Stark House has just published two of Clifton Adams’ noir classics: Death’s Sweet Song and Whom Gods Destroy. Cullen Gallagher’s informative Introduction traces Clifton Adams’ prolific writing career. Cullen gives credit to Bill Crider and Ed Gorman for their writing on Clifton Adams. Adams wrote over 50 novels mostly in the crime and western genres. This new Stark House omnibus volume includes two of Clifton Adams’ best novels. Very noirsh and very readable! Don’t miss this one!
George, I recently read my first novel by Clifton Adams, “A Noose for the Desperado,” a western, which Cullen has reviewed among other books. Since then, I have been looking for his other titles. He is very readable, I agree.
Prashant, I think Clifton Adams was equally adept at writing westerns and crime novels. I’ve enjoyed all the Clifton Adams’ books I’ve read.
Never read him but these do sound worth trying.
Jeff, this are two prime GOLD MEDAL classics.
These two are definite Gold Medal classics. As for A NOOSE FOR THE DESPERADO, it’s okay, but it’s not in the same class. However, THE DESPERADO itself is great.
Bill, I loved DESPERADO!
I have a copy of WHOM GODS DESTROY(cover pictured), but not read DEATH’S SWEET SONG.
Randy, they’re both very good. I try to pick up those old Gold Medals whenever I find them. But they’re getting scarce around here.
I suspect Gold Medal books are scarce everywhere. As for Clifton Adams, he is yet another name new to me. I wonder how the people at Stark House decide who to publish in these double novel books?
Rick, Bill Crider may have the answer to your question. He’s dealt with Stark House in the past.
The editors at Stark House are in touch with a lot of people who know what’s what, and the owner is a fan, too. I suspect there’s a good bit of input from Ed Gorman.
Thanks, Bill. I’m assuming “people who know what’s what” includes yourself.
It’s nice to hear good comments about our efforts at Stark House to reprint the right books. The quick answer as to who decides what to print is me. I take input in from everywhere I can get it–the Clifton Adams suggestion came from a book buyer in New York City–but most of the choices come from personal favorites: Peter Rabe, Gil Brewer, Elisabeth Sanxay Holding, W. R. Burnett, Douglas Sanderson, Harry Whittington; and soon, John Trinian, Frank Kane, H. Vernor Dixon and Bruno Fischer. But being a big fan of Gold Medal, I always seem to return to them for my best ideas.
Greg, please continue to reprint these great crime writers! You’re doing a great job (and I buy just about every book you publish!). I’m a huge Marvin H. Albert and Lionel White fan (hint, hint!)