“L.A. Belongs to John Shannon”

It’s very easy to become enthusiastic about Los Angeles writer John Shannon’s work, and critic Kevin Burton Smith does just that in a review of The Dark Streets, posted earlier today in January Magazine. Smith begins:

What does John Shannon have to do to get some love from book buyers?

Sing on American Idol?

Punch Oprah in the nose?

Start dating Paris Hilton?

He’s going to have to do something, because clearly writing the finest series of detective novels currently set in Los Angeles isn't enough.

These books aren’t merely good reads. That they are, undeniably. But they’re also hard-edged, action-packed, character-driven thrillers that aren’t afraid to entertain. And they're not afraid, either, to be smart. Even better, though, is that Shannon is not afraid to be angry. His novels should be read not just by the huffing, puffing suits-and-ties that pretend to be our leaders, but by every single American with half a clue who has ever despaired about the state of this Union.

You can read the whole energetically composed review here.