BLACK: (Hard-boiled noir detective mystery)

Having read everything that Russell has written I was skeptical in the change of format but I have to say Russell has done it again. Black is a fantastic novel. The character development is top notch. Plenty of plot twists and turns. Lot of funny dialog, especially with Roxie (his assistant). You feel so bad for Artemus Black, he is such a sad sack. Under that sad sack though is a first rate investigator and an all around nice guy.

I will warn you, this book is not a typical Blake book. It will start out a tiny bit slow but it really picks up steam and in the end I could not put it down.

I am really looking forward to the next installment.

Russell Blake is fast becoming master of the flawed protagonist, if he isn't there already. A. Black is an acquired taste and Blake (Black?) is such a great yarn spinner, I've got to see what happens next. Black is very different than El Rey or Jet, but there is a likability that draws a reader in. Russell has it going here. -Doc S.

Once again, Blake has created a character we can get behind. Black is unique, and the author has surrounded him with a cast of unforgettable characters. The story is entertaining, believable, and leaves us wanting more. Next, please.

A well written detective story with rounded characters, engaging story, and a noir feel. Very entertaining and well worth the price. I recommend this to all detective story fans and look forward to reading his other works.

Good mystery with a great surprise ending. I thoroughly enjoyed the protagonist 'Black'. His ongoing struggle with his first name, his hippie parents and his receptionist create a good diversion from the plot getting bogged down in too much serious detail. Fun, quick read.

Russell Blake created a detective and cast of characters that offered mystery and humor. His writing is head and shoulders above your average author. This is a can't miss book that will hook you on all the Black books.

Black is outstanding in so many ways. I love Black in he is genuine, not your classic Noir detective. Russell Blake created a detective that you route for, feel for and never want to stop reading about. Great page turner!

If 40’s noir holds a special appeal, if Humphrey Bogart flicks are your preferred entertainment and you enjoy snappy repartee between the gumshoe and his gal Friday then BLACK by Russell Blake may be right up your alley.

For author Blake, idiosyncratic characters are the order of the day. From the books unusual protagonist and his smart mouth (and often annoying) secretary Roxie to his “flower children” parents as well as his "clients" - each character is just a little stranger than the last.

Artemus Black is a P.I. who dresses in thrift store vintage clothing which is in keeping with his preferred style of Elmore Leonard-era noir (with maybe a little Raymond Chandler thrown in for good measure). The author too appears to be enamored with the time period and writing style as he mimics the cadence of the these earlier writers in this narrative.

BLACK’s magnanimity, compassion and empathy for his fellow man is something he tries to keep hidden under an exterior of cynicism and suspicion but his good guy side ultimately comes to the fore.

While this is not the best noir crime story I have ever read, it is good enough to entice me to read book #2 in this series.

Loved reading this novel. Main character keeps the story fresh. Lots of comments aimed at the latest news stories, lots of comments regarding the Hollywood scene--traffic, low life's, housing, gangs. What's not to love?

Good story, told well. This is a different Russell Blake than the previous dozen novels of his recently read. No super-spies, no clandestine affairs, and, while murder takes a central role, it doesn't appear to be lurking around every corner. Will, no doubt, read the rest of the series...

Really enjoy Russell Blake's Jet series. This one is also a winner. Had a hard time putting this first in the Black series book down and am devouring the second. The third and fourth are in my future!

Liked that it concentrated on the narrator's story and thought. There were some filler killer scenes, not too many red-herrings. Lasted for about week of reading on the bus ride from work. Will buy others from this author.

Black thinks of himself as an old time detective and that's how the story comes off with some modern updates
along the way. His interaction with the other characters in the book kept it real for me. For me it is a good
'who dunnit', type with some laughs along the way.

This was another great book by Russell. His characterizations are terrific, each person with their own quirks and temperments. The plot was pretty good, the story so well done you can't put the book down.

Was hesitant to buy because was not sure Russel Blake could come up with another interesting character. Wrong!! Great book, loved it front to back. Especially love his secretary and her fat cat. You won't be disappointed.

A total departure from Blake's other novels. Actually, not completely true, because some of the humor reminds me of The Geronimo Breach. But unlike his usual fare, Black is a classic gumshoe romp that I loved. He's a funny guy and I'll definitely buy more in this series.

I hate to give Russell Blake a bad review, because I love some of his books, but Black was awful. I tried to finish it but couldn't . It was supposed to be funny but wasn't. The main character was basically an idiot. Complete waste of my precious time.

My first Black read, and it was with expectation that Black would be a worthy continuation of Sam Spade. He is, even though he has a rough-edged humor that Spade lacks, while Spade is grittier. I enjoyed the character and his loopy parents.

Who cares about the plot? (It's solid enough.) Mr. Blake has created a character whose deserves to be remembered with the greats like Nero Wolfe and Lord Peter Wimsey. While the book is not a comedy, the droll descriptions will leave you chuckling to yourself and drawing stares in public places.