FORGOTTEN BOOKS #268: DEATH’S SWEET SONG/WHOM GODS DESTROY By Clifton Adams

deathsweetsong
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!
deathsweet
whom gods destroy

14 thoughts on “FORGOTTEN BOOKS #268: DEATH’S SWEET SONG/WHOM GODS DESTROY By Clifton Adams

  1. Prashant C. Trikannad

    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.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      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.

      Reply
  2. Bill Crider

    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.

    Reply
  3. Richard R.

    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?

    Reply
    1. Bill Crider

      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.

      Reply
  4. Greg Shepard

    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.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      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!)

      Reply

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