Point Blank: Hardboiled, Noir, & Detective Fiction - podcast cover

Point Blank: Hardboiled, Noir, & Detective Fiction

Point Blank is a podcast about hardboiled, noir, and detective fiction. Mixing serious analysis and humor, the co-hosts (Justin and Kurt) discuss classic or contemporary works of crime fiction in each episode. In addition to major works, they offer shorter reviews, and examine noir-ish topics such as alcoholism in detective fiction, the femme fatale, and race and labor in crime fiction. Stroll with Kurt and Justin down the rain drenched alleys and mean streets as they explore the fascinating world of crime fiction.

Episodes

E85: The Long Goodbye

That's it. Join us for our last episode as we discuss The Long Goodbye and reflect on the show. Thank you to all who have listened and supported the show along the way. Leave the show in your podcast feed if you want to be notified of our future projects.

Nov 21, 20241 hr 2 min

E84: Writing Rat Face: A Point Blank Limited Series (Episode 10)

Welcome to "Writing Rat Face," a Point Blank Limited Series on one writer's process of writing a 50,000 word novel first draft. Rat Face is a post-apocalyptic crime novel set in a world ravaged by nuclear war and climate change. The main character, Rat Face, is a noir-ish hitman and delinquent looking to solve his father figure's murder before the Terror Squads find & liquidate him. In this series of 10 short episodes, Justin Bendell discusses his weekly process as he writes 50,000 words in ...

Jun 30, 202422 min

E83: Writing Rat Face: A Point Blank Limited Series (Episode 9)

Welcome to "Writing Rat Face," a Point Blank Limited Series on one writer's process of writing a 50,000 word novel first draft. Rat Face is a post-apocalyptic crime novel set in a world ravaged by nuclear war and climate change. The main character, Rat Face, is a noir-ish hitman and delinquent looking to solve his father figure's murder before the Terror Squads find & liquidate him. In this series of 10 short episodes, Justin Bendell discusses his weekly process as he writes 50,000 words in ...

Apr 29, 202419 min

E82: Writing Rat Face: A Point Blank Limited Series (Episode 8)

Welcome to "Writing Rat Face," a Point Blank Limited Series on one writer's process of writing a 50,000 word novel first draft. Rat Face is a post-apocalyptic crime novel set in a world ravaged by nuclear war and climate change. The main character, Rat Face, is a noir-ish hitman and delinquent looking to solve his father figure's murder before the Terror Squads find & liquidate him. In this series of 10 short episodes, Justin Bendell discusses his weekly process as he writes 50,000 words in ...

Jan 10, 202420 min

E81: Writing Rat Face: A Point Blank Limited Series (Episode 7)

Welcome to "Writing Rat Face," a Point Blank Limited Series on one writer's process of writing a 50,000 word novel first draft. Rat Face is a post-apocalyptic crime novel set in a world ravaged by nuclear war and climate change. The main character, Rat Face, is a noir-ish hitman and delinquent looking to solve his father figure's murder before the Terror Squads find & liquidate him. In this series of 10 short episodes, Justin Bendell discusses his weekly process as he writes 50,000 words in ...

Dec 11, 202320 min

E80: Writing Rat Face: A Point Blank Limited Series (Episode 6)

Welcome to "Writing Rat Face," a Point Blank Limited Series on one writer's process of writing a 50,000 word novel first draft. Rat Face is a post-apocalyptic crime novel set in a world ravaged by nuclear war and climate change. The main character, Rat Face, is a noir-ish hitman and delinquent looking to solve his father figure's murder before the Terror Squads find & liquidate him. In this series of 10 short episodes, Justin Bendell discusses his weekly process as he writes 50,000 words in ...

Nov 27, 202320 min

E79: Writing Rat Face: A Point Blank Limited Series (Episode 5)

Welcome to "Writing Rat Face," a Point Blank Limited Series on one writer's process of writing a 50,000 word novel first draft. Rat Face is a post-apocalyptic crime novel set in a world ravaged by nuclear war and climate change. The main character, Rat Face, is a noir-ish hitman and delinquent looking to solve his father figure's murder before the Terror Squads find & liquidate him. In this series of 10 short episodes, Justin Bendell discusses his weekly process as he writes 50,000 words in ...

