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Cold in July
To kill a man, even in self-defence, is no easy thing for a man with a conscience. He has to answer to himself, put the episode behind him, get on with his life. This is very difficult when the dead man's father, a murderous ex-con, is determined to avenge the shooting, no matter what the rights and wrongs. Richard Dane is a small businessman, a family man with a son of his own. Ben Russell, the ex-con, has a very simple an eye for an eye, a son for a son. But the truth is anything but simple, and before long Dane and Russell, misled and manipulated, are awkward allies in a living nightmare of paranoia and psychopathic sex, violence and corruption.
234 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1990
115 people are currently reading
2,321 people want to read
About the author
Joe R. Lansdale
791Ìýbooks3,778ÌýfollowersChampion Mojo Storyteller Joe R. Lansdale is the author of over forty novels and numerous short stories. His work has appeared in national anthologies, magazines, and collections, as well as numerous foreign publications. He has written for comics, television, film, newspapers, and Internet sites. His work has been collected in more than two dozen short-story collections, and he has edited or co-edited over a dozen anthologies. He has received the Edgar Award, eight Bram Stoker Awards, the Horror Writers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the British Fantasy Award, the Grinzani Cavour Prize for Literature, the Herodotus Historical Fiction Award, the Inkpot Award for Contributions to Science Fiction and Fantasy, and many others. His novella Bubba Ho-Tep was adapted to film by Don Coscarelli, starring Bruce Campbell and Ossie Davis. His story "Incident On and Off a Mountain Road" was adapted to film for Showtime's "Masters of Horror," and he adapted his short story "Christmas with the Dead" to film hisownself. The film adaptation of his novel Cold in July was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, and the Sundance Channel has adapted his Hap & Leonard novels for television.
He is currently co-producing several films, among them The Bottoms, based on his Edgar Award-winning novel, with Bill Paxton and Brad Wyman, and The Drive-In, with Greg Nicotero. He is Writer In Residence at Stephen F. Austin State University, and is the founder of the martial arts system Shen Chuan: Martial Science and its affiliate, Shen Chuan Family System. He is a member of both the United States and International Martial Arts Halls of Fame. He lives in Nacogdoches, Texas with his wife, dog, and two cats.
He is currently co-producing several films, among them The Bottoms, based on his Edgar Award-winning novel, with Bill Paxton and Brad Wyman, and The Drive-In, with Greg Nicotero. He is Writer In Residence at Stephen F. Austin State University, and is the founder of the martial arts system Shen Chuan: Martial Science and its affiliate, Shen Chuan Family System. He is a member of both the United States and International Martial Arts Halls of Fame. He lives in Nacogdoches, Texas with his wife, dog, and two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 338 reviews
February 2, 2024
ALLA LARGA DALLE OMBRE
Nel film omonimo del 2014 diretto da Jim Mickle il protagonista Dane è Michael C. Hall.
Ambientato alla fine degli anni Ottanta � cabine telefoniche, telefoni fissi, elenchi telefonici, niente cellulari, ma il pc ha già diffusione e viene sottolineata la quantità di info che si possono raccogliere online � un negozio di videocassette, snuff movie su nastro � un negozio di cornici che in un paese di 40mila abitanti consente un reddito sufficiente ad assumere due aiutanti � Texas orientale, caldo umido che incolla i vestiti � e saggiamente suddiviso in tre parti dal titolo più che mai significativo (la prima si chiama Figli, la seconda Padri, e l’ultima Padri e figli), il romanzo di Lansdale uscito nel 1989 parla proprio di figli e padri, di padri e figli, dei loro rapporti, dei loro ruoli.
Ma lo fa attraverso una trama crime che a un terzo del cammino ha una svolta inaspettata.
Russell è il magnifico Sam Shepard.
L’io narrante si chiama Richard Dane e fa il corniciaio. Trentacinque anni, bella moglie coetanea che fa l’insegnante, figlio in età d’asilo, Richard potrebbe sicuramente essere un padre più paziente. Non ha un carattere particolarmente ilare, per cui la sua voce è meno fuoco d’artificio di battute di quella di Hap (della serie Hap e Leonard). Ma poi entra in scena un altro personaggio, un occhio privato, Jim Bob, e lui sì che è una mitragliatrice di uscite divertenti e commenti salaci.
Una sera mentre sta dormendo un rumore sveglia Richard e sua moglie. C’� un ladro in casa. E siccome siamo negli States, e siccome siamo nel Texas, non può mancare nel cassetto una bella rivoltella di quelle che fanno buchi grossi così (per la cronaca, nascosto in garage c’� anche un fucile a pompa a canna corta). Com’� o come non è, Richard spara e uccide il ladro.
Tutto questo succede nel giro di poche pagine. A seguire un lento crescendo, la svolta improvvisa che non mi aspettavo, più avanti ce n’� un’altra forse non altrettanto sorprendente ma comunque bella forte. Arriva un personaggio che vuole vendicarsi, Richard si difende, ma poi le carte in tavola cambiano.
Jim Bob è il sorprendente Don Johnson.
E intanto si ragiona più di uomini che di donne, e di donne si ragiona sulla facilità con cui gli uomini le trattano con violenza e prevaricazione. Si legge e ragiona di amicizia, quella virile, di padri e figli come già detto, di famiglie, d’esistenza.
E piano piano diventa sempre più chiaro che anche questa volta si tratta di quella “sottile linea scura�, quel confine, il limite tra una fase della vita e un’altra: ma questa volta più che un passaggio d’età , è il superamento di un limite. Tra normalità e il suo opposto, legalità e il suo opposto, pace e il suo opposto. Tra giusto e sbagliato. Un uomo deve fare quello che deve fare.
Si legge tutto con interesse, e piacere. Il piacere che si prova bevendo un bicchiere d’acqua fresca in una giornata calda.
Continuando a dire tra sé e sé, diavolo come scrive questo diavolaccio di Lansdale, lo godo proprio.
Il film privilegia l’action � anche se il ladro è disarmato � trascura la questione familiare che è invece la spina dorsale del romanzo.
Nel film omonimo del 2014 diretto da Jim Mickle il protagonista Dane è Michael C. Hall.
Ambientato alla fine degli anni Ottanta � cabine telefoniche, telefoni fissi, elenchi telefonici, niente cellulari, ma il pc ha già diffusione e viene sottolineata la quantità di info che si possono raccogliere online � un negozio di videocassette, snuff movie su nastro � un negozio di cornici che in un paese di 40mila abitanti consente un reddito sufficiente ad assumere due aiutanti � Texas orientale, caldo umido che incolla i vestiti � e saggiamente suddiviso in tre parti dal titolo più che mai significativo (la prima si chiama Figli, la seconda Padri, e l’ultima Padri e figli), il romanzo di Lansdale uscito nel 1989 parla proprio di figli e padri, di padri e figli, dei loro rapporti, dei loro ruoli.
