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Tommy Gun Tango

Brant Randall and Bruce Cook
Capital Crime Press (2009)
ISBN 9780979996030
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebeccasreads.com (08/09)


In “A Note From One of the Authors” in the opening pages of “Tommy Gun Tango,” Brant Randall states that this book “recounts the further events of three characters: Marshal Lawe, Jackie Sue, and Gladys” from his previous book “Blood Harvest.”  Although I had not read “Blood Harvest” many parts of that story were recounted in this current book and this novel stands very well on its own.

When Marshal Lawe loses his job in 1932, he decides to move out to Los Angeles.  On the way there after almost hitting a man named Al Haine with his car, he allows Haine to come along for the ride.  In L.A., Lawe seeks employment at a movie company while Haine opts for gambling (which he is apparently very good at).  The other main characters of Gladys and Jackie Sue neatly enter into the story as the book progresses.  

The bulk of the book depicts life in Hollywood during the early 1930’s and includes characters such as Jean Harlow and Paul Bern.  It is stated that historical accuracy has been maintained in the book as much as possible which I found to be very intriguing.  I really wasn’t familiar with the murder of Paul Bern and didn’t know much about Jean Harlow either.  I liked how this fictional story had some elements of truth to it as that always makes for an interesting read.  From the facts that the author states at the end about the case, I think that he did an excellent job incorporating reality into this fictional story.

Another element of mystery thrown into the mix is that of the authors, Brant Randall and Bruce Cook.  Everything is not as it may seem, but I will let you discover what I am referring to on your own.  I found the revealed information to be an added bonus on top of the story itself.

It was a lot of fun taking a trip back to the 1920’s and 1930’s, seeing inside the Hollywood movie industry of that era, and being witness to the crime and corruption that was running rampant.  If you like historical fiction, I think that you will definitely enjoy “Tommy Gun Tango" by Brant Randall and Bruce Cook.

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