In Jack Colt, William Baer gives us a private detective perfectly suited for the Garden State: gritty, charming in spite of himself, sidesplittingly hilarious and incomparably authentic. Baer proves himself the Sinatra of Noir, the Edison of Intrigue, the Springsteen of Suspense—and a rightful heir to Hammett and Chandler. Far more fun than a night out in Atlantic City or a weekend at the Jersey Shore..
— Jacob M. Appel, author of Millard Salter’s Last Day
PRAISE FOR WILLIAM BAER:
“New Jersey Noir introduces an ultracool hometown detective from Paterson, set perfectly in his well-detailed locales. The writing is crisp, sarcastic, wryly funny, steeped in New Jersey lore and anecdotes that add great historical and cultural dimensions to its mystery.”
— Robin Farrell Edmunds, Foreword Reviews (Five-star review)
“A brilliant debut novel . . . precise prose, perfect pacing, stunning imagery, complex characterization, grand historical and cultural contexts, and a superb sense of place.”
— Hollis Seamon, author of Somebody Up There Hates You
“Not since Donna Tartt’s The Secret History have I read a novel as mesmerizing, engrossing, and delectable as William Baer’s New Jersey Noir. In prose as fast-moving as a bullet, Baer compels the reader to keep flipping pages more and more rapidly. The writing is taut and gut-wrenching.”
— Terri Brown-Davidson, author of Marie, Marie, Hold On Tight
“Baer evokes a cinematic chiaroscuro New Jersey—specifically Paterson—its history and politics limned over a baseline of Springsteen, doo-wop, and Whitney Houston.”
— Dennis Must, author of Hush Now, Don’t Explain
