As Barry N. Malzberg (writing as “Mike Barry”) passes the half-way point of his Lone Wolf series, both book #9–Miami Marauder–and book #10–Harlem Showdown–reveal aspects of Wulff’s desperate mission to destroy the drug trade. The lurid violence amps up as Wulff surrenders totally to his key preoccupations and concerns about the toxic drug culture in America and his obsession to end it once and for all.
The size, the scope, and the heightened intensity of Wulff’s dark and deadly odyssey, tempered with only the bleakness of his chances against the army of thugs and killers surrounding the rulers of the drug cartels, sets off a series of chilling events.
From Miami’s sinister sunshine shrouded in secrets to Harlem’s dangerous darkness, Wulff pursues his devastating destiny as he feverishly fights the forces that seek to crush him and poison America with opioids. GRADE: B+ (for both)
Could Malzberg’s Lone wolf series actually be The Great American Novel? Just putting it out there.
I think Barry might resist that suggestion, but not *too* strenuously…
Todd, I’m so glad that STARK HOUSE is bringing Malzberg’s LONE WOLF series back into print for a new audience!
Jerry, no one captured the hellscape of 1970s America like Malzberg and LONE WOLF series!
I have been relict in many things of late, not least keeping up with this reissue series. Glad to see this review, George…happy “Black Friday”, folks!
Todd, it’s raining in NYC, but the streets are full of eager shoppers! Diane and I will be going to see the Neil Diamond jukebox musical BEAUTIFUL NOISE tonight while Patrick, Katie, Elise, and Amber are going to see THE HOURS.
Almost forgot that for you it’s Black Friday today.
In Europe this has been changed by almost all big stores into “Black Week”.
But we did our shopping yesterday – this weekend is for relaxing with my partner’s 11 year old darling girl.
Such amazing alliterative ability!
Bob, early in the High School days I considered becoming a poet. But, I chose some different paths.