Bitter Gold Hearts (Garrett, P.I., Book 2)

Bitter Gold Hearts Bitter Gold Hearts is the second book in the Garrett Files collection. Garrett is a tough ex-marine, private investigator in the mold of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer. The series is set in a fantasy world that is quite amusing. His advisor is "the Dead Man" who is really not a man at al and isn't dead exactly, but, oh never mind, buy this book; you'll want to read it several times. In this book Garrett foils a diabolical plot to kidnap the Storm Warden's son for a fortune in ransom, falls for a beautiful Elf, fights some Ogres, and much, much more. Oh just read the book. You'll enjoy it. Highly recommended for fans of Cook and high adventure. Gunner Octobert, 2007 1. Sweet Silver Blues (1987) 2. Bitter Gold Hearts (1988) 3. Cold Copper Tears (1988) 4. Old Tin Sorrows (1989) 5. Dread Brass Shadows (1990) 6. Red Iron Nights (1991) 7. Deadly Quicksilver Lies (1994) 8. Petty Pewter Gods (1995) 9. Faded Steel Heat (1999) 10. Angry Lead Skies (2002) 11. Whispering Nickel Idols (2005) Science Fiction Book Club omnibus editions: 1. The Garrett Files (collects Sweet Silver Blues, Bitter Gold Hearts, and Cold Copper Tears; 2003) 2. Garrett, P.I. (collects Old Tin Sorrows, Dread Brass Shadows, and Red Iron Nights; 2003) 3. Garrett Investigates (collects Deadly Quicksilver Lies, Petty Pewter Gods, and Faded Steel Heat; 2004)

Bitter Gold Hearts (1988) is the second fantasy novel in the Garrett Files series, following Sweet Silver Blues. In the previous volume, Garrett freed Kayean Kronk from the vampire nest. Afterward, he helped deliver a shapeshifting spy to the authorities. Then he filed his report and escorted Kayean to the Tate compound, where she became an honored guest. After the probate paid his fee, Garrett bought the Dead Man's house and refurbished it as his home and office. He left the Dead Man in the newly refurnished parlor. When the Loghyr woke up, the news that Garrett was his new landlord left him speechless. In this novel, the Dead Man is working on the tactics of Glory Mooncalled in the Cantard. He has bugs moving around on the wall map in the pattern of past campaigns. The grumblings and mutterings are trying Garrett's patience. Garrett had been drinking heavily the night before, so the pounding on the door aggravates his hangover. Some lackeys in the colors of Stormwarden Raver Styx are hanging around outside guarding a half-fairy named Amirantha Crest. She has come down from the Hill to offer him one hundred gold marks to accompany her to the Stormwarden's residence. After some typical verbiage to establish his importance, Garrett collects the money and then goes back with her to the household. The Stormwarden's secretary -- Domina Willa Dount -- wants Garrett's advice on the kidnapping of the Stormwarden's son. The Stormwarden is in the Cantard and her secretary would prefer that her son is released before she returns. Willa Dount describes the circumstances and shows him the ransom note. He provides her some useful tips and concurs in her thinking on the matter. The Stormwarden's consort interrupts their discussion and Willa Dount handily brings him to heel. Then she dismisses Garrett, explaining that his very presence would be enough to warn the kidnappers to stick to the rules. As he leaves, Amirantha intercepts him in the hallway and asks about the interview, then she makes a date to meet him at the Iron Liar. Garrett notices a black-haired looker in the hallway -- she also notices him -- and learns that she is the Stormwarden's daughter Amber. In this story, Garrett reports the meeting to the Dead Man, then he leaves for his date with Amirantha. Five ogres try to beat him on the street outside his door, but Garrett manages to get in the first and last licks. He learns more about Amirantha and the household during dinner. Afterward, Garrett takes her to Morley's place and they discuss the abduction. On the way out, Saucerhead Tharpe invites them sit down and have a beer; although Garrett declines, he tells Amirantha that she should hire Saucerhead if she needs any protection. The Stormwarden's son returns home unharmed, but Amirantha disappears. Later, Saucerhead Tharpe staggers into TunFaire and admits himself to Bledsoe Hospital. He has been severely wounded. Garrett and Morley bribe the doctors to treat hi

I've liked all the Garrett novels, but this is my favorite. It's got everything a good, hardboiled detective novel should without succumbing to boilerplate and an ending as bitter as day-old coffee. Cook is always a writer worth reading, but here he goes beyond himself.

Laughs and Jokes, along with intriquing characters makes this a wonderful series. I hope it comes back in print. The book follows the adventures of Garrett, a private eye, in a world that has elves, dark elves, Trolls, and Centuars. I read and re-read this series for enjoyment.

Second, as I recall, in the "Garrett" series of cross-genre mystery/fantasy novels "Bitter Gold Hearts" gives us a hard-bitten, independent, and highly ethical private eye in the mold of Philip Marlowe...in a world of Wizards, Giants, Trolls, Grolls (A breed between Trolls, Giants, and the Thing That Dares Not Speak), and other traditional fantasy staples thrown together in the medieval equivalent of '40's Los Angeles. Far from the clash you would expect, in Cook's capable hands over a series of six novels and counting, the Sword'n'Sorcery and "Hard-bitten Detective" complement and renew each other, making "everything old, new again". Highly reccomended.