Such a pleasure to read a LARGE PRINT copy of NOIR by CHRIS MOORE. I have read many books by him. Good fiction writers use real places, real people and real events in their stories and Chris has mastered the technique. Let's hop on the WABAC machine and take a trip back in time to San Francisco 1947: the joints were jumpin, the broads were doin the Jigaboo. Some cops were on the take, some guys on the lamb. G Men were huntin Commies and UFO's were invading our great country. The Wops lived in one section; the Micks in another; all the Chinks were in Chinatown. The city's population exploded after WW2. You could eat a full meal for 2 bits (25 cents).

Sammy "Two-Toes", a 4F washout, works in a gin joint run by a real prick, Sal. Sam meets a dame who he frequently refers to as Toots or the Cheese. And the story takes off from there: G men (referred to as tax men who don't know their left hand from their right), a deady black momba, a moonman (but no one knows where he's really from), a crooked cop by the name of Pookie, the Bohemian Society ( a powerful bunch you don't wanna cross). Other colorful characters make the story a laugh out loud romp: Milo (a cab driver who hates to drive), Lone Jones (a gentle Black giant), General Remy (a bumbling Army mucky muck). And mustn't forget the Chinese compliment: Moo Shoes, Lois Fong and Uncle Mao.

Together, these characters, the time frame and the settings make for a fantastic fun fast read. CHRIS MOORE never disappoints. The story and the words used to tell it are of that time to keep it authentic. There is a warning on the first page, CM is not trying to offend any of his readers. A story taking place in 1947 uses 1947 lingo. I hope you enjoyed the ride.