2026 Edition
This January I read 10 books, here’s my quick recap and review of each. If any of them leap out at you, I hope you give it a chance and a read.
In no particular ranking, my 10 January Reads:
Drexel: The Omega Group Series by Eric P. Bishop
The prequel to the rest of the Omega Group series. This nuclear thrill ride is about how Troy Evans went from being an FBI hopeful to a special forces hero. Set around the events of 9/11, it handles the time and tragedy with tact.
Check out the interview with Eric about Drexel on Suit Up! With Terrance Layhew.
Batman: Resurrection by John Jackson Miller
I’ve been hearing the hype about this book for a while now, all well deserved. It fits that unique spot of playing in the Tim Burton Batman universe, but can easily be read as any Batman The Animated Series adventure, or just a good pulpy-crime story.
A good mystery, with great characters and incredibly well written.
Hawk: The Predators by Dan Streib
The first Mike Hawk adventure I’ve read. I discovered most of the series is on Audible after the Book Graveyard did a video on the series. It’s a cheeseburger 80’s action book, lots of grease with little substance. Mike is on a Caribbean cruise and trying to discover who on the boat is trying to kill him for his hidden fortune.
Odyssey of Fire: A Noah Redford Adventure by L.S. Goozdich
The much awaited return of Noah Redford! L.S. Goozdich introduces a young Noah who’s still finding his footing. It’s got boxing, treasure, crime and romance! There’s even a fun Easter egg for any fans of Mitch Mayhew in the crowd. Personally, I think this might be Goozdich’s best work yet.
(Publishing 2/24/26)
The Long Escape by David Dodge
An Al Colby novel I was excited to read, but disappointed to finish. Unlike books 2 and 3 of this series, The Long Escape falls apart for a lack of timelessness. It feels too much of it’s time and era.
Return of the Maltese Falcon by Max Allan Collins
A direct sequel to Hammett’s Maltese Falcon, Collin’s effortlessly slips into the story and style of Sam Spade. This hard boiled detective story is a delight if you’ve read the original or watched the film, but can stand on it’s own as a fun detective story.
Honor Among Rogues by L.D. Whitney
An upcoming short story collection of pulp tales. L.D. Whitney’s brought new life to the style and form of your favorite pulp genres. It’s a fun collection with editorials about the genres. I found this a delight to read.
Last of Breed: Fire in the Green Hell by Corey Molinelli
A jungle adventure with strong pulp vibes. I could easily imagine the book serialized in one of the classic pulp magazines. It features some of the strongest prose work I’ve read in a while, with a rhythm that beats like an African drum.
Jack Saxxon: Fortune Hunter by Charles F. Millhouse
A Stormgate Quick Read by one of the titans of New Pulp. It’s a fun adventure story about a treasure hunter just different enough to feel wholly original. Charles F. Millhouse effortlessly writes pulpy adventure, while keeping it something modern.
The Big Bundle by Max Allan Collins
Hard Case Crime has published enough two-shot Max Allan Collins books that I’ve been conditioned to read this author two at a time. The Big Bundle is the latest Nate Heller thriller, Collins’ own hard boiled detective. It’s an extrapolation of true crime with a kidnapping where half the recovered ransom money went missing.
Leave a comment with your favorite recent read, or if any of these sound like fun to you, let me know!