Son of Gun in Cheek: An Affectionate Guide to More of the "Worst" in Mystery Fiction

Like his previous book to which this is a sequel, Son of Gun in Cheek is a pleasant, mostly amusing read. It's main components are Pronzini's summaries of ridiculous plots and his selected quotations from works in what he calls his "
Alternative Hall of Fame." Most readers will probably concur with most of Pronzini's selections, but on occasion, even multiple readings of a passage don't reveal the basis for the ridicule. A couple of prolific authors, Harry Stephen Keeler and Michael Avallone, are consistently over the top in everything they write, with turns of phrase that are memorable for their total lack of logic or standard grammar. The examples Pronzini provides of creative substitutions for "said" are particularly amusing.

The show more question, of course, is whether to continue down the path to reading some of these alternative classics in their entirety. Is it a better use of time than reading books that are actually good? I suppose if, like me, you're drawn to reading books such as Son of Gun in Cheek and its predecessor, seeking out the further works of Keeler, Avallone, and their ilk might be enjoyable. As a frustrated author, it is always amazing and encouraging (or discouraging--I can't decide which) to see what can get into print. show less

Similar to the first, marred by a chapter focusing on Charlie Chan movies?? He says how much he enjoyed them and then gives a bunch of quotes. He acknowledges the whole yellowface thing other aspects are pretty racist but goes ahead anyway. It's a really bizarre section because the quotes are INTENDED to be funny, which goes against the whole concept of the book. Obviously they're also very uncomfortable because of the racist broken English stuff. Very strange and uncomfortable addition.

Mostly though the book is more of the same as the first - parts are below the funny standard of the first book I think but that's to be expected and some of it is just as funny as the best of the first book.

I literally cracked up reading this book. I am not one of those who reads anything advertised as "mystery" but truly appreciate those who do. The book is literally full of tongue in cheek reviews of these sometimes long forgotten travesties of mystery literature. I plan to read this again and take some notes this time on what to avoid... or maybe not to avoid. Don't miss this one!