The Last Good Kiss

Book Description

An unforgettable detective story starring C.W. Sughrue, a Montana investigator who kills time by working at a topless bar.

Customer Reviews:

A Contemporary Private Eye Novel?.......2007-05-22

James Crumley's THE LAST GOOD KISS came to me as the last good recommendation from the last good online superstore (aka Amazon), and it was quite a surprise: a crackling yarn full of pomp and circumstance with enough metaphors to choke the last good Pulitzer Prize winning poet. C.W. Sughrue -- a Montana investigator who specializes in repo work -- is hired to track down a 'sometimes' author who takes more to road trips and drinking binges than he does putting pen to paper. This doesn't take long, but, while hot on the author's trail, Sughrue picks up yet another missing persons case -- he agrees to check into the whereabouts of Betty Sue Flowers, a young woman who disappeared ten years previous.

As a fan of private eye novels, I've read more than my share. Many of the books I've read generally require a dollop of sugar somewhere in the first few chapters, and Crumley's KISS is no different. There's always something that doesn't quite fit -- moments where the case seems too contrived OR the characters behave in a manner unconvincing -- and this shamus has a strong moment of disbelief: while Sughrue prefers to avoid missing persons cases, he's taken two inside of the first 40 pages. In the hands of a writer with lesser skills, this disconnect alone may've caused KISS to spin wildly off track. Thankfully, as is the case in any good ... well ... erm ... case, everything is not what it seems, and, before this is over, Sughrue connects the dots in a fashion that may've been hinted at to the reader but still comes as a stark conclusion in the sleazy world of double-crosses and double-dares.

Crumley's prose is a far cry from, say, Mickey Spillane's; there appears a strong tendency to lay the adjectives and descriptions on pretty thick. As a consequence, KISS comes off less as a pure PI novel and times and more of a hybrid -- a cross between vivid prose style poetry and the dime-store novel. That isn't to say that it's a disadvantage here; it's only to say that the novel could've easily been trimmed ten to twenty pages and retained its own intrinsic poetry. It's a matter of taste; as a fan of PI novels, I found it occasionally distracting. Also, there's a sequence that appears written far more cinematically (Sughrue and friends banding together to go after the villains who've absconded Betty Sue Flowers for another foray into the world of illicit pornography) than it does with the trappings of traditional detective fiction; some of the dialogue feels fashioned more for 1980's TV show "The A Team" than it does for thugs and private dicks. But that's a minor squabble for an otherwise effective yarn.

KISS doesn't end where you think it may. As a matter of fact, the story changes direction slightly but significantly enough that it's noticeable but not a distraction. That's a strength of the work of Crumley. As I've already said, a lesser scribe couldn't have delivered here this tale of love and an unusually form of redemption, of woe and self-righteousness, of death and forgiveness.

Overrated stoner noir.......2006-05-14

This is the heir of Raymond Chandler? Please. The book goes like this: Hillbilly PI is sent out to find a bearded, macho writer (a Hemingway stand-in). He finds him drinking beer with a bulldog (the novel's single instance of invention). The two of them then decide to quest after a girl ten years gone. On the way, they drink (wow!) and do drugs (while drinking? cutting edge!) and admire the thighs of blue-collar women. This book completely lacks the romance, humor, and stylistic brilliance of Chandler, as well as the narrative rewards of lesser hardboiled novels. Skip it.

Hunter Thompson as a private investigator.......2005-09-28

After I read interviews with two of my favorite crime fiction authors (Dennis Lehane and Michael Connelly) who both said that this book was excellent hardboiled crime fiction and a major influence on their work, I had to find a copy and read for myself. It's quirky and unusual, and it's not your stereotypical hardboiled crime ripoff by an author trying to copy Raymond Chandler, but I didn't impress me that much.

Maybe if I had never read Hunter Thompson, the godfather of gonzo journalism, I would have been more impressed. But after reading this, what I was left with was the feeling that Crumley had taken Hunter Thompson's style and bizarro characters and plugged them into a crime novel. Interesting, but not as groundbreaking as I was expecting after hearing Lehane and Connelly rave about this guy.

One Crumley novel was OK, but I have no compulsion to seek out more.

Okay book .......2005-07-28

The Last Good Kiss started strong but as it progressed there came a point where the characters were going in circles. I did not know if the characters ever get out of a loop of drinking binges and temper tantrums, and personal woes involving the PI, the fictional author and his ex-wife, current wife, and mother. Luckily this cycle ended and the book ended just as strong as it began.

OK.......2005-07-10

Northern California post-hippie detective noir (is that a genre?). The main character's a dard-drinking Vietnam vet private detective who's been hired to track down a hard-drinking World War II vet who happens to write pulp novels and Nobel Prize winning poetry - on the 15 days of the year he manages to stay sober. He locates his prey on page one, dead drunk in a bar near Oakland. Alas, they become fast friends while our hero is
investigating a second case. A beautiful, talented teenager went missing 12 years ago and her momma wants to find her. They hunt far and wide, finally turning up a death certificate. The poet has a young wife, an ex-wife and a mother (also a novelist) who all live on his estate in Montana. Some rough stuff happens. Even more drinking and cursing and whoring happens. And we are brought to our, er, conclusion. A happy little book, which, like its hero, succeeds in spite of it not caring what you may think of it.

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The Last Good Kiss
Janice Pinnock
Manufacturer: Strebor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1593090552

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The Last Good Kiss
James Crumley
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MUCDLM

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The Last Good Kiss
Lynne Shrum
Manufacturer: Main Street Rag
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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the last good kiss
crumley
Manufacturer: vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000V8XTP4

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the last good kiss
wambaugh
Manufacturer: morrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000V91J9Q

The Last Good Kiss (First Japanese Edition)

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The Last Good Kiss (First Japanese Edition)
James Crumley
Manufacturer: Hayawaka Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000Q74UTE

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The Last Good Kiss A Novel
James Crumley
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NDOUEQ

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A stunning debut novel

Tamara Jones: The Last Good Kiss
Janice Pinnock
Manufacturer: Blue/Black Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0965282759

Book Description

Tamara Jones is in her twenties and leading a hectic life. A college graduate, full of promise and determination as she lives with plenty of goals, ambition and independence in New York City. She knows her man is fine and Tamara, does whatever necessary to keep him happy. Her job is demanding as she struggles up the corporate ladder in a position that she absolutely loves.

There is no stronger love than the love Tamara feels for her mother. For as long as Tamara, can remember she's felt the need to take care of her mother ever since they experienced the ultimate betrayal together.

Tamara friends are plentiful and each one means the world to her even though they have a tendency to pull at her from every direction, for any crisis that may come their way. Eight wild and loving companions, full of drama and relationship issues that keep them all forever bonded. The advice they give to each other- no matter how good or bad, on how to handle their drama filled situations give a new meaning to sex in the city.

Tyrone, Tamara's great looking, well dressed, highly paid, boyfriend cannot get enough of the love of his life. He is deeply in love with Tamara, and goes to great lengths to show her that much. He showers her with lavish gifts, trips and tons of emotional support that would make any woman fall right at his feet. But for all that Tyrone does, he begins to get the feeling that his good will and gestures are not getting through at a time when their relationship can only go to one higher level. The reason he doesn't know, but when he finds out- Tamara, must take what he sees at face value and face the facts then deal with them.

Customer Reviews:

A stunning debut novel.......2003-10-20

Janice Pinnock's first novel is a winner, combining intelligence, honesty and a great story.
The characters are truly believable and you warm to them as if you've known them for years.
The story of the book is pacy and very readable.
I'd highly recommend The Last Good Kiss as a fantastic, enjoyable read.