Ma lo fa attraverso una trama crime che a un terzo del cammino ha una svolta inaspettata.
Russell è il magnifico Sam Shepard.
L’io narrante si chiama Richard Dane e fa il corniciaio. Trentacinque anni, bella moglie coetanea che fa l’insegnante, figlio in età d’asilo, Richard potrebbe sicuramente essere un padre più paziente. Non ha un carattere particolarmente ilare, per cui la sua voce è meno fuoco d’artificio di battute di quella di Hap (della serie Hap e Leonard). Ma poi entra in scena un altro personaggio, un occhio privato, Jim Bob, e lui sì che è una mitragliatrice di uscite divertenti e commenti salaci.
Una sera mentre sta dormendo un rumore sveglia Richard e sua moglie. C’� un ladro in casa. E siccome siamo negli States, e siccome siamo nel Texas, non può mancare nel cassetto una bella rivoltella di quelle che fanno buchi grossi così (per la cronaca, nascosto in garage c’� anche un fucile a pompa a canna corta). Com’� o come non è, Richard spara e uccide il ladro.
Tutto questo succede nel giro di poche pagine. A seguire un lento crescendo, la svolta improvvisa che non mi aspettavo, più avanti ce n’� un’altra forse non altrettanto sorprendente ma comunque bella forte. Arriva un personaggio che vuole vendicarsi, Richard si difende, ma poi le carte in tavola cambiano.
Jim Bob è il sorprendente Don Johnson.
E intanto si ragiona più di uomini che di donne, e di donne si ragiona sulla facilità con cui gli uomini le trattano con violenza e prevaricazione. Si legge e ragiona di amicizia, quella virile, di padri e figli come già detto, di famiglie, d’esistenza.
E piano piano diventa sempre più chiaro che anche questa volta si tratta di quella “sottile linea scura�, quel confine, il limite tra una fase della vita e un’altra: ma questa volta più che un passaggio d’età , è il superamento di un limite. Tra normalità e il suo opposto, legalità e il suo opposto, pace e il suo opposto. Tra giusto e sbagliato. Un uomo deve fare quello che deve fare.
Si legge tutto con interesse, e piacere. Il piacere che si prova bevendo un bicchiere d’acqua fresca in una giornata calda.
Continuando a dire tra sé e sé, diavolo come scrive questo diavolaccio di Lansdale, lo godo proprio.
Il film privilegia l’action � anche se il ladro è disarmato � trascura la questione familiare che è invece la spina dorsale del romanzo.
September 17, 2023
Set in a small eastern Texas town, Cold in July is a dark crime thriller. Gritty and fast-paced with parallels of father & son themes, it reminds me of S.A. Cosby's "Razorblade Tears". This is my first novel by Lansdale but definitely not my last.
A noise downstairs wakes Ann Dane in the middle of the night. Richard Dane gets a revolver from a shoe box and goes to check out the sound while his 4-year-old son sleeps down the hall. The burglar is spooked by the sight of Dane and reaches for a pistol. Startled, Dane shot the burglar in the face.
The police cleared Dane for self-defense. News travel fast in small town and Dane hates to be the center of attention. Still very disturbed by the event after cleaning blood and brain matter off his living room furniture, Dane goes to the burial of his intruder whom the police identified as Freddy Russell.
Freddy's dad Ben, an ex-con is there and vows to avenge Freddy's death, a son for a son.
Not so fast, there is much more to the story than what the police have established to be a clear open and shut case. Why the cover-up? Russell and Dane tag team to find out the truth with the help of Jim Bob, a PI and an old friend of Russell.
I love the well-developed characters with distinct and raw personalities. I like Landsdale's humor but his 1990's southern jokes might not be for everyone. I watched the movie that goes by the same name and loved it, some differences but worth a watch and has a great cast Michael C. Hall, Sam Shepard, and especially Don Johnson is superb as Jim Bob.
A noise downstairs wakes Ann Dane in the middle of the night. Richard Dane gets a revolver from a shoe box and goes to check out the sound while his 4-year-old son sleeps down the hall. The burglar is spooked by the sight of Dane and reaches for a pistol. Startled, Dane shot the burglar in the face.
The police cleared Dane for self-defense. News travel fast in small town and Dane hates to be the center of attention. Still very disturbed by the event after cleaning blood and brain matter off his living room furniture, Dane goes to the burial of his intruder whom the police identified as Freddy Russell.
Freddy's dad Ben, an ex-con is there and vows to avenge Freddy's death, a son for a son.
Not so fast, there is much more to the story than what the police have established to be a clear open and shut case. Why the cover-up? Russell and Dane tag team to find out the truth with the help of Jim Bob, a PI and an old friend of Russell.
I love the well-developed characters with distinct and raw personalities. I like Landsdale's humor but his 1990's southern jokes might not be for everyone. I watched the movie that goes by the same name and loved it, some differences but worth a watch and has a great cast Michael C. Hall, Sam Shepard, and especially Don Johnson is superb as Jim Bob.
October 2, 2018
4.5/5 stars!
It's July, but it's anything but cold here in New England. In fact, we're smack in the middle of a nasty heat wave, so it was a great time to park myself by the pool and read. COLD IN JULY was perfect for the occasion.
Hearing a noise during the night and grabbing his gun to go investigate, Richard Dane ends up killing an intruder in his living room. Understandably he's rattled and feeling a bit guilty. As such, he decides to attend the funeral of his victim and winds up meeting the dead man's father, Ben Russell. Russell is upset and seeking revenge. If this were any other author, the reader would be safe in assuming that the rest of the tale was going to be about Russel and Richard coming to terms. But we're talking Joe Lansdale here, and this story turns in a completely different direction.What happens next? You'll have to read this to find out!
I loved the characters in this book, most especially Jim Bob, a redneck expert in the martial arts, who drives a cherry red boat of a Cadillac, and is a private investigator. His down-home sayings were hilarious and it provided that twisted humor Lansdale is known for. I also loved how the story changed throughout and how the characters developed.
I'm not sure why this book was available through NetGalley at this time, since it originally came out in 1989, but I hopped on the chance to read it for free. There is also a film of it, starring Don Johnson as Jim Bob, and I believe that is something I MUST see.
