TIPPIN' HANCOCK'S HAT-Reviews by Tommy Hancock
The Scar-A Secret Agent X Thriller-Written by Sean Ellis
Available for FREE via Barnes and Noble (ebook)
59 pages. That's how long this book/story/fictional escapade (choose your own term please) is. And I must say I have not read a more pulpy, fast paced, bullet riddled, punch filled 59 pages in a long, long time.
Ellis takes an established pulp character, Secret Agent X, and instead of updating the character for modern sensibilities, he simply plops said Agent into a story written with modern sensibilities. The action is unrelenting, beginning with the opening sentences and not stopping till the last period. There's a mystery involved as well due to title object-a scar Secret Agent X doesn't recall getting. The plot is tight and twists around and in on itself several times. The characters are well described and Ellis definitely shows the range of emotions even a pulp hero like Secret Agent X must go through in their dangerous lives.
Very much so something worth reading...again and again and again. When talking to new writers recently, I've pointed this tale out as one to read and learn from. No kiddin'.
Five out of Five Tips of Hancock’s Hat (Five tips are reserved only for those who have channeled Dent, Gibson,Doyle, Page, or one of the long gone, but not forgotten greats.)