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The Old Man’s Place
“Sanford is a supreme master at squeezing the last drop of terror and excitement out of a sordid, savage situation. The story sweeps along with an ugly force that will send sensitive souls in search of smelling salts.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette A trio of vicious World War One veterans descend on the farm in the Adirondack mountains where one of them grew up and his father now lives alone. They embark on happily wreaking drunken havoc at the old man’s place and in the nearby town. But when a naive, mail-order bride arrives, she ignites a tinderbox of resentment, lust, and betrayal among the men that explodes in brutal depravity, bloody violence and shocking death. This hard-boiled, literary masterpiece, back in print for the first time in sixty years, includes a new introduction by Jack Mearns, author of John An Annotated Bibliography Previously published as The Hard Guys and filmed as the 1971 motion picture My Old Man’s Place .
" Sanford's The Old Man's Place is a carefully designed character study bursting with tension and intrigue. I found myself so emotionally invested in these characters and their raw, primal instincts. Nothing short of extraordinary. It's darkly wonderful and honest, well ahead of its time considering the 1935 publication date. Sanford possesses a rare skillset that rivals some of the best noir authors of all-time." Paperback Warrior "A robust tale of violence, lust, treachery and murder" Columbus Dispatch "A good, exciting story told with menacing simplicity." Baltimore Sun "A first-rate piece of swift-moving and dramatic story-telling in restrained and effective modern American prose." New York Times
"Sanford, not to be confused with contemporary thriller writer John Sandford, was a writer of hard edged noirs that bristle with tension and the threat of violence, when that is unleashed it’s brutal and shocking. A stark portrait of humanity at its lowest ebb and a menacing atmosphere pervades the novel. This is ice cold, easily as brutal as the best passages of Cain or Hemingway." Crimetime UK
"In an era of brutal fiction, The Old Man's Place will take a prize for brutality. Sanford writes well. He has a talent for it. He is vivid, realistic, skillful, dramatic." Cleveland Plain Dealer
" Sanford's The Old Man's Place is a carefully designed character study bursting with tension and intrigue. I found myself so emotionally invested in these characters and their raw, primal instincts. Nothing short of extraordinary. It's darkly wonderful and honest, well ahead of its time considering the 1935 publication date. Sanford possesses a rare skillset that rivals some of the best noir authors of all-time." Paperback Warrior "A robust tale of violence, lust, treachery and murder" Columbus Dispatch "A good, exciting story told with menacing simplicity." Baltimore Sun "A first-rate piece of swift-moving and dramatic story-telling in restrained and effective modern American prose." New York Times
"Sanford, not to be confused with contemporary thriller writer John Sandford, was a writer of hard edged noirs that bristle with tension and the threat of violence, when that is unleashed it’s brutal and shocking. A stark portrait of humanity at its lowest ebb and a menacing atmosphere pervades the novel. This is ice cold, easily as brutal as the best passages of Cain or Hemingway." Crimetime UK
"In an era of brutal fiction, The Old Man's Place will take a prize for brutality. Sanford writes well. He has a talent for it. He is vivid, realistic, skillful, dramatic." Cleveland Plain Dealer
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1935
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216 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 8, 2023
a shocking suspense novel from 1935 that feels like it was written yesterday.
however be warned: the tension throughout is almost unbearable and you will not be able to put the book down once the story gears are set in motion.
best of all, none of the effect is achieved by cheap writing tricks that a thriller writer of today may employ. the storytelling is masterful in a way you don’t see anymore. you know the narrative is slowly tightening its invisible grip around your throat, but you can’t figure out how it’s doing that. everything is about the ticking clock of these particular characters in this particular situation. a powder keg even.
two great filmmakers, tarantino and depalma, come to mind while reading this book by the other john sanford (a forgotten genius imho). the way the suspense builds and builds until it finally crescendos in quick but devastating bursts, it’s very rewarding as a fan of thrillers that trancend their genre and almost become literary in their ambitions.
oh, and the ending is *chefs kiss*
outstanding.
however be warned: the tension throughout is almost unbearable and you will not be able to put the book down once the story gears are set in motion.
