Friday, December 30, 2011

Hell On Church Street by Jake Hinkson

My review of Hell On Church Street by Jake Hinkson is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

Very excited about this debut novel, dear reader, very fucking excited.

Can't wait to see what Hinkson busts out next.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Already Gone by John Rector

My review of John Rector's Already Gone is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

I've got reviews of both The Cold Kiss and The Grove by Rector posted here as well.

Just hit up Rector's name in the labels to see for yourself.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Stolen Souls by Stuart Neville

My review of Stolen Souls by Stuart Neville is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

It may have prostitutes, coked-up sex traffickers, psychotic christians, and a bunch of brutal stabbings, but don't be fooled, dear reader: Stolen Souls is the perfect novel for Christmas.

Well, it's set over Christmas, anyway...

Monday, December 12, 2011

Woe to Live On by Daniel Woodrell

My review of Daniel Woodrell's Woe to Live On is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

I have now read (and, you know, fucking loved) all of Woodrell's work.

Somebody get the Nerd a fucking cookie!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Choke Hold by Christa Faust

My review of Christa Faust's Choke Hold is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

Had been waiting on this one a long time so expectations were well-fucking high.

Hit up that link to find out if my expectations were met.

Oh, I suck at keeping secrets - they were! They were! (*pees pants*)

Friday, November 25, 2011

Dead Money by Ray Banks

My review of Dead Money by Ray Banks is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

I've got just about everything dude's written reviewed here on the NoN blog so hit up his name in the labels to find out more about his shit.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

The Gentlemen's Hour by Don Winslow

My review of Don Winslow's The Gentlemen's Hour is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

Fun to hang out with Boone Daniels, the chillest PI on land or sea, again.

My review of The Dawn Patrol can be found by hitting up Winslow's name in the labels.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Headstone by Ken Bruen

My review of Headstone by Ken Bruen is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

I don't wanna spoil anything about the latest Jack Taylor novel, but there might be some crazy killers in this one....

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

All the Young Warriors by Anthony Neil Smith

My review of Anthony Neil Smith's All the Young Warriors is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

I've got a bunch of A.N. Smith reviews on the blog so hit up his name in the links to find out about his other shit.

You'll see I'm a bit of a fan...

Monday, November 21, 2011

The Outlaw Album by Daniel Woodrell

My review of Daniel Woodrell short story collection The Outlaw Album is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

I've got reviews of everything Woodrell's done (except for Woe to Live On, which I'll be reading shortly) here on the NoN blog so hit up his name in the labels to learn more about his stuff.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Interview: Allan Guthrie

I interviewed Allan Guthrie about Two-Way Split and Blasted Heath, the new e-pub he launched with Kyle MacRae this month.

Check that shit out HERE.

In the over three years I've been doing online reviews and articles, I have never done an interview before. (Obvious Guy says, "Don't worry - it shows!")

Friday, November 11, 2011

El Gavilan by Craig McDonald

My review of Craig McDonald's El Gavilan is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

If you're not up to speed with McDonald's shit, hit up his name in the labels and learn a thing or two.

Friday, October 28, 2011

The End of Everything by Megan Abbott

My review of The End of Everything by Megan Abbott is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

Read my reviews of her four previous novels here at the NoN blog by hitting up her name in the labels.

Or do something else - I'm not trying to be controlling, here, just making conversation.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Crime Factory Vol. 2 No. 8

My Crime Sleeper Double Feature on Paul Andrew Williams' London to Brighton and Ben Wheatley's Down Terrace is in the latest issue of Crime Factory.

Find it on pages 126-9 HERE.

Also plenty of great shit in there from guys like Andrew Nette, Nik Korpon, Seth Harwood, and Addam Duke so kick off your shoes, stay there a while.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

The Devil All the Time by Donald Ray Pollock

My review of Donald Ray Pollock's debut novel, The Devil All the Time, is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

To read my review of his short story collection from a few years back, Knockemstiff, hit up his name down in the labels section pof this post.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Breaking Bad - "Face Off"

My piece on "Face Off," the season finale of Breaking Bad, is up at spinetingler.

Read that shit HERE.

Nice direction from Gilligan in this one, especially liked the numerous badass front-facing tracking shots, Gus' entrance into the nursing home even putting some funky, modern Morricone music on there to make it feel like the end of a Leone movie.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Breaking Bad - "End Times"

My review of the penultimate episode of season four of Breaking Bad, "End Times," is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out here.

Vince Gilligan directed himself directed this episode and man oh man did he bust out some style with it.

What is it with show creators flashily directing "big" episodes of their shows? David Chase and Matthew Weiner are major offenders on Sopranos and Mad Men.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

The Ranger by Ace Atkins

My review of The Ranger by Ace Atkins is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

Hit up "Ace Atkins" in the labels and you'll find my review of Infamous.

Hit up "The Ranger" in the labels and you'll find...this very review link...

Monday, September 26, 2011

Breaking Bad - "Crawl Space"

My piece on "Crawl Space," the latest episode of Breaking Bad, is up at spinetingler.

