Fun & Games, by Duane Swierczynski (REVIEW) — More Pulp Than a Fresh-Squeezed Glass
My earliest exposure to "pulp fiction" was Quentin Tarantino's aptly-named movie masterpiece. It never dawned on me, though, that it was a genre I could read . Until, that is, Duane Swierczynski’s Fun & Games came across my desk, intriguing me with its mix of familiar-enough territory (noir-ish mystery) and the promise of a little extra kapow (over-the-top action scenes in a bizarre-o setting). And I knew it was time to take the plunge. ____________________________________________________________________________ First, let's do a little drive-by, to make sure all the key ingredients are present and accounted for in the true pulp fashion. Hardboiled action hero? Check. Charlie Hardie is an ex-Philly-cop, as tough as old boots, who’s been trying to escape a lot of bad memories by consuming copious amounts of booze. Beautiful damsel-in-distress? Check. Lane Madden is a gorgeous young actress, on the run from some very bad people. Which brings u...