The Fabulous Clipjoint by Fredric Brown is a classic noir mystery set in post-war Chicago, following the investigation into the murder of Ed Hunter's father. Ed, along with his 'carnie' uncle Ambrose, sets out to solve the mystery of his father's death, uncovering dark secrets and navigating the gritty underworld of Chicago. The book is a blend of crime thriller and coming-of-age story, as Ed matures into an adult while seeking justice for his father's murder. Brown's writing style is described as atmospheric and evocative, transporting readers to a bygone era of carnies, gangsters, smokey bars, and jazz music.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains medium-level content warnings discussing themes of murder, alcoholism, and violence.
From The Publisher:
1948 Edgar Award Winner Ed Hunter is eighteen, and he isn't happy. He doesn't want to end up like his father, a linotype operator and a drunk, married to a harridan, with a harridan-in-training stepdaughter. Ed wants out, he wants to live, he wants to see the world before it's too late. Then his father doesn't come home one night, and Ed finds out how good he had it. The bulk of the book has Ed teaming up with Uncle Ambrose, a former carny worker, and trying to find out who killed Ed's dad. But.
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“The Fabulous Clipjoint” by Fredric Brown is a classic noir mystery that introduces the unlikely detective duo of Ed and Am Hunter, a nephew and uncle who team up to solve the murder of Ed’s father. The audiobook, narrated by Stefan Rudnicki, brings to life the gritty atmosphere of post-war Chicago, where the Hunters encounter a colorful cast of characters, from carnival freaks to gangsters, as they follow the clues that lead them to the truth.
The audiobook is a faithful adaptation of the original novel, which won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel in 1948. Fredric Brown was a master of pulp fiction, who wrote hundreds of short stories and novels in various genres, including science fiction, horror, and humor. His style is witty, fast-paced, and full of twists and surprises. He also had a knack for creating memorable characters, such as Am Hunter, a former carny worker who knows all the tricks of the trade and has a penchant for quoting Lewis Carroll.
The narrator, Stefan Rudnicki, is an award-winning audiobook producer and director, who has worked with many authors and genres. His voice is deep, rich, and expressive, and he captures the tone and mood of the story perfectly. He also does a great job of differentiating the voices of the various characters, giving them distinct personalities and accents. He conveys the emotions and motivations of the protagonists, as well as the humor and suspense of the plot.
The audiobook is a treat for fans of noir fiction, as well as for newcomers who want to discover a classic of the genre. It is also a great introduction to the work of Fredric Brown, one of the most versatile and inventive writers of his time. The audiobook will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you enjoy “The Fabulous Clipjoint,” you will be happy to know that there are six more novels featuring Ed and Am Hunter, which are also available as audiobooks.
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