During 1966 to 1972 Michael Critchton wrote a series of thrillers under the pseudonym of “John Lange.” Critchton was learning how to write and finally, with The Andromeda Strain and The Terminal Man, Critchton became a best-selling writer under his own name. HARD CASE recently reprinted the John Lange novels. I read them when they were first published (I didn’t know at the time they were written by Critchton). I found them entertaining. You will too.
I’ve really enjoyed re-readjng these of late but may have to get some all over again as I love the HCC covers – thanks for posting some of Glen Orbik’s the lovely artwork especially George.
I like the Hard Case Crime editions too. I’ve read several of them – Binary, Grave Descend, Zero Cool, The Last Tomb.
I will catch up with the others.
The Last Tomb = Easy Go.
I may have to try one of these, as I liked (more than a lot of people, I gather) the novels under his own name. Is there a correct order to these?
Sergio, these HARD CASE editions are lovely. I prefer them to the originals.
Jeff, HARD CASE has done a nice job with these editions.
Rick, I’ve been reading Michael Critchton’s novels since THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN. These early “John Lange” efforts are quick reads. I read them as they were first published.
George, I have never read Crichton’s books written under pseudonyms although I have enjoyed reading his fiction. I think he was one of the most versatile thriller writers of our time.
Rick, here is the order of publication:
1966 Odds On[33] as John Lange
1967 Scratch One[34] as John Lange
1968 Easy Go[35] as John Lange (also titled as The Last Tomb)
1969 Zero Cool[37] as John Lange
1969 The Venom Business[39] as John Lange
1970 Drug of Choice[40] as John Lange (also titled Overkill)
1970 Grave Descend[42] as John Lange
1972 Binary[43] as John Lange (re-released as Crichton in 1993)
The order does not matter when reading as they are all stand-alones.
Prashant, I’ve read all of Crichton’s books and enjoyed all of them. Versatile is an apt adjective to describe his work!
Thanks, Jeff!