COLD IN JULY is a fast paced crime novel, with humor and horror mixed in as well as a well developed sense of honor. Set in LaBorde, a place Hap and Leonard fans will recognize, this is a Texas story, told by a Texan in the most entertaining way possible. I highly recommend it!
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is it.*
It's July, but it's anything but cold here in New England. In fact, we're smack in the middle of a nasty heat wave, so it was a great time to park myself by the pool and read. COLD IN JULY was perfect for the occasion.
Hearing a noise during the night and grabbing his gun to go investigate, Richard Dane ends up killing an intruder in his living room. Understandably he's rattled and feeling a bit guilty. As such, he decides to attend the funeral of his victim and winds up meeting the dead man's father, Ben Russell. Russell is upset and seeking revenge. If this were any other author, the reader would be safe in assuming that the rest of the tale was going to be about Russel and Richard coming to terms. But we're talking Joe Lansdale here, and this story turns in a completely different direction.What happens next? You'll have to read this to find out!
I loved the characters in this book, most especially Jim Bob, a redneck expert in the martial arts, who drives a cherry red boat of a Cadillac, and is a private investigator. His down-home sayings were hilarious and it provided that twisted humor Lansdale is known for. I also loved how the story changed throughout and how the characters developed.
I'm not sure why this book was available through NetGalley at this time, since it originally came out in 1989, but I hopped on the chance to read it for free. There is also a film of it, starring Don Johnson as Jim Bob, and I believe that is something I MUST see.
COLD IN JULY is a fast paced crime novel, with humor and horror mixed in as well as a well developed sense of honor. Set in LaBorde, a place Hap and Leonard fans will recognize, this is a Texas story, told by a Texan in the most entertaining way possible. I highly recommend it!
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is it.*
February 28, 2022
"Whoever fights monsters, should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster." - Neitzche
Initial Thoughts
Cold in July was not my first experience with Joe Lansdale. I'm already a big fan of his, having read and loved The Bottoms, Paradise Sky and some of his short stories. The guys a talent regardless of whether he's writing horror, crime or western. He's one of the best out there when it comes to seamlessly mixing genres.
I found out in the introduction that COLD IN JULY was Lansdale's first foray into crime fiction and is regarded as a fierce psychological thriller. It also explains that the idea for the story came from a dream the author had and makes for fascinating reading. So I was expecting plenty of grit, violence and unapologetic writing and was excited to get fired into it.
The Story
Everyday man Richard Dane wakes up to find a trigger-happy burglar in his house, and blows him away in a cut and dry case of self-defence. When the investigator in charge identifies the victim as Freddy Russel we soon find out that the dead man’s violent father, Ben Russel, has recently been released from the local prison and is hungry for a dish best served cold. We're talking old fashioned, eye for an eye, son for a son revenge. This gives us the initial basis for the plot but there's a lot more to this one than meets the eye and Dane is soon dragged into a mystery that leads him deep into a criminal underworld.
The Writing
Lansdale never fails to tell a great story and Cold in July is no exception. His prose are lean, mean and tight. He really doesn't waste a word. The snappy, often hilarious, dialogue and intense scenes had me racing along as he ramped up the suspense right up to a fantastically bloody climax.
"The experience had been exhilarating, like driving a car too fast, walking a high wire without a net. Better than either of those things could be. After those intense few moments of blood and thunder, I found myself wanting to do it again."
Lansdale uses quick chapters and doesn't drag things out unnecessarily keeping this one fast paced. This is a feature of Lansdale’s skill as an expert storyteller.
The Characters
There's a number of memorable characters in this one that are multifaceted and have a degree of complexity. Joe doesn't overdo it in this one with the character development in this one and gives us just enough to make them interesting without slowing down the plot.
There's some interesting themes in this one and each of the central characters is flawed without being a bad person. Then there's the entrance of Jim-Bob, which added a whole extra dimension to the narrative. A private detective for hire he's well-developed and absolutely hilarious. Without doubt my favourite character in this pulse pounding story.
"I’m so bored I could sing to my dick."
Final Thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed Cold In July from start to finish and can't wait to check out the movie adaptation. If it's anything like the book it'll be a must-watch!
The story on it's surface is straight up crime-noire but there were some interesting themes particularly those concerning the fears of being a father and how failure can ruin the lives of their children. We also get to see if it's ever to late to make up for those past transgressions.
With all this on offer it's a solid four stars from me. I was tempted to bump it up a bit, but I'm committed to being more ruthless with my ratings. So I'm sticking with four and giving this a definite recommendation to fans of Lansdale or crime fiction in general. Cheers!
September 1, 2018
The father (Sam Shepard) of a Texas mobster, a man (Michael C. Hall) trying to protect his family, and a southern-fried private detective (Don Johnson) from Cold in July (2014)
I kind of messed this by seeing the movie first. It is mostly the same story.
The book gives Ann a slightly more significant role and leaves out that unexplainable incident with the police. Lansdale takes places with an all-father approach to your responsibility as a parent.
May 30, 2014
This is a re-release of a book published in 1989 tied to the movie version coming out. It is the tale of an ordinary man whose life is shaken up by a crime that threatens his family who then becomes obsessed with resolving a mystery and proving himself in the sphere of violent action. It taps into feelings of purpose behind protecting home and hearth and forces you ask how far you would go to seek justice.
Richard runs a framing shop in rural East Texas. The first scene has him waking at night in his home with wife and four-year old child and being forced to shoot dead an armed burglar. His response with his family in the aftermath is moving and well done. He wants to feel normal and not subject to scrutiny and attention of folks in his community, but things have changed for him. Now he is both more vulnerable and more potent. When he is told the identity of the culprit and learns that the young man’s father is getting out of prison and likely to seek revenge, those two responses are ramped up and begin to diverge. Things are not what they seem, and he is drawn into a dangerous quest with two others. Does Richard have what it takes to do what it takes in the face of evil that comes out of Pandora’s Box?
I liked the relative purity and simplicity of the tale, with its shades of karmic parable and classic mythology. The author reports in a sidepiece how the story sprang relatively fully formed from his imagination while in the middle of working on another book. The supporting characters are colorful, however they eventually felt a little too cartoonish to me. Still, it entertained me well and was a fast and thrilling read.
This book was provided by the published as an e-book through the Netgalley program.
Richard runs a framing shop in rural East Texas. The first scene has him waking at night in his home with wife and four-year old child and being forced to shoot dead an armed burglar. His response with his family in the aftermath is moving and well done. He wants to feel normal and not subject to scrutiny and attention of folks in his community, but things have changed for him. Now he is both more vulnerable and more potent. When he is told the identity of the culprit and learns that the young man’s father is getting out of prison and likely to seek revenge, those two responses are ramped up and begin to diverge. Things are not what they seem, and he is drawn into a dangerous quest with two others. Does Richard have what it takes to do what it takes in the face of evil that comes out of Pandora’s Box?
