Saturday, November 30, 2013

Interjecting Valerie (Or, Legs Across The Sea) by John Colleton


For Bill Benton, Every Women Possessed Perfection

The delightfully wicked Amy, a voluptuous Southern deb whose sensuality was always winking from within her.

Lady Cloris, the titled treasure with an unquenchable thirst and insatiable hunger for more, for bigger, for better.

Melissa.....bellissima', the tauntingly shy, magnificently agile Italian Madonna, always ready and able for games of sport or chance.

And the lusciously outrageous Valerie, a rising opera constellation whose amazing virtuosity needs no back-up band.

All a cornucopia of pleasure to savor forever........
 

Interjecting Valerie is the fourteenth and final book of the Cloris and Amy sequence written by Robert W Marks under the pseudonym of John Colleton. It has a rather different air surrounding it compared with the earlier books, Uniquely, it makes many back-references to events and characters in the earlier books, and it even refers directly to some of these novels. It is here attributed to the book's narrator, Bill Benton. In this way, the book manages to tie up a few loose ends, although the plot is thereby made rather more meandering than usual. 'Valerie' here follows the general pattern of the series; she is a pulchritudinous actress to whom the screenwriter Bill Benton is directed for the twin purposes of her seduction and inveiglement into one of Cloris' movies. In this book, the two ends are very closely related, in that the resulting movie is apparently an explicit exposition of events in Benton's amorous exploits with the several women, including Melissa and the feminist politician Spagnola, who were introduced earlier. As Colleton's Cloris/Amy sequence has evolved, the machinations needed for Bill to achieve these two related ends can be observed to become increasingly protracted. Here, Benton's prowess in bed is reinforced prosthetically, to the considerable delight and admiration of his partners.


Printing History
written by Robert W Marks (1908-1993)

New American Library 
Signet Books
copyright 1986
January 1987
ISBN 451 14648

Friday, November 29, 2013

Ross Mcdonald's Lew Archer

Lew Archer is a fictional character created by Ross Macdonald. Archer was similar to Philip Marlowe. However, he eventually broke from that mold, Archer's principal difference is that he is much more openly sensitive and empathetic than the tough Marlowe. He also serves a different function from Marlowe. Raymond Chandler's books were studies of Marlowe's character and code of honor. Another small difference was that Marlowe prowled the city of Los Angeles during the 1940s, while Lew Archer primarily worked the suburbs in the 1950s. Like Marlowe, Archer observes growing dichotomies in the American society with visual snapshots. Archer's name pays homage to Dashiell Hammett. Miles Archer was the name of Sam Spade's murdered partner in The Maltese Falcon. 


The Novels
The Moving Target (1949)
The Drowning Pool (1950)
The Way Some People Die (1951)
The Ivory Grin (1952; aka Marked for Murder)
Find a Victim (1954)
The Barbarous Coast (1956)
The Doomsters (1958)
The Galton Case (1959)
The Wycherly Woman (1961)
The Zebra-Striped Hearse (1962)
The Chill (1964)
The Far Side of the Dollar (1965)
Black Money (1966)
The Instant Enemy (1968)
The Goodbye Look (1969)
The Underground Man (1971)
Sleeping Beauty (1973)
The Blue Hammer (1976)

The Films
The Moving Target (filmed with Paul Newman as Harper, 1966)
The Drowning Pool (also filmed with Paul Newman as "Lew Harper", 1975)


TV
The Underground Man (1974, dir Paul Wendkos, TV movie starring Peter Graves).
Archer, (1975 NBC TV series starring Brian Keith)
 
Ross Mcdonald
Kenneth Millar (December 13, 1915 – July 11, 1983)

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving 2013

Happy Thanksgiving


Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. Several other places around the world observe similar celebrations. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and on the second Monday of October in Canada. Thanksgiving has its historical roots in religious and cultural traditions, and has long been celebrated in a secular manner as well.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

The Mark Of A Circle by Nick Carter

Nick Carter Weekly

The Mark Of A Circle
or
Nick Carter's Seven Sworn Enemies


Evidently the men that inhabited the house had no fear of interruption from without. Nick raised the window and stepped into the room.

Printing History
Street & Smith Publishers
New Nick Carter Weekly
  No 737
February 11, 1911

as The Dead Accomplice
Street & Smith 
New Magnet Library
No 1294
August 1930

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Today in History

A look at past History
November 24, 1859
Origin of Species by Charles Darwin is published:
Most scientists quickly embraced the theory that solved so many puzzles of biological science, but orthodox Christians condemned the work as heresy. 
 

