Pulp Fiction discussion

Anyone read the Joe Kurtz (son of Parker?) books?
I read the first

Hardcase a few years ago and really enjoyed it.

Homage or rip-off?

Ditto Gary Disher and Wyatt?
Ditto Max Allan Collins and Nolan?

I read the three Dan Simmons Kurtz books and I thought they were great. I'd say Kurtz is an homage while Nolan is more of a weak rip-off.

I have the other 2 Simmons to dig out and read at some point, and I've just ordered the HCC double edition of the first 2 Nolan books - as much out of curiosity as anything.

I liked Bait Money OK, but didn't think it was good as any of the Quarry books. I meant to get some more of these, but haven't gotten around to it.
My review is here:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I'll have to give Quarry a go, but I'll see how Nolan goes first. Also going to try Pronzini's Nameless Detective

I read the first two Nolan books and thought there were amateurish. If you're not a rabid Max Allan Collins fan and don't have to start at the beginning of a series, I don't recommend starting with either of them.

Thanks a lot! I found a copy of "Hardcase"copy at my used book store today. Another book to go add to Mount Toobeered!

I havent read Kurtz yet because i thougth they were too much rip off but after hearing they are homage like and actually fun reads by Dan i must read them.

Adam wrote: "I read the first two Nolan books and thought there were amateurish. If you're not a rabid Max Allan Collins fan and don't have to start at the beginning of a series, I don't recommend starting with..."

Why i havent read Nolan, maybe MAC was too much fan, too close to Stark/Parker books early in his young career. I think Quarry is very good because its his version of hit-man Parker but with twisted humor,more human noir criminal.

Mohammed wrote: "Why i havent read Nolan, maybe MAC was too much fan, too close to Stark/Parker books early in his young career."

That's definitely the case. He also spends a lot of time talking about how much Nolan looks like Lee Van Cleef. The whole thing comes off as hero worship, and the work of a super-fan.

I got my copy of Two for the Moneythis morning, so once I get a chance I'll see what I think of them. After reading a fair few comments on them my expectations aren't that high.

It does beg the question, if they aren't that great why did HCC bother publishing them - why not try and get the later/stronger ones in the series?

I'm also hoping that I didn't get shot of my first Joe Kurtz, because I'd like to re-read the thing!