Black, Benjamin: The Black-Eyed Blonde

Written by John Banville under the pen-name he uses for thrillers, this is one of several attempts to
update Raymond Chandler by continuing the Philip Marlowe story.   Marlowe has a new client, the
blonde of the title, who wants him to find her former lover, Nico Peterson.   This is just the start as
he tangles with hoodlums and gang bosses as well as bedding his client.   An old friend who was
obliged to relocate in Mexico to escape prosecution is also involved.   After being beaten up more
than once ( this does raise the question of why he is not simply killed though this would end the
book), Marlowe works things out with the denouement seeing his old friend who is the real
villain killed and the blonde taken into custody.   Black captures the world-weariness that came to
pervade the Chandler books and does turn some Chandleresque phrases effectively.  Well written
as would be expected of the author and a fine salute to the originals.