James Crumley The Collection (The Wrong Case.The Last Good Kiss.Dancing Bear)

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James Crumley The Collection (The Wrong Case.The Last Good Kiss.Dancing Bear)
James Crumley
Manufacturer: Pan Books Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LZ7L5Q

Book Description

With the disappearance of a young man and his old friend Vicky Holden accused of murder, Father John O'Malley must prove his hunch that both events are connected to a dangerous sect leader known as Orlando-who has resurrected the old Shadow Dance religion.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful addition to a wonderful series!.......2007-07-04

Margaret Coel's Father John O'Malley series is a winner. It's nice mixture of modern-day life with a solid background in Native American history. In this book Ms. Coel highlights shadow dancing which is an ancient Indian custom. A modern-day cult leader has gathered a bunch of young, idealistic natives together to practice this ancient art as well as to prepare for the end of this present world and the beginning of another that will place the Indian at the top of society. But people are killed, and one of them is Vicky's ex-husband Ben Holden. As Vicky tries to clear her name in Ben's murder she uncovers a plot that will destroy the Wind River Reservation. These books are great. The characters are believable, and Father John is one of most real sleuths out there today. I highly recommend this series, but suggest that it should be read in sequence.

Interesting Addition to Series.......2004-09-11

I really enjoy this series of books set on the Wind River Reservation. When I first started this one, though, I was a little disappointed because it sounded like it was just rehashing all the same plot points from previous books - Father John and Vicky pining for each other, Ben Holden demanding that Vicky return to their marriage, a new assistant for Father John, and his superior's threatening Father John with the closing of the mission.

However, as soon as the stage was set with these events, things irrevocably changed. I found this mystery very intriguing and am anxious to see where the author takes things from here.

Multi-layered plot.......2004-01-06

This is one of the best books in an excellent series. Margaret Coel spins a multi-layered plot which begins when Arapaho attorney Vicky Holden returns to her home at the Wind River Reservation after going to Denver to try to sort out her relationship with the reservation's priest, Father John. Her ex-husband, Ben, talks her into meeting him for lunch but their conversation ends in a bitter argument. When Ben is found dead, Vicky becomes a major suspect. Meanwhile Father John is dealing with the disappearance of a young Indian named Dean Little Horse and an Indian cult whose shadow dancers are twisting some of the early Arapaho religious practices. Added to this, Vicky is working on water rights for the Indians and Father John is battling his superiors who want to close the mission where he is the priest. Mix these elements together and you have an enjoyable reading experience with well-drawn characters and the beautiful Wyoming reservation as a background.

I love reading about the Wind River Reservation.......2003-09-15

Margaret Coel has a rich sense of place and describes the Arapaho/Shoshone reservation so well you can imagine you've been there many times -- and it is for this and her description of reservation life that I read her books so eagerly.

This was a pretty good mystery, involving Jesuit priest/detective John O'Malley and his Arapaho lawyer friend Vicki Holden. Vicki's ex-husband is found shot to death, and since they had just had a very public fight in a restaurant (and they are well known to have had a very difficult marriage), she is the obvious suspect. Even her own children suspect her. She must find the real killer or killers to avoid getting charged (and probably convicted) of this murder. Her only lead is a fight her ex told her about at dinner -- with two Lakota Indians who had been working for him. She must find them and discover what the fight was about, since they are obvious suspects. She believes they are hiding out at a ranch that holds an apocalyptic cult, but the cult is very secretive and locating these two men proves difficult and dangerous. John O'Malley gets involved, trying to keep Vicki from harm. He is also looking for someone -- an Arapaho man who has disappeared. Of course there is a connection between the death of ex-husband Ben Holden and the disappearance of this other man, but that connection is only uncovered late in the story.

My only complaint -- and I think Coel is figuring out this can't continue -- is the pointlessness of Vicki and John pining quietly for each other, knowing that nothing but a friendship can result. The "romance" between the two is an annoyance. I keep wanting to tell VIcki to find someone who is actually available (unlike this priest). This book suggests that Coel may be moving in that direction.

absorbing and interesting mystery.......2002-09-08

It has been four months since lawyer Vicky Holden left her high-powered job in a high profile legal firm to return home to the Wind River Reservation. She finally agrees to face her abusive ex-husband Ben at a local restaurant but they aren't together a few minutes before he loses his temper, makes a scene, and walks out.

