April Book: A Rage in Harlem by Chester Himes

A special edition of A Rage in Harlem, a ripping introduction to Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones, who patrol New York City’s roughest streets in Chester Himes’s groundbreaking Harlem Detectives series. Featuring an introduction by James Ellroy.

For love of fine, wily Imabelle, hapless Jackson surrenders his life savings to a con man who knows the secret of turning ten-dollar bills into hundreds—and then he steals from his boss, only to lose the stolen money at a craps table. Luckily for him, he can turn to his savvy twin brother, Goldy, who earns a living—disguised as a Sister of Mercy—by selling tickets to Heaven in Harlem. With Goldy on his side, Jackson is ready for payback.

“Himes’s Harlem saga vies with the novels of David Goodis and Jim Thompson as the inescapable achievement of postwar American crime fiction.” —The New York Times

Blomkvist Wannabes: The second Thursday of every month, 7pm at a top secret location

The lads meet at a local watering hole for discussion, libation and an occasional fist-fight over selected crime-fiction titles. Long-standing grudges are expected and encouraged. This group of dedicated and discerning readers numbers between 12 to 15 core members, though there is always room for one more.

For information about the club, email David