Check it out HERE.

Nice to have Bill Burr back again, this time with a lot more to do as he very coolly tells Beneke how it's gonna be. ("If you don't have cable...it's gonna suck.")

Here's hoping we see more of him

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Drive by Nicolas Winding Refn

My review of Drive from director Nicolas Winding Refn is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

Seen this shit twice now in theaters - I practically never do that.

Also, this review is incredibly long, another rarity for the Nerd.

In the labels you'll find my review of Refn's Bronson if you hit up his name.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The Cut by George Pelecanos

My review of The Cut by George Pelecanos is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

Been a couple years since Pelecanos put one out.

I don't mean to spoil anything here but...there's Greek people in this one. Also diners....

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Breaking Bad - "Salud"

My review of "Salud," the latest episode of Breaking Bad, is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit HERE.

Things I have recently learned:

Don Eladio was played by Steven Bauer, AKA Tony Montana's best friend who boned Tony's little sister in Scarface.

Ted Beneke is played by Christopher Cousins who also played Robert Lindus on Terriers.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Cold Fish by Sion Sono

My review of Sion Sono's Cold Fish is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

I used to think that just the Koreans had issues with how their names are spelled per this or that publication (which part of the name goes first and the like), but found that, in looking up the names for this piece, nobody can agree on how to spell half the Japanese names I used in the review.

Little peek behind the curtain for ya, dear readers...the sad, tear-soaked curtain that makes up my review-writing lair.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Breaking Bad - "Bug"

My piece on "Bug," the latest episode of Breaking Bad, is up at spinetingler.

Learn yerself a thing or two HERE.

Will "Bug" be as love-it-or-hate-it as last year's "Fly?"

No. No it will not.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Breaking Bad "Hermanos"

My piece on "Hermanos," the latest episode of Breaking Bad, is up at spinetingler.

Give it a look HERE.

Sorry for the delay this week in posting. I had important shit to do, like go to the State Fair and eat bullshit and drink beer Sunday night. And go to a cookout on Labor Day and eat bullshit and drink beer.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Breaking Bad "Problem Dog"

My piece on "Problem Dog," the latest episode of Breaking Bad, is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

Drunk Gene Shalit says, "This is one "Problem Dog" I won't be putting down."

Or maybe "If you think this episode is a "Dog," you and me have a "Problem.""

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Good Neighbors by Ryan David Jahn

My review of Ryan David Jahn's Good Neighbors is up at spinetingler.

Give that shit a quick look-see HERE.

Yeah, I'm posting on a Saturday afternoon like a fucking newb but - and I don't know if you know this about me - I'm kind of a badass like that, posting whenever I damn well please and the like.

*hits inhaler*

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Blitz by Elliot Lester

My review of the movie adaptation of Ken Bruen's Blitz from director Elliot Lester and screenwriter Nathan Parker (of Moon fame!) is up at spinetingler.


Check that shit out HERE.


American readers take note: the film is currently streaming on netflix instant, so do it up toot-sweet!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Cold Shot to the Heart by Wallace Stroby

My review of Wallace Stroby's Cold Shot to the Heart is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

Up for reading more of Stroby's shit.

Anybody out there in Internetland (totally one word - don't worry about it) got a favorite to rec to your dear old Nerd?

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Fun and Games by Duane Swierczynski

My review Duane Swierczynski's Fun and Games is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

This is the first in a trilogy of novels by Swierczynski featuring protagonist Charlie Hardie, and if parts 2 and 3 are anywhere near as good as 1, this could be up there with Charlie Huston's Hank Thompson trilogy.

Speaking of Huston, what's that guy doing these days? Pumps out like ten books a year for five years then fuckin' radio silence for two? I'm fucking jonesin' over here, Huston!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Breaking Bad "Cornered"

My review of "Cornered," the latest episode of Breaking Bad, is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

Some good trailers tonight, including Refn's Drive and The Debt.

I'd add the Walking Dead teasers to that list but good god did that show go downhill after the pilot last season. Still gonna watch it because, you know, it's got zombies and shit but holy fuck.

Remember that scene where the sisters talk about how their dad fished with them different ways because he understood their distinct personalities? Just thinking about that freshman year writerly bullshit makes me nauseous.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Every Shallow Cut by Tom Piccirilli

My review of Tom Piccirilli's Every Shallow Cut is up at spinetingler.

Give that shit some of you precious time HERE.

It'll just take a second - scout's honor. Give it a look and then go back to doing what you were doing, which, if the Nerd had to guess from the looks of you, was looking at funny-faced kitties jump into boxes.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Breaking Bad - "Shotgun"

My review of "Shotgun," the latest episode of Breaking Bad, is up at spinetingler.


Check that shit out HERE.


Loved when Jesse made the keys knucks with his fist in the car. The move of every impotent asshole when they feel shit might go down any minute.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

One Dead Hen by Charlie Williams

My review of the latest Royston Blake novel, One Dead Hen, is up at spinetingler.


Check that shit out HERE.