A mortified Vicky departs from her public humiliation not long after the incident occurred only to later learn that Ben was murdered. The local FBI agent knows that Vicki had motive and opportunity, but no alibi. The gun is wiped clear of finger points except for a clear one that belongs to Vicki. Unless Vickie can find the real killer, she will be indicted for premeditated murder.

Margaret Coel has written an absorbing and interesting mystery that gives readers a glimpse into the modern day west. The protagonist is a feisty determined woman and her friend catholic priest Father O' Malley is her mirror image. Together this unlikely pair gets in and out of trouble so many times it feels as if they are stars in a Wild West epic.

Product Description

Shadow of Defeat is Elfi's sequel to her acclaimed Dancing to War, about growing up in Nazi Germany during WWII.

Average customer rating:

Enough with the Scottish brogue already
Reprint: It is a debut book
Just Too Dull
Parts were okay, but was SO boring
Great read!

Shadow Dance
Susan Andersen
Manufacturer: Wheeler Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literature & Fiction | Large Print | Formats | Books
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ASIN: 1587243822

Book Description

A New York Times Bestseller

Most men who see Amanda Charles dance worship her from afar. But one "admirer" is getting too close to the glamorous showgirl . . . perilously close. The looks, style, and grace that make Amanda sparkle on stage have now made her something else: the target of a serial killer.

Detective Tristan MacLaughlin has drawn the case that is pulling him deep into a world of pageantry and dazzle -- and closer to the stunning, violet-eyed beauty who keeps her secrets and emotions locked tightly inside. Tristan never thought he'd be bewitched by Amanda's charms, never thought he'd care. And he never imagined that by wanting her, by trying to protect her, he'd place her in the gravest danger of all.

Customer Reviews:

Enough with the Scottish brogue already.......2007-03-22

Amanda is a "classy" Reno showgirl who has been targeted by the "Showgirl Slayer" who has already killed several area showgirls. Tristan MacLaughlin - a Scottish transplant to Seattle is sent to Reno to head a task force to find the killer, and although they constantly clash, he eventually has eyes for Amanda, despite his misgivings about her career choice. Will he find the killer in time to save the lass he has come to love?

One of Andersen's earlier romantic suspense novels, it is actually not that great. It took forever for the romance to emerge, and frankly the character of Tristan and his Scottish brogue are so annoying that he grates on your nerves. It was a chore to finish this story. Her later comic romances are so much better, but she does have a cache of great romantic suspense novels (such as "Obsession"), this just isn't one of them.

Reprint: It is a debut book.......2005-06-27

I loved this early book of Ms Andersen. I was not disappointed. Amanda and Tristan were opposite characters but made for each other, both were interesting. Amanda was a gorgeous dancer, beautiful and fascinating, Tristan was not the same old hero.
I gave it four stars because I like my suspenses fast. I think the story line is a little bit slow paced yet terrific. There were some steriotype sections in this book which were drawbacks, however I like Ms Andersen's work and I'll keep reading her books.

Just Too Dull.......2005-05-06

I liked the fact that romance was blended with mystery, or "thriller" as this book was classified, and that part was fine, but honestly, I struggled to finish this book, it was that dull. And with the way Tristan was described, I could never get a handle on who this guy was or what he was supposed to look like. I never got the feeling he was anything more than an old beef-cake with little brain. I just couldn't picture him as a handsome guy with a nice body. In my opinion, the author failed to convey this to the reader.

Parts were okay, but was SO boring.......2005-05-06

There were so many boring sections in this book I almost put it down, but the few interesting scenes kept me from doing so. It had a lot of potential and I thought Amanda was a great girl, very lovely and sweet, but Tristan was a different story. I found it hard to get to know this guy.

Great read!.......2003-10-12

This was a great read from start to finish! I enjoy this authors work and this story developed great. The characters are strong, the plot moves swiftly and there is just the right amount of sizzle to make you wish for your very own "body guard".

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Shadow Dancer

The Shadow Dancers (G.O.D. Inc., No. 2)
Jack L. Chalker
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0812520734

Customer Reviews:

Shadow Dancer.......2000-02-14

I loved the G.O.D. Series. This is mostly a detective novel, but with Chalker own spin on characters and some out of this world ideas. I owed the book since it was first published, and wishing he would do more of this series. Once you picked it up, you can put it down. I highly recommend you to look into used book store. If you are a Chalker fan, you should not miss this series.

