Gun in Cheek

An Affectionate Guide to the "Worst" in Mystery Fiction

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Mystery & Detective Fiction, Books & Reading
Cover of the book Gun in Cheek by Bill Pronzini, Dover Publications
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Bill Pronzini ISBN: 9780486821108
Publisher: Dover Publications Publication: April 19, 2017
Imprint: Dover Publications Language: English
Author: Bill Pronzini
ISBN: 9780486821108
Publisher: Dover Publications
Publication: April 19, 2017
Imprint: Dover Publications
Language: English

"This is fabulously funny stuff." — John D. MacDonald
"Bill Pronzini surveys the worst crime fiction — not just the average inferior product, but the junk classics, works that achieve a heroic degree of badness. No brief summary can do justice to Mr. Pronzini's researches." — The New York Times
Welcome to the very best of the very worst in 20th-century mystery writing. Author Bill Pronzini takes a good-natured look at the genre's "alternative classics" in a retrospective of unintentionally hilarious crime fiction. Populated by the usual private eyes, arch-villains, amateur sleuths, and femmes fatales, these tales offer uniquely amusing reading that's as memorable in its own way as the works of the great mystery writers.
In addition to their pure entertainment value, these excerpts and witty appraisals of the "worst" in mystery fiction provide a historical perspective on the development and mores of modern-day crime stories. Featured writers include not only many unsung heroes of pulp fiction but also authors who were popular in their day. Pronzini presents background on the field's subgenres and publishers as well as incisive commentary on the social attitudes reflected by the stories. Advanced and dedicated devotees will appreciate the comprehensive bibliography, which will steer them toward — or away from — these neglected gems.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

"This is fabulously funny stuff." — John D. MacDonald
"Bill Pronzini surveys the worst crime fiction — not just the average inferior product, but the junk classics, works that achieve a heroic degree of badness. No brief summary can do justice to Mr. Pronzini's researches." — The New York Times
Welcome to the very best of the very worst in 20th-century mystery writing. Author Bill Pronzini takes a good-natured look at the genre's "alternative classics" in a retrospective of unintentionally hilarious crime fiction. Populated by the usual private eyes, arch-villains, amateur sleuths, and femmes fatales, these tales offer uniquely amusing reading that's as memorable in its own way as the works of the great mystery writers.
In addition to their pure entertainment value, these excerpts and witty appraisals of the "worst" in mystery fiction provide a historical perspective on the development and mores of modern-day crime stories. Featured writers include not only many unsung heroes of pulp fiction but also authors who were popular in their day. Pronzini presents background on the field's subgenres and publishers as well as incisive commentary on the social attitudes reflected by the stories. Advanced and dedicated devotees will appreciate the comprehensive bibliography, which will steer them toward — or away from — these neglected gems.

More books from Dover Publications

Cover of the book Italic and Copperplate Calligraphy by Bill Pronzini
Cover of the book SWEENEY TODD The String of Pearls by Bill Pronzini
Cover of the book Quantum Chemistry: The Development of Ab Initio Methods in Molecular Electronic Structure Theory by Bill Pronzini
Cover of the book Full-Color Picture Sourcebook of Historic Ornament: All 12 Plates from "L'Ornement Polychrome," Series II by Bill Pronzini
Cover of the book General Stochastic Processes in the Theory of Queues by Bill Pronzini
Cover of the book Under Green Leaves by Bill Pronzini
Cover of the book Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 1-5 Transcribed for Solo Piano by Bill Pronzini
Cover of the book The Method of Trigonometrical Sums in the Theory of Numbers by Bill Pronzini
Cover of the book Classic Wicker Furniture by Bill Pronzini
Cover of the book 2,001 Most Useful German Words by Bill Pronzini
Cover of the book Integrals of Bessel Functions by Bill Pronzini
Cover of the book Great Sonnets by Bill Pronzini
Cover of the book Old-Fashioned Ribbon Trimmings and Flowers by Bill Pronzini
Cover of the book The Brothers Karamazov by Bill Pronzini
Cover of the book The Most Popular Homes of the Twenties by Bill Pronzini
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy