The latest book in Akashic Books’ “City Noir” series is Buffalo Noir. Lawrence Block grew up in Buffalo and Joyce Carol Oates grew up nearby so you’re getting stories by writers who really know the area. I’ve enjoyed previous volumes in this series and recommend you check them out. If you’re a fan of Noir writing, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. And you’ll learn that there’s more to Buffalo than just massive amounts of snow and the Buffalo Bills. GRADE: B+
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Introduction
PART I: BUFFALO UNVEILED
“Dr. Kirkbride’s Moral Treatment Plan” by Christina Milletti
“It’s Only for Forever” by Tom Fontana
“The Ehrengraf Settlement” by Lawrence Block
“The Bubble Man of Allentown” by Dimitri Anastasopoulos
PART II: HEARTS AND MINDS
“Falling on Ice” by Lissa Marie Redmond
“Parkside” by S. J. Rosan
“Chicken Noodle’s Night Out” by John Wray & Brooke Costello
“Peace Bridge” by Connie Porter
PART THREE: BLOODLINES
“Valentine” by Joyce Carol Oates
“The Odd” by Ed Park
“Good Neighbors” by Gary Earl Ross
“Hand” by Kim Chinquee
About the Contributors
The story of you and Big Orange should be in there.
Bob, I wasn’t invited to contribute to BUFFALO NOIR, but I would have worked Big Orange into the story!
There have been so many books in this series that it must be about time for ALVIN NOIR.
Bill, you would get top billing in ALVIN NOIR!
Now that last statement really makes this seem worth buying. I have found that most of them have some good stories but too many are by locals who are not up to snuff in writing noir. Still they are fun to sample.
Patti, you’re right. These collections are uneven: some good stories and some clunkers. They need better Quality Control.
I agree. I’ve read a lot of these (there are several New York City books and I’ve read all of them except Staten Island, if there is one) and found the quality uneven. Let’s see. Some others I’ve read: Phoenix, San Francisco, New Orleans (of course), Miami, Las Vegas, and Boston.
Happy Birthday (I think it’s today) to Cap’n Bob, by the way.
Jeff, you’ve read more of these “City Noir” anthologies than I have. I’m glad Staten Island is finally represented!
I used to get review copies of these, but haven’t for a while. I agree about the inconsistency of the stories. Big Orange would have been a good addition, and perhaps an homage to Fargo?
Maggie, Big Orange is my snow-blower. I had Big Red (a Toro) snow-blower for over 20 years but it finally stopped working. Buffalo winters are tough on machinery!
but Big O could be made into a weapon, no?
Maggie, Big Orange could slice and dice!
I just checked the full list and there is indeed now a Staten Island Noir.
There was (is) one for Orange County (CA), and I found the stories very uneven, about 30% good, the rest… That’s true of the couple others I read, so I quit the series.
By the way, we’re dropping into the 20s here by the weekend. Much colder, sooner than usual. I’ll spend the rest of the morning disconnecting hoses and draining faucets, shutting down the valves for Winter. Brrrr!
Rick, some of the “City Noir” anthologies had a 50% good, 30% average, 20% clunkers average. I liked the New York Noir anthologies best.
Thanks for remembering, Jeff. Yep, I hit the ancient six-eight today.
Bob, best Happy Birthday wishes!