Hemingway Cutthroat.
Atkinson, Michael. -- Library Journal, 03/29/2010
Tor. Aug. 2010. c.272p. ISBN 978-0-312-37972-8. $24.99. MYS
Set in Civil War torn 1936 Spain, Atkinson again has the 37-year-old Hemingway investigating a friend’s murder. Unlike the series’ initial volume, Hemingway Deadlights, this is much more of a hardcore espionage
story, while also retaining the first volume’s humor (the book’s opening scene is priceless). Taking up residence with a horde of squirreled away food and booze in Madrid’s Hotel Florida to write dispatches to the States, Hemingway learns of the death of José Robles. War is war and people die, but when it is leaked that the killing was something more nefarious, Ernesto, aided by John Dos Passos, decides to unearth the truth. Of course, the killer doesn’t want them snooping, and Dos and a young translator aiding the investigation are scared off, but Ernesto is too bullheaded—or stupid—to quit. He ultimately is chased, threatened, beaten, and tortured, but stays the course. Verdict Atkinson again does a superb job of capturing the younger Hemingway’s persona—he’s rich, famous, lusty (threesomes with "hotel whores"), drunk (only half the time), smart, determined, and not taking any crap! Although Hemingway lived one of the 20th century’s most remarkable, adventurous lives, Atkinson’s version is even better! Another winner in the series.—Mike Rogers, LJX/LJ
