Defining Psycho Noir

Since I've been using the term psycho noir a lot lately in interviews I think I should offer a definition for it, especially since psycho noir is a relatively new term that's been popping up mostly to describe movies like Blue Velvet, Fight Club and Memento where the protagonist is somewhat out of touch with reality.

As far as how it pertains to literature, especially for Jim Thompson's great noir books (Hell of a Woman, Savage Night, Killer Inside Me, Pop. 1280, etc.) I posted the following definition on my Hardluck Stories web-site when I was requesting submissions for my psycho noir issue:

"...where the protagonists perceptions and rationalizations are just off center enough to send them to hell."

The esteemable James Winter posted the following definition on his Northcoast Exhile blog, which I think spells it out pretty well:

"In psycho noir, the protagonist is, quite frankly, a scumbag, knows he's a scumbag, yet deludes himself that he is not."

My own first novel, Fast Lane, fits both of these definitions, and I think sits squarely in the psycho noir category.

As far as standard noir goes, I look at books like James M. Cain's "Double Indemnity" and "Postman Always Rings Twice" where the protagonist crosses a line and there's no turning--basically the equally esteemable Jack Bludis's definition of noir==screwed.

Anyone who has a different definition for psycho noir, I'd like to hear it. Also, let me know your favorite examples of it.

on the web

Bethany Warner interviews me over at Word Nerd and last Thursday I was guest blogger over at the most excellent site, Murderati, where I detailed my 15 year journey over 3 books and 4+ publishers.

Pariah, Killer and Bad Thoughts

Lots of news. Serpent's Tail is going to be publishing my South Boston Irish mob book, Pariah, on 1/09, and my Boston Mafia hitman book, Killer, sometime afterwards. I'm thrilled to have Serpent's Tail publishing Small Crimes, Pariah and Killer, but what's really exciting to me is that although all three books are standalones, Serpent's Tail is going to be selling them as a "badass just out of prison" trilogy. More about all three of these books later.

Bad Thoughts was reviewed this past Sunday in the Virginian-Pilot by Timothy Lockhart, who had a lot of nice things to say about the book, including a comparison to Silence of the Lambs:

"Fans of Thomas Harris' "The Silence of the Lambs" and other novels featuring killer/cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter will enjoy "Bad Thoughts." Although he is not as brilliant or cultured as Lecter, Zeltserman's killer is as frightening and cruel and has certain powers that Lecter lacks. Moreover, because Zeltserman is careful to show the reader why his character became and remains a killer, the murderer in "Bad Thoughts" is in some ways more believable than Lecter.."

Jim Winter also examines Bad Thoughts in January Magazine, and finds it a compelling horror novel, particularly enjoying the smell of it. Romance Review Today also examines Bad Thoughts, and comes to the following conclusion:

"A fast paced psychological thriller, BAD THOUGHTS has many graphic descriptions, but even so, turning the pages is effortless all the way to the climactic end. Every page pulls pull the reader deeper into Bill's nightmares, leaving you wondering who the bad guy really is. Trust no one...If you like hard-edged drama and tense mystery, BAD THOUGHTS is the just the ticket!"

Joe DeMarco at Mysterical-E and Kevin Tipple at Mouth Full of Bullets also weigh in positively on Bad Thoughts, as does Midwest Book Review, calling Bad Thoughts "a must read for thriller fans." Finally, Patrick Milliken at Poisoned Pen Bookstores makes Bad Thoughts one of his July hardboiled picks.

Back Pages Books

I received my shipment of Bad Thoughts late last week and am now going to local bookstores to try to arrange signings, readings, etc., and yesterday visited Back Pages Books in Waltham MA. This is a terrific bookstore, and the owner, Alex Green, is absolutely passionate about books, especially in trying to build a more eclectic collection for his customers than what you typically find. I left him a copy of Bad Thoughts, but regardless of whether or not he wants to do something with it, this is a store I'm going to be highly recommending in the future. It's the type of store that anyone who loves books wants to see prosper, and if you're in the Boston area, check it out at 368 Moody St., Waltham. You can make a day of it--go to the Back Page Books, see an indie film at the Landmark theatre a block away, and eat dinner at any number of very good restaurants on Moody Street, including one of my favorites, the Tuscan Grill.

