The Criminalist

I am very saddened to read that William Relling Jr. passed away January 22, 2004. "The Criminalist" was by far one of my favorite novels of the past several years. I wrote the review on this site "A Wonderful Find," and I meant it. I was really looking forward to more of his work.I encourage anyone who reads this to purchase a copy of "The Criminalist" in honor of Mr. Relling. It is a wonderful legacy.My sympathies to his family and friends.

I am sad to share the news that my friend Bill--William Relling Jr.--passed away yesterday. I hope you all will enjoy his stories as much as he enjoyed sharing his thoughts and ideas for new ones with us, his friends. He was, most of all, a writer.

Unlike the previous review, I thought Relling's characters were quite strong. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between the hero (Ken Bennett) and his sister. The pacing of the story was excellent and I highly recommend this book.A very skilled writter and storyteller, I hope Relling receives the recognition he deserves.

What attracted me to this novel initially was the great, vintagefifties/early-sixties-style paperback original cover artwork (which, incidentally, as was the case with many of those books, has nothing to do with the novel itself...just something to set the mood). What I found after reading it was a wonderfully paced, Cornell Woolrich/John D. MacDonald-type crime-noir novel that was full of real suspense, great writing and intriguing characters. Mr. Relling gives a nod to the old masters while at the same time giving the story a modern spin. (Though I could literally visualize the climactic scene being played out in black and white with someone like Robert Mitchum). The ending is also unexpected and very moving. One of the best thrillers of the year.That being said, it's hard to believe that such a solid thriller is being published as a paperback original when so much dreck is published in hardcover. Though I must say that, more and more, as it must have been in the golden days of paperback originals, I'm finding some wonderful titles that are much better than new high-profile releases. This book is dramatically better, for instance, than any new hardcover by someone like James Patterson. Remember, however, that giants like the afore-mentioned John D. MacDonald wrote many a paperback original. Leisure Books in particular (who published this fine novel)has taken up this banner and publishes many great books that I suppose the big houses don't deem "marketable" or "safe" enough. Thanks to Leisure, you can find great suspense and horror novels that would otherwise not be given a chance. In particular, their horror line is becoming the gold-standard.So please don't let this one slip away.....it really is like finding a brilliant, hidden treasure.(Also see "Red Angel" by Andrew Harper).

Wow! I've read a couple of his books now....and can't wait for the next one!Keep them coming!!!