I didn’t get my current book read in order to review it here today, so I turned to a review from Kevin Tipple. I’ll have “What Are You Reading?” up on Thursday, but I’m heading out that day to spend the weekend with my mother and sisters for my Mom’s birthday. So, after Thursday, I might not have much posted. I know. I know. I promised I’d continue to write my blog after I retired. And, I will continue to do that. But, now that I’m close to family, I’m taking advantage of that. Too many years too far away to get home for celebrations, family, and hugs.

In the meantime, Kevin’s review is of a book that came out in 2014. I’m quoting him – “Adult language, adult situations, and more fill the pages of this anthology.” Here’s Kevin’s review of Hoods, Hot Rods, and Hellcats.

The title of Hoods, Hot Rods, and Hellcats says it all even before you get to the cover
tag line of Drive Fast. Kill Young. Love A Pretty Girl. This anthology edited by Chad
Eagleton certainly delivers on that premise. The image of the 50’s depicted in Happy
Days, American Graffiti, and others is quickly shattered by the introduction by Mick
Farren. It sets a tone that is held up quite well by the eight authors involved in the book.

Coming up first is Christoper Grant with “1958: Somewhere In Texas” where three
young lesbians are on a robbery and killing spree. Shifting in time back and forth across
several months it becomes clear how things began and escalated quickly.

“Red Hot” by Thomas Puck follows next with a tale of Bobby, Karen, and the love of fast
cars and beautiful woman. Both are equally dangerous and like a lot of other things can
end up being expensive in so many ways.

Don Bayliss likes to steal things. It is a passion for him. 17 year old Sharon has ignited
another passion in “Forlorn Hope” by Matthew Funk. Having seen combat he is looking
for something. He isn’t the only one looking.

Brothers Charlie and Butch rob places in “Only The Vultures Will See Me Hang” by Nik
Korpon. Both served and saw combat and get along well enough most of the time.
Then, there are the other times when plans don’t go so well just like what often
happened in combat.

A guitar is the supreme goal for John. Growing up in a Christian household he should
have known not to steal it. But, he did and then things got rough in “Lola” by Eric
Beetner.

Editor Chad Eagleton comes next with his tale “Blue Jeans And A Boy’s shirt. “ A fast
car, a sawed off shotgun, and a girl walking on a bridge change the future for Lonnie
Bonner. Like other stories in the anthology, combat flashbacks play a major role in this
tale. Combat that though it happened in the past still fuels the actions of Lonnie now as
well as many others in these tales.

“Scarred Angel” by Heath Lowrance comes next with a tale where a beautiful hellcat is
the one driving the action. Unlike most of the preceding stories where the guys are
running things (or at least appear to be) in this case a woman dubbed “Frankie Scar” is definitely running the show. Scotty knew she was something when he saw her at “Jimmy Bo’s.” Thanks to his buddies he finally went and said hello. Thanks to her he soon was on a wild ride he would be lucky to survive.

“Headless Hoggy Style” by David James Keaton is the final and possibly the most
disturbing story of the anthology. Jake is never sure what Cherry is thinking. He plans
on getting her to talk and Uncle Jake might be able to help. He also has some things to
do as does his Uncle in this dark tale.

The book closes with an acknowledgments section detailing the contributions of those
who kept the project alive followed by detailed bios of the contributors.

Reviewing a collection or an anthology is tough as one does not want to give away too
much and ruin the stories. This was certainly the case here with these very complicated
tales. They are violence filled short stories peopled by characters that usually do what
they want when they want to do it. Adult language, adult situations, and more fill the
pages of this anthology that proves the point made in the introduction. There was a very
dark and very violent side to the 50’s and Hoods, Hot Rods and Hellcats gives you a
small glimpse of that along with some solidly good stories.

E-book was provided by the editor in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2014, 2024