Home is the Sailor is a booze fueled romp in the sack, packed full of whisky dreams and murderous nightmares.
First published in 1952 and later reprinted by the fine folk at Hard Case Crime, Day Keene's easy come, easy go, tale of marriage and murder is a fine story told through the watery eyes of perennial drunk Swede Nelson, a sailor who hopes to put the sea life behind him in favor of dry land.
The centerpiece of the story is a hotel owner and widow who instantly falls for Swede. For the drunken sailor turned land dweller, this whirlwind romance seems too good to be true...and it is. In quick succession Swede is wrapped in a web of desire and is murdering for his love. Little did he know this would be the tip of a very sharp edge iceberg.
Despite some cringe worthy dialogue and completely unbelievable scenes, Home is the Sailor is a lot fun. This book isn't a noir classic or high end literature; it's popcorn pulp which is sure to provide some lighthearted entertainment.
Side note: I love the cover art by Richard B. Farrell and Gregory Manchess, it captures one of the more memorable moments in the book perfectly.
No comments:
Post a Comment