Hard Case Crime discussion

What did you guys think about this books ?

Also Anyone read the the old books in the series ?

I have about two dozen of the books & have only read 6 or so. I might read an HCC next - I just finished the second collection of Zelazny's stories (a thick hardback), but my lunch book is currently the 2d in his Amber series. I like to have several different types of books going. Two by the same author isn't generally on my list - I just sort of slipped up.

I don't have The First Quarry. I was thinking of reading Night Walker by Donald Hamilton. I'm a real fan of the Matt Helm books. Actually, I like everything by Hamilton that I've read, including westerns & non-fiction stuff. I have a copy of his Cruises with Kathleen, a nonfiction book about his life on his sail boat to read one day, too.

Anyone else read the Matt Helm books? I liked them better than James Bond. I blame the stupid Dean Martin movies for ruining them in the public eye.

Better than James Bond ? You mean Fleming books or the movies ?


The First Quarry really impressed me, it was the best modern Noir book i have read in recent years. I will read much more of the character,the author.

I was planning to read Amber but my copy is apprently delayed thats why i have been reading Noir books lately. They are fast read in case i get Amber today or tommorw.

Fleming's books & the Bond described there. Helm is a much more interesting character, IMO.

I have only read Casino Royale so far but i thought Bond was very interesting guy to read about.


Anyway let me know when you have read Quarry or Collins.

The First Quarry is one of my favorites of the Hard Case originals. Some of the violence was pretty brutal, but in a good way.

Thats what i thought. For me the strongest of the modern original HCC books. The violence was a good level for me, it was understandable since its about a hired killer that didnt have problems with violence.

The only thing that was brutal,surprising harsh was the language of Quarry at times. He was a bit crude,dirty guy which isnt a problem to me.

What did you think about the sexuality ? Sex scenes ? I thought he did the sexy women reall well, drew the sex scenes with class. Not some trashy thrill.

I didn't have any objections toward the sex scenes other than Quarry would have been better off keeping his pants on. Then again, it was his first job and he still had lots to learn.

Plus he was horny for understandable reasons. He was betrayed by his wife when he came back,lived like a bum. After it would hard to turn down sexy women.

You understood his reasons. His wasnt a total pro but he was young.

Plus he was horny for understandable reasons. He was betrayed by his wife when he came back,lived like a bum. After that it would hard to turn down sexy women.

You understood his reasons. His wasnt a total pro but he was young.