Seven Slayers

Absolutely the most brutal, riveting crime stories I've ever read....the characters live in a remorseless, alternate universe which makes ordinary reality seem like a respite...I liked these better than his novel, FAST ONE...the closest literary equivalent to the toughest crime radio of the 40's, as well..oh, yeah..

If you're a fan of Hammett, Chandler, Thompson, Goodis, et al, you owe it to yourself to read anything you can get your hands on by Paul Cain. His characters live outside the law and in the depths of the Depression, and are invariably without hope or anything resembling a future. Someone always ends up dead, and deservedly so. These are not random or remorseless killings, though, they are full of passion and betrayal, and when some mug gets a belly full of lead you understand only too well why he had it coming. James M. Cain (no relation) was a powder puff compared to this guy. Highly recommended