My "Bogusly Autobiographical Life in Writer's Hell" Series

I have written a series of short crime fiction that I refer to as my "bogusly autobiographical life in writer's hell" stories. What I like to do with these is have just enough superficial similarities with myself that they appear autobiographical even though they're completely fictitious. Usually I get several concerned emails when one's published. The first of them, More than a Scam, could be the first (and maybe only??) Nigerian email scam story written, and received honorable mention in the 2003 Best American Mystery Stories anthology. Here's the complete series so far (all online), but more will follow, and maybe even a novel.

• More Than a Scam
• She Stole My Fortune! (originally written for the Quertermous/White "Junk in the Trunk" Blogathon)
• Flies

Not bad from the back either...

Bad Thoughts, that is. Back cover turned out as impressive as the front. You can click on the image to enlarge it.

Library Journal on Bad Thoughts

"This fast-paced, gritty psychological tale balances the fine line between mystery and horror."

Preordering some Bad Thoughts

Bad Thoughts is available for preordering from both amazon.com and BN.com, both at a discount (hardcover, regular price $25.95). Amazon is selling it for $17.13. BN is selling it for $20.76 (members $18.68).

What people are saying so far about Bad Thoughts:

A compellingly clever wheels-within-wheels thriller, Zeltserman’s new novel blends genres in a subtle mix that will appeal to both mystery and horror fans. —Elliott Swanson, Booklist (read whole review)

If you're looking for a hardboiled anybody-can-die-at-any-time book that's a change of pace from the usual, look no further. --Bill Crider (read whole review)

This book is an often graphic and intense read that delves deep into the psychology of evil and sanity. -- Kevin Tipple (read whole review)

For a dark, metaphysical thriller with very real characters, give Bad Thoughts a run. -- Frank Zafiro

Bad Thoughts is hypnotic, gripping, even terrifying. -- Steve Hamilton, Edgar Award-winning author of A Stolen Season

Stunning, though definitely not for the faint of heart— Shamus-award winning author, Jeremiah Healy

THIS IS HIGH OCTANE NOIR, DAZZLING IN IT'S SHEER VIVACITY........I DIDN'T LIKE THIS BOOK, I ADORED IT—Shamus-award winning author, Ken Bruen

Bad thoughts is a fast moving occult thriller, with taut dialogue and smart, likeable characters… Pour yourself a fifth of Scotch, get an easy chair, grab a protective talisman and enjoy.—Adrian McKinty, author of Dead I Well May Be and Hidden River

Friday is Cruel Poetry day!

You can read my review of Vicki Hendrick's excellent new novel here. As part of a grand experiment to bring attention to a worthy book, buy a copy of Cruel Poetry today from Amazon if you like your crime fiction populated by dark, twisted souls on a one-way ticket to hell. Or maybe if you just want to read something different from the norm that's beautifully written.

Booklist on Bad Thoughts

A compellingly clever wheels-within-wheels thriller, Zeltserman’s new novel blends genres in a subtle mix that will appeal to both mystery and horror fans. Police detective Bill Shannon’s dreams are being invaded by images of horrific violence, but the source of the intrusion remains shadowed until the harrowing conclusion of the novel, a homage to the Australian Aboriginal concept of “Dreamtime.” The reader will be kept guessing as to whether the psychologically hammered cop is being revisited by his own guilt or whether there’s an outside factor involved in his recurring visions of murdering his own mother. The resolution of the novel clearly indicates the possibility of sequels to come, so if you want to get in on the ground floor, now’s the time. An ingenious plot, skillfully executed. —Elliott Swanson, Booklist