I liked the relative purity and simplicity of the tale, with its shades of karmic parable and classic mythology. The author reports in a sidepiece how the story sprang relatively fully formed from his imagination while in the middle of working on another book. The supporting characters are colorful, however they eventually felt a little too cartoonish to me. Still, it entertained me well and was a fast and thrilling read.
This book was provided by the published as an e-book through the Netgalley program.
June 28, 2018
It's pretty well-known by this point that Joe Lansdale is probably the most versatile author out there, able to successfully jump at whim between so many genres and make it all seem so fresh. Cold in July is a straight -up crime thriller, with a completely different feel and tone from other books I've read by him, including his recent westerns or the comedic adventures of Hap and Leonard.
The novel is initially about the clash between family man Richard Dane, who kills a man trying to burglarize his house, and that man's criminal father, recently released from prison and seeking old-school revenge. But once they realize that they've both been played for fools, they form a shaky alliance to seek out a different sort of vengeance.
Another talent that Lansdale has is the melding of different genres, which he pulls off in this book like the pro he is. This crime thriller is more of a classic western story with a dogged pursuit of revenge, themes of honor, justice, and the effects of violence, and there's even a great climactic showdown; very similar to Unforgiven and The Searchers. The only thing missing are the period elements and the horses!
At the heart, the most important thing that Lansdale is interested in here is the exploration of fatherhood, the fear of paternal failure and leaving behind a legacy that you might regret.
The novel is initially about the clash between family man Richard Dane, who kills a man trying to burglarize his house, and that man's criminal father, recently released from prison and seeking old-school revenge. But once they realize that they've both been played for fools, they form a shaky alliance to seek out a different sort of vengeance.
Another talent that Lansdale has is the melding of different genres, which he pulls off in this book like the pro he is. This crime thriller is more of a classic western story with a dogged pursuit of revenge, themes of honor, justice, and the effects of violence, and there's even a great climactic showdown; very similar to Unforgiven and The Searchers. The only thing missing are the period elements and the horses!
At the heart, the most important thing that Lansdale is interested in here is the exploration of fatherhood, the fear of paternal failure and leaving behind a legacy that you might regret.
November 14, 2023
4.5 Stars for Cold in July (audiobook) by Joe R. Lansdale read by Brian Hutchison.
Richard Dane kills an intruder in his house and this brave act of protecting his family changes his life forever. The man’s father is looking for revenge,but things aren’t adding up. His son is still alive, in a case of mistaken identity. But who has the power to fake the identity at that level?
Richard Dane kills an intruder in his house and this brave act of protecting his family changes his life forever. The man’s father is looking for revenge,but things aren’t adding up. His son is still alive, in a case of mistaken identity. But who has the power to fake the identity at that level?
July 30, 2020
Larry, Moe, and Curly plan a murder
Serves me right for choosing a book based on the title. This was my 2020 monthly pick for July for obvious reasons. Now, I am not a habitual reader of thrillers. I almost always find them at least faintly ridiculous because of their over-the-top action, people doing and getting away with outrageous things. This one for me descended to slapstick. I thought for a while that the author was perhaps going for humour, but other reviews and the afterword seemed to indicate that he means it to be taken seriously.
Go figure! How can I take a P.I. seriously when his name is Jim Bob? When he talks like a cartoon character? When the main character acts completely out of character for a family man? How likely is he to go all Dirty Harry? It was all just so bloody improbable.
But, as I said, thrillers are not my thing. I think that if you enjoy , , or Andrew Grant, you will probably enjoy this novel too.
Cross posted at my blog:
Serves me right for choosing a book based on the title. This was my 2020 monthly pick for July for obvious reasons. Now, I am not a habitual reader of thrillers. I almost always find them at least faintly ridiculous because of their over-the-top action, people doing and getting away with outrageous things. This one for me descended to slapstick. I thought for a while that the author was perhaps going for humour, but other reviews and the afterword seemed to indicate that he means it to be taken seriously.
Go figure! How can I take a P.I. seriously when his name is Jim Bob? When he talks like a cartoon character? When the main character acts completely out of character for a family man? How likely is he to go all Dirty Harry? It was all just so bloody improbable.
But, as I said, thrillers are not my thing. I think that if you enjoy , , or Andrew Grant, you will probably enjoy this novel too.
Cross posted at my blog:
November 5, 2010
COLD IN JULY starts out with a bang - literally - when everyman Richard Dane is forced to shoot an intruder intent on robbing and possibly murdering his family. Never having murdered someone, Richard is having a hard time of it. He's replaced the bloodstained couch and painted the wall but he still can't forget that awful night.
Overwhelmed with guilt, he attends the funeral of the small time crook and is spotted by the dead man's dangerous ex-con father. Dear old Dad is none too happy with his son's murderer and while he's not dumb enough to come right out and say it he alludes to what a shame it would be if something were to happen to Dane's four-year-old son. An eye for an eye and all that.
This is only the beginning of Dane's weird introduction into a world chock full of bizarre goings-on. Dane's quiet little life will never be the same as he comes face to face with the darkest side of human nature.
Although COLD IN JULY is by no means a light book - it's dark and as suspenseful as a books gets - the best thing about it is it's well drawn, flawed characters and the wickedly funny dialogue. I would excerpt some of my favorite lines but going back through the book I realize they're all pretty nasty. Lansdale's humor probably isn't for everyone but those who like humorous, earthy dialogue will be in for a good howl.
Overwhelmed with guilt, he attends the funeral of the small time crook and is spotted by the dead man's dangerous ex-con father. Dear old Dad is none too happy with his son's murderer and while he's not dumb enough to come right out and say it he alludes to what a shame it would be if something were to happen to Dane's four-year-old son. An eye for an eye and all that.
This is only the beginning of Dane's weird introduction into a world chock full of bizarre goings-on. Dane's quiet little life will never be the same as he comes face to face with the darkest side of human nature.
Although COLD IN JULY is by no means a light book - it's dark and as suspenseful as a books gets - the best thing about it is it's well drawn, flawed characters and the wickedly funny dialogue. I would excerpt some of my favorite lines but going back through the book I realize they're all pretty nasty. Lansdale's humor probably isn't for everyone but those who like humorous, earthy dialogue will be in for a good howl.
