I’ve been reading Bill Pronzini’s work since the Seventies. Pronzini is a consummate professional. His books are well thought out and well written. I’ve read dozens of Pronzini’s books over the years (and I have dozens more waiting in the wings). Several of my friends have recommended The Crimes of Jordan Wise to me so I’ve finally gotten around to reading it. Jordan Wise starts out as an accountant, living a dull predictable life. He meets a woman named Annalise and falls in love with her. But in order to win Annalise, Jordan Wise has to pull off a perfect crime. Later, Jordan Wise has to commit two more perfect crimes. I’m being deliberately vague because I don’t want to spoil any of the surprises in this fine novel (and there are a lot of them!). If you haven’t read any of Bill Pronzini’s books, The Crimes of Jordan Wise is the perfect place to start. If you’re a long-time reader of Bill Pronzini’s work but haven’t read this one, drop everything and pick up a copy of The Crimes of Jordan Wise. It’s one of Pronzini’s best books! GRADE: A
Couldn’t agree more with how good this book is. I read it after Patti wrote an intriguing FFB review about it. The book is compulsively readable–I think I read it in a day. I loved all the details as Jordan Wise puts his “perfect” plan together. Wise reminded me of an inert substance that can only bubble when mixed with a catalyst–in his case, his wife; without her, he reverts to almost a fugue state.
A very good book it was. I have yet to be disappointed by Bill Pronzini.
Deb, I tead THE CRIMES OF JORDAN WISE in one day, too! Compulsive reading! You’re right about Wise needing a catalyst to act. But once Wise swings into action…watch out!
Patti, I’ve read plenty of Pronzini’s books–mysteries, westerns, and non-fiction–and they’ve all been top-notch!
There has only been one Pronzini book I thought was lousy of the nearly 70 I’ve read, so I won’t name it here (maybe it was me). But I agree on JORDAN WISE, which I read a couple of years ago after Ed Gorman (I think) recommended it. I’m still a few books behind (last Nameless or two plus a few non series) and I agree, Bill’s books are always worth reading.
Jeff, you’ve read 70 Pronzinis? Wow! I’ve read about half that number, but I have plenty of his books waiting to be read.
I agree. A really good one.
Bill, I’d put THE CRIMES OF JORDAN WISE in the TOP 10 of Pronzini novels.
George, there are over 40 Nameless books now and if you add in the non series mysteries, the books with Barry Malzberg, Marcia Muller and others, the GUN IN CHEEK books, the short story collections it adds up.
Jeff, I own most of those Pronzini books. I just dipped into GUN IN CHEEK and SIX-GUN IN CHEEK the other day and laughed for quite a while!
I have no idea how far behind on the Nameless series, but it’s way back, same as Grafton’s Kinsey Malone alphabet series and a lot of others. Needless to say, I haven’t red this one.
Rick, THE CRIMES OF JORDAN WISE is a stand-alone mystery. And a quick, satisfying read.
um, that was supposed to be “read”. Darned flat, uncomfortable laptop keyboard.
Rick, I know all about those cramped laptop keyboards. I hate with a passion the “chicklet” keyboards. My College has supplied me with several laptops over the years–DELL, Toshiba, Sony–and I found all the keyboards unsatisfactory. I prefer the full Microsoft ergonomic keyboard which I use at work and at home.