Black Pudding

by David Goodis

Ken Rockland's number is up. After seven of prison, of not being a stoolie. But now his old gang has caught up to him. And they're not taking any chances. Riker, the gang's leader, stole Ken's gorgeous wife and now he wants to take his life. But Ken's chance upon a woman—a scarred, damaged woman. A woman with an opium addiction. A woman who may be the only hope that Ken Rockland has.

Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 1953

About the author

Born and bred in Philadelphia, David Goodis was an American noir fiction writer. He grew up in a liberal, Jewish household in which his early literary ambitions were encouraged. After a short and inconclusive spell at Indiana University, he returned to Philadelphia to take a degree in journalism, graduating in 1937.

Reviews

[Edwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella from pulp magazine "Manhunt" Dec 1953 is a brutal and grimy little revenge noir. "Revenge is black pudding."

[Andy Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Black Pudding, by David Goodis
“‘We been looking for you,’ Coley said.” … “Revenge is black pudding.” Another intense crime noir from the 1950s. ***