I’ve chosen Ed McBain’s Downtown because this is one of the few novels I know of that takes place on Christmas Eve. Michael Barnes, a Florida orange grower who finds himself in a Manhattan bar with a couple of hours to kill, is swindled, robbed, framed for murder. With the help of a sexy cab driver, Barnes figures out why all this adversity happened to him. If you like screwball comedies with a dark side, give Downtown a try. GRADE: B+
DOWNTOWN is one of the few McBains that I’ve never read, in part because the plot you’ve summarized so well – lone innocent, set up and on the run – is not one of my favorites. Also, I like having a few unread for a rainy day. I suppose I really should read it and I will – some day.
I liked the Christmas Eve setting, Jeff. It’s not one of McBain’s best, but I enjoyed its loopiness.
Love Ed McBain. Have a happy holiday, George and Diane.
Same to you and Phil and all of your family, Patti! Hope Santa brings you something nice.
George – Have a great Christmas with good books, good friends, and a Bills win.
One of our local restaurateurs, Russ Salvatore, bought up 7000 Buffalo Bills tickets so the New England Patriots vs. Bills game won’t be blacked out here, Scott. That’s a nice present. Hope Santa is good to you!
Hope all is full of holiday spirit and that you and your family are well and content on this Christmas Eve. Merry, merry Christmas to you all!
You blog is a daily stop, and very much appreciated, admired and enjoyed.
Your comments are very much appreciated, admired, and enjoyed, Rick. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
And a Merry Christmas to all of your devoted readers as well.
Devoted readers are precious gifts, Rick. This blog would be nothing without them. And I’m counting you among them.
Nice gesture, George. Now if he takes you all out for dinner after the game that would be even better!
Hope you and Diane and the kids have a great one.
Diane and I have eaten at Salvatore’s restaurant, Jeff. And we took Maggie and Beth there when they visited. It’s gaudy, but the food is great! We’ll take you and Jackie there next time you visit. Hope you and Jackie and your families have a great one, too!