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Elliot Blake #1
The Winkler Case
The Winkler Case is a gay reimagining of the classic noir novel, Double Indemnity.
When insurance salesman Elliot Blake meets a handsome boxer at the home of promoter Walt Winkler, he begins to learn the truth about the boxer's bargain with the promoter, and about his own desires.
Suspenseful and colorfully narrated, The Winkler Case explores the predicaments of two gay men in Chicago in 1948, and the hidden desires that lead to murder.
Playing on the premise of James M Cain's novel, Double Indemnity, The Winkler Case pushes Cain's vision of obsessive desire in a new and unexpected direction.
Please note: The Winkler Case is not a romance. There is no HEA or HFN ending.
When insurance salesman Elliot Blake meets a handsome boxer at the home of promoter Walt Winkler, he begins to learn the truth about the boxer's bargain with the promoter, and about his own desires.
Suspenseful and colorfully narrated, The Winkler Case explores the predicaments of two gay men in Chicago in 1948, and the hidden desires that lead to murder.
Playing on the premise of James M Cain's novel, Double Indemnity, The Winkler Case pushes Cain's vision of obsessive desire in a new and unexpected direction.
Please note: The Winkler Case is not a romance. There is no HEA or HFN ending.
280 pages, ebook
First published May 5, 2015
About the author
David Greene
10 books40 followersAuthor of Unmentionables Book Series, Detonate, and The Elliot Blake Novels and photographer of Shameless.
Spouse of painter James Stephens.
Spouse of painter James Stephens.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 21, 2022
3.5 stars. Never seen the movie/or book it's based out of but sounded very intriguing with a gay noir kind of story. The audiobook was well narrated and easy to listen to and was a overall good story to consume. Although I wasn't quite as in love with this first book as I had hoped I think I'll continue with the next one and try to do it soon so it won't get into my gigantic "graveyard" pile of books that I need to continue with
February 4, 2020
Having not seen 'Double Indemnity' I cannot draw the alluded similarities as touted by the advertising blurb. The plot moves steadily towards the denouement of the killer ... as readers get to meet a host of unlikeable secondary characters / suspects through their interactions with our investigating MC - Elliot Blake. I have to say I was suspicious/leery of the real intentions of the sexy boxer (warning bells in fact) ... but I was really surprised by the final reveal of the killer (this is where I believe not having seen the aforementioned film helps I suppose) - just did not see that coming! Having said that ... the ending just seemed severely truncated/chopped off to me and left me not quite satisfied with where our MC ended up - too many loose ends left hanging since I do prefer HFN endings even if not HEA ones.
March 16, 2021
The Winkler Case will put a wrinkle in your theories as the plot continues to unfold. They story will invite you, intice you and amp up your critical thinking skills; just to brazenly wink at you.
The Winkler case definitely had a Noir Detective vibe and makes you root for the protagonist. The play off of the movie Double Idemnity was genious as the story still functioned from its own authenticity. The ending was one of my theories, but it had an unexpected zinger at the end.
A second novel would be great to see what happens to Elliot.
The Winkler case definitely had a Noir Detective vibe and makes you root for the protagonist. The play off of the movie Double Idemnity was genious as the story still functioned from its own authenticity. The ending was one of my theories, but it had an unexpected zinger at the end.
A second novel would be great to see what happens to Elliot.
July 1, 2015
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review (via the Members’ Giveaway on Library Thing.)
A great re-imagining of an old classic, the Winkler Case is a fast paced, intriguing murder mystery. I love the fact that the author chose to do a gay retelling as it adds a depth and realism that I appreciate. Though the ending was a tad abrupt, it remains a solid read. Recommended.
A great re-imagining of an old classic, the Winkler Case is a fast paced, intriguing murder mystery. I love the fact that the author chose to do a gay retelling as it adds a depth and realism that I appreciate. Though the ending was a tad abrupt, it remains a solid read. Recommended.
