thrillers but one cannot ask for more. I have already bought the second one of the series and there are three at the moment...

This book offers a unique reading experience. The story unfolds in a captivating way, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns. Although it may not be the most complex or profound thriller, it definitely delivers on entertainment value.

The author's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. The translation also does justice to the original text, ensuring that the essence of the story is preserved. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.

3.5 Stars

The first Kurtz novel is rather good. I'm penning this review after having finally delved into the Parker series that this work pays tribute to. And I would definitely recommend checking out the Parker series if you have a liking for this Kurtz novel. That being said, the first book is indeed good, yet it gives off a sense of being dated, even for the time period it was written in. A porn store? In 2014? Well, I suppose it's possible. Kurtz isn't the most captivating hardboiled detective. He's cool, and he gets things done, but he doesn't really stand out more than other hardboiled detectives. It's a decent effort by Dan Simmons. However, the Hyperion Cantos and \\n  The Terror\\n are far superior works. They offer more depth, more engaging storylines, and more memorable characters. While the Kurtz novel has its merits, it doesn't quite reach the same heights as these other two masterpieces by Simmons.

Overall, it's still an enjoyable read, but it doesn't leave a lasting impression like some of his other works.

Mistah Kurtz, he dead.

- Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness









Hard




Dan Simmons is a remarkable author who excels in writing both fantastic science fiction and horror. However, he also loves to jump between different genres. "Hardcase" is the first book in his (so far) three-book Joe Kurtz series. Joe Kurtz is a well-read private detective, with allusions in the novel to various literary greats such as Oscar Wilde, Joseph Conrad, Epictetus, Tom Wolfe, and Shakespeare. After his partner is killed, Joe takes revenge on the killers and ends up being sent to prison for 11 years. As the titles of all the books in the series suggest, the Joe Kurtz novels truly put the "HARD" into hard-boiled. The action in these novels is incredibly fast-paced, and the plots are fairly inventive, although perhaps a bit too coincidental at times. Nevertheless, they are largely distracting and highly enjoyable. This is the kind of thriller escapism that allows readers to lose themselves in the story without too many regrets. The setting of the novels is in the Niagara Falls, Buffalo region, which in some ways gives the books a unique atmosphere, feeling like a mixture of John Wick meets the Continental Op.

There is still more to come, but basically, it is a good Noir crime story. A Noir crime story typically has a dark and gritty atmosphere, filled with mystery and suspense. It often features complex characters, moral ambiguity, and a sense of danger lurking around every corner. In this particular case, while the basic framework of a good Noir crime story is present, there is potential for even more depth and complexity. Perhaps there are hidden motives, unexpected twists, or deeper psychological explorations that can be added to make it an even more engaging and captivating read. The possibilities are endless, and with a bit of creativity and skill, this could truly become a remarkable Noir crime story.

The only good news is that if Sophie had hired him, I'd know it because I'd be dead already.

This is just a sample of the dialogues that Simmons seems to be a master of. Also, "mean as a snake bit Mormon."!!!

Can somebody help me out there? I'm a big fan of Richard Stark and Donald E. Westlake, so how could I not love this? As a result of some of the conversations, I feel a need to read Epictitus and the Stoics.

Kurtz brushed a speck of lint from the crease in his gray trousers. I'm sure I've seen similar lines in other noir books, but it was very appropriate for this one.

When Kurtz was getting firearms from Doc, he went into great detail, and it made me question the choices of principal characters from some of my favourite thrillers and their choices of armaments. Now I'm going to be questioning Scot Harvath and others.

Fun book, hilarious writing, and the Beagle Boys! (Taking me back to my childhood and Mickey Mouse comic books. Dan Simmons is awfully good.

The book is filled with such engaging dialogues and details that keep the reader hooked. Simmons' writing style is truly remarkable, as he manages to create a vivid and immersive world. The references to other authors and philosophical works add depth and complexity to the story.

The characters are well-developed and their actions and decisions are thought-provoking. The description of Kurtz's actions, such as brushing the lint from his trousers, adds a touch of realism.

The discussion about firearms and the choices of characters in thrillers is both interesting and entertaining. It makes the reader think about the plausibility of the actions in their favourite books.

