tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12957770.post2947321071895239903..comments2023-11-02T09:11:50.194-04:00Comments on The Crime Time Cafe: The Greatest Mystery Short Story Writer EverStevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511395415516451829noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12957770.post-40526356958846741082008-07-31T15:42:00.000-04:002008-07-31T15:42:00.000-04:00I don’t know about mystery short story writers, bu...I don’t know about mystery short story writers, but I do know a phenomenal mystery book writer you can add to your list. If you enjoy a good mystery, I suggest my most current read: a fast-paced, suspense-filled thriller called “The Hidden Man: A Novel of Suspense” by Anthony Flacco. I first got hooked on his debut historical fiction book “The Last Nightingale,” and now I’m finishing up the companion to it “The Hidden Man.” I’m a really picky reader, but this guy is just amazing. I find that a lot of books in the mystery/thriller genre nowadays lack the key elements that make up a good read. For example, what happened to all the humor, edginess, and multi-dimensional characters? Perhaps we have a similar opinion on this, since I love good stories with characters I care about as well.<BR/><BR/>“The Hidden Man” takes readers back to 1915 San Francisco reborn after the Great Earthquake and Fire. Particularly, I love the complex, flawed characters that make the book shine like a jewel. James Duncan is a famed mesmerist at the pinnacle of his career in the upcoming World’s Fair, and he must work together with equally fascinating Detective Blackburn and Blackburn’s young protégé Shane Nightingale when a fanatic stalker sets out to destroy him. My favorite character is Vignette Nightingale though, who reminds me of a female version of Huckleberry Finn; she’s definitely a character you don’t see often in mystery books these days. I find it more interesting because they must solve a murder that hasn’t even happened yet, based purely on what only the terrified (almost obsessed) intended victim can see. If you like a compelling story and complex characters, this is a book for you. You can check out the reviews and book trailer on his website: AnthonyFlacco.com. Give it a try!<BR/><BR/>Once I finish this book, I must check out one of your books. I’ve heard great things about you.Jaineyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05476299080905400434noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12957770.post-16193174617798749312008-06-07T14:06:00.000-04:002008-06-07T14:06:00.000-04:00In terms of folks currently active in the field, I...In terms of folks currently active in the field, I'd agree with everyone you listed. (Though I'll withhold judgment on myself -- that's not for me to decide!) I'd also add James Powell, Lawrence Block, Kristine Kathryn Rusch and Joyce Carol Oates. Oh, and that Torres guy's pretty darned good, too. <BR/><BR/>Looking back further, I don't feel nearly well-read enough to judge, though I suppose Conan Doyle, Cornell Woolrich, Hammett and Chandler would all have to be up toward the top. <BR/><BR/>All I really know for sure is this guy *shouldn't* be on the list:<BR/><BR/>http://home.williampoundstone.net/Keeler/Home.html<BR/><BR/>-SteveSteve Hockensmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00842992703764341722noreply@blogger.com