best of all, none of the effect is achieved by cheap writing tricks that a thriller writer of today may employ. the storytelling is masterful in a way you don’t see anymore. you know the narrative is slowly tightening its invisible grip around your throat, but you can’t figure out how it’s doing that. everything is about the ticking clock of these particular characters in this particular situation. a powder keg even.
two great filmmakers, tarantino and depalma, come to mind while reading this book by the other john sanford (a forgotten genius imho). the way the suspense builds and builds until it finally crescendos in quick but devastating bursts, it’s very rewarding as a fan of thrillers that trancend their genre and almost become literary in their ambitions.
oh, and the ending is *chefs kiss*
outstanding.
April 19, 2024
Short and brutal.
June 20, 2021
An absolute punch to the midsection
This incredible tale starts off with a punch, and does not let up to the end.
No spoilers, but let's just say you think it is letting up at a certain point, but really it is just winding up for the next punch.
A tale of sociopaths
There are criticisms of this book to be sure - namely that it is an unforgiving tale of sociopaths.
Not psychopaths mind you, but sociopaths.
Psychopaths plan out and scheme, sociopaths just look to the next moment.
And this - with the exception of one event - is a tale of sociopaths.
Whatever the case, this book holds up well
To say it holds up well is an understatement.
It was written in 1935, but don't expect any Charles Dickens long-winded sentences, let alone Marcel Proust long winded pages.
Every word here pushes the plot forward, probably more so than most modern thrillers.
I recommend this book, but be warned
This book is incredible, and holds up well over the years.
But be warned - this book is not for everyone.
If you want a happy-go-lucky tale - well I still recommend reading this because it is so good - but you get my point.
This is an unforgiving tale, so be warned.
But still - I recommend it!
This incredible tale starts off with a punch, and does not let up to the end.
No spoilers, but let's just say you think it is letting up at a certain point, but really it is just winding up for the next punch.
A tale of sociopaths
There are criticisms of this book to be sure - namely that it is an unforgiving tale of sociopaths.
Not psychopaths mind you, but sociopaths.
Psychopaths plan out and scheme, sociopaths just look to the next moment.
And this - with the exception of one event - is a tale of sociopaths.
Whatever the case, this book holds up well
To say it holds up well is an understatement.
It was written in 1935, but don't expect any Charles Dickens long-winded sentences, let alone Marcel Proust long winded pages.
Every word here pushes the plot forward, probably more so than most modern thrillers.
I recommend this book, but be warned
This book is incredible, and holds up well over the years.
But be warned - this book is not for everyone.
If you want a happy-go-lucky tale - well I still recommend reading this because it is so good - but you get my point.
This is an unforgiving tale, so be warned.
But still - I recommend it!
April 14, 2021
John Sanford wrote this novel in 1934. It has been re-released by Brash Books. It is the story of three WW1 veterans who are living aimlessly, drinking too much and up to no good. They ultimately go to the farm where one grew up to freeload on his father. They are supporting themselves by selling bootleg whiskey they hijacked. One, a former jockey, responds to a matchmaking ad he finds in a girlie magazine. An innocent young woman comes out to the farm in response to the ad thinking she will connect with her future husband there. The novel is written in the language of the thirties and takes the reader back there. It is remarkably well done and one that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it. Thanks to Brash Books for an e-galley for an honest review.
October 2, 2024
The three two-bit lowlifes were guilty of purse-snatching, hijacking, and jacklighting, but their worst crime was catfishing. Poor innocent Anna, she had the most horrible blind date ever put to paper: "What are you being-—kittenish? Why don’t you get sociable?" Sanford is a genius at depicting rottenness and cruelty (maybe his real-life experience as a pinko gave him some insights).
April 22, 2021
I enjoy Brash publishers. They make interesting selections, combing through the past to bring old forgotten stories back to life and to readers. They also are very kind to their subscribers, providing them with free copies. So that’s how I ended up reading John Sanford. An author I’ve never heard of. An author I wouldn’t have normally been all that interested in, probably. Or, more specifically, the type of fiction I wouldn’t normally be all that interested in. The aggressively violent desperate man doing aggressively violent desperate things to each other, courtesy of the post WWI Great Depression zeitgeist in the US. I’ve not read much from that time, outside of James M. Cain. And so naturally that would be a comparison sample. And no, I don’t think Sanford is in Cain’s league. Close, but, you know, no cigar.
Then again Sanford’s writing is darker, almost frighteningly so. The man descends into a proper abyss to dream up the town of Warrensburg, it’s denizens and all that takes place there. This is the opposite of quiet desperation, this is the loud, violent kind.
And so here is a tale of three WWI veterans out of work and out of place with the world, who go to stay with one of the trio’s fathers at the eponymous old man’s place, drinking and spiraling out of control until a naïve mail order bride’s arrival provides a catalyst for the already dangerous situation.
To the author’s credit, for a man from a fairly privileged Manhattan upbringing, trained as a lawyer, Sanford is alarmingly adept at tapping into the toxic masculinity of its day his characters exhibit and are driven by. And he is a first rate character writer. It’s a pretty good story all around, but you have to have a pretty strong stomach to enjoy this sort of thing. The visceral violence alone…It was actually a recurring theme for Sanford, who has often drew parallels between America’s violent origin story and its subsequent national character. There’s also a parallel between Warrensburg and US at large, with the former essentially standing in as a microcosm of the latter.
All of that is even more prevalent in the second Warrensgburg trilogy and, if you’re interested, I’m also reviewing that one.
So I don’t know if I enjoyed this book, I appreciate it, but enjoyment is a different thing altogether. There’s something appealingly edifying about the way it conveys the spirit of the time. Not an easy read by any means, but an interesting one. And welcomingly succinct, it would have been difficult to read a book like that for much longer.
Also, what’s the use of living remotely if you can’t get rid of the dead body? Seriously? Just bury it and says the person left, instead of confessing and throwing one’s life away. Just seems like a waste.
Sanford wasn’t a very popular writer in his time and I’m not sure Brash is going to change that, unless there’s a new noir market boom out there. But it’s ambitious of them to try. There are barely any readers reviews for his books, which, considering how long they’ve been around, is fairly telling. So here’s mine (first rating and review for this edition too, woohoo, great cover), for whatever its worth. Many thanks to Brash publishers.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
Then again Sanford’s writing is darker, almost frighteningly so. The man descends into a proper abyss to dream up the town of Warrensburg, it’s denizens and all that takes place there. This is the opposite of quiet desperation, this is the loud, violent kind.
And so here is a tale of three WWI veterans out of work and out of place with the world, who go to stay with one of the trio’s fathers at the eponymous old man’s place, drinking and spiraling out of control until a naïve mail order bride’s arrival provides a catalyst for the already dangerous situation.
To the author’s credit, for a man from a fairly privileged Manhattan upbringing, trained as a lawyer, Sanford is alarmingly adept at tapping into the toxic masculinity of its day his characters exhibit and are driven by. And he is a first rate character writer. It’s a pretty good story all around, but you have to have a pretty strong stomach to enjoy this sort of thing. The visceral violence alone…It was actually a recurring theme for Sanford, who has often drew parallels between America’s violent origin story and its subsequent national character. There’s also a parallel between Warrensburg and US at large, with the former essentially standing in as a microcosm of the latter.
All of that is even more prevalent in the second Warrensgburg trilogy and, if you’re interested, I’m also reviewing that one.
So I don’t know if I enjoyed this book, I appreciate it, but enjoyment is a different thing altogether. There’s something appealingly edifying about the way it conveys the spirit of the time. Not an easy read by any means, but an interesting one. And welcomingly succinct, it would have been difficult to read a book like that for much longer.
Also, what’s the use of living remotely if you can’t get rid of the dead body? Seriously? Just bury it and says the person left, instead of confessing and throwing one’s life away. Just seems like a waste.
Sanford wasn’t a very popular writer in his time and I’m not sure Brash is going to change that, unless there’s a new noir market boom out there. But it’s ambitious of them to try. There are barely any readers reviews for his books, which, considering how long they’ve been around, is fairly telling. So here’s mine (first rating and review for this edition too, woohoo, great cover), for whatever its worth. Many thanks to Brash publishers.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
May 6, 2025
Pell & Son
Very impressive. One of the best things I've read in a long time.
