Bill Crider - Too Late To Die

Although I'm familiar with his popular blog http://billcrider.blogspot.com/,
and have been a regular reader and occasional poster there, I've never read one of his books until now. I thought I would start with this book, the first in his Sheriff Dan Rhodes series. Although I am really more a fan of pure crime novels as opposed to mystery "whodunnits" like this, I found a lot to like here. For starters, I like the small town atmosphere, which is an interesting contrast to another series I've been reading recently, which would be the Ed McBain 87th Precinct series. I also think this book sets itself up for a series quite well, although many of the characters we are introduced do not live long enough to make it to the 2nd book. Speaking of the 2nd book, I think I'll have to give that one a read as well.

The Pusher, by Ed McBain

I believe this is #3 in the 87th precinct series, and I have to say I am enjoying this series quite a bit. This one was published in 1956, and was the last of the original 3 books that Ed McBain was contracted to write. Obviously, the series became a hit, and Ed McBain went on to right many, many, many more. Interestingly, this book originally had a different ending, which I won't go into for fear of giving anything away. My copy included an afterward, in which the author divulges the original ending. Like earlier books in the series, this book is lean but mean!

Ed Mcbain: The Mugger

Written in 1956, this is the second book in the 87th Precinct series. At just around 150 pages, this book packs quite a punch. Highly recommended!