Nov 13, 202314 min

E78: Writing Rat Face: A Point Blank Limited Series (Episode 4)

Welcome to "Writing Rat Face," a Point Blank Limited Series on one writer's process of writing a 50,000 word novel first draft. Rat Face is a post-apocalyptic crime novel set in a world ravaged by nuclear war and climate change. The main character, Rat Face, is a noir-ish hitman and delinquent looking to solve his father figure's murder before the Terror Squads find & liquidate him. In this series of 10 short episodes, Justin Bendell discusses his weekly process as he writes 50,000 words in ...

Oct 30, 202322 min

E77: Writing Rat Face: A Point Blank Limited Series (Episode 3)

Welcome to "Writing Rat Face," a Point Blank Limited Series on one writer's process of writing a 50,000 word novel first draft. Rat Face is a post-apocalyptic crime novel set in a world ravaged by nuclear war and climate change. The main character, Rat Face, is a noir-ish hitman and delinquent looking to solve his father figure's murder before the Terror Squads find & liquidate him. In this series of 10 short episodes, Justin Bendell discusses his weekly process as he writes 50,000 words in ...

Oct 23, 202322 min

E76 Writing Rat Face: A Point Blank Limited Series (Episode 2)

Welcome to "Writing Rat Face," a Point Blank Limited Series on one writer's process of writing a 50,000 word novel first draft. Rat Face is a post-apocalyptic crime novel set in a world ravaged by nuclear war and climate change. The main character, Rat Face, is a noir-ish hitman and delinquent looking to solve his father figure's murder before the Terror Squads find & liquidate him. In this series of 10 short episodes, Justin Bendell discusses his weekly process as he writes 50,000 words in ...

Oct 12, 202321 min

E75: Writing Rat Face: A Point Blank Limited Series (Episode 1)

Welcome to "Writing Rat Face," a Point Blank Limited Series on one writer's process of writing a 50,000 word novel first draft. Rat Face is a post-apocalyptic crime novel set in a world ravaged by nuclear war and climate change. The main character, Rat Face, is a noir-ish hitman and delinquent looking to solve his father figure's murder before the Terror Squads find & liquidate him. In this series of 6 to 10 short episodes, Justin Bendell discusses his weekly process writing 50,000 words in ...

Oct 02, 202319 min

E74: --The Third Man -- The Film

Welcome! In this episode we discuss the film version of The Third Man. For the full plot summary and commentary on the novella, check out episode 73. We riff on our reactions to the film with the written story fresh in our minds. What a masterpiece! Truely a joy to watch, even when you know what's going to happen. ***Sorry this one took so long to publish. As we briefly discuss in the show, we have both got a lot going on this summer. Get in touch: [email protected]...

Aug 03, 202340 minEp. 74

E73 -- The Third Man -- Graham Greene

Blankers! We review Graham Greene's novella, The Third Man . Is it better than the film? Listen to hear our thoughts! Email the show: [email protected] Twitter: @pointblanknoir Facebook: Point Blank: Hardboiled, Noir, and Detective Fiction Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/point-blank-hardboiled-noir-detective-fiction/id1276038868 Support the show: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pointblankcrime Don’t forget to rate us on Apple Podcasts and share the show with your friends!...

Jun 01, 202358 minEp. 73

E72 -- Drive (the film) -- Sallis, Gosling, Refn

Blankers! Last episode we discussed James Sallis's hardboiled, neo-noir classic Drive . This time we interrogate Nicholas Winding Refn's 2011 film adaptation starring Ryan Gosling. In what ways is the film better than the novel and vice versa? Hit play to find out! Get in touch with the show: [email protected] Facebook Group #crimefiction #refn #gosling #jamessallis #drive #noir #neonoir...

