William R. Cox (1) (1901–1988)

Two bodies. “First Alvin, then Ted Colyer.” Who wanted the brothers dead?

The story started quickly, then slowed down quite a bit and started to get strangely complicated. Maybe could have used a bit more editing? Good last throw down/shoot out! A battle royale! Good last sentence too:

“He was saying a silent goodbye to Ted Colyer, killed because he was trying to make a fresh start.”

A novel in the hard-boiled detective mold, although the hero is a gambler/casino owner/reluctant movie producer rather than a P.I.

First Tom Kincaid's casino is robbed by armed bandits who are killed by an associate of his in a shootout in the casino's grage. Then murder follows Tom to a movie shoot north of Vegas.

The prose on this one, while not horrible, didn't really draw me in. It was a very short 126 pages--there was plenty of action but I was never fully engaged.

Just an OK read.

Note show more to self: the plot on this one was pretty interesting upon looking back--might be worth a reread someday to see if maybe I just wasn't in a great mood when I read this one. show less