There have been several series featuring hired killers. Lawrence Block’s Keller and Max Allan Collins’ Quarry series come to mind. However, Frank McAuliffe’s Augustus Mandrell series is my favorite. Mandrell narrates his “commissions” with a combination of Edgar Allan Poe and P. G. Wodehouse. His murders are stylized, comic, and clever. Most of the victims deserve their fate. Ballantine Books published the first three volumes over 40 years ago. And then, surprisingly, a fourth volume was just published a month ago. Bill Crider reviewed Shoot the President, Are You Mad! here. I recommend all of these wonderful books highly.
Augustus Mandrell Series
1. Of All the Bloody Cheek! (1965)
2. Rather a Vicious Gentleman (1968)
3. For Murder I Charge More (1971)
4. Shoot the President, Are You Mad? (2010)
Other FORGOTTEN BOOKS can be found by clicking on the links below. If I’ve inadvertently left you off the list, send me a comment and I’ll make it right. Patti will be doing the SUMMING UP sans the cheerleaders.
Paul Bishop
David Cranmer
Bill Crider
Martin Edwards
Ed Gorman
Randy Johnson
Irene Fleming
Evan Lewis
Steve Lewis
Todd Mason
James Reasoner
Richard Robinson
Kerrie Smith
Patti Abbott
BV Lawson
le0pard13
Paul D. Brazill
Terrie Farley Moran
Craig Clarke
Hi George. I’ve a forgotten book up here:
http://pdbrazill.blogspot.com/2010/05/fridays-forgotten-books-ritual-in-dark.html
I’ll add you to the list, Paul.
Great choice. I’m thinking of rereading the first three (it’s been a long time since I read them – 30 years!) before I read the new one.
I’m in the process of rereading the Augustus Mandrell series myself, Jeff. I forgot how good these stores are!
Paul, new that is a forgotten book worth remembering! I went through a big Colin Wilson stage in the early 1980s and Ritual was definitely one worth remembering. A good friend had a correspondence going with Wilson at the time.
I went through a Colin Wilson stage, too, Jeff. RITUAL is a memorable book.
Hi.
I have a forgotten book post scheduled for 8:30 AM EST on the Women of Mystery blog. http://www.womenofmystery.net
Terrie
And I’ll add you to the list, too, Terrie.
‘of all the bloody cheek’ is a cracking title for a book!
I’m fond of “For Murder I Charge More,” Paul.
I have a Forgotten Book up today:
http://somebodydies.blogspot.com/2010/05/fridays-forgotten-book-farm-by-scott.html
Thanks,
Craig
Okay, Craig, you’re linked!
Hmm, several of the linked sites seem not to have an FFB, but what the hell. Hang in there, George. An interesting assortment this week, including your own. I’ve not read McAuliffe, though his latest seems to be getting a good deal of press, probably because of the catchy title.
You would love the Augustus Mandrell series, Rick! Clever, hilarious stories written with wit and a sly style.
Sheesh. Another cool series I’ve yet to try.
Yes, but there are only four books in the Augustus Mandrell series, Evan. And, trust me, once you start reading them the pages will fly by!
Hello Bill – my post for this week is actually at http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2010/05/forgotten-book-greenway-by-jane-adams.html
Who’s Bill, Kerrie?