I have two gripes though.
1. Too many Nature Descriptions.
2. I can just smell the incipient jamesjoyceism in this guy.
I have two questions too.
1. How did some nycjew learned all this stuff about countrylife?
2. JJ ruined more good writers than whiskey ever did, so who convinced almost every scribbler from the 1920s and on that he had to copy JJ and write wordstew gobbledygook?
Very impressive. One of the best things I've read in a long time.
I have two gripes though.
1. Too many Nature Descriptions.
2. I can just smell the incipient jamesjoyceism in this guy.
I have two questions too.
1. How did some nycjew learned all this stuff about countrylife?
2. JJ ruined more good writers than whiskey ever did, so who convinced almost every scribbler from the 1920s and on that he had to copy JJ and write wordstew gobbledygook?
November 10, 2022
Looking for something different? Steinbeck meets Lee Child, I kid you not!
I really like Sanford's writing style. I've read a bit of all our great American authors, past and present, and I love the atmosphere he generates. Fast paced with excellent dialogue, you will enjoy this read!
I really like Sanford's writing style. I've read a bit of all our great American authors, past and present, and I love the atmosphere he generates. Fast paced with excellent dialogue, you will enjoy this read!
October 4, 2021
For a book written in 1934 and set in 1920 this novel stands the test of time really well. The characters are engrossing and the issues of traumatised young men returning from war, isolation in the backwoods of the US and rampant misogyny seem as real today as they did then. Well worth a read.
December 23, 2021
Given this book was written in the 1930s it is a reflection of that time. Although it dives into the evil nature of man it also shows thoughtfulness and loyalty. It is eloquent in descriptive terms and shows why Sanford had such a successful writing jour.
December 6, 2021
Strange but good
Peculiar style but interesting. Dark. The characters were fascinating. I'd read something else by this author. Pretty dated but those are sometimes best.
Peculiar style but interesting. Dark. The characters were fascinating. I'd read something else by this author. Pretty dated but those are sometimes best.
March 20, 2022
It didn't turn out like I thought
Here I thought they were gonna live happy ever after But that wasn't a case It's a good book I enjoyed John Sanford is the bomb
Here I thought they were gonna live happy ever after But that wasn't a case It's a good book I enjoyed John Sanford is the bomb
March 24, 2022
It was weird all way through
Very violent and ended with what looked like the beginning of a new chapter. Just left you hanging. I always finish every book I start and this one was torture.
Very violent and ended with what looked like the beginning of a new chapter. Just left you hanging. I always finish every book I start and this one was torture.
January 26, 2024
Author
A supposed magnificent artist and story teller relaying a tale of tough life and misery post World War One but I missed the point. I’ll do some further research on Mr. Sanford but can’t recommend this writer yet.
A supposed magnificent artist and story teller relaying a tale of tough life and misery post World War One but I missed the point. I’ll do some further research on Mr. Sanford but can’t recommend this writer yet.
June 22, 2022
It was a decent read.
July 19, 2024
A good John Stienbecky type of novel.
October 6, 2024
Not THAT John Sanford
The book is short, but it's excellent! I'm happy to see it's part of a trilogy and am about to begin the second of the series.
The book is short, but it's excellent! I'm happy to see it's part of a trilogy and am about to begin the second of the series.
July 23, 2025
A brutal story
July 23, 2025
Pretty good read
Outdated language and such, but very interesting! Reminds me of "Of Mice and Men" by Steinbeck. Colorful characters and disturbing outcome.
Outdated language and such, but very interesting! Reminds me of "Of Mice and Men" by Steinbeck. Colorful characters and disturbing outcome.
December 14, 2025
Did not enjoy it at all!
December 13, 2023
Not bad
I chose this rating, because I bought the book by mistake.
I did read it and maybe I found a new author.
It was well written and kept me engaged..
I chose this rating, because I bought the book by mistake.
I did read it and maybe I found a new author.
It was well written and kept me engaged..
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews