Ok, I just got through the first of Joel's "Sparky Hemingway" novels, entitled Home Front.

If you enjoy Joel's writings, you need to pick this up. Good luck finding it , but Gary at Once Upon A Crime was going to see if he could round up some copies.

The tone of the book is very...well...Joel. No other way to put it, and it's a good thing.

Took me about 2.5 evenings once I finally had time to just sit down and read. It reads quick, especially near the end. Although Joel, I have to ask, did you "sanitize" the explosives details or could I wind up on YouTube?

I'm starting the next one, Family Matters, tonight. I'll give a more in depth review directly to the author after that, if he's interested.

Seriously though, these are absolutely worth the money if you can find them. Very descriptive yet fun writing, and lots of local color.

-Mark

I concur with mrokern's review. In case you can not find your own copy, the library does have them.

On that note, yes - I WOULD like to read them.

Joel, is there any "proper order" to read the books in? Or is just a "order as written" good enough?

There are only two of the Hemingway novels to my knowledge. I would HIGHLY suggest starting with Home Front. It sets up the beginning of Family Matters.

I just finished the second one (Family Matters). Very enjoyable, and I'm glad I read them in order. I don't think Joel liked the gang strike force back in 2004, either.

Now to start pressuring Joel for a third.

Seriously everybody, they are well worth the read. Give Gary a call at Once Upon A Crime, let him know you're looking for them.

-Mark