The Big Nowhere

The big bounce threw me until I realize it was in the tradition of the noir such as I married a Dead Man, The Postman always rings twice, The Killer inside of me and Pick-up. It was't going to follow the more modern concrete line but a more abstract plot. If classic noir isn't your strong point you might be totally lost if you expect a version of Mr.Paradise, Rum Punch or others of his work. The characters are strong, the... Read Full Review

I picked up a paperback of THE BIG BOUNCE somewhere and was thrilled because I thought it was a new Elmore Leonard. It wasn't until I was halfway through the book that I discovered it was written in 1969, almost 35 years ago. That is how well this book has held up: it reads like a fresh story. And smooth. That is the word that comes to mind: the writing in THE BIG BOUNCE is smooth. It flows and moves along easily. Maybe the... Read Full Review

Bouncing around is what Nancy Hayes does best, flitting out into the resort town, shooting out windows, leading men astray, planning for that big, cheap, yet dangerous, thrill.But Jack Ryan stays oh so close to her, hoping, hoping ... for what? Certainly Nancy is stylish and cunning, but a psycho-babe is not what he needs, now that he's escaped from the dangers of migrant work. Why doesn't he just go home to Detroit, grab... Read Full Review

Dutch Leonard doesn't like to let you relax. He keeps you wondering if Jack Ryan is a bad guy or a good guy with some bad habits. Every time you begin to get comfortable with the direction of the story, a new twist triggers the anxiety attack that won't allow you to set it down. And then there's Nancy, I've known a few like her and she's downright scary. A book that will genuinely hold your interest.

This novel is not a mystery, rather an all-to-true to life expose of the kind of characters that we read about in newspapers (or know in real life) that live on the fringes. I couldn't help but see Hillary Swank as Nancy and George Clooney as Ryan (if I am not mistaken Jack Ryan reappears in Out Of Sight) the same role he did play in the movie.I love Leonard and think he is a must for any serious lover of crime fiction... Read Full Review