Comments on: "Cops & Crooks in California" Panel at L.A. Festival of Books with Crais, Winslow, Parker & Wambaugh

By: popculturenerd

popculturenerd — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:14:17 +0000

Oh, wow, there are so many choices, Ms. Duncan. First titles that pop into mind are James M. Cain’s Double Indemnity and The Postman Always Rings Twice. I was in college when I picked these up and it was a mistake because I had a major exam the next day. Instead of studying, I got stuck in these books; I just couldn’t pry them from my hands. I ended up staying up all night, finished them both (they’re slim volumes) and showed up to class bleary-eyed. Don’t remember how I did on that exam but the impact of those books have been seared into my brain.

As for contemporary SoCal writers, you can’t go wrong with any/all of the authors on this panel. I’d add Michael Connelly and Denise Hamilton. Charlie Huston’s novels are also outrageously good, though he’s a NY transplant so only his latest novel takes place in SoCal. I love Elmore Leonard but his novels aren’t all set here, either.

Anyone else have suggestions for Ms. Duncan? Please chime in!

By: Elizabeth Duncan

Elizabeth Duncan — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:48:10 +0000

I would like to get into SoCal noir! Can you recommend a good starting point? Elmore Leonard, maybe? If it’s part of a series, I like to read in order.

By: popculturenerd

popculturenerd — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:48:51 +0000

ShelleyP,

I would’ve jumped right up there on the table in front of those guys and done a happy dance but I have a feeling security would’ve been alerted.

By: ShelleyP

ShelleyP — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:29:40 +0000

Fascinating, PCN ~ thank you! I can imagine you trying not to wriggle in your seat with excitement. It’s so great to hear the stories of different writers – their inspiration and what works for them. And funny to boot – who could ask for more!

By: Lizabeth Ann

Lizabeth Ann — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:25:18 +0000

Copious Thank Yous, PCN! I was present for this way more than AMAZING panel; this is like re-living a wonderful party with the best guests e-v-e-r! Looking forward to tomorrow.

By: popculturenerd

popculturenerd — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:23:14 +0000

Wow, thanks so much for the link and nice referral, le0pard13!

By: le0pard13

le0pard13 — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:34:47 +0000

Oops… here it is:

http://le0pard13.blogspot.com/2009/04/recommended-cops-crooks-in-ca-summary.html

By: le0pard13

le0pard13 — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:34:06 +0000

I’ve posted a recommended link on my blog back to this post. Keep them coming!

By: popculturenerd

popculturenerd — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:09:27 +0000

Thanks, le0pard13! This sure was a rollicking good time. I laughed until my eyes leaked.

By: le0pard13

le0pard13 — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:49:50 +0000

You've summarized this beautifully, PCN. We, Jen and I were two rows behind you. This was even better than last year's panel with Crais and Parker. Looking forward to your next segment on this.