Monday, May 14, 2012

Jon Talton

Jon Talton's novels include the thriller, Deadline Man, several David Mapstone mysteries, and The Pain Nurse, the first of The Cincinnati Casebooks series.

His new novel is Powers of Arrest, a Cincinnati Casebook.

Recently I asked Talton what he was reading.  His reply:
I just finished Don Winslow’s Savages. To say that it is a tour de force doesn’t do it justice. This book is the most original work I’ve read in years. Winslow is one of our best noir writers. I first discovered him when we shared a table at a charity signing years ago, and was impressed by his work. This book, set in the drug trade of Orange County and Baja, raises the bar considerably.

Savages will either change the way mysteries are written, or make anyone who would try to mimic it seem like the worst kind of thief. Read it. Without giving anything away: His use of language, ability to sketch memorable characters in a quick brush stroke, knowledge of the subject matter and story are all towering achievements. It’s a short book. But to really enjoy it, read slow. Savor every line.
Visit Jon Talton's website.

The Page 69 Test: South Phoenix Rules.

Writers Read: Jon Talton (January 2011).

My Book, The Movie: Jon Talton's David Mapstone mysteries.

The Page 69 Test: Powers of Arrest.

--Marshal Zeringue