March 16, 2023
SO, SO great 💃💃💃, until the end… 🙄😒🙄‼️
If you are at all in to film noir, have enjoyed the 📚 of James M. Cain and Raymond Chandler and/or studied the 30’s and 40’s 🎞️ of Alfred Hitchcock, then this 📕 is meant for you.
The 📕 is a reimagining of James M. Cain’s “Double Indemnity”, but with a Gay twist (As a Gay man, I have ALWAYS preferred to capitalize the “G” 😢). You still have the insurance salesman, the crafty, curmudgeon of the claims inspector, the wealthy “prospective” murder victim, the femme fatale, or at least varied versions of themselves and not always in the roles you might have expected, plus a “alternate universe” take on the drifter from “The Postman Always Rings Twice” (intended or otherwise).
I don’t want to “spoil” the story other than my questioning the dubious nature of the ending, because this 📕 was spot on, plus it was a hell of a lot ❤️🔥🔥❤️🔥, than any of the 📚 and 🎞️ of that era, though just as sultry and sexy, without any “actual” sex or nudity (at all).
From the first page, every word, scene, description, character and dialogue put forth (for me), all of those wonderful B&W 🎞️ from the mid 1930’s - 1940’s. Except for the “homoerotic” scenes, this 📕 could easily be a story from that era and even better, the clearly M4M seduction scenes are hot AF (without anyone getting naked, copulating, fornicating, etc.), all the while making me “pant” and if you are lucky enough at some point to ALSO 🎧 to Kale Williams narrating the audiobook, he notches it 🆙 ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥‼️
(I’m going to need a minute) 😅😅😅…
The 📕 twists turns in and around, upside down with the original plot of it’s forbearer, keeping closely enough to it so the 📖 knows where they are, but fresh enough that it keeps you guessing, smiling and continually wondering.
At no time was I ever disappointed or feeling ripped off thinking that the story was being copied, because it was consistently twisting it up enough, but keeping me close enough to the original material allowing me to appreciate all of the things that I cherish about that time period, those incredible 🎞️ and 📚.
Only until the end when I was vacillating from being either glad that I had figured at least part of it out, to impressed by the surprising revelations and ultimately “teetering” on whether or not I ‘ve just 📖 another GREAT 📕 that the ✍️ “f’d up” the ending.
I’m gonna err on being 👍 about the 📕, rather than jaded 🙄 and judgmental 😠, when possibly PLENTY of people will not even think about 🤨 “wagging their finger” at the way the ✍️ ties it all together.
At least for this 📖, there was just TOO much 👍 about this 📕, to not be 😃 about and ready to move on to “The Shadow’s Voice” (Elliot Blake Novels Book 2), while putting the 🎧 on 🔁, then 👀 forward to 🎧 to “The Shadow’s Voice” when I’m ✅ as well… 💃💃💃‼️
If you are at all in to film noir, have enjoyed the 📚 of James M. Cain and Raymond Chandler and/or studied the 30’s and 40’s 🎞️ of Alfred Hitchcock, then this 📕 is meant for you.
The 📕 is a reimagining of James M. Cain’s “Double Indemnity”, but with a Gay twist (As a Gay man, I have ALWAYS preferred to capitalize the “G” 😢). You still have the insurance salesman, the crafty, curmudgeon of the claims inspector, the wealthy “prospective” murder victim, the femme fatale, or at least varied versions of themselves and not always in the roles you might have expected, plus a “alternate universe” take on the drifter from “The Postman Always Rings Twice” (intended or otherwise).
I don’t want to “spoil” the story other than my questioning the dubious nature of the ending, because this 📕 was spot on, plus it was a hell of a lot ❤️🔥🔥❤️🔥, than any of the 📚 and 🎞️ of that era, though just as sultry and sexy, without any “actual” sex or nudity (at all).
