Case File

Rating:
Summary: Short Stories with Wonderful Plots and Mysteries
Review: In 1971, author Bill Pronzini was only 27 when he wrote The Snatch, building on a shorter and different version of the story that appeared in the May 1969 issue of Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine under the same title. With the publication of this book, one of detective fiction's great characters was born with full fledged power and authenticity. If you have not yet read the Nameless Detective novels by Mr. Pronzini, you have a major treat ahead of you. Many of these are now out-of-print, so be sure to check your library for holdings in near-by cities.

The Nameless Detective is referred to that way because Mr. Pronzini never supplies a name until Twospot, five books prior in the series, when police lieutenant Frank Hastings tells what his poker playing friends call Nameless, employing a first name. But it's never acknowledged by Nameless that this is his name . . . so it's probably a nickname. That name is not then used again until much later in the series in Nightshades. You can learn about why Nameless has no name in an author's note in Case File.

Mr. Pronzini presents a world in which people take evil actions to further selfish interests, and many innocents struggle because of that selfishness. The police and private investigators suffer along with the victims, for evil-doing has painful consequences for everyone. Mr. Pronzini's plots are complex, yet he provides plenty of clues to help you identify the evil-doer on your own. Despite the transparency of many of the early plots, he successfully uses plot complications to keep the action interesting and fresh. Beginning with Labyrinth, four books prior in the series, the plots become less simple. Beginning with Hoodwink, three books prior in the series, locked room mysteries became important.

But the reason to read the books is because of the character development for the Nameless Detective. Nameless is a former police officer in San Francisco who collects pulp fiction about tough private detectives. Overcome by the evil he sees as a police officer and drawn to the complex imagery of the strong, silent hero who rights wrongs, Nameless tries to live that role as a private detective. But he has trouble getting clients, and operating as a one-man shop causes him to lead a lonely existence. In his personal life, his career keeps women at a distance. Beginning with Hoodwink, he has a love interest, Kerry Wade, who's the daughter of two ex-pulp authors. Like a medieval knight errant, he sticks to his vows and pursues doing the right thing . . . even when it doesn't pay. At the same time, he's very aware of art, culture and popular trends. And he doesn't like much of what he sees. He's a proud Italian in his 50's, could stand to lose some weight, and is really messy. So there's an element of Don Quixote here, too.

The books are also written in a more sophisticated version of the pulp fiction style, employing a better writing style and greater range through language and plot. The whole experience is like looking at an image in a series of mirrors that reflect into infinity.

These books are a must for those who love the noir style and the modern fans of tough detectives with a heart of gold like Spenser . . . and can live without the wise cracks and repartee. Beginning with Scattershot though, the books do contain witty references to early mysteries and their characters.

Since the character of Nameless got his start in short stories, it was inevitable that a book of short stories (most from Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine) would be produced. Mr. Pronzini took the time to improve the writing on these stories, so many of them are somewhat different from the original versions.

Mr. Pronzini's plots are always full of interesting developments, and often contain puzzling mysteries with unusual solutions. With that prolific talent for plotting, Mr. Pronzini turns out to be quite a pro in the short story field. Any of these stories could have been written to become a full novel. To prove that point, Nameless fans will find two short stories that use the same openings as Nameless novels, but have different plots and endings. I found it fascinating to see how imaginatively his mind works. It would be fun to read a whole book of short stories that are variations on the same beginning.

Anyone who is a serious Nameless fan must read this book. Mr. Pronzini explains not only why Nameless has no name, but goes on to explain his original plans for the character . . . and how those plans changed over time. Your appreciation of each book in the series to date will be enhanced by reading this fine volume.

Since they are short stories, most of these tales emphasize the more extreme versions of the spare noir style. That was part of the appeal of the early stories for me, and it was great to find the undiluted style in these great short mysteries.

I usually don't like collections of short stories, but Case File is the exception where the short stories are even more wonderful than the novels.

I especially recommend "One of Those Cases," "Private Eye Blues," "The Pulp Connection," "Where Have You Gone, Sam Spade," and "Who's Calling."

After reading the stories, I was reminded how much I loved to read mystery short stories as a teenager. I think I'll start up again.

Rating:
Summary: Great collection
Review: This is a collection of "Nameless Detective" short stories. They don't write'em like this anymore. I really enjoyed this book. As with all of the "Nameless" writings, it has all sorts of twists and turns to keep you on edge. I read this book 15 years ago and it's still a good read today.

Rating:
Summary: Great collection
Review: This is a collection of "Nameless Detective" short stories. They don't write'em like this anymore. I really enjoyed this book. As with all of the "Nameless" writings, it has all sorts of twists and turns to keep you on edge. I read this book 15 years ago and it's still a good read today.