by Jorg Fauser
“You could say that of anyone.”
“And you’d have a good job on the island.”
“Peanuts,” said Blum, who had been thinking of Mr Haq.
“You’re never going to manage on your own!”
“I was managing just fine until you lot came along.”
“Islands are getting rare these days, Blum!”
“Too bad.”
“Listen, you don’t hold that about the magazines against me, do you? It was all part of the job.”
“And a bloody miserable job too, Larry.”
The Australian did not reply. The waves were lapping over their feet now. Then Larry said, “What will you do now, Blum?”
Yes, what would he do now? Once again he had the problem of choice. Some firms went bust, others carried on. Some people were losers, but that didn’t make the rest winners. He threw his cigarette end into the wind and looked at his watch.
“I’m going to see the show at the Roxy Bar,” said Blum.
BITTER LEMON PRESS
LONDON
Bringing you the best literary crime and romans noirs from Europe, Africa and Latin America.
Thumbprint Fredrich Glauser
A classic of European crime writing. Glauser, the Swiss Simenon, introduces Sergeant Studer, the hero of five novels.
January 2004 ISBN 1–904738–00–1 £8.99 pb
‘This genuine curiosity compares to the dank poetry of Simenon and reveals the enormous debt owed by Duerenmatt, Switzerland’s most famous crime writer, for whom this should be seen as a template.’ The Guardian
Holy Smoke Tonino Benacquista
A story of wine, miracles, the mafia and the Vatican. Darkly comic writing by a best-selling author.
January 2004 ISBN 1–904738–01–X £8.99 pb
‘Much to enjoy in the clash of cultures and superstitions, in a stand-off between the mafia and the Vatican. And a tasty recipe for poisoning your friends with pasta. Detail like this places European crime writing on a par with its American counterpart.’ Belfast Telegraph
The Russian Passenger Günter Ohnemus
An offbeat crime story involving the Russian mafia but also a novel of desperate love and insight into the cruel history that binds Russia and Germany.
March 2004 ISBN 1–904738–02–8 £9.99 pb
‘Simultaneously a road movie adventure, a tight thriller and an elegantly written love story.’ Der Spiegel
Tequila Blue Rolo Diez
A police detective with a wife, a mistress and a string of whores. This being Mexico, he resorts to arms dealing, extortion and money laundering to finance the pursuit of justice.
May 2004 ISBN 1–904738–04–4 £8.99 pb
‘Diez describes a country torn by corruption, political compromise, and ever-threatening bankruptcy, in poetic but also raw language.’ L’Humanité
Goat Song Chantal Pelletier
A double murder at the Moulin Rouge. Dealers, crack addicts and girls dreaming of glory who end up in porn videos.
July 2004 ISBN 1–904738–03–6 £8.99 pb
‘She is a wonderful story teller, captures your heart in three short sentences, and takes you through the gamut of emotions, from laughter to tears. A master of funny, bittersweet dialogue. A classic roman noir hero, the tired inspector, is completely reinvented by Pelletier.’ Le Monde
www.bitterlemonpress.com