Review: The new wave of noir
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 8, 2011
Speedloader showcases the latest neo-noir talent to emerge in recent times. Comprising of six short stories touching on topics from war memorials, deranged police officers, alcoholic obsessive delinquents, sex trafficking, drug addled journalism, and anti drug task forces this anthology is loaded with enough speed to keep you awake for days. Nigel Birds 'You Dirty Rat' is a nostalgic piece retelling the horrific journey of a soldier and his fallen comrade. 'Plastic Soldiers' by W.D. Country is nothing short of brilliant - with such a small window to capture the readers imagination, Country crafts a tale that's both gripping, heart wrenching and motivating all in a single beat as we watch 6 young boys try to live through their captivity whilst enduring unspeakable acts horror and misconduct. The collection continues to get better with 'Cuffs' by Matthew C. Funk in which a deranged cop frames an innocent man for the brutal murder of a woman - you want shock and awe? 'Cuffs' has it in abundance - a very well executed tale of all that is noir. 'Mori Obscura' by Nik Korpon sees a 'clean' journo end up at one of his former drug house haunts and forced to decided between relapse and redemption. Much like 'Cuffs' and 'Plastic Soldiers' before it, 'Mori Obscura' is packed with tension and beautifully defined characters and plot. The second to last story in 'Herniated Roots' by Richard Thomas was the only bump on an otherwise smooth road - I struggled to connect with the lead character and wasn't as compelled to read it as I was with the other stories - perhaps a testament to the quality of the others. Last but not least is quiet possibly the best short story I've ever read in Jonathan Woods' brilliant 'Crash and Burn' about an ill fated attempt to bring down a Mexican drug plantation in operation Fig Leaf. Reminiscent of the movie 'Smoking Aces' in so much as it comprises a cast of crazies doomed for death and hellbent on destruction. Inclusive of bar room brawls, submission, military misconduct, Mexican drug cartels and promiscuous women 'Crash and Burn' is hands down the best of the best, the most engrossing and unrelenting blood pumping short story I've ever read. I hope Woods explores some of the great characters he created for 'Crash and Burn' further in a full length novel. Minor qualms aside (Herniated Roots) this is a very solid anthology by the future of neo-noir - jump on and enjoy the ride. 4.5 stars.