June 8, 2018
Metamorphosis is a term used to describe the process whereby a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. It is also a term for what Lansdale does with Cold in July, a novel that starts out in a suburban father's worst nightmare. Woken in the dead of night by an intruder, he shoots the intruder right through the eye. Shock and guilt give way to fear as the burglar's father vows revenge upon being released from prison. Then the story flips as Rick busts the ex-con father out of jail, and they join forces with a crazy Texas private eye, eventually turning into an action packed men's adventure tale. Along the way, Lansdale touches on many themes such as how safe are we really against the real predators, and what kind of secrets is the government hiding. And, what makes us who we are? Is it our actions in those brief moments of madness or how we go about our daily lives? And, then there's that desperate longing for adventure that lies buried within us. I've never read much Lansdale before, but he makes this crazy story work with the keen thoughtful narrator's voice.
August 5, 2024
Short, yet seriously potent. A slow burn that morphed into an inferno by the tension-filled final act. I'm talking about that blood pressure raising type of tension! It had that "can't turn the pages fast enough" kind of grip. Man, oh, man...
Another solid walk on the dark side courtesy of Mr Lansdale. For sure, yo.
4 Tempestuous Stars
Another solid walk on the dark side courtesy of Mr Lansdale. For sure, yo.
4 Tempestuous Stars
April 27, 2014
Note: I first wrote this review in 2010 when I first started reviewing books at Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. It was a brief review simply for the fact I read the novel in the late 90s and the details were not as vivid at the time. Now, thanks to the release of the film in 2014 and the rerelease of Cold in July> by Tachyon Publications, I was encouraged to read it again. The first part of this review are my first thoughts in 2010 followed by my new assessment.
This hard-nosed thriller by Joe R. Lansdale is easy to dismiss as a pulp fiction suspense novel and nothing more. Yet the author is actually writing a haunting character study about fatherhood and all the problems it entail. This is the genius of Lansdale. He writes thrillers that can be read for pure entertainment yet at the end you are thinking twice about what you read and what it means. And, as usual, he never pulls punches. While not as riveting as the Hap and Leonard novels, Cold in July is still very memorable.
------------------
With the movie Cold in July coming out in May, I decided to reread this suspense novel written by Joe R. Lansdale. It didn't hurt my decision when Tachyon Publications, through Netgalley, offered me a review copy as their release of the book coincides with the release of the film. It's been over 15 years since I read it and my original review (above) for Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ was on spot but without much detail. On the second read, I must say it was as good as I remembered and better. But I may have been flippant when I referred to it as pulp fiction. Cold in July is certainly within the tradition of pulp mysteries and, more precisely, crime fiction. It is also firmly in Lansdale's typical East Texas setting full of blue collar families and characters from the more dubious sides of life. Yet Lansdale has hit a literary note in this novel as he uses the plot and themes to explore father-son relationships. In that way, this novel may be one of his most subtle and maybe even more personal.
Considering Lansdale's novels are full of tough and eccentric characters, Richard Dane is fairly mundane. He lives with his wife and son in a small Texas town and owns a picture framing shop. One night he hears an intrusion into his home and ends up shooting the burglar in self defense. He is uncomfortable about the notoriety he receives and feels guilty despite the fact it was self defense. Soon Russel, the father of the man he killed, has just got out of prison only to find his boy is dead. He places himself into Richard's life in the most sinister way. "A life for a life" as he puts it.
So now we have a typical story about a man placed in a dangerous situation and protecting his family. But Lansdale is never typical. As the story developed, Richard discovers something have makes him and Russel uncomfortable allies. It's a beautiful if suspenseful buildup to this point and Lansdale makes it work. One of those reasons is that Russel is old enough to be Richard's father and Richard's actual father killed himself when he was young. That made sound strange saying that there exist emotional connections between Richard and the man who wants to kill his family but it's that sort of thing that makes this such a emotionally satisfying book. The loss of a son. The loss of a father. The fear of losing youe child in death or sometimes in other ways than death. These are the themes that drive this excellent story. And no one tells a story better than Lansdale.
Lansdale's grit and wits is evident throughout. Halfway through we meet a private investigator that is one of the more colorful characters the author has created and, of course, has some of the best lines. Richard's wife lends a different kind of protective spirit to the book. She in realistic and provides a bit of grounding to Richard's odd quest which she fears will destroy the family. It's that quest that becomes the only weak, if minor, link in this novel. Even with Russel's background, it is hard to accept he would make the decision he does and even harder that Richard would go along with it. Yet Lansdale have built up the delicate rapport each has with the other so well that it does not become an insurmountable leap and certainly does not slow down this exquisite thriller.
So I have to say I enjoyed this book more on the second read and, maybe because of my own older age, felt closer for the relationship and the emotions of these men. I originally gave this book four stars but now I would increase it to five. It's a crime fiction classic.
This hard-nosed thriller by Joe R. Lansdale is easy to dismiss as a pulp fiction suspense novel and nothing more. Yet the author is actually writing a haunting character study about fatherhood and all the problems it entail. This is the genius of Lansdale. He writes thrillers that can be read for pure entertainment yet at the end you are thinking twice about what you read and what it means. And, as usual, he never pulls punches. While not as riveting as the Hap and Leonard novels, Cold in July is still very memorable.
------------------
With the movie Cold in July coming out in May, I decided to reread this suspense novel written by Joe R. Lansdale. It didn't hurt my decision when Tachyon Publications, through Netgalley, offered me a review copy as their release of the book coincides with the release of the film. It's been over 15 years since I read it and my original review (above) for Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ was on spot but without much detail. On the second read, I must say it was as good as I remembered and better. But I may have been flippant when I referred to it as pulp fiction. Cold in July is certainly within the tradition of pulp mysteries and, more precisely, crime fiction. It is also firmly in Lansdale's typical East Texas setting full of blue collar families and characters from the more dubious sides of life. Yet Lansdale has hit a literary note in this novel as he uses the plot and themes to explore father-son relationships. In that way, this novel may be one of his most subtle and maybe even more personal.
Considering Lansdale's novels are full of tough and eccentric characters, Richard Dane is fairly mundane. He lives with his wife and son in a small Texas town and owns a picture framing shop. One night he hears an intrusion into his home and ends up shooting the burglar in self defense. He is uncomfortable about the notoriety he receives and feels guilty despite the fact it was self defense. Soon Russel, the father of the man he killed, has just got out of prison only to find his boy is dead. He places himself into Richard's life in the most sinister way. "A life for a life" as he puts it.
