When Mitchell is released from prison after serving three
years for a vicious attack he doesn't even remember, Billy
Norton is there to pick him up. But Norton works for Tommy
Logan, a ruthless lowlife with plans Mitchell wants nothing
to do with. Attempting to stay out of Logan's way, Mitchell
finds work at the Holland Park mansion of faded movie actress,
Lillian Palmer. But it isn't long before Mitchell's violent
past catches up with him. When innocent people start getting
killed and his eccentric sister's life is put in danger,
Mitchell is forced to act.
London Boulevard pays homage to "Sunset Boulevard",
the highly regarded 1950 film and shares some plot angles
with the film, but takes the story in the dark underbelly
of London.
Bruen has crafted a tale with some of his trademark nasty
characters for whom casual violence is a nature part of
their world. His main character is both very human and sympathetic
yet very cold and calculating. Each character has a distinct
personalities that help set the story develop naturally.
I especially enjoyed the faded movie star who is both a
pitiful and contemptible at the same time.
Bruen's telegraphic writing style moves the story quickly
and the dense atmosphere of cigarettes, alcohol and seedy
characters make the story an outstanding and entertaining
read.
The final scene in the book was the perfect end to the book.
Both violent and humorous at the same time, a style Bruen
can craft expertly and make it seem effortless. This is
an enjoyable standalone that any hardboiled reader will
enjoy.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Kevin Einarson is the publisher of Spinetingler Magazine. His short
fiction has appeared in Mouth
Full of Bullets, Flashing in the Gutters and Spinetingler.
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2007 SPINETINGLER Magazine - All rights reserved
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