Gun in Cheek: A Study of "Alternative" Crime Fiction [Paperback]

Bill Pronzini (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1987

GUN IN CHEEK is a treasure trove of such gems, a delightful exploration of what the author refers to as "alternative crime fiction." Less kindly put, it is a unique crash course in the worst English and American crime fiction of the twentieth century.

Every category of mystery fiction is represented: the private eye, the stately home, the arch-villain, the gentleman sleuth, the amateur spy, and many others who have blossomed from the genre. Within these categories, in what can only be called a labor of love, Bill Pronzini discusses, digests, and shares the best of the worst---adding a wonderfully comprehensive bibliography for advanced and dedicated devotees.

GUN IN CHEEK is an amusing and pleasurable reading experience as well as an enlightening guide to hardboiled potboilers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Mysterious Pr (March 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892969008
• ISBN-13: 978-0892969005
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,960,295 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars have gun, will chuckle, June 9, 2000

By 

david johnson (Orlando, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gun in Cheek: A Study of "Alternative" Crime Fiction (Paperback)

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!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like a slug of whiskey for your funny bone, December 6, 2002

By 

David Group (Buffalo, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gun in Cheek: A Study of Alternative Crime Fiction (Hardcover)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Roscoe Sneezed Ka-Chee!, September 26, 2000

By 

Andrew S. Rogers (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Gun in Cheek: A Study of "Alternative" Crime Fiction (Paperback)

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.