So now we have a typical story about a man placed in a dangerous situation and protecting his family. But Lansdale is never typical. As the story developed, Richard discovers something have makes him and Russel uncomfortable allies. It's a beautiful if suspenseful buildup to this point and Lansdale makes it work. One of those reasons is that Russel is old enough to be Richard's father and Richard's actual father killed himself when he was young. That made sound strange saying that there exist emotional connections between Richard and the man who wants to kill his family but it's that sort of thing that makes this such a emotionally satisfying book. The loss of a son. The loss of a father. The fear of losing youe child in death or sometimes in other ways than death. These are the themes that drive this excellent story. And no one tells a story better than Lansdale.
Lansdale's grit and wits is evident throughout. Halfway through we meet a private investigator that is one of the more colorful characters the author has created and, of course, has some of the best lines. Richard's wife lends a different kind of protective spirit to the book. She in realistic and provides a bit of grounding to Richard's odd quest which she fears will destroy the family. It's that quest that becomes the only weak, if minor, link in this novel. Even with Russel's background, it is hard to accept he would make the decision he does and even harder that Richard would go along with it. Yet Lansdale have built up the delicate rapport each has with the other so well that it does not become an insurmountable leap and certainly does not slow down this exquisite thriller.
So I have to say I enjoyed this book more on the second read and, maybe because of my own older age, felt closer for the relationship and the emotions of these men. I originally gave this book four stars but now I would increase it to five. It's a crime fiction classic.
April 15, 2019
Mă așteptam la ceva mai horror, cu toate că Lansdale scria încă din 1989 despre filme snuff și moși libidinoși și perverși, cărora le place să-și omoare victimele după ce le violează.
În rest, un roman mystery cinstit, cu parfum de praf de Texas și aer sufocant de fierbinte, plus vreo două personaje de pus în ramă: Ann, soția personajului principal (el nu mi s-a părut cine știe ce), sau Jim Bob, o acritură fermecătoare și spurcată la gură, despre ale cărui aventuri nu m-ar deranja să mai citesc pe viitor; din păcate însă, romanul de față e un stand-alone, unul dintre multele scrise de Lansdale de-a lungul secolului trecut.
Aș fi curios însă să citesc aventurile lui Hap & Leondard, ajunse deja la al doisprezecelea volum anul acesta (și excelent ecranizate de Sundance TV, până la mișeleasca anulare de anul trecut).
Mai multe, pe FanSF: .
În rest, un roman mystery cinstit, cu parfum de praf de Texas și aer sufocant de fierbinte, plus vreo două personaje de pus în ramă: Ann, soția personajului principal (el nu mi s-a părut cine știe ce), sau Jim Bob, o acritură fermecătoare și spurcată la gură, despre ale cărui aventuri nu m-ar deranja să mai citesc pe viitor; din păcate însă, romanul de față e un stand-alone, unul dintre multele scrise de Lansdale de-a lungul secolului trecut.
Aș fi curios însă să citesc aventurile lui Hap & Leondard, ajunse deja la al doisprezecelea volum anul acesta (și excelent ecranizate de Sundance TV, până la mișeleasca anulare de anul trecut).
Mai multe, pe FanSF: .
March 20, 2022
I liked the concept but not necessarily where the author went with it. But the story is written well. I really liked the short chapters, it kept the pace up.
It's an okay book but I'm probably not the right reader for it.
It's an okay book but I'm probably not the right reader for it.
July 10, 2024
My first experience with a Joe R. Lansdale novel. It's a corker! - so satisfying that I'm now excited to give his 'Hap and Leonard' series a shot.
In his afterword, Lansdale tells us:
As it happens, I watched the film shortly after the read.
Here's the thing: The film does the best it can with its under-two-hours limitations. It condenses, making sure to shoe-in the major bullet points. You get the overall effect; large chunks of the original remain intact. But you're still robbed of the power of the story. The movie is engaging - sometimes very much so; the book, however, is (to say the least) chilling.
Occasionally the movie is forced to compensate in a particularly disappointing manner. For example, early on it removes a pivotal (and terrifying) plot device sequence which (to me) seems essential. An attempt is made to justify and skirt the cut - but it's weak.
As well, Lansdale's parade of rich characterization suffers considerably on the chopping block. To a large extent, this is noticeable in the portrait of the protagonist's gutsy wife Ann - but her role is more peripheral so that's less distracting.
What's most regrettable is the adaptation's depiction of the PI Jim Bob Luke. In the book, Lansdale's creation of Jim Bob is a masterstroke - a thing of hilariously colorful beauty.:
I won't say anything about the novel's plot - but, rest assured, it's an almost endlessly surprising concoction of coldcocking complication, bolstered further by way of Lansdale's evocative storytelling. In the paperback's intro, the film's director (Jim Mickle) says that he read the beginning... and could not stop reading until he finished. I can vouch for that experience; I more or less did the same.
In his afterword, Lansdale tells us:
Now and again... a novel (more frequently a short story) will jump full-blown into my consciousness. It's an amazing thing. ... No novel has ever come to me more full-blown than 'Cold in July'.It took 24 years (until 2014) for the 1990 'CIJ' to go from published novel to film. While such a 'gestation period' is not uncommon, it's still surprising in terms of such surefire material.
As it happens, I watched the film shortly after the read.
Here's the thing: The film does the best it can with its under-two-hours limitations. It condenses, making sure to shoe-in the major bullet points. You get the overall effect; large chunks of the original remain intact. But you're still robbed of the power of the story. The movie is engaging - sometimes very much so; the book, however, is (to say the least) chilling.
Occasionally the movie is forced to compensate in a particularly disappointing manner. For example, early on it removes a pivotal (and terrifying) plot device sequence which (to me) seems essential. An attempt is made to justify and skirt the cut - but it's weak.
As well, Lansdale's parade of rich characterization suffers considerably on the chopping block. To a large extent, this is noticeable in the portrait of the protagonist's gutsy wife Ann - but her role is more peripheral so that's less distracting.
What's most regrettable is the adaptation's depiction of the PI Jim Bob Luke. In the book, Lansdale's creation of Jim Bob is a masterstroke - a thing of hilariously colorful beauty.:
"I don't know about you, pardner," Jim Bob said, "but I'm so bored I could sing to my dick."JBL both augments and balances the pitch-black storyline. And he is consistently quotable. But you wouldn't know that from the film. Poor Don Johnson (through no fault of his own) is only given the bare bones with which to bring Luke to (less-than-memorable) life.
I won't say anything about the novel's plot - but, rest assured, it's an almost endlessly surprising concoction of coldcocking complication, bolstered further by way of Lansdale's evocative storytelling. In the paperback's intro, the film's director (Jim Mickle) says that he read the beginning... and could not stop reading until he finished. I can vouch for that experience; I more or less did the same.
