Review: The Drifter Delivers!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 13, 2013
This first entry in what MUST become a series hits a nice, sweet, comfortable spot between noir and hardboiled with a decided slant toward the latter. Author Elliott captures the era and the voice of a tough WWII vet perfectly and, in the process, spins a nasty, twisty little mystery. He also, just incidentally, expands the legend of his grandfather, Cash Laramie --- whose adventures have become notably popular with readers in recent years, as a U.S. marshal who rode the dusty trails of Wyoming and delivered six-gun justice wherever he went.Having Jack Laramie "drift" across the country in an old heap automobile with a horse trailer attached --- taking on cases as he finds them --- is nice touch that gives him an immediate distinction and provides a wide open backdrop to operate against. He has just the right amounts of world-weariness and moxy in his attitude. The writing style is dead on, reminscent of a number of good pulp writers from the golden age of paperback tough-guy mysteries, with maybe a hint of Orrie Hitt thrown in.This is top-notch stuff for anyone who loves this genre as I do. I can't wait to read more of it --- and soon!Strongly recommended.