Book Review: Hardcase

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Hardcase     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Dan Simmons
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Hard Boiled
Series: Joe Kurtz # 1
St. Martin's, Jul 2001, $23.95, 256 pp.

After spending the last eleven years in Attica for murdering the rapist murderer of a friend and partner, former private investigator Joe Kurtz returns home. Being an ex-con, Joe can no longer work as a licensed sleuth, but still opens up an office and rehires his former assistant Arlene DeMarco. Joe knows he needs to look elsewhere for work that will allow him to use his skills and experience. Joe uses a connection from prison to meet aging Western New York mob boss Byron Farino with a deal that the Don cannot refuse. Joe will find and return missing accountant Buell Richardson and uncover who is responsible for the hijacking of the Family's trucks. However, several people, perhaps close top the Don, do not want the accountant to surface plus hitmen want a piece of Joe's butt for money and personal reasons. HARDCASE is just what the title says it is as it is an apropos label of the hero. Joe is a HARDCASE who is not afraid to stomp on anyone in his way except perhaps the people he cherishs like Arlene. The story line is as hard-boiled as a novel gets without being a cartoon. Surprisingly readers will find comfort by traveling all over Buffalo with Joe in a sort of Bronson-Death Wish manner. Dan Simmons, shows his versatility as he has written one of the more entertaining investigative tales of the year.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner