Comet Press Blog

For two days before the official release date, Dime Detective by Randy Chandler will be free on Kindle at Amazon this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29.

Publication date: April 30, 2012

Cover painting by Arthur Suydam

When barroom bouncer Joe Dall’s ex-wife is murdered, he finds himself pressed into service as a novice private eye. Something very dark and deadly lurks in the lush shadows of the sleepy Florida town and if he can’t unmask the killer soon, others close to Joe will die. Working on a powerful client’s dime, Joe Dall’s first case could be his last.

“The new breed of retro authors isn’t getting paid by the word and, therefore, isn’t padding thin stories; instead, they’re crafting their books with considerable care and quality, and this novel is every bit a winner. Chandler introduces PI Joe Dall in a slick, atmospheric work that captures the underbelly of the 1950s with a sharp eye for detail and a flair for the sinister.” –Booklist

“To find a wonderful example of hardboiled detective noir today, you need not look any further than Randy Chandler’s latest novel Dime Detective.” –Walt Hicks, Hellbound Times

“With the publication of his latest novel, Randy Chandler gives modern readers a truly wonderful taste of a bygone age complemented by today’s views on women and minorities … From Dot Barker, a kind of big sister, to Valentine Cooper and her shotgun, Chandler’s characters go beyond the stereotypical dames, dolls, and broads that filled the pulps for a cast of strong, multidimensional, and entertaining characters. Readers can only hope to see them again in a sequel.” –ForeWord Reviews

Trade paperback edition of Dime Detective by Randy Chandler is available for preorder at Amazon.

More info at the Comet Press Website

April 15, 2012

“Hard-boiled private-eye books set in the pulp era but written in the here and now are often better than the vintage product. The new breed of retro authors isn’t getting paid by the word and, therefore, isn’t padding thin stories; instead, they’re crafting their books with considerable care and quality, and this novel is every bit a winner. Chandler introduces PI Joe Dall in a slick, atmospheric work that captures the underbelly of
the 1950s with a sharp eye for detail and a flair for the sinister. The Deep South, voodoo, bad cops, a depraved movie star, and a glamorous, gun-toting sidekick—all add their share of pulpy ambience in this first-rate debut. Look for more to come along in this series. Recommend Dime Detective to fans of Tom Piccirilli (Every Shallow Cut, 2011), whose thrillers are set in today’s world but capture the spirt of the pulp era perfectly.”

–Elliot Swanson, Booklist

Dime Detective by Randy Chandler is available for preorder at Amazon.

Publication date: April 30, 2012.

More info at the Comet Press Website

By Sheila M. Merritt

“Sex and violence are played up to the hilt in the book; aberrations are pervasive. The subject matter certainly can’t be classified as “delicate.” Randy Chandler writes with apt audaciousness. He seems truly fond of the salacious wenches he has created. Daemon of the Dark Wood deals with loss of control, but the novel’s author is in masterly command.”

Read the full review at Hellnotes.

Daemon of the Dark Wood by Randy Chandler is available at Amazon in paperback and Kindle.

More info at the Comet Press Website

“If you’ve enjoyed anything else Comet Press has released, or Leisure for that matter, you’ll dig Daemon of the Dark Wood. It’s fun, fast, and trashy, but with solid writing chops and great descriptions. Randy Chandler is no hack. Hopefully we’ll get a sequel, I’d love to revisit the dark woods and see what else crawls out.”

Read the full review at Toxic Graveyard.

Daemon of the Dark Wood by Randy Chandler is available at Amazon in paperback and Kindle.

More info at the Comet Press Website