"The Brazen" is my first Carter Brown mystery. It's not the first of the series, but it *is* my first taste of them. I’ve got four other Carter Brown books sitting on my shelf that I still need to read, and let me tell you—if the one I just finished is any indication, the experience isn’t going to be anything special. Carter Brown mysteries are your typical “who-dunnit” fare from the 1950s and 60s. There’s not much too them, both in terms of literary substance and length. This particular book, The Brazen, was published in 1960 and was only about 130 pages. So of course, it was quick read.

As with most of the Carter Brown books, the story is narrated by a California police lieutenant named Al Wheeler. He’s a mid-forties, brash, wisecracking, head-busting cop that somehow (perhaps it’s his irresistible machismo?) manages to bed lots of beautiful women half his age. In short, it’s the author living out his own fantasies through the adventures of his character. Which is O.K., really, ‘cos lots of authors do that. Successful authors who make lots of money. And I’m sure Brown (or whatever his real name is) made plenty of it. His books sold like hotcakes back in the day, but I’m not quite sure why.

The writing isn’t very good. Brown tries hard to fill the book with tough, hardboiled imagery and witty banter, but it doesn’t work. It just ends up sounding like a poorly contrived porn script just before all parties involved decide to shimmy out of their clothes and get down to business. The plot, likewise, is similarly lackluster and transparent. I’ll spare you the details. Suffice to say some people die, Wheeler investigates and beds a hottie, some more people die, Wheeler bust some heads, and all is right with the world. Despite gross negligence and outright illegal activities, Al Wheeler is celebrated as the hotshot cop he truly is, beds another hottie, and thus ends the tale.

Needless to say, I didn’t like the book. I do hope that this one isn't indicative of the rest in the series, but I have my doubts. ( )