Product Description
A former serial criminal acclaimed for his series of expose+a7s of the California penal system delivers his second novel, a gritty cops-and-robbers tale featuring a compulsive gambler with a price on his head. 20,000 first printing."Amazon.com Review
The controlled power of his writing and the originality of histhinking about criminal behavior light up Dannie Martin's latest book,an engrossing story about honor and loyalty among pimps, prostitutes,drug dealers, and thieves. On the outskirts of Fresno, California,Vernon Coy raises fighting cocks and lives on the earnings of twohard-working hookers--his wife Paula, and Curly, his older brotherWeldon's ladyfriend. Curly is living with Vern and Paula while Weldonfinishes a long stretch in Soledad for armed robbery. Weldon is anexpert at "working the corners," maintaining prisonrelationships to minimize violence. One of his allies reveals thatVernon's name has been placed "in the hat," meaning that atough prison gang called the Dirty White Boys has put out a contracton him as a suspected snitch. How the Coy brothers and theirresourceful women defend themselves, aided by a memorable old concalled The Stepper, is the meat of Martin's dementedly logical story. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Dannie Martin!Where are you cuz?
Dannie Martin is my cousin...my mother's, sister's eldest son. We all grew up in a small community adjacent to Fresno, California.I have not heard from Dannie in some time now, but it would be nice.Dannie, you have my number, and I'm still here in Fresno.If you're not back in the joint, give me a call.I don't need any money!heh heh.I just want to talk to you and make sure all is well.I hope everyone keeps buying his books, he's a great writer, and even though they are fiction, there's some truth in there.Well Hog, I hope I see you before one of us dies.All your brothers are gone, and the family gets smaller.Keep writing, and don't ever give up.Love you cuz!Randy

It's a Shame
It's a shame that this book, and The Dishwasher, also by Martin, are out of print.It's been years since I read these books, yet they remain fresh in my mind.Originality, vivid characterizations and skillful telling of a tale will do that.

If you like crime fiction in the vein of Edward Bunker, make the effort to scrounge up copies of these books by Dannie Martin.

captivating
I just discovered this book and am blown away by the story and its realism.The writing is straightforward and direct.Martin really knows how to turn a phrase.

Realistic and engrossing
Martin has been there and knows how to write about prison life and ex-cons with style and humor.

This book is lousy and unbelievable. Martin can't write.
Martin writes like a third grader.his story is pointless, lacks energy, and is the product of a dull imagination.Why anyone thinks an ex-con is by nature a good storyteller is beyond me.Save your money. ... Read more