Gun in Cheek: A Study of "Alternative" Crime Fiction

by Bill Pronzini

Book Overview

"This is fabulously funny stuff." - John D. MacDonald. Affectionate and witty, this unique compilation samples the very best of the very worst in 20th-century mystery writing. In addition to their... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 069811180X
• ISBN13: 9780698111806
• Release Date: January 1982
• Publisher: Coward McCann
• Length: 264 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Hilarious. One of the funniest books I have ever read.

In this masterful work of research, Bill Pronzini presents his discoveries of mystery novels that are so ineptly-written that they are unintentionally hilarious. He gives summaries of mind-boggling plots that are expected to be taken seriously, and quotes many sentences and paragraphs which are so funny that I laughed out loud. (Pronzini's comments about them are humorous as well.) This book is entertaining enough that it still makes me laugh, even after multiple readings. It was nominated for an Edgar Award as Best Critical/Biographical Book of the Year; it deserved to win. One drawback: Reading this book may send you on a search for bad mysteries with titles like "Murder Makes Me Mad." Don't say I didn't warn you.

Like a slug of whiskey for your funny bone

Along with books on how to write, any aspiring writer should have books on how NOT to write, and this one certainly fits the bill. It is crammed with examples of the worst in crime fiction, so it is not only a good instruction manual for helping you avoid the pitfalls of bad writing but provides a boost of morale to those who think their writing isn't up to snuff. Should be on your bookshelf next to The Stuffed Owl and Damon Knight's In Search of Wonder.

My Roscoe Sneezed Ka-Chee!

Absolutely hilarious. Pronzini's look at the worst in crime and detective fiction turns over some real gems of second (or third, or fourth)-rate 'literature.' The author deserves a vote of thanks for daring to enter into this dark world, and sincere congratulations for making it back out alive. I read this book quite a few summers ago and return to it frequently. For sheer entertainment, it's really tough to beat.Do yourself a favor and find a copy of this book. But watch out for me: now that I see that Pronzini's done a follow-up, and a second book on Western lit, I'm going to be scouring the shelves myself.

have gun, will chuckle

Love mystery? Then you'll love this book. Hate mystery? Then YOU'LL love this book. Pronzini is a fount of information about the "best" (read:hilariously inept) in mystery fiction. He's read every book ever written in the genre, it seems, and shows genuine affection for the form. The fun he pokes at the authors and their works is gentle and doesn't distract at all from your wonderment at the fact that these books ever even existed. It might, however, make you want to seek them out and try for yourself. Or maybe it'll help prevent a misstep in purchasing a book you wouldn't end up enjoying. Either way, this book is worth a read (or three). These mystery authors have gone unsung for too long. Bravo Mr. Pronzini!