November 24, 1863
Union troops prevail at the Battle of Lookout Mountain:
Union troops capture Lookout Mountain southwest of Chattanooga, Tennessee
 November 24, 1963
Jack Ruby kills Lee Harvey Oswald:
In the basement of the Dallas police station, Lee Harvey Oswald, the alleged assassin of President John F. Kennedy, is shot to death by Jack Ruby, a Dallas nightclub owner.
November 24, 1971
D. B. Cooper parachutes into thunderstorm:
Cooper parachutes from a Northwest Orient Airlines 727 into a raging thunderstorm over Washington State. He had $200,000 in ransom money in his possession.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Wheeler Fortune by Carter Brown

She Was Blonde, Beautiful, Naked....And Very Dead!


And it was Lieutenant Al Wheeler's job to find her killer. But first he had to find out who the dead doll really was. Which was how Al discovered that quiet, respectable Pine City was really a hotbed of freaky love triangles, neighborhood orgies, and industrial spies. Then the spies started peddling their secrets, and Al started getting invited to the classiest orgies in town. It was obviously too good to be true, until the love-ins turned to out and out hate.And All Wheeler found himself at a kill-in where he was everyone's most wanted target!

Other Covers
 France
Gallimard
1976

Denmark
Winther
1984

Printing History
Written by Alan G Yates (1923-1985)

New American Library
Signet Books
T5795
February 1974

Note
This title was not published in Australia, nor was associated with Horwitz Publications, Inc.
 

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Davina, Or the Romance of Mesmerism

A Victorian Novel

Cover by Roy Colmer
 In this voluptuous tale, the young hero, son of a well to do English country family, sets out to sexually conquer all the females within his immediate reach. But no sooner does he begin his exploits than he encounters the imperious beauty, Davina, who enslaves him through her remarkable power of hypnotism. Thus entranced, Harry indulges in virtually every aspect of eroticism known to man or woman. The mysterious Davina ensures pleasure for all who come under her sway.

Printing History
First published in 1882

Grove Press Victorian Library
ISBN 8021 3110
March 1983

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Skyfire by Mack Maloney

He Is The Last Hope Of Ravaged America!


Freedom's Last Stand
All but obliterated by the poisonous fallout of a first strike nuclear strike, America has been reduced to a war blackened wasteland, struggling to survive. Up from the broken dreams of what was the most powerful country on earth rises a lone hero, ready to rekindle the American spirit, Hawk Hunter, ace fighter pilot, known to his enemies as Wingman. A deadly master plot to conquer what was left of the United States in a series of surprise attacks on major east coast cities. Armies of high-tech mercenaries about sleek nuclear submarines transports strike fast and hard, leaving a bloody trail of death and destruction on land and sea. Ill equipped for retaliation, the nation's only hope was savage air warrior Hunter and his awesome Harrier jump jet to spearhead the fight against the enemy hordes. Joining forces with the Doomsday fleet, a tight group of naval attack ships, Hawk Hunter burns up the air with rapid fire ordnance and turns the oceans dark with blood in an epic battle to keep America free!

Wingman #8

Printing History
written by Brian Kelleher
copyright 1990

Kensington Publishing Corp
Zebra Books
ISBN 8217 3121
2nd Printing July 1991

Monday, November 18, 2013

The Demolishers by Donald Hamilton

When terrorists pick the wrong victim
They unleash a powerful avenger
Matt Helm


Killer on Killer
The best exterminator for hire in the business, the head of a band of fanatical revolutionaries, Bultman intended to change the map of the Caribbean. At first Matt Helm wanted  no part of stopping him or his army. But all that changed when Bultman's commandos blew up a restaurant on the Florida coast full of innocent people. Among the victims was Matt's oldest son. Counterassassination was Matt's business. Now it would be his very special pleasure.

Printing History
Written by Donald Hamilton (1916-2006)

Copyright
1987

Random House, Inc
Ballantine Books
Fawcett Gold Medal Books

ISBN 449 13233

November 1987

Sunday, November 17, 2013

The Poseidon Target by Jack Canon

Nick Carter's Bloody Bid For a High-Tech Treasure

Killmaster #232



Renegade scientists have developed an all-seeing sub detector. And suddenly the delicate balance of world military power is up for grabs. Torn in a deadly power play of cross and double-cross, the two inventors first turn on their countries, and then each other. Ansel Moultron, an engineering madman, has the device. And Pletov, a gifted scientist with a taste for money and power, wants it. Either way, it's up for sale to the highest bidder. Only Nick Carter can prevent an international auction for control of the oceans. He must steal the device, hidden in the heart of Asia's underground empire and guarded by the loyal minions of a Far East crimelord......

