Friday 25 November 2011

Book: Ask The Dice by Ed Lynskey



Since the age of 18 Tommy Mack Zane has worked as a hitman for Mr Ogg. Now in his fifties and framed by his boss Zane turns to his old buddies D Noble and Esquire to help him clear his name and take down Ogg.

Ed Lynskey’s latest slice of noir evokes memories of Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer and feels like it should be set in the days of Al Capone and Elliot Ness. Infused with melodious jazz tones it transports the reader into a smoky world populated by shady characters but don’t be fooled, this is a modern-day tale.

Zane refuses to use a mobile (cell) phone but he does make the occasional foray into the world of emails and internet although his penchant for poetry makes him an unlikely Reaper.

Lynskey’s prose almost takes the violence out of this tale but there are murders aplenty as Zane frequently looks back on a life spent rubbing out those who have crossed his conniving paymaster.

Surprisingly the story comes across as rather poignant, the main character is very engaging and the explosive finale provides a final round knockout.

Ric’s Rating: 80%

5 comments:

  1. Sounds like it would make a good movie as well. And I admire anyone who can survive without a cell phone. I think I'll be the last man on earth without a cell phone.

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  2. Thank you for the fine review. I'm happy you liked Ask the Dice. I had my reservations when it first appeared. Thanks for taking the time to read and review it.

    Ed Lynskey

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  3. You might well be Alex. I resisted them for along time but gave out in the end.
    No probs Ed, thanks for stopping by.

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  4. Looks like a good book :)

    .......dhole

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  5. It's good stuff Donna, a bit different.

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Let me know what you think. I value all comments and fully intend to reply.