It's In The Book

By Mickey Spillane and Max Allan Collins

A new Mike Hammer story from the archives of Mickey Spillane.

On the death of crime boss Don Giraldi, a rumour begins to spread about the existence of a very dangerous book. A ledger that lists every deal made during his career.

The rumored is that the book is in the possession of person he trusted most. But who can a crime boss trust? Hired by the local police to find the ledger, Mike Hammer soon finds himself in the firing line of everyone from the cops, the local politicians, and the crime syndicates themselves...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Head of Zeus
• Release date: Jun 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781781858301

Mickey Spillane

Mickey Spillane published his first novel, I, the Jury, in 1947. Since then his books have sold more than 140 million copies, and his private eye character Mike Hammer has become a household name. A Grand Master of the Mystery Writers of America, Spillane lived, fished, and found that writing just kept coming back to find him in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Mickey Spillane died July 17, 2006.

Reviews for It's In The Book

[mstrust · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Mike Hammer finds himself being approached by multiple representatives about an infamous ledger. The recent death of Mafia Don Giraldi, who Hammer did jobs for now and then, has left everyone scrambling to find the legendary ledger that the old man had filled with every murder, pay-out and exploit. Hammer isn't convinced the book really exists, but he doesn't mind telling everyone he'll look for it in exchange for cash.This is part of The Mysterious Bookshop series. At just 65 pages, it's a novella or long short story. The manuscript was begun by Spillane, then finished by Collins, who explains that it seems that Spillane was working on it in the 80's, so that's when Collins set it. It's a tidy little story, one that seems pretty tame aside from some language, and then a sudden burst of gunfire and case closed.

[davewilde-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

“It’s In The Book” is a short 36-page piece Mike Hammer piece. Hammer is the legendary private investigator that Spillane invented and is indeed known the toughest one-man army ever. This is a short little treat about a Don who kept a ledger of transactions and left it to someone he trusted when he died. The feds want Hammer to find the ledger and the Don’s son, who is the heir apparent, wants the Don’s secrets as well. Both are willing to pay Hammer a terrific sum for finding it. What’s great about this short piece is it has the tough-guy Hammer in it and a sense of humor as well. Since this is just a short piece it should not be compared with full- length Hammer novels. Worth reading for Hammer enthusiasts and for those who want an easy introduction to the legendary PI.