Hi Tim, sorry for the late reply. It's been a bit crazy and I'm behind on catching up with my comments.
Coming from someone who clearly knows their stuff about noir and hard-boiled fiction, this comparison is like getting an A on an exam.
I'm intrigued that you see this through the Hammett lens whose characters like Spade and The Continental Op were detached.
I have been thinking about Burback through the MacDonald lens. He keeps getting pulled back in by things he can't harden himself against. Jimmy's letter. Madeleine. His own mother, which Part 10 makes unavoidable.
You're right, and I saw how Burback has other troubles in his life, which adds depth to his character. This story looks like Hammett, because of the tough characters and violence. Ross Macdonald was very good with dysfunctional family relations, secrets, and black sheep. When you steal, steal from the best.
Well worth the wait. This is very good hard-boiled crime fiction that reads a lot like Hammett. I want to see what comes next. You done good.
Hi Tim, sorry for the late reply. It's been a bit crazy and I'm behind on catching up with my comments.
Coming from someone who clearly knows their stuff about noir and hard-boiled fiction, this comparison is like getting an A on an exam.
I'm intrigued that you see this through the Hammett lens whose characters like Spade and The Continental Op were detached.
I have been thinking about Burback through the MacDonald lens. He keeps getting pulled back in by things he can't harden himself against. Jimmy's letter. Madeleine. His own mother, which Part 10 makes unavoidable.
You're right, and I saw how Burback has other troubles in his life, which adds depth to his character. This story looks like Hammett, because of the tough characters and violence. Ross Macdonald was very good with dysfunctional family relations, secrets, and black sheep. When you steal, steal from the best.
I keep thinking Burback is going to leave and make a run for it, and he never does! I'm so curious what his next steps are.