Mar 22, 202342 min

E71: -- Drive -- James Sallis

Get in and buckle up! In this episode, we cover Drive by James Sallis. It's a short work that speaks to the kind of crime fiction we love. For the appropriate listening experience break out your classic car and crank the stereo. Get in touch with the show: [email protected] Facebook Group #crimefiction #sallis #jamessallis #drive #noir...

Feb 10, 20231 hr 4 min

Episode 70 -- Iceberg Slim -- Pimp

For Episode 70, we visit mid-century urban America with Iceberg Slim's Pimp. This is a gritty memoir that sold millions of copies, yet remains under discussed in crime writing circles. We will talk about the good of this book, and we also dig into the problems we had with it. Email the show: [email protected] Facebook: Point Blank: Hardboiled, Noir and Detective Fiction

Dec 03, 20221 hr 2 minSeason 6Ep. 70

E69 - - Swag - - Elmore Leonard

We finally get to Elmore Leonard! We asked for recommendations and received a lot of great suggestions from our listeners. Swag delivered with a tale of two robbers trying to make a buck. If they stick to the 10 rules, what can go wrong? Email the show: [email protected] Facebook: Point Blank: Hardboiled, Noir and Detective Fiction

Sep 20, 202258 min

E68: Book Vs Film -- The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

With the book fresh in our minds we take a look at the classic film "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart. This is mostly a reaction episode looking at how the film diverged from the source material. Enjoy. Email: [email protected] Find us on Facebook: Point Blank: Noir, Hardboiled, and Detective Fiction

Aug 23, 202238 min

E67: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre -- B. Traven

Greed. Ambition. Gold Fever. Adventure. Join us for a discussion of "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" by the mysterious author B. Traven. Three men down on their luck strike out to find gold in the mountains of Mexico. Will they find their fortunes? Probably not or else it would be a boring book. While this one isn't exactly crime fiction, we think it offers a lot of the hardboiled and noir elements that crime fiction fans will enjoy. Contact the show: Email: [email protected] Facebook: ...

Aug 09, 20221 hr 1 min

E66: Adios Muchachos -- Daniel Chavarria

Bienvenido a Cuba! Grab a rum and join us for Adios Muchachos by Daniel Chavarria. Alicia is a woman looking for a rich man to help her escape. She's got a plan that involves a bicycle and seduction. What she doesn't plan for is a kidnapping. We discuss this novel, provide some short reviews, and touch on the world of Cuban Noir. Get in touch with the show: [email protected] Find us on Facebook: Point Blank: Hardboiled, Noir, and Detective Fiction...

Jun 05, 20221 hr 7 min

E65: Razorblade Tears -- Mildred Pierce -- The Asphalt Jungle

Hello, again, Point Blank Listeners! Sorry for the delay. I've been sick. Here's episode 65. We cover the bestselling, award-winning Razorblade Tears. S.A. Cosby delivers another powerful noir tale, and we get down into the grit to examine why this one is making all of the "best" lists. Justin provides a short review of the classic James M. Cain novel Mildred Pierce , and we discuss the noir film The Asphalt Jungle. Contact the show: [email protected] Find Us on Facebook: Point Blank: Har...

Apr 26, 20221 hr 2 min

Episode 64 -- Margaret Millar -- Beast in View

Blankers! This episode we discuss Margaret Millar's terrific noir classic Beast in View. This book's got it all: murder, threatening phone calls from bar telephones, a waterproof woman, domestic drama, gender politics, unreliable narrators, and a twist that will knock your socks off. Want to get in touch with the show? Email: [email protected] Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/pointblankpodcast/ $ Support: https://www.patreon.com/pointblankcrime Give us a review on iTunes....

Feb 15, 202252 min

E63 -- Tartan Noir -- Laidlaw

We are back! Sorry for the delay. We needed an extended holiday break. In this episode, we discuss Tartan/Scottish Noir through the lens of what is considered the first Tartan Noir Laidlaw . Laidlaw is a gritty detective novel taking place on the streets of Glasgow in the 1970s. William McIlvanney or Gus to his friends is considered the father of Scottish noir and gives us working-class fiction from a working-class town. Want to get in touch with the show? Email: [email protected] Faceboo...