June 17, 2018
I received this from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not sure how to rate this one, so I'm going with a middle-of-the-road 3 stars.
It's a reissue of a book Joe Lansdale wrote in 1989, early in his career. It's divided into three distinctly different sections all tied together by a couple of significant events and several really bad decisions.
I struggled with this a little bit, maybe because it wasn't as clean as his other books (i.e., Hap and Leonard), possibly because it was an early work. There are snippets of brilliance, but overall, the characters didn't seem to be well-rounded, and made odd decisions to drive the plot into places that felt awkward or forced.
Still, not a bad read, and a good book for a summer vacation.
I'm not sure how to rate this one, so I'm going with a middle-of-the-road 3 stars.
It's a reissue of a book Joe Lansdale wrote in 1989, early in his career. It's divided into three distinctly different sections all tied together by a couple of significant events and several really bad decisions.
I struggled with this a little bit, maybe because it wasn't as clean as his other books (i.e., Hap and Leonard), possibly because it was an early work. There are snippets of brilliance, but overall, the characters didn't seem to be well-rounded, and made odd decisions to drive the plot into places that felt awkward or forced.
Still, not a bad read, and a good book for a summer vacation.
December 18, 2009
I met Joe at a New York horror convention. He gave me a copy of this and told me it was his personal favorite of all he's ever written. It's a helluva read from a helluva nice guy.
August 3, 2024
Fathers trying to be fathers in a world in which Jesus wouldn’t last five fucking minutes. Sometimes a man's gotta do, what a man's gotta do. The principle of the thing, the macho code. You know. But killing ain't easy. A sweaty crime thriller, dark and gritty, spearheaded by three striking characters, all in it for their own reasons. Jim Bob, the private eye, was my favorite. His Southern flamboyance; icing on a grim cake.
May 16, 2014
Review copy
While it's true I haven't read all of Joe R. Lansdale's books, I've read enough to know I love his stuff. Whether he's being serious or off the wall, there's always a level of believably in his stories.
I guess you could call Cold In July a crime novel, but it certainly has elements of horror. Not monster horror. Real horror. The horror we read about in the newspaper or watch on the nightly news. The kind of horror that makes any sane person ask, "How could someone do something like that?"
It all starts with a noise in the night. An intruder. As a reader I am drawn into the story immediately. It seems pretty straight forward, but...what if? That's something Joe R. Lansdale is very good at, taking a story in unexpected directions. I found myself asking what if that happened to me, what would I do, and the answers made me uncomfortable.
Cold In July has some memorable characters, Richard Dane and his wife Ann, ex-con Ben Russel and especially P.I. Jim Bob Luke. Each with their own distinct identities and personalities drawn to perfection from the author's mind. Plus, I believe Lansdale is one of the best at writing a conversation. Here's an example between Dane and Jim Bob Luke...
"You're a lucky man, Dane. Got a family. Someone to care about you. I got what I do and the red Bitch--and it's got a dent in it."
"You got pigs."
"Yeah, but every now and then I eat them, so it's hard to form any kind of relationship. I don't think they trust me."
In the Afterword, Joe R. Lansdale says, "No novel has ever come to me more full-blown than Cold In July." The end result is a perfect story, well-told, start to finish. I enjoyed every word.
Cold In July is being re-released by Tachyon Publications in tandem with the new film being released in theaters on May 23rd. 2014. The film stars Michael C. Hall (Dexter) as Richard Dane, Sam Shepard as Ben Russel and Don Johnson as Jim Bob Luke. Having read the book, I definitely want to see the movie, but by all means read the book first.
Strongly recommended.
While it's true I haven't read all of Joe R. Lansdale's books, I've read enough to know I love his stuff. Whether he's being serious or off the wall, there's always a level of believably in his stories.
I guess you could call Cold In July a crime novel, but it certainly has elements of horror. Not monster horror. Real horror. The horror we read about in the newspaper or watch on the nightly news. The kind of horror that makes any sane person ask, "How could someone do something like that?"
It all starts with a noise in the night. An intruder. As a reader I am drawn into the story immediately. It seems pretty straight forward, but...what if? That's something Joe R. Lansdale is very good at, taking a story in unexpected directions. I found myself asking what if that happened to me, what would I do, and the answers made me uncomfortable.
Cold In July has some memorable characters, Richard Dane and his wife Ann, ex-con Ben Russel and especially P.I. Jim Bob Luke. Each with their own distinct identities and personalities drawn to perfection from the author's mind. Plus, I believe Lansdale is one of the best at writing a conversation. Here's an example between Dane and Jim Bob Luke...
"You're a lucky man, Dane. Got a family. Someone to care about you. I got what I do and the red Bitch--and it's got a dent in it."
"You got pigs."
"Yeah, but every now and then I eat them, so it's hard to form any kind of relationship. I don't think they trust me."
In the Afterword, Joe R. Lansdale says, "No novel has ever come to me more full-blown than Cold In July." The end result is a perfect story, well-told, start to finish. I enjoyed every word.
Cold In July is being re-released by Tachyon Publications in tandem with the new film being released in theaters on May 23rd. 2014. The film stars Michael C. Hall (Dexter) as Richard Dane, Sam Shepard as Ben Russel and Don Johnson as Jim Bob Luke. Having read the book, I definitely want to see the movie, but by all means read the book first.
Strongly recommended.
June 21, 2019
Mi-a plăcut extrem de mult cartea,un thriller psihologic genial.Mi-a placut actiunea si personajele foarte interesante.Mi-a amintit de Stephen King datorita umorului negru pe care il abordeaza autorul si personajelor complexe.Richard , protagonistu mi-a amintit de Louis din Cimitirul Animalelor.
March 7, 2022
Another good one from Lansdale! This is one of his earliest novels first published in 1990. It's the story of a man, Richard Dane, who kills a burglar in self defense who had broken into his home putting his wife and young son in danger. But then the dead burglar's father, and ex-con named Ben Russell decides that Dane should pay and eye for an eye, a son for son. In the end, Russell can't go through with his plan and Dane discovers from a photo that the man he killed wasn't Russell's son. So Dane and Russell become allies in trying to figure out what the police are hiding and why they told Dane that he had killed Freddy Russell. Russell contacts an old friend who is also a PI to try to get to the bottom of this and find out if Freddy is still alive. This leads to a very dark and violent conclusion as only Lansdale can write them!