Printing History
Written by Jack Canon

Berkley Publishing Group
Jove Books
Published by arrangement with The Conde Nast Publications, Inc.
ISBN 515 09324
December 1987

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Mike Hammer created by Mickey Spillane

Mickey Spillane invented hard-boiled private eye Mike Hammer in 1947 with the book I, The Jury. Several radio, movie, and television series have been based on the Hammer books. The actor most identified with character has been has been Stacy Keach. Keach portrayed Hammer in the CBS series Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer (1984-1987 and 1997-1998).  Darren McGavin earlier portrayed Mike in 1957. Hammer's best friend is Pat Chambers, Captain of Homicide NYPD. And his love for his secretary Velda is only outweighed by his willingness to kill a killer. 

The Novels
  • I, the Jury (1947)
  • My Gun is Quick (1950)
  • Vengeance Is Mine! (1950)
  • One Lonely Night (1951)
  • The Big Kill (1951)
  • Kiss Me, Deadly (1952)
  • The Girl Hunters (1962)
  • The Snake (1964)
  • The Twisted Thing (1966)
  • The Body Lovers (1967)
  • Survival... Zero! (1970)
  • The Killing Man (1989)
  • Black Alley (1997)
  • The Goliath Bone (2008, Mickey Spillane with Max Allan Collins)
  • The Big Bang (2010, Mickey Spillane and Max Allan Collins)
  • Kiss Her Goodbye (2011, Mickey Spillane and Max Allan Collins)
  • Lady, Go Die! (2012, Mickey Spillane and Max Allan Collins)
  • Complex 90 (2013, Mickey Spillane and Max Allan Collins)
  • King of the Weeds (2014, Mickey Spillane and Max Allan Collins)
The Movies
  •  I, the Jury (United Artists, 1953) Biff Elliot as Mike Hammer 
  •  Kiss Me Deadly (United Artists, 1955) Ralph Meeker as Mike Hammer
  • My Gun Is Quick (United Artists, 1957) Robert Bray as Mike Hammer
  • The Girl Hunters (Colorama Features, 1963) Mickey Spillane as Mike Hammer
  • Margin For Murder (TV movie, 1981) Kevin Dobson as Mike Hammer
  • I, the Jury (20th Century Fox, 1982) Armand Assante as Mike Hammer
  • Murder Me, Murder You (1983 TV movie) Stacy Keach as Mike Hammer
  • Come Die With Me (Fox, 1994) Rob Estes as Mike Hammer
  • Mike Hammer: Song Bird (2003) (V) Stacy Keach as Mike Hammer

Radio Series
December 1952 to October 1954
Larry Haines then George Petrie and Ted DeCorsia as Mike Hammer
Jan Miller as Velda

Friday, November 15, 2013

Blonde Bad and Beautiful (Revised) by Carter Brown

She wanted that underwater million dollars.
So did a corpse.


The guy had just made Andy Kane a proposition worth one million dollars when he dropped dead at Andy's feet. The proposition? Skin dive for a million dollars planted in Kwan-Po Bay. Funny thing, though, a dame had made that proposition two hours before. Now the way Andy figured it, a woman is a question mark but a cadaver is definitely a full stop. So the dame and Andy found a partnership. But that was where the Brothers of the Golden Lily took a hand and Andy guessed they were all brothers under the skin. But Andy drew the line at a brother who wanted to carve his initials on his backbone the hard way. Starting stomach-wise and working through.....


Printing History
Written by Alan G Yates (1923-1985)
  
Horwitz Publications Inc.
Numbered Series #47 (September 1957)
Reprinted By Demand Series #21 (July 1960)

as The Hong Kong Caper



Horwitz Publications Inc.
International Edition Series #24 (October 1962)
International Edition Series #71 (1971)

Robert McGinnis Cover

New American Library
Signet Books
#2180 (September 1962)
#2180 (September 1962)  Canada
#3151 (1968)


as Hot Blonde From Hong Kong
For Men Only Magazine
June 1965

This title was originally posted on
Blond, Bad, And Beautiful December 2010
For Men Only March 2011
Hong Kong Caper March 2012

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Time To Time by Donald Pendleton

Ashton Ford #6


It started in Hollywood, but soon became the story more astounding than the most incredible movie scenario. Ashton Ford's assignment seemed at first uninviting, even mundane. The tennis playing husband of an aging, though still beautiful, star needed some help with his wife's "unnatural compulsions and obsessions with UFO's and the occult." The lovely actress was convinced that someone, somewhere in space was calling her. At first skeptical, Ashton was to find that everything she believed was true. Because soon the unseen beings in contact with one earthly woman would make themselves know to him in the most surprising ways. Creating an encounter of the closest  kind the earth has known in years. And taking Ashton on an awe inspiring journey through the farthest reaches of both time and space.