Overall, this book is a great read, full of humour, excitement, and thought-provoking moments. It's no wonder that Dan Simmons is such a highly regarded author.

Dan Simmons is truly a remarkable writer who cannot be confined to just one genre. He is not only a great Sci-Fi author, capable of creating mind-bending and imaginative worlds, but also an excellent Horror writer, able to send shivers down our spines. And now, I have discovered that he is a tremendously entertaining thriller writer as well!

Our protagonist, Joe Kurtz, is an ex-con and a former private investigator. He spent 11 years in Attica after killing the criminal who took the life of his partner and lover. When he is released, he contacts his former secretary to pick him up, despite not having seen her in 11 years. She agrees, quits her job, and helps him establish a new "investigative" business, which involves connecting baby boomers who were high school sweethearts. However, Joe has another, much more significant matter on his plate. While in prison, he protected the son of Mafia boss Byron Farino from being killed. In return, the son arranges for his father to meet Joe, who offers to "investigate" the disappearance of Farino's accountant. Farino's lawyer is opposed to it, but Farino decides to hire Joe anyway. Now, Joe finds himself with both new and old enemies, constantly having to look over his shoulder. Usually, he is able to spot the trouble coming, but even the best can sometimes make a slip. Nevertheless, Joe seems to have an uncanny ability to survive, almost as if he has nine lives.

The story is filled with plenty of action, numerous deaths, and a great deal of entertainment. Joe Kurtz may not be a young man, but he is intelligent and well-read. There are also some excellent supporting characters who add depth and complexity to the narrative. I am really looking forward to picking up the next installment and seeing what adventures await Joe Kurtz.

I've read a half a dozen Dan Simmons novels before this one, and thank God I did.

Because if I had read this first, then I likely would not have read anything else written by him. This book simply did not appeal to me.

The cliches start early and continue to pile up as the story unfolds. It reaches such an extent that I became impatient for the ending, and this isn't even a long book.

The characters are uninspired and derivative, often annoying. Cutter, in particular, was embarrassingly bad.

Simmons' writing seems to have regressed in general within these pages. Oh, he makes sure to show that he has done his usual "Dan Simmons research" on various things, like guns in this novel. But it can't save this sophomore trash.

The gangbanger "urban" dialogue is so obviously written by a white dude in his 60's who has never spent five minutes on the street. It literally made me cringe.

But the last straw, the part that nearly made me quit reading, was the utterly ridiculous notion of two junkie homeless dudes whose "hidden genius" is revealed when Kurtz seeks their advice. And they proceed to get into an argument IN FULL LATIN over details of classical literature, philosophy, and religion. Give me a fucking break.

I couldn't wait to finish, and yes, I had figured out how it would end for the most part, save for one or two small twists which were not remotely clever enough to turn this around.

I will not be reading any further Kurtz stories, but I will still make my way through the rest of Simmons' works (eventually).

This novel commences at a frenzied tempo, featuring some outstanding hardboiled dialogue and thrilling action scenes. Our protagonist, Private Investigator Joe Kurtz, finds himself incarcerated and spends over a decade behind bars.

Upon his release, in search of employment, he approaches a Mafia Don who requires assistance with an 'investigation' regarding hijacked trucks. This propels Kurtz onto a perilous trajectory, where his life is constantly in jeopardy with each new lead.

It is astonishing to think that this is penned by Dan Simmons, as it is so eccentric and excessive. The action is almost beyond belief and at times resembles a Hollywood blockbuster. However, it is undeniably great fun if one can suspend their disbelief and simply embark on the adventure.

Rated 3.5 to 4 stars.

Story 3/5

Narration 5/5

This particular story is an interesting one. It unfolds in a unique way, captivating the reader's attention from the very beginning. The events that take place are filled with excitement and mystery. As the story progresses, the characters face various challenges and obstacles that they must overcome. The narration, on the other hand, is done in a very engaging manner. It provides detailed descriptions of the scenes and the emotions of the characters, making it easy for the reader to immerse themselves in the story. The use of vivid language and imagery adds to the overall appeal of the narration. Overall, this story and its narration are a great combination that makes for a truly enjoyable read. It leaves the reader eager to know what will happen next and keeps them hooked until the very end.