Good, Clever Fun

Any additional comments?

It’s a lot harder to do this than it looks. I know, all too well, because I’ve been working on something in the same vein. (And “vein” isn’t a pun, though it could be.)

Huston’s basic plan here is to marry the hardboiled novel to the vampire story. His hero, Joe Pitt, is a vampire who, true to the Chandler/Hammett code, insists on working alone in a quasi-existential bid to figure out what it all means. In other words, his case(s) turn out to be as much about self-discovery as about their more proximate causes.

And it works. It works pretty well.

Being a vampire (vampyre) means that Pitt is changed from what he was when he was human. He isn’t sure what fulfillment might look like. He balances his girlfriend – who, as someone HIV-positive, refuses to sleep with him – with his uncertain place in the pecking order of the New York vampire world. He takes cases no one else can manage because, precarious and alone as he may be, no one else in this world is as self-possessed, as legitimately his own person.

The story itself is solid. Pitt comes up against the agendas of several different people, and it isn’t clear until the end who’s responsible for what. It’s professional work, entertaining and engaging, and, as I say, I’ve tried my hand at something similar.

Things fall down a little when too much of the story turns on the particulars of what it means to be a vampire, things like how the virus affects its host and how driven particular vampires are to the different clans and gangs, to the politics of the vampyre world. But, from what I can tell, Huston builds on all of that as part of the ongoing series. He’s planting the seeds of a more complex world where each decision here has implications for future novels. So, if it feels a touch too pat here, I can forgive it.

I also can’t help contrasting this with Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden books. Where those are clunky and cliché-ridden, with a protagonist in love with his idiosyncrasies, this is someone who approaches a real character – at least as real as a vampire private detective can get.

In the end (or in the beginning if you prefer) it’s a stretch to make this work, but Huston does. I’m not quite in a hurry to read what’s next, but it’s on the list. This is quality pulp fiction, and I’m taking notes on how Huston pulls it off.

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LOVED IT!

What did you love best about Already Dead?

The story pulls you in. The narrator was outstanding.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Already Dead?

Just Joe...

What does Scott Brick bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The realism of the NY accent and the characters attitude/wit.

Any additional comments?

Read it! I bought the whole series after this book.

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Not just for vampirophiles

Fun listen - I found it an updated "hardboiled" detective noir that HAPPENS to be set in a vampire context.
The story is well constructed, the characters are interesting, the protagonist is vulnerable and while the exploration of the vampiric dynamics and culture is fresh and interesting, the story doesn't rest on vamp mystique to interest the reader


You don't have to wear a lot of crushed velvet to enjoy this one! :D

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Simplistic genius

Charlie Huston has done something special here with his first Joe Pitt novel. He has created a new format for a tired story (vampires) and has made literary history with his simplistic approach to writing such a complex tale. It is a violent story, not for the faint of heart, but well worth listening to. This audiobook was my first experience with Huston, and hopefully all of his books will be on audio someday. Until then I can just re-listen to the Joe Pitt series and read his Hank Thompson trilogy on my nook. We need more Huston though, so Charlie, if you are reading this... knock it off and get writing.

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Love Joe

If you could sum up Already Dead in three words, what would they be?

Interesting, more...more

What was one of the most memorable moments of Already Dead?

The series was great....

Which scene was your favorite?

All of it

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Sympathy

Any additional comments?

Love this series...movie maybe? Charlie, don't quit trying

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Great story

I really enjoyed this book. The performer did a fine job. Having read the book years ago I thoroughly enjoyed having it read to me.

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Vampire Noir

What did you love best about Already Dead?

I really liked the dark and gritty feel of this book. It had an attitude like a '40s detective story, but set in modern times. Unlike many modern vampire stories, this one does not revolve around cliched sexuality. Instead, it paints the picture of an underground where power players (both natural and unnatural) bend the life of a cynical lone operator.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character, Joe, was my favorite. I really enjoyed the portrayal of him as the reluctant good guy, someone almost mad at himself for not aligning with the more sinister elements.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

I'm not normally a big Scott Brick fan, but his work on this book is genius. He portrays each character so perfectly that I can easily visualize whoever he is voicing at the time. And his style in this book is appropriately hard nosed.

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Love this series

It probably feels a bit dated in the slang or scenery now but I loved this series when it came out and recently wanted to enjoy it again. It’s still a great horror-noir thrill ride.

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I am glad I took the chance!

After reading several reviews, I decided to purchase this audiobook. I didn't want to turn the story off to go to sleep, nor turn it off to go to work! I was hooked! This book is gritty, and if you are offended by swear words or sometimes gruesome details, this book may not be one that you want to pick. However, I am quite satisfied with my purchase, and have purchased the second book in the series, No Dominion. This book is a classic "whodunnit" and you are lead along with the main character through the plot twists. This story had me emotionally involved. I had almost given up on the vampire genre, the books all seemed to rehash to same plot. I was very pleasantly suprised, especially since the narrator is by no means my favorite, although I do admit he does this book justice. I can't wait to see how the main characters develop in the second story! Purchase this one, you will enjoy!

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13 people found this helpful

Finally!

Finally a book I could "sink my teeth" into. Pun definitely intended! A lot of books have great reviews and a lot of recognition, but this one actually lives up to the limited hype it has received. Great character development (I actually "know" this guy!), excellent dialogue, captivating storyline, and the fact that the backdrop is New York City makes this book a winner. I'm not sure how well known the author is, but don't be afraid to give this book a listen. This is one author who should be on everyone's radar. I've already downloaded the second installment, 'No Dominion', and it is just as good as this one.

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3 people found this helpful