Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
The Moon in the Gutter
Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
David Goodis
Class/Genre: Mystery Noir
Serpent's Tail, Mar 1999, $11.99, 183 pp.
Seven months ago, Bill Kerrigan's beloved sister committed suicide rather than live with the memory of the assault on her body by an unknown assailant. Bill remains in shock, visiting the alley off of Philadelphia's Vernon Street where his sibling died.
After spending some time in the alley, for some reason known only to him, Bill decides he needs a beer so he goes to the nearby Dugan's Den bar. At the dive, Bill meets Newton Channing, a slumming wealthy uptowner. When Newton's classy sister Loretta comes to take him home, an immediate bond forms between her and Bill. However, he is a stevedore, residing in the slums while she is class personified. Even if Bill can put aside his ghastly obsession of finding the culprit behind his sister's death, this couple has no chance of making it.
THE MOON IN THE GUTTER is a reprint of a great urban Noir. The characterization is deep and very intriguing because of David Goodis' insight into the Vernon Street dwellers. The story line is haunting as its serves up to prove that the author was exceptionally good at his craft. Readers who give this novel a chance will search the second hhandbook stores for more works by Mr. Goodis.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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