From grandmaster of noir James Sallis, author of the cult classic Drive, a breathtaking and poignant small town detective procedural—and examination of human nature
When an old friend from his days on the police force makes a plea for him to come and help with what seems a murder case, jazz guitarist Bishop steps back into a former life. Two major problems, though. The job’s in the town where he grew up, to which he vowed never to return. And his friend disappears, leaving Bishop with responsibilities he never anticipated or wanted. Not to mention a couple more murders.
Bishop slips into his old role as easily as into well-worn, comfortable old clothes. Getting his bearings in the town’s close society and among his own memories is a different matter. This breathtaking novel from grandmaster of noir James Sallis, author of Drive, is both a resonant detective procedural and a deep examination of human nature.
James Sallis is the author of eighteen other novels, including Drive, which was made into a now-iconic film, as well as the short story collection Bright Segments. He is a recipient of the Hammett Prize for literary excellence in crime fiction, the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, the Deutsche Krimipreis, and the Brigada 21 in Spain. His biography of Chester Himes was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, and he has been shortlisted for the Anthony, Nebula, Edgar, Shamus, and Gold Dagger Awards.
“Unlike those pretenders who play in dark alleys and think they’re tough, James Sallis writes from an authentic noir sensibility, a state of mind that hovers between amoral indifference and profound existential despair.” —The New York Times
“The power of simplicity and the musical ring of truth as only Sallis can deliver it—as he has done bravely, consistently, for the last few decades.” —Los Angeles Times
“Sallis's treatment is minimalist, stylish, and all the more evocative for it. Essential noir existentialism.” —The Guardian
“Then there’s James Sallis—he’s right up there, one of the best. It is quite possible that speaking of Jim Sallis in the same tone as Poe and Dostoevsky is not overblowing on my part.” —Harlan Ellison
From grandmaster of noir James Sallis, author of the cult classic Drive, a breathtaking and poignant small town detective procedural—and examination of human nature
When an old friend from his days on the police force makes a plea for him to come and help with what seems a murder case, jazz guitarist Bishop steps back into a former life. Two major problems, though. The job’s in the town where he grew up, to which he vowed never to return. And his friend disappears, leaving Bishop with responsibilities he never anticipated or wanted. Not to mention a couple more murders.
Bishop slips into his old role as easily as into well-worn, comfortable old clothes. Getting his bearings in the town’s close society and among his own memories is a different matter. This breathtaking novel from grandmaster of noir James Sallis, author of Drive, is both a resonant detective procedural and a deep examination of human nature.
Creators
James Sallis is the author of eighteen other novels, including Drive, which was made into a now-iconic film, as well as the short story collection Bright Segments. He is a recipient of the Hammett Prize for literary excellence in crime fiction, the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, the Deutsche Krimipreis, and the Brigada 21 in Spain. His biography of Chester Himes was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, and he has been shortlisted for the Anthony, Nebula, Edgar, Shamus, and Gold Dagger Awards.
“Unlike those pretenders who play in dark alleys and think they’re tough, James Sallis writes from an authentic noir sensibility, a state of mind that hovers between amoral indifference and profound existential despair.” —The New York Times
“The power of simplicity and the musical ring of truth as only Sallis can deliver it—as he has done bravely, consistently, for the last few decades.” —Los Angeles Times
“Sallis's treatment is minimalist, stylish, and all the more evocative for it. Essential noir existentialism.” —The Guardian
“Then there’s James Sallis—he’s right up there, one of the best. It is quite possible that speaking of Jim Sallis in the same tone as Poe and Dostoevsky is not overblowing on my part.” —Harlan Ellison