I have never read a Lansdale novel that I didn't like and this was no exception. I've read all of his Hap and Leonard series as well as many of his stand alone novels including THE BOTTOMS, FREEZER BURN, THE THICKET, EDGE OF DARK WATER, etc. I would recommend all of these as well as that I definitely want to check out. High praise again for Lansdale!
I have never read a Lansdale novel that I didn't like and this was no exception. I've read all of his Hap and Leonard series as well as many of his stand alone novels including THE BOTTOMS, FREEZER BURN, THE THICKET, EDGE OF DARK WATER, etc. I would recommend all of these as well as that I definitely want to check out. High praise again for Lansdale!
October 27, 2016
With every new Lansdale I meet I am amazed afresh at his ability to tell a great story, a story that's dark and twisted and terribly human, a story with interesting characters and authentic feeling locales, a story that grips and entertains and makes you ponder what life is all about, basically genre writing at its finest. And Cold in July is all of these things, despite seeing the fantastic movie several times there's plenty to be discovered and enjoyed within the pages of Lansdale's writing, almost feeling like an entirely separate journey to take.
June 18, 2014
COLD IN JULY is one of those books that fools the reader into a false sence of security before sweeping the rug out from underneath. Initially resembling a run of the mill crime novel, COLD IN JULY treats the reader with three distinct acts/stanzas, all a natural progression from one another. Beginning with a home robbery, then turning private eye, to ending a violent vigilante, COLD IN JULY provides three distinct reader experiences each as good as the other.
Woken by the sound of an intruder, husband and father of one, Richard Dane, murders the would-be robber in an act of pure self defense, kill or be killed. Little did he know the mans father would be released from a lengthy stay in jail shortly after learning of his sons murder resulting in more violence and invasion of Danes family home. Revenge runs red in the eyes of the beholder.
Just when you think you know where this story is going, author Joe R Lansdale hits you in the face with a double aught. Que police cover ups, Dixie Mafia, FBI witness protection, snuff films, and broken hearts. Not forgetting an uneasy alliance between Dane and Ben Russell, the recently freed from jail father. Lansdale really makes this multidimensional crime piece simmer in tension, steadily boiling over to violence.
I really enjoyed COLD IN JULY and can't wait to see the film adaptation.
Thos review first appeared on my blog:
Woken by the sound of an intruder, husband and father of one, Richard Dane, murders the would-be robber in an act of pure self defense, kill or be killed. Little did he know the mans father would be released from a lengthy stay in jail shortly after learning of his sons murder resulting in more violence and invasion of Danes family home. Revenge runs red in the eyes of the beholder.
Just when you think you know where this story is going, author Joe R Lansdale hits you in the face with a double aught. Que police cover ups, Dixie Mafia, FBI witness protection, snuff films, and broken hearts. Not forgetting an uneasy alliance between Dane and Ben Russell, the recently freed from jail father. Lansdale really makes this multidimensional crime piece simmer in tension, steadily boiling over to violence.
I really enjoyed COLD IN JULY and can't wait to see the film adaptation.
Thos review first appeared on my blog:
March 31, 2016
I liked this gritty novel, it’s a classic hardboiled crime fiction piece. I can understand that, because of the violence involved, Lansdale may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I really like his dark writing style.
This novel deals with intense father-son relationships, Russel is an ex-con with a peculiar sense of justice, when he learns that his son Freddie has been killed while carrying out an home invasion he wants revenge, however .
IMO not as good as by the same author, but has plenty of suspense, plot twists and funny dialogues.
This novel deals with intense father-son relationships, Russel is an ex-con with a peculiar sense of justice, when he learns that his son Freddie has been killed while carrying out an home invasion he wants revenge, however .
IMO not as good as by the same author, but has plenty of suspense, plot twists and funny dialogues.
May 3, 2014
Interesting short noir tale by Joe Lansdale written very early in his illustrative career about a family man who shoots a burglar in his home one night in self defense. The dead burglar is then mysteriously misidentified by East Texas cops and the just released, ex-con father of the misidentified dead burglar shows up in town seeking revenge on the guy who shot and killed his long abandoned son. Good concept, characters and dialogue but slow pacing dragged down the action and final showdown, in my view. Interesting though, to see vestiges of Joe Lansdale's wit, style and Texas black humor in the early stages of his career.
March 18, 2022
Fantastic stuff! One of my favorites from Joe for sure. Plenty of twists and that Lansdale wit without being corny. Every book of his feels like a lesson in story telling. And when these are the lessons, I'm here for it--a wide and eager smile on my face, taking comfort in knowing there are plenty more to get through. Keep on keepin' on, Joe!
October 17, 2021
Terrific.
July 27, 2018
“Cold in July� by Joe R. Lansdale was first published in 1989, and it is remains outstanding in this re-release. Lansdale is a master storyteller who blends tales across several genres.
“Cold in July� is a psychological thriller featuring an ordinary man and a crime that disrupts his entire life. Of course, things are not what they seem, and he is drawn into a dangerous quest with two others. He becomes obsesses with resolving the mystery while protecting his home and his family.
“Cold in July� is dark and suspenseful with complex, well developed, colorful, but flawed characters, Be mindful that Lansdale's humor and earthy hilarious dialogue are not necessarily for everyone, but this is a fast and thrilling read.
I received a reissue copy of “Cold in July� from Joe R. Lansdale, Tachyon Publications, and NetGalley. It is as entertaining today as it was almost three decades ago. That speaks volumes. It will be a great movie, but the book will always be better.
“Cold in July� is a psychological thriller featuring an ordinary man and a crime that disrupts his entire life. Of course, things are not what they seem, and he is drawn into a dangerous quest with two others. He becomes obsesses with resolving the mystery while protecting his home and his family.
“Cold in July� is dark and suspenseful with complex, well developed, colorful, but flawed characters, Be mindful that Lansdale's humor and earthy hilarious dialogue are not necessarily for everyone, but this is a fast and thrilling read.
I received a reissue copy of “Cold in July� from Joe R. Lansdale, Tachyon Publications, and NetGalley. It is as entertaining today as it was almost three decades ago. That speaks volumes. It will be a great movie, but the book will always be better.
August 30, 2010
A solid read. The strengths of this book are in the originality of the story and the willingness of Lansdale to constantly make sharp turns never letting the reader predict the direction the story will take.
The characterization is good, if not always fully developed, but the pace of the story and the surprises throughout make for a really enjoyable read.
A fun, quick read that deserves to be rediscovered.
The characterization is good, if not always fully developed, but the pace of the story and the surprises throughout make for a really enjoyable read.
A fun, quick read that deserves to be rediscovered.
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