Yes, this is the third FFB in a row featuring Milton Lesser’s work. Lesser legally changed his name to Stephen Marlowe. In the past two FFBs, I reviewed Milton Lesser’s science fiction stories. After a decade of writing SF, Lesser switched to crime and suspense in the 1960s writing under the Stephen Marlowe pseudonym that was to become his name. Marlowe’s Chester Drum series featured a unique private eye. Where many private eyes were based in a single city–Michael Shayne in Miami, Philip Marlowe in L.A., Sam Spade in San Francisco–Marlowe gave Drum an international beat. Cases in France, Spain, and Italy are included in this book. Bill Pronzini’s detailed Introduction explores the Stephen Marlowe oeuvre. I’d never seen this book before because it was published by Five Star, a publisher who specialized in selling its books to libraries. But Drum Beat is available at the usual Internet sources at reasonable prices. This collection is well worth it especially because it includes what Marlowe considered his best Chester Drum novel, Dominique.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Prelude: A Fast Drumroll by Bill Pronzini
“Drum Beat”
“Baby Sister”
Chester Drum Takes Over
Wanted–Dead and Alive
A Place to Visit
Drum Beat–Dominique
This sounds perfect – really will have to get it (hope it’s available in paper form too!)
Sergio, FIVE STAR books were mostly sold to libraries and got very little marketing or distribution. I doubt there’s a paperback edition.
I’m drooling at the thought of this one, George.
Jerry, you will love DRUM BEAT!
Obviously a fine collection. I haven’t read all of Marlowe’s novels, but DRUM BEAT — DOMINQUE is my favorite of those I’ve read.
Bill, I consider DRUM BEAT–DOMINIQUE one of the best novels in the series, if not the best.
The Chester Drum novels are generally excellent.
One minor correction, George. Philip Marlowe was based in L.A., not San Francisco. Hammett’s Sam Spade and Stephen Greenleaf’s John Marshall Tanner, among others, were San Franciscans.
Barry, thanks for the correction on Philip Marlowe. It’s just old age kicking in.
At times Drum seems to function as a spy almost as much as he does a P.I. I have liked the Drum books I’ve read, and have a few more on the shelf.
Rick, you’re right. Drum’s international exploits border on spycraft at times.
Looks good. Will keep an eye out.
Randy, DRUM BEAT is well worth reading. You would really like it!
Philip Marlowe in San Francisco?
Bob, I apologize for my mistake. I blame it on the aging process and the stress of correcting 100 research papers.
We all make mistakes, and some of us love to jump on them when they pop up. I know you meant to say Philip Marlowe of San Diego.
Never heard of the author or the detective but seems like I should search for this series. Thanks.
John, I’m sure you would enjoy Stephen Marlowe’s DRUM BEAT. Marlowe was prolific so you have plenty of his work to choose from.