Choice Cuts: a Neal Barrett Primer

The Neal Barrett canon spans 35 years, forty-something novels, and numerous short stories and comic scripts. Many are out-of-print. What follows is an abbreviated primer introducing his key novels of the last 10 years. The out-of-print titles (*) can be hard to find and expensive.

Pink Vodka Blues (1992, St. Martin's Press) A good place to start. Arguably the highest entertainment value of all his novels. Paperback.

The Hereafter Gang* (1991, Peter V. Ziesing) A rambunctious road novel of reincarnation. The Red River poses as a modern day version of the River Styx except the dead cross over into heaven, not Hades. And it's Oklahoma. Currently available primarily from dealers as a pricey first edition.

Skinny Annie Blues (1996, Kensington) and Bad Eye Blues (1997, Kensington) Introducing the trepidatiously adventurous Wiley Moss. Moss isn't hard-nosed, he's just trying to get a break and he's sucked into the vortex. Rascally characters and hilarious dialogue make for a winning combination. Paperback.

Dead Dog Blues (1994, St. Martin's) More twisted than Pink Vodka and featuring one of the most chillingly grotesque finales imaginable. Subtle but pointed social commentary in the context of a racially mixed buddy story. Available in paperback.

Through Darkest America* (1986) Acclaimed transitional novel. Sci-fi or not sci-fi? Can be found through dealers.

-- Mike Shea