I’ve known of Derrick Ferguson from the internet for several years and even met him at a Pulp Convention in Arkansas several years ago. We’ve chatted several times over Skype back when I had the Book Cave podcast. I instantly became a fan of his Dillion series as have anyone else that has read them. When I opened the box containing the two books for me to read and review, I knew then and there I was in for treat when I saw “Will Write For Food” by Derrick Ferguson. The book is full of eight short stories written by Derrick on several different characters that I want to see him write more on.
The first story is ‘The Undercover Puzzle,’ with Detective Dan Fowler. If, like me, you’ve heard of Dan Fowler, but never read anything on him, get ready for a treat. Derrick gives you everything you need to know on who and what Dan Fowler is about. Without giving anything away, you will want to read more stories with Dan Fowler.
Next is ‘The Knobloch Collection Assignment,’ a story from Airship 27’s Tales of The Hanging Monkey. If that sentence doesn’t make you want more… Pacific islands, Nazis (anything with Nazis if a good read), spies and a very different take on two men with a twist that will grab your attention. Set in the 1930s, this is a must read for any Pulp fan.
‘Sinbad and the Voyage to the Land of the Frozen Sun.’ If you are a fan of the Ray Harryhausen Sinbad, you will love Derrick’s version of Sinbad. This is also from Airship 27, Sinbad: The New Voyages. Derrick describes him as: “He’s Arabian Nights version of Burt Reynolds.”
‘Baby Daddy’ is next. According to Derrick: “Nate Hollis has appeared in a graphic novel published by Vertigo and has been optioned for a TV series” Set in more modern time, unlike most of the stories in this collection, Nate Hollis is the tough guy P.I., that is someone you want on your side when you need him. There is even a minor character in the story that I would like to see more of. He reminds me some of Hawk, from Robert Parker’s Spenser books.
‘The Ruckerville Arrangment’ is one of Derrick’s unpublished stories, until now. The main characters are not good guys, but you can’t help but like them. I hope to see more of them soon.
‘I Say Unto You is Born…Rayge!’ Derrick shows that he can write in the Marvel Comics style of the 1960s and 70s. You are dropped into the middle of the story, like most comic books of that time, but you will catch up quickly. I loved the action and all the characters. The ending is…all I can say is…WOW!
The last two stories are also from Airship 27 and feature, Bass Reeves, a real life hero of the old west. ‘A Town Named Affliction’ and ‘The Bixbee Breakout’ are two great examples of how well Derrick can write a western featuring a real life legend. Like many readers, I had never heard of Bass Reeves, until several years ago when a friend of mine sent me an article comparing him to The Lone Ranger. According to the article, The Lone Ranger was based on the legend of Bass Reeves. I’ve heard conflicting stories on the truth of it. Bass Reeves is his own man and deserves to be remembered in stories and movies. Derrick mentions that he has a book on Bass Reeves that he plans to write (I hope soon).
This collection of short stories is the perfect introduction to how good Derrick Ferguson is. Be sure to find all of the Dillion series (a must read).
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