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Sunlight on Shadows
Lacey Dancer
Manufacturer: Meteor Publishing Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1878702483

7 Kismet Titles by Dancer - Baby Makes Five - Diamond On Ice - Forever Joy - Flight of the Swan - Lightning Strikes Twice - Sunlight on Shadows - 13 Days of Luck

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7 Kismet Titles by Dancer - Baby Makes Five - Diamond On Ice - Forever Joy - Flight of the Swan - Lightning Strikes Twice - Sunlight on Shadows - 13 Days of Luck
Lacey Dancer
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000T9Y09E

Product Description

Multiple books shipped as one item for your convenience. Save on Shipping/Handling charges.

Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life: With Shadow Dancers Print

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Simply a masterpiece about a master artist!
Disappointing Printing Job
basicly, the best book ever

Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life: With Shadow Dancers Print
Charley Harper
Manufacturer: Ammo Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0978607627

Book Description

The definitive monograph of artist Charley Harpers work, lovingly edited by Todd Oldham. Signed by Charley Harper and Todd Oldham. 250 copies available world-wide.

Customer Reviews:

Simply a masterpiece about a master artist!.......2007-09-26

I need help. I cannot stop looking at this book. I have other things to do today but none more inspirational than looking through this beautiful thing. Charley Harper had so many styles and such a joyful way to look at the world that his work can't help but bring a smile to your face. His sense of design, color and composition are remarkable.

As for the book, it is a work of art unto itself. It's huge. It has a slipcase. It has it's own customized box. It beautifully printed. It is designed and noted by Todd Oldham who has taken obvious pleasure in bringing Charley Harper's work to a wider audience.

My recommendation, buy two. One for you and one to give away to your favorite creative person. Now let me get back to obsessing about Charley Harper!

Disappointing Printing Job.......2007-09-11

Fans of Charley Harper will be thrilled by the breadth of this book, which produces images from his early illustration work as well as dozens and dozens of his beloved art prints. Todd Oldham did an outstanding job choosing and laying out the art work, which truly give a great overview of Charley's life and work.

HOWEVER. The book is printed on thick paper with a matte finish, and the result is disappointing for anyone who has seen the real pieces. The colors are muddy and dull, not at all like the bright colors Charley used, and the images lack the crisp lines that are the hallmark of serigraph prints. Glossy paper helps keep the colors bright and the lines sharp. This book has a hefty weight and a luxurious feel, but the images suffer substantially.

I hope that Todd Oldham and the printers will consider a second printing on glossy paper. Buy this book if you want to spend $200-$400 for a comprehensive look at Charley Harper's amazing work. But if you really want to enjoy his style, spend $50 for the smaller selection in "Beguiled by the Wild."

basicly, the best book ever.......2007-09-03

long overdue coffee table quality book about obscure but highly influencial mid-century illustrator Charles Harper.
everyone from Shag, Tim Biskup, Geoff McFetridge to Ren & Stimpy and Todd Oldham owes this guy. it's not just that he can paint like a mo' fo'--it's his unique ability to distill the complexities of nature and animals into their most poetic and graphic form. his best work shown much larger than they were originally printed. the only drag is that most of it has been reproduced from previously printed pieces (I'm assuming the original paintings are long lost), but the fine printing and great editing make up for it. pricey but essential.

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Dancer In Shadows
Linda Wisdom
Manufacturer: silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 037357049X

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Dancing In The Shadows
Anne Saunders
Manufacturer: Thorndike Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literature & Fiction | Large Print | Formats | Books
ASIN: 0786274255

Book Description

All her life, it seemed, Dorcas had danced in the shadow of a more dominant personality. Now that her dancing career had come to an untimely end, she hated the thought of being beholden to Carlos Ruiz, who was half English, half Spanish, and wholly charming. He said he wanted to protect her, but protection is often another word for domination.

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