The Right Madness

I just finished my first Crumley book and I loved it. Perhaps that's a bit strange coming from a woman since Crumley's characters are all womanizers, but I think his story lines are strong, interesting and amusing. In my opinion his books need to be read with "being simply entertained" in mind....he has quite the imagination. Can't wait to read the next one.

...another great read. I just really like James Crumleys style.I guess I'll never tire of the 'ol style,womanizing PI story!!

The return of C.W. Sughrue, fast from his Texas adventures with the equally shopworn and world-weary Milo Milodragonovich, is Jim Crumley's best effort in years. The pace is as frantic as one of C.W.'s cocaine binges. Hired by his softball teammate, Doctor Mac MacKenderick, C.W. is on the prowl for the thief who has lifted confidential patient records from the psychiatrist's office. The tale is as twisted and convoluted as you'd expect from Crumley, where no one is who they appear to be. The murders are macabre, yet you find yourself nervously laughing at this mayhem. C.W. has some "bark" on him, and his pungent observations on human nature, his continued horrible luck with women and relationships, and his odd sense of honor drive the story. Demons abound, to be slain or at least cajoled.

Do not try to read this book if you are under the control of any substances, including a full meal. It requires your utter and complete attention. For various reasons I was forced to read it in fits and starts, mostly late at night. The plot is more like one of CW's nightmares than a linear narrative. But here's the Crumley magic--once in, even if you're totally confused, you can't stop reading. CW's voice remains as unique as the circumstances in which he finds himself and, ironically, even when you're lost within the plot you re-discover that Crumley is the master at rendering a sense of place. He knows the west and the northern plains and here takes you on a trip that would curl the most experienced tour director's locks.

My biggest complaint about Crumley's novels is that they've gotten blurrier with age...until I find my reading glasses, something I certainly didn't need when I became a fan of his 25+ years ago. But for those of us of a certain age, i.e., old enough to be on AARP's mailing list, a James Crumley novel is a delicious fantasy, an alternate reality where guys like us can still mix it up with the bad guys, alter our minds with expensive scotch and high-quality dope, and score at will with beautiful women (who are, like us, of a certain age). Is "The Right Madness" as good as "Last Good Kiss?" No, but almost nothing in the genre is. It's still a superior entertainment. Mr. Crumley possesses a gift for the language and an ability to deal a few genuine surprises in his plotting-- although for me, plot is almost beside the point. I'm glad and grateful for this new one.