Printing History
Written by Don Pendleton (1927-1995)

Warner Books, Inc
Popular Library
ISBN 445 20260 (USA)
March 1988
ISBN 445 20261 (Canada)
March 1988

Monday, November 11, 2013

Veterans Day 2013

Today is Veterans Day


Exactly 95 years today was the end of  The Great War (WWI).  It marked the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I, which took effect at eleven o'clock in the morning, the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918. In the U.S., the function of Veterans Day is subtly different from that of other 11 November holidays (example...Remembrance Day in Canada). Unlike the situation in other countries, where that calendar date is set aside specifically for honoring those who died in action, Veterans Day honors all American veterans, whether living, dead in action, or deceased from other causes. The official national remembrance of war dead is instead Memorial Day, originally called 'Decoration Day', from the practice of decorating the graves of soldiers, which originated in the years immediately following the American Civil War. 

Sunday, November 10, 2013

2014 USA Fiction Challenge: Arizona

The dead women was an artist recently arrived from Washington State, cruelly cut down in the early stages of a very promising career. Now all that remains of Rochelle Baxter lies on a cold slab in the Cochise County morgue, and Sheriff Joanna Brady knows that murder has once again infected her small desert community. But there is more to this homicide than initially meets the eye, and more to the victim, who dies while supposedly under the conscientious protection of the government.
 
Jerry Bauer Cover
A big-city legal establishment has no faith in the abilities of a small town sheriff, let alone a female sheriff. Instructed to swallow her indignation, Joanna awaits the arrival of the "help" Washington's attorney general is sending her. The newest member of the state's Special Homicide Investigation team, a man named Beaumont. Bisbee, Arizona is the last place J.P. Beaumont wants to be. The ghosts of a painful past are too numerous there, and his reluctant "partner" Sheriff Brady, resents his intrusion and cannot help but make her feelings known. But the road they are forced to travel together is taking some unexpected turns, running two dedicated servants of the law headfirst into the impenetrable stone walls of a shocking conspiracy of silence. For Brady and Beaumont's hunt is disturbing a very deadly nest of rattlers, and suddenly trust is the only option they have. On their own in the Arizona desert, they know death can be cold and quick. And nobody is watching their backs here, they'll have to watch each other's.



Printing History
Written by Judith Ann Jance (1944-)

Harper Collins Publishers, Inc
William Morrow
ISBN 385 97730
August 2002

Note
This title was originally posted on 11/11/2012

Friday, November 8, 2013

Night Of the Condor

Agent N3 unravels a bizarre conspiracy of blood and corruption

Killmaster #231

George Gross Cover
High in the Peruvian Andes, an earthquake uncovers the wreckage of a plane that crashed twenty years before. Amid the rubble are the remains of a legendary superspy. The evidence makes it murder, and the job for Nick Carter "Killmaster." The trail out of the past is still hot. it begins with a ripe and willing Brazilian show-girl with mob connections, then leads through an ever increasing body count to a left-wing death squad and straight into the U.S. Embassy. 

Printing History

Berkley Publishing Group
Jove Books
Published by arrangement with The Conde Nast Publications, Inc.
ISBN 515 09255
November 1987

     

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Where The Action Is by Glenn Chase

A criminal genius with occult powers putting the Vegas casinos out of business...
Cherry had to stop him!


Cherry Checks It Out
Cherry Delight works for a secret U.S. agency called D.U.E., which stands of Department of Unusual Events. If anything strange happening in any part of the world, a  sea monster off Samoa, a haunted castle in Scotland, D.U.E. checks it out. The really tough cases they give to Cherry, who is the best and best looking agent around. She knows karate and kung fu and can kill you with a kick. Don't mess with this lady unless she invites you. if she does you will find Cherry delightful.

 Printing History
written by Leonard Levinson (1935-)

All New Cherry Delight #3
Nordon Publications, Inc
Leisure Books
LB495DK (1977)

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Son Of A Witch by Troy Conway

Coxeman #26

Adventurer Rod Damon
The Coxeman
Offers a special broomstick to a very sexy witch


Adventurer Rod Damon has been called a lot of things. But Son of a witch was never one of them. Now, however, his undercover activities take him to a witches' convention in England, there to compete for the title of World Warlock. Someone is leaking N.A.T.O. secrets to the other side. Several of the suspects dabble in black magic, and Rod joins their fun and games. He performs so well at the witch's orgies that climax each Black Mass that he becomes a very firm contender for World Warlock. But before the Coxeman can claim his title, he's lured into a deadly trap. Stripped naked, big Rod is surrounded by three voluptuous and equally nude lovelies. Their orders were to kill him with kindness!

The Coxeman has got himself into it. Can he get out alive?

Printing History
Written by Michael Avallone (1924-1999)

copyright 1971
Coronet Communications, Inc

Paperback Library
64-548
First Printing March 1971