Mystery Review: The Hot Beat is genuine of-its-time pulp fiction. Carefully detailed sexual pawing, sometimes verging on rape, is inserted into the story whenever possible, as part of a generally unhealthy obsession with women's breasts. No doubt that's what readers expected. Along with some sadistic violence. The plot is basic: our heroes try to prove their friend innocent of murder while the police railroad and repeatedly beat the suspect. The police don't come off too well. On their way to the big finale there are a couple of twists with clues subtly placed, but none of the characters are impersonating Sherlock Holmes. Ultimately, for me this raised the question of disposable entertainment: what's the difference between a book you'd want to read again and again, and one you'd never think of picking up again (like this). Both Raymond Chandler and Jane Austen are still in print long after their sell-by date, so both have something on offer beyond simple enjoyment. Also notable is that a science fiction grandmaster wrote pulp noir back in the day (during a downturn in the science fiction market), which is the only reason The Hot Beat was resuscitated. The book also includes three short stories by Silverberg: "Naked in the Lake" (1958), the longest of the three, is basic and predictable (I expected the twist to be better than the one Silverberg gave us); "Drunken Sailor" (1958), again predictable and just a few pages long with a trick ending that could be seen coming halfway through; and "Jailbait Girl" (1959), again just a few pages long with an unsurprising twist at the end. The stories are just brief entertainments, written well enough but with little depth or anything other than historical interest. The Hot Beat is a good diversion while riding the train or waiting in a doctor's office, but won't compel you to reread it later in life. On the other hand, a throwaway book from 63 years ago was just republished, so what do I know? [3★]
No comments:
Post a Comment