Allow Me To Introduce You to Jimmy Plush

I'm not sure what it is about hardboiled mysteries that captures my attention so much.  In the nineties I had a lust for the potboilers Michael Connelly was peddling (big Harry Bosch fan).  I always harbor a soft spot for Raymond Chandler, Elmore Leonard, Dashiell Hammet, and Mickey Spillane.  I've always found myself in love with Max Allan Collins' Nate Heller.  And, the oddball thing is that I know how all those books are going to turn out.  The good guys win, the bad guys lose, there are obligatory twists and turns, and the style...well, it's solid.  I want to introduce you to a new kid on the block - Garrett Cook.





Jimmy Plush, Teddy Bear Detective isn't just good; it deserves your money.  At 8.95, this should be added to any Amazon order today.  It's got a kitschy little title that may make you titter with glee and may harken to YA books that are out there today.  Outside of that title, though, this is a solid piece of fiction that warrants attention.

I've read Garrett Cook before.  I'm not as big a fan of Murderland, but I adore the meta fiction Archelon Ranch.  I've been salivating this one for more than two years.  The concept of it, the teaser origin story in the Magazine of Bizarro Fiction have all worked to create sort of a cult dedicated to the foul-mouthed teddy bear.  And I'm all too excited to recommend it.

This is probably the best thing that Cook has published.  Again, title aside, author Garrett Cook has seemlessly captured the voice and style of the genre (you've got touches of noir that sound so real, so authentic) and then turned it on its ear.  If you've found this genre lacking, give it a try.  What works here is that you're looking at the black-and-white world through a jaundiced eye: furries, twisted scenarios, conversations with horses, and, of course, the titular character.  And, just when you think the genre dictates you should zig, Cook zags and keeps the suspense going.

It's a fast read that is sure to leave you begging for more.  And, I feel that Cook's already stewing a continuation of this world.  I hope so, 'cause it's a world I want to revisit again, and again, and again.