Dashiell Hammett earned his place in literary lore many times over, for amazing fiction but also for presenting the quintessential “lady walks in” opener. The Maltese Falcon kicks off with a scene borrowed into cliché. Secretary Effie Perine leans into PI Sam Spade’s office and says: “There’s a girl out here who wants to see you.” Plot summaries barely mention Effie, and when…… Continue reading Show Some Love for Effie Perine
Category: Crime, Mystery & Suspense
Behind the Short Story: “Whorling”
Albert Einstein–you know, he of the supercomputer brain–once dished out this observation on the universe: “Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.” Well said, but only half said. Sure, gravity doesn’t make people weak-kneed in love, but some force does, internal or external. Einstein didn’t name the cause because he didn’t know it. No one does. Love, a mystery.…… Continue reading Behind the Short Story: “Whorling”
Masters of Voice: Donald E. Westlake
I wish I had discovered Donald E. Westlake years earlier than I did. He is a writing hero for his ability to tell a story and to make it zing. His The Ax is as terrifying a novel as I’ve ever read. His Parker character is legendary, but it’s the Dortmunder crew I love most. Here are…… Continue reading Masters of Voice: Donald E. Westlake