The Kind One

By: Tom Epperson

Narrated by: Scott Brick

In 1930s Los Angeles, someone desperately wants to know who Danny Landon is. That someone is Danny himself. Intimate associates call him "Two Gun Danny", but all the young man really knows is that some terrible incident has erased his memory. According to his boss, mobster Bud Seitz - a vicious, sadistic killer ironically nicknamed "The Kind One" - Danny's amnesia is the result of a blow to the head with a lead pipe. But Danny's not sure of anything.

As Danny maneuvers through the corrupt, sun-drenched city, he uncovers terrible secrets and finds himself on a mission to liberate those he cares about.

©2008 Tom Epperson (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Tom Epperson has managed the uncommon feat of writing a genre novel that can hold its own alongside (if not best) other works considered more literary. On every page, the language is crisp and fresh, the details sharp and keenly observed, the dialogue real, never forced. When Epperson elevates his prose to the lyrical, he reads like a streamlined Joseph Conrad. . . . the novel itself is of the highest caliber in its genre and makes the leap into literature, as do the best works in all genres." ( Los Angeles Times)

Excellent narration makes a good story even better

I loved this. I kept wanting more. It has to be one of the best narrations I've heard yet, really perfect for this story, for these characters and for the era. There is violence and vulgarity but no more that is necessary to know who we're dealing with. I come away remembering the humour and the warmth more than the violence. This is a really fine escape and I am pleased to recommend it.

A classic noir thriller

A super book by screenwriter/novelist Tom Epperson. The writing and narration really captures the setting, mood and nuances of LA in the 1930s. The characters are vivid and the plot is compelling... As usual, Scott Brick's delivery was excellent --- just the right pacing and tone to set the scene... One of the best listens of the year! Strongly recommend it... Now, I'm looking forward to a sequel or any other books by Epperson.

Depressing, Pain-filled, Pointless book

What a disappointment! The write-up sounded like it would involve thoughtful psychological situations with intriguing insights. Not at all. The book is a vehicle for meanness on display and other people's pain as sport. I'm not saying it's purposefully so. The author may well be making an attempt at posting against such. But he does not succeed. A pointless, boring, banal book.

Not worth the time, much less a movie

I downloaded this in part because I saw that Ridley Scott is making a movie out of it w/ Casey Affleck - so I figured, at least plotwise, there must be something there.
There isn't; this is a depressing, cliched ramble in the darkness and there really isn't anything to recommend the story. If you are looking for a twist, you won't find it. You keep waiting and waiting and it never comes. Also (I'm not giving anything away here) amnesia as a plot device is really played out.