Jan 19, 202259 min

E62 -- Cop Hater -- Ed McBain

Hey Blankers - Kurt & I finally got around to recording Episode 62. This time we take a walk down the mean streets of Isola with Ed McBain's Cop Hater . The first novel in the acclaimed 87th Precinct series, Cop Hater (1956) set the blueprint for modern police procedurals. Does it hold up? Tune in & find out! Get in touch with the show: Email: [email protected] Twitter: @pointblanknoir Facebook: Point Blank: Hardboiled, Noir, and Detective Fiction Good Reads Point Blank page: http...

Dec 07, 202155 min

E61 -- Ecological Noir -- The Monkey Wrench Gang -- Animals

What in the world is eco-noir? We attempt to answer that question by looking at a few texts that might be ecological noir. In the discussion, we mention: The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abby Animals by Will Staples Zodiac by Neal Stephenson The Glass Factory by Kenneth Wishnia Nature Noir by Jordan Fisher Smith Captiva by Randy Wayne White If you'd like to get in touch with the show: Email: [email protected] Facebook: Point Blank: Noir, Hardboiled, and Detective Fiction...

Oct 13, 20211 hr 1 min

E60 -- 5 Round Review: Summer Edition

Blankers! Find your sun hat, stab that beach umbrella into the sand, and break out the Banana Boat -- this is Five Round Reviews: Summer Edition. We have 13 short reviews for you--from Jim Harrison & Dorothy B. Hughes to David Heska Wanbli Weiden & Nick Kolakowski. (See the full list below.) Get in touch with the show: Email: [email protected] Twitter: @pointblanknoir Facebook: Point Blank: Hardboiled, Noir, and Detective Fiction Good Reads Point Blank page: https://www.goodreads....

Aug 17, 20211 hr

E59 -- Miami Blues

Throw on your white blazer, power up the speed boat, and cut yourself a line. We're head to '80's Miami for Charles Willeford's 'Miami Blues." In what can only be described as a "weird and unsettling novel," we join Hoke Moseley, Frederick J. Frenger Jr, and Susan Waggoner for a bizarre tale of Floridian crime. Get in touch with the show: [email protected] Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pointblankpodcast

Jul 26, 20211 hr

E58 -- Chicago Noir

Blankers! Zip up your windbreakers and don’t forget change for the highway tolls — in Episode 58 we head to Chicago to wrap our heads around Chicago Noir. We talk about Chicago as a city for noir, and we look at crime fiction by Nelson Algren, Howard Browne, Frederic Brown, Sara Paretsky, Michael Harvey, Danny Gardner, Bob Hartley, & more. Italian beef, tavern cut pizza, Old Style, Malort, murder. You ready? Get in touch with the show: Email: [email protected] Twitter: @pointblanknoir...

Jun 22, 20211 hr 7 min

E57 -- Ride the Pink Horse & The Expendable Man --Dorothy Hughes

We promised an episode on The Expendable Man, but we just couldn't contain ourselves to one book by Dorothy B Hughes! We discuss these two masterpieces of crime fiction, sharing why we find Hughes' work so compelling. We'd love to hear from you: Email: [email protected] Facebook: Point Blank: Hardboiled, Noir, and Detective Fiction Join Our Facebook Group: Here...

May 22, 20211 hr

E56 -- Five Round Reviews

In Episode 57, we review the hell out of nearly a dozen books, + a couple films! We review: Run Man Run by Chester Himes Plan B by Chester Himes Darktown by Thomas Mullen The Man with the Getaway Face by Richard Stark If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned by Walter Mosley M. Ravenel's The Arrangement Champagne Cowboys by Leo W. Banks Freebooters : A Novel by Elleston Trevor Satan Takes the Helm by Calvin Clements The Shadow of What We Were by Luis Sepul...

Apr 28, 202155 min
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