In the Hat

It's a shame that this book, and The Dishwasher, also by Martin, are out of print. It's been years since I read these books, yet they remain fresh in my mind. Originality, vivid characterizations and skillful telling of a tale will do that. If you like crime fiction in the vein of Edward Bunker, make the effort to scrounge up copies of these books by Dannie Martin.

I just discovered this book and am blown away by the story and its realism. The writing is straightforward and direct. Martin really knows how to turn a phrase.

Though I had enjoyed 'The Dishwasher', I had held off buying this book due to the descriptions I'd read (**-fightin'? who cares...). When I finally convinced myself to buy it, I became a total believer. Far better than his earlier works, "In the Hat" has movie material written all over it.Raw, unremitting and expertly dealt, "In the Hat" is worth every penny.

You want to know about prison life? This is a book that you "feel" is right about prisoners and their friends on the outside. The summary of this book does not do it justice. Dannie Martin knows how to tell a story and his characters are extremely well drawn. A great read.

For those who wondered how far "hardboiled" can go before it reaches "coldblooded," IN THE HAT could serve as the course textbook. An ex-con himself, author Dannie Martin delivers a powerful description of life in and out of jail and (more often than not) on the wrong side of the law. Reading this book is much like arriving upon the scene of a fatal traffic accident, or witnessing a mugging from afar: it's shocking; deeply disturbing and often disgusting. I couldn't put it down. Vern Coy raises chickens, which has a pleasant, rural ring to it. However, you would not want to meet any of Vern's chickens in a dark alley, as they are trained to fight to the death. Vern's significant other is a prostitute. Also under the same roof lives his significant other-in-law, another "professional," who is biding time until Vern's brother Weldon is released from prison for armed robbery. While in prison, Weldon gets word that Vern's name has been placed "in the hat," meaning that there is a contract out on his life. How Weldon and Vern confront the seemingly unending danger and bloodshed in their lives makes for unsettling yet compettling reading. Despite the dark sides of the majority of the cast of characters, Dannie Martin writes about both cops and robbers with skill and, more importantly, with respect. There is definitely honor among these thieves. Perhaps one of the finest achievements of this book is that despite all the hatred and violence that assaults the reader, there are also moments which reveal the best from within the human spirit. Martin delivers dynamic prose that keeps you turning pages, jumping at strange noises and smiling all at the same time. IN THE HAT is much like the amusement park ride of your worst nightmares. At the very least, it will leave you breathless with your heart pounding. For most, the ride will be worth the terror. Only you can decide. Consider yourself warned