From the first page, every word, scene, description, character and dialogue put forth (for me), all of those wonderful B&W 🎞️ from the mid 1930’s - 1940’s. Except for the “homoerotic” scenes, this 📕 could easily be a story from that era and even better, the clearly M4M seduction scenes are hot AF (without anyone getting naked, copulating, fornicating, etc.), all the while making me “pant” and if you are lucky enough at some point to ALSO 🎧 to Kale Williams narrating the audiobook, he notches it 🆙 ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥‼️
(I’m going to need a minute) 😅😅😅…
The 📕 twists turns in and around, upside down with the original plot of it’s forbearer, keeping closely enough to it so the 📖 knows where they are, but fresh enough that it keeps you guessing, smiling and continually wondering.
At no time was I ever disappointed or feeling ripped off thinking that the story was being copied, because it was consistently twisting it up enough, but keeping me close enough to the original material allowing me to appreciate all of the things that I cherish about that time period, those incredible 🎞️ and 📚.
Only until the end when I was vacillating from being either glad that I had figured at least part of it out, to impressed by the surprising revelations and ultimately “teetering” on whether or not I ‘ve just 📖 another GREAT 📕 that the ✍️ “f’d up” the ending.
I’m gonna err on being 👍 about the 📕, rather than jaded 🙄 and judgmental 😠, when possibly PLENTY of people will not even think about 🤨 “wagging their finger” at the way the ✍️ ties it all together.
At least for this 📖, there was just TOO much 👍 about this 📕, to not be 😃 about and ready to move on to “The Shadow’s Voice” (Elliot Blake Novels Book 2), while putting the 🎧 on 🔁, then 👀 forward to 🎧 to “The Shadow’s Voice” when I’m ✅ as well… 💃💃💃‼️
June 6, 2024
David Greene’s "The Winkler Case," the first book in the Elliot Blake Novel series, pays a captivating homage to the noir mystery genre. This historical mystery fiction skillfully draws inspiration from James M. Cain’s classic "Double Indemnity," creating a fresh and engaging narrative.
Though I haven’t read Cain's work or seen its on screen adaptations, "The Winkler Case" excels in its own right, mastering elements of surprise and suspense to keep readers guessing until the final page. Narrated from the first-person perspective of Elliot Blake, a thoroughly likable character, the story is an easy read with straightforward dialogue. However, do not mistake its simplicity for a lack of complexity—Greene builds suspense masterfully, engaging readers on an intellectual level.
Addressing some criticisms from other reviewers, it’s important to note that this is not a romance novel. Although there are slow-burning romantic elements between Elliot and amateur boxer Vito, their relationship significantly contributes to the central conflict and character development. While Elliot and Vito are well-crafted, the supporting characters are less intriguing. Nonetheless, they effectively support the larger mystery, providing leads and adding depth to the "whodunit" aspect.
The book does have its setbacks. The central conflict involving Walt Winkler feels underdeveloped, as he plays a minimal role in the story. This lack of interaction with Elliot exposes another issue: the late introduction of crucial characters in the third act, which makes the resolution feel rushed and crowded.
Despite these drawbacks, the audiobook version, narrated by Kale Williams, minimizes these hindrances with his excellent delivery. Overall, "The Winkler Case" is a promising start to the series, and I look forward to continuing Elliot and Vito’s story in future installments.
Though I haven’t read Cain's work or seen its on screen adaptations, "The Winkler Case" excels in its own right, mastering elements of surprise and suspense to keep readers guessing until the final page. Narrated from the first-person perspective of Elliot Blake, a thoroughly likable character, the story is an easy read with straightforward dialogue. However, do not mistake its simplicity for a lack of complexity—Greene builds suspense masterfully, engaging readers on an intellectual level.
Addressing some criticisms from other reviewers, it’s important to note that this is not a romance novel. Although there are slow-burning romantic elements between Elliot and amateur boxer Vito, their relationship significantly contributes to the central conflict and character development. While Elliot and Vito are well-crafted, the supporting characters are less intriguing. Nonetheless, they effectively support the larger mystery, providing leads and adding depth to the "whodunit" aspect.
The book does have its setbacks. The central conflict involving Walt Winkler feels underdeveloped, as he plays a minimal role in the story. This lack of interaction with Elliot exposes another issue: the late introduction of crucial characters in the third act, which makes the resolution feel rushed and crowded.
