I have a story in this book. The premise of the anthology is that in each story, all set in Spokane, the protagonist finds a gun, uses it in a crime, and discards it. That actually is a very minor part of the plot in this one, which doesn't matter in terms of the story's quality.
This is the third story by Hannah to make my Best of the Week column, and the second this year.
Can a noir story be funny and still be noir? Wit and disaster are not a natural pair. Certainly a really farcical story is not a good candidate. But this story is truly noir and still caused me to laugh out loud a few times, or the way to the Required Bleakness.
John owns a record shop, selling vintage discs to fanatical collectors. His friend Danny makes his living as a clown at children's parties, which doesn't really match his personality: "You oughta be able hunt five-year-olds for sport."
They find something that leads them to believe a very valuable album (five figures!) might be in a wealthy home in town, and decide to try a short career as burglars.
"They should be wearing masks. Of course, what's a mask matter when your accomplice is in a clown costume?"
Well-written and delightful.
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