I've got reviews on NoN of all of Charlie Williams' Royston Blake novels up here so hit up his name in the labels to read more.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Breaking Bad - "Bullet Points"

My piece on the latest episode of Breaking Bad, "Bullet Points," is up at spinetingler.

Dig that shit HERE.

So Jesse's hair "broke bad" this week finally. Think Vince Gilligan's ever gonna shave his head so he looks Walt (or Jesse or Hank or Mike)?

The Shield creator Shawn Ryan was such a big fan of the exposed pate that he and his main character, Vic Mackey, both Bic'd it daily.

Just sayin'.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Guilty Pleasures - Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

My piece for Crimespree Cinema's Guilty Pleasures series is up.

I did mine on a little movie called Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Yeah. The Costner movie.

Check that shit out HERE.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Breaking Bad - "Open House"

My piece on "Open House," the latest episode of Breaking Bad, is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

So there's been a big self-promotional push on AMC for their airing of "mob movies" like Scarface, The Godfather, Goodfellas, etc., said movies being "hosted" by Rudy Guiliani.

So not only are you watching classic movies with commercials and without swears, sex and violence, but you gotta listen to that punchable-faced prick as well? Good luck with that, AMC.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Crime Factory Vol. 2 No. 7

My Crime Sleeper Double Feature on Jennifer Chambers Lynch's Surveillance and Davidy Twohy's A Perfect Getaway, entitled "Remember the 90s?" is up at Crime Factory.

Check that shit out HERE on pages 112-116.

Pieces from Pete Risley, Sean Doolittle, Matthew C. Funk and tons more (this fucker is well over three hundred pages!) can be found in there as well.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Devil Red by Joe R. Lansdale

My review of Devil Red, the latest in the Hap & Leonard series by Joe R. Lansdale, is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

If you've never read a Hap & Leonard novel before I'd say start at the beginning with Savage Season. Or maybe Mucho Mojo - no! Two-Bear Mambo!

Fuck it. Read em all.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Breaking Bad - "Thirty-eight Snub"

My piece on the new episode of Breaking Bad, "Thirty-eight Snub," is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

Glad to see Badger back and dropping some raspy-voiced funnies on us in the this ep.

"But I think I've got like this...cat...and I think I've gotta like...feed it."

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The Adjustment by Scott Phillips

My review of Scott Phillips' latest novel, The Adjustment, is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

Hit up his name in the labels at the bottom of this post to find reviews of his other four novels.

Also, dig that fucking sweet cover.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Breaking Bad - "Box Cutter"

My review of episode one of season four of Breaking Bad, "Box Cutter," is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

With just one episode of Breaking Bad I *almost* got the shit taste of AMC's The Killing out of my mouth.

Almost.

Friday, July 15, 2011

The Shark-Infested Custard by Charles Willeford

My review of The Shark-Infested Custard by Charles Willeford is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

If I didn't have a whole lot of great shit screaming at me from the TBR pile right now, I could easily slip down the fucking rabbit-hole with Willeford's work. Great fucking book.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Cowboys by Gary Phillips and Brian Hurtt

My review of Cowboys, the latest Vertigo Crime graphic, is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

The art's by Brian Hurtt and it's written by Gary Phillips, a dude who I've got to catch up with.

Only read The Jook from Switchblade Press a few years ago. Any suggestions on where to go next, dear reader?

Thursday, June 23, 2011

The Lost Sister by Russel D. McLean

My review of Russel D. McLean's The Lost Sister is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

Hit up McLean's name in the labels and you'll find my review of The Good Son, another book you're gonna want to read the shit out of.

If you don't hate things that are good, that is.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Gun by Ray Banks

My review of Ray Banks' Gun is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

Also, hit up dude's name in the labels at the bottom of the page if you're unfamiliar with his work.

I'm kind of a, you know, huge fucking fan.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Dust Devils by James Reasoner

My review of James Reasoner's Dust Devils is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

Anybody read Reasoner's Texas Wind? That sounds pretty badass too. Any of his western shit particularly noir-ish that you know of?

The Nerd's leaving his research up to you, reading public. Now excuse me while I'm fed grapes and fanned with palm fronds.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Fatale by Jean-Patrick Manchette

My review of Jean-Patrick Manchette's Fatale is up at spinetingler.


Check that shit out HERE.


Hit up the labels on this post and click JPM's name as well. You're gonna want to read the book mentioned therein.


So got-damned good.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

badbadbad by Jesus Angel Garcia

My review of Jesus Angel Garcia's badbadbad is up at spinetingler.


Check that shit out here.

Man, New Pulp Press fucking rocks it hard with their covers, don't they?


Fucking ridiculously awesome looking.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Frank Sinatra in a Blender by Matthew McBride

My review of Matthew McBride's debut novel Frank Sinatra in a Blender is up at spinetingler.

Check that shit out HERE.

Concord sure is turning out to be a cool press these days. You've got your Scott Phillips and your Stona Fitch, now a touch of Matthew McBride over there?

Tough lineup to beat.