by Al Clover
The story always starts with a dame. Or so it does in Alex Carter’s imaginary noir-world.
When Naomi Price walks into Alex’s Comics Clubhouse one day asking for help cataloging thousands of rare, inherited comicbooks, Alex is sure he’s hit the comics jackpot. Along with his two best friends and a ready supply of Mountain Dew, Alex embarks on a search for the elusive Action Comics #1, potentially worth millions. But when Alex meets Richard, Naomi’s overbearing fiancé, he knows something’s amiss.
As he slips back and forth between personas-affable retailer by day, hardboiled detective by night-Alex has trouble keeping his conspiracy theories in check. Torn between the reality of completing the job and the fantasy of rescuing the damsel in distress, Alex finds himself in trouble with everyone. With his fedora perched askance, cold Mountain Dew in hand, Alex presses on. He sets out to be the hero of his own story-even if it means losing the dame.
Reviews
In The Comicbook Detective Al Clover invites us to leave loftier pursuits and enter his wacky world of off-beat good guys and comic book villains and the film noir fantastical imaginings of his loveably nerdy anti-hero. This is a delightful ditty, a box of Cracker Jack—sweet, salty, and a little bit nutty, best enjoyed while sipping on a Mtn. Dew.
—Betsy Graziani Fasbinder, author of Fire & Water and Filling Her Shoes
A fun read! A compelling mystery, a pulse-poundingly perfect comic collection and enough danger to it (never mind the people; the comics are what matter!) to give any collector palpitations, the whole adventure wrapped in the comforting aromas of Chinese food, fresh rain, and that lovely Golden and Silver Ages comic paper smell. Plus, a minor mystery; how does one man drink so much Mountain Dew and be okay?
—Roman Stadtler, PMM (Permanent Marvelite Maximus), The Comics Place
Heroes, villains, mayhem, and madness, The Comicbook Detective has it all. Follow Alex Carter, the quirky, loveable, would-be comicbook detective as he simultaneously navigates both the imaginary and actual worlds of comicbook collectors, investors, and thieves. Jump in, this is one ride you don’t want to miss!
—Lorinda Boyer, author of Straight Enough
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