Marching Forward

Howdy,

March is off to a great start with the release of the first book in The Palik Series, The Marriage of a Marquis by Jules Verne, never-before translated into English courtesy of the good folks from the North American Jules Verne Society. The second book in the series, Shipwrecked Family, is heading off to the printer while the third book, Mr. Chimp and Other Plays is currently being proofed. Stay tuned for more information on this great series of books as news develops.

Also recently released was Bob Chinn's Flesh of the Lotus, a Johnny Wadd novel. Jill Nelson, co-author of John Holmes: a Life Measured In Inches had this to say:

I first became acquainted with former adult film director, Bob Chinn, a few years ago, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that he had embarked upon adapting several of the Johnny Wadd films into a novel format. Generally, the reverse scenario is the case, so this is an unusual undertaking, but one that is remarkably satisfying. Johnny Wadd, the primary, promiscuous character (and studly detective) showcased in Flesh of the Lotus, is reminiscent of the blue screen anti-hero made famous by the legendary John Holmes, but with new and improved depth. Without straying too far from the authenticity of the setting and atmosphere of the original film noir experience, Chinn has managed to bring about a maturation of the womanizing investigator, by integrating a contemporary conscience into the mix -- via the introduction of an old cop friend of Johnny's. The two pals attempt to untangle the clues surrounding the murder of a former girlfriend of Wadd's, while Johnny blows off steam by bedding some beautiful and mysterious women - old habits die hard. Chinn's pulp style of writing is thoroughly enjoyable, as are the humourous, dry-witted exchanges between the two weathered veterans. The plot contains many unexpected zig zags until reaching a climactic end, as the story effortlessly engrosses the reader. Chinn has been quoted as saying that he sometimes feels he unleashed a monster when he crafted private dick Johnny Wadd on the back of an envelope in 1970. Considering that this published work is more than 40 years after the fact, is a testament to Mr. Chinn's initial instincts. He should be proud of what he created, and very pleased with his first literary effort.

We have a few other surprises coming up later this month. Be sure to check in every now and then, and don't forget to visit our catalog page for other great available titles.

Cheers!

--John Teehan