Despite these drawbacks, the audiobook version, narrated by Kale Williams, minimizes these hindrances with his excellent delivery. Overall, "The Winkler Case" is a promising start to the series, and I look forward to continuing Elliot and Vito’s story in future installments.
July 30, 2024
People expecting this to be a straightforward gay retelling of Double Indemnity are in for a pleasant surprise. The author provides a fresh treatment through the psychologically insightful depiction of the relatable, conflicted viewpoint character, as well as original plot twists and depiction of life as a gay man in 1948. This is well worth a read, whether or not you have read or watched Double Indemnity.
September 16, 2024
I loved this book. Once I began reading it was hard to put down. I had an immediate buy in with the characters. Elliot Blake is not only handsome but witty and intelligent. There were plenty of twists and turns in the plot, but not so many as to destroy the rhythm. I was kept guessing as to who did it.
I did not like the ending. It was such a surprise. However, it was quite plausible.
Historically it felt very accurate. The life of gay men at that time was very dictated. The use of 1940's slang was a bit much.
I cannot wait to buy book two!
I did not like the ending. It was such a surprise. However, it was quite plausible.
Historically it felt very accurate. The life of gay men at that time was very dictated. The use of 1940's slang was a bit much.
I cannot wait to buy book two!
August 16, 2024
This must have been a creating writing assignment. The beginner overloads on the character background. The plot doesn't start until 2/3s through. And then the mystery is resolved off screen in the last ten pages, just like a student rushing to finish an assignment. That said, I like the idea of Elliot Blake as a protagonist. I will read the second book to see how it develops. And I hope insurance investigation gets more interesting -- Elliot's job would bore me to tears.
January 23, 2023
Enjoyable Read
I seldom read gay fiction because it's usually poorly written.
This, however, wasn't the case. It kept me guessing about Winner's death, and it had me for characters I wasn't sure I should be rooting for.
I agree with what the author said: the ending was abrupt - too abrupt.
But I enjoyed it enough that I bought Book 2.
I seldom read gay fiction because it's usually poorly written.
This, however, wasn't the case. It kept me guessing about Winner's death, and it had me for characters I wasn't sure I should be rooting for.
I agree with what the author said: the ending was abrupt - too abrupt.
But I enjoyed it enough that I bought Book 2.
September 15, 2025
I love period M/M mysteries but I rarely react well to clunky attempts to recreate the highly stylized cadence of noir. It is such a specific voice and so hard to nail down correctly. This just grated.
January 13, 2019
Holding out for the sequel!
November 20, 2023
A real twister of a plot……
I read this book in one long read….at first I thought I would just return….but I kept reading it engrossing. Now it is done. I can get to sleep!💤
I read this book in one long read….at first I thought I would just return….but I kept reading it engrossing. Now it is done. I can get to sleep!💤
January 11, 2024
Entertaining book based on the movie Double Indemnity, with a twist at the end
March 27, 2024
This was a well written story including a subtle lgbt plot line which works nicely. I enjoyed it, there were no plot holes, and I would recommend it. Great for a quick weekend read.
January 18, 2025
Great writing
Truly enjoyable read. I loved the story, but separately he had a way of writing that would make me enjoy anything he wrote about.
Truly enjoyable read. I loved the story, but separately he had a way of writing that would make me enjoy anything he wrote about.
June 24, 2025
Garbage
I'm pretty sure this guy just got tired of writing a book about 80% through. It has one of the worst endings I've ever read. I'll never read this author again.
I'm pretty sure this guy just got tired of writing a book about 80% through. It has one of the worst endings I've ever read. I'll never read this author again.
August 7, 2025
Characters lack self-awareness, save one, and you know who she is - the star and she's in like 5 pages!
August 16, 2024
Book 1- The Winkler Case - 6/22/24 - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - The Shadow's Voice - tbl
Book 2 - The Shadow's Voice - tbl
Read
December 4, 2017Interesting rewrite of the Double Indemnity story - quick, easy read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews