Final Notice

Rating:
Summary: A very solid story
Review: After reading the second entry in the Harry Stoner series, I remain quite impressed with Valin's work. Although Jonathan Valin hasn't added to his work in quite some time, and most of his books are out of print, it seems most libraries and second hand book stores I have frequented around the country still maintain a few copies of these books. The second entry finds Harry investigating a case of "creative censorship" within a branch of the Cincinnati Public Library that quickly spirals into something far more sinister and dark. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes the hard boiled style of detective fiction. The legacy of returning Vietnam Vets and the tenor of the times hangs over this story in quite a stark contrast to the calmer political climate of today. A great fast read.

Rating:
Summary: A very solid story
Review: After reading the second entry in the Harry Stoner series, I remain quite impressed with Valin's work. Although Jonathan Valin hasn't added to his work in quite some time, and most of his books are out of print, it seems most libraries and second hand book stores I have frequented around the country still maintain a few copies of these books. The second entry finds Harry investigating a case of "creative censorship" within a branch of the Cincinnati Public Library that quickly spirals into something far more sinister and dark. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes the hard boiled style of detective fiction. The legacy of returning Vietnam Vets and the tenor of the times hangs over this story in quite a stark contrast to the calmer political climate of today. A great fast read.

Rating:
Summary: One of Harry Stoner's better adventures
Review: Valin's Harry Stoner detective novels, though very similar in tone to Travis McGee or Phillip Marlowe, are vastly underrated. "Final Notice" is one of the better entries in the series as Stoner chases down a beleivably menacing killer and falls for a plucky and likeable heroine. Stoner occupies his home base of Cincinnati much like McGee occupies Ft. Lauderdale. A fine example of detective fiction, if you can find it.

Rating:
Summary: One of Harry Stoner's better adventures
Review: Valin's Harry Stoner detective novels, though very similar in tone to Travis McGee or Phillip Marlowe, are vastly underrated. "Final Notice" is one of the better entries in the series as Stoner chases down a beleivably menacing killer and falls for a plucky and likeable heroine. Stoner occupies his home base of Cincinnati much like McGee occupies Ft. Lauderdale. A fine example of detective fiction, if you can find it.