Paperback 597: The Blackbirder / Dorothy B. Hughes (Dell 149)

Paperback 597: Dell 149 (1st ptg, 1947)

Title: The Blackbirder
Author: Dorothy B. Hughes
Cover artist: Uncredited [Gerald Gregg]

Yours for: $10


Best things about this cover:

• I'm no ornithologist, but ... blackbird? Really? Is there a purple-taloned raptor variety I'm not aware of?
• Those are the most intestinal-looking talons I've ever seen. 
• I hope that guy's dead, because otherwise—that crotch-talon, ouch.
• His feet are so dainty. If I don't look at his weird facial expression, I could almost feel moved by his unfortunate circumstances.

Best things about this back cover:

• Well clearly the best things is Jacques (not pictured).
• Ironically, Popin didn't like it when people just popped in. This is why he lives in the middle of fucking nowhere, with only Jacques to ... do whatever Jacques does.
• I like the geographical / regional touches: snow, mountains, adobe house ...

Page 123~

Her skirt was a thin sheet of ice from below her hips.

Well, that's one way to call a woman 'frigid,' I guess.

~RP

[Follow Rex Parker on Twitter and Tumblr]

Paperback 498: Ride the Pink Horse / Dorothy B. Hughes (Dell 210)

Paperback 498: Dell 210 (1st ptg, 1948)

Title: Ride the Pink Horse
Author: Dorothy B. Hughes
Cover artist: [Gerald Gregg]

Yours for: $10

Best things about this cover:

• That zombie is going to Town on that horse flank!
• "Riding the Pink Horse" would make a great slang phrase / euphemism. Maybe for ... when you are consuming lots of Pepto Bismol. Ask me about my two other suggestions! (warning: they involve sexuality and menstrual flow, respectively)
• I know some carnival rides give people motion sickness, but I had no idea a carousel could wreck a guy that bad. Down to his hair.

Best things about this back cover:

• Mapback!
• Visually, this not that interesting. Just a cluster of dots on a lined white back ground. Like someone used it for target practice. Nice cluster.
• I love the expressive lines coming off the Cross of the Martyrs. Nice comic booky touch.
• But what is that thing projecting out from beneath it? Sconces Gone Wild!

Page 123~

"I'd take a drink. This Sunday law is a hindrance. To a working man."

"... and that's the last thing I remember saying. Three days later I came to, draped over a carousel horse, my mouth tasting of cigarettes, vomit, and whore."

~RP

[Follow Rex Parker on Twitter and Tumblr]