Book Details:
Book Title: Fast Times, Big City by Shelly Frome
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 284 pages
Genre: Historcal Escapade, Crime Fiction
Publisher: BQB Publishing
Release date: March 2024
Content Rating: PG. My book is rated PG for the times some of the mob characters utter mild curse words
Book Title: Fast Times, Big City by Shelly Frome
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 284 pages
Genre: Historcal Escapade, Crime Fiction
Publisher: BQB Publishing
Release date: March 2024
Content Rating: PG. My book is rated PG for the times some of the mob characters utter mild curse words
~ International Impact Award ~
~ Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite ~
~ Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite ~
5.0 out of 5 stars Madcap Romp Through the Fifties!
Fast Times, Big City says it all as we are treated to not one, but two, and maybe peripherally even three or four major cities, as the action jumps from Miami to New York City to mentions of Havana and even Dublin. And once the action gets rolling, it never stops. But it's action unlike any that's ever been mishmashed together before. In a madcap romp involving a runaway nubile starlet and a silver briefcase we have gangsters, mobsters, grifters, beatniks, buskers, beat poets, method actors, hot off the press reporters, precocious kids, wisecracking detectives, smarmy street dealers and meddling families. Along the way we pick up several famous and infamous characters who make an appearance for a scene or two and then reappear later with a more interesting role. Some only have a walk-on and are never seen again. But everything ends up wrapped up neatly with a bow and even sprinkled with some sugar on top at the very end.
I found this to be extremely humorous and tongue-in-cheek and firmly ensconced in New York City and Miami of the Fifties. The scenery, down to the food, clothing, music and art, were so well depicted that I felt like I was along for the ride with Bud. This is truly a unique tale and a must read for those who love a type of noir you don't find every day.
-- review by DTChanel
Fast Times, Big City says it all as we are treated to not one, but two, and maybe peripherally even three or four major cities, as the action jumps from Miami to New York City to mentions of Havana and even Dublin. And once the action gets rolling, it never stops. But it's action unlike any that's ever been mishmashed together before. In a madcap romp involving a runaway nubile starlet and a silver briefcase we have gangsters, mobsters, grifters, beatniks, buskers, beat poets, method actors, hot off the press reporters, precocious kids, wisecracking detectives, smarmy street dealers and meddling families. Along the way we pick up several famous and infamous characters who make an appearance for a scene or two and then reappear later with a more interesting role. Some only have a walk-on and are never seen again. But everything ends up wrapped up neatly with a bow and even sprinkled with some sugar on top at the very end.
I found this to be extremely humorous and tongue-in-cheek and firmly ensconced in New York City and Miami of the Fifties. The scenery, down to the food, clothing, music and art, were so well depicted that I felt like I was along for the ride with Bud. This is truly a unique tale and a must read for those who love a type of noir you don't find every day.
-- review by DTChanel
Book Description:
Like most people, Bud Palmer felt this was just another day. Though the era was drawing to a close, he assumed his life as a sports columnist in the subtropics, in keeping with the benign fifties itself, would go on as predictable as ever. But that particular autumn morning he was thrust into a caper that was totally beyond him, forced him to leave Miami and take the train to Manhattan, and suddenly found everything in this restless "Big Apple" was up for grabs, at a dicey turning point.
Like most people, Bud Palmer felt this was just another day. Though the era was drawing to a close, he assumed his life as a sports columnist in the subtropics, in keeping with the benign fifties itself, would go on as predictable as ever. But that particular autumn morning he was thrust into a caper that was totally beyond him, forced him to leave Miami and take the train to Manhattan, and suddenly found everything in this restless "Big Apple" was up for grabs, at a dicey turning point.
Meet the Author:
Shelly Frome is a member of Mystery Writers of America, a professor of dramatic arts emeritus at UConn, a former professional actor, and a writer of crime novels and books on theater and film. He also is a features writer for Gannett Publications. His fiction includes Sun Dance for Andy Horn, Lilac Moon, Twilight of the Drifter, Tinseltown Riff, Murder Run, Moon Games, The Secluded Village Murders, Miranda and the D-Day Caper and Shadow of the Gypsy. Among his works of non-fiction are The Actors Studio: A History, a guide to playwriting and one on screenwriting, Fast Times, Big City is his latest foray into the world of crime and the amateur sleuth.
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ goodreads
Shelly Frome is a member of Mystery Writers of America, a professor of dramatic arts emeritus at UConn, a former professional actor, and a writer of crime novels and books on theater and film. He also is a features writer for Gannett Publications. His fiction includes Sun Dance for Andy Horn, Lilac Moon, Twilight of the Drifter, Tinseltown Riff, Murder Run, Moon Games, The Secluded Village Murders, Miranda and the D-Day Caper and Shadow of the Gypsy. Among his works of non-fiction are The Actors Studio: A History, a guide to playwriting and one on screenwriting, Fast Times, Big City is his latest foray into the world of crime and the amateur sleuth.
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ goodreads
Enter the Giveaway:
My Review:
I have read books from Shelly Frome in the past and always enjoyed them. It was honor to have the chance to read their newest release, Fast Times, Big City. It was full of suspense, mystery, and adventure. This is one of those books that keeps you on the edge of your seat from the start until the end. I really enjoyed getting to know Bud and following him to the 1950s city life of New York City. I thought he was a great character and found him to be fun and entertaining at times. The details the author provided made me feel as though I was part of the plot and seeing it all unfold in real time. I was fully invested with this story and never knew what was going to happen from scene to scene. I had to keep turning the pages to find out what would be all revealed.
I have read books from Shelly Frome in the past and always enjoyed them. It was honor to have the chance to read their newest release, Fast Times, Big City. It was full of suspense, mystery, and adventure. This is one of those books that keeps you on the edge of your seat from the start until the end. I really enjoyed getting to know Bud and following him to the 1950s city life of New York City. I thought he was a great character and found him to be fun and entertaining at times. The details the author provided made me feel as though I was part of the plot and seeing it all unfold in real time. I was fully invested with this story and never knew what was going to happen from scene to scene. I had to keep turning the pages to find out what would be all revealed.
I found that Fast Times, Big City to be a five star read. I wish I could give it more if it were possible. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical mysteries. As always, I will be looking for more releases to come from Shelly Frome in the future. I believe this one is my new favorite from them to date.
I received a paperback copy of Shelly Frome's Fast Times, Big City from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
No comments:
Post a Comment