The Cold Spot

I bought this book because it was a 2009 Edgar Award finalist for the best paperback novel. Basically, young man with tragic childhood grows to be a decent man until a new tragedy strikes, at which point he seeks vengeance. It's not a bad book. It's fairly well written, the plot is fairly engaging, but, for me, Chase didn't ring true. Piccirilli doesn't do a good job making the reader believe in Chase's emotions--not when he's miserable, not when he's in anguish, and not when he's euphoric. Chase will reappear in a new book. I hope he's a better developed character by then.

At this point, I would read a Chinese takeout menu if it was written by Tom Piccirilli.......more

This is not a typical crime novel, which isn't all that surprising considering the source. I've read a couple of Tom Piccirilli's earlier horror novels, and noticed the surreal, almost psychedelic narrative style he typically used. It made a lot of sense in the context of horror--sort of like a nove......more

Piccirilli has an amazing ability to paint with language. This is a powerful, character driven noir that hits hard and low, and just keeps coming at you, relentless. It's terrible that Piccirilli died recently, so very young, but man he's left a legacy to proud of. Easily 5-stars.......more

16 year old Chase is an accomplished mechanic and getaway driver. The leader of his crew is his grandfather, Jonah. After watching Jonah shoot another crew member, Chase worries that he many be next and heads south with his talents. His life changes when while waiting for his new crew pulling a job,......more