Ralph Dennis was an American author known for his hardboiled crime novels. He wrote a total of 12 books, many of which featured the theme of gritty, urban crime and the lives of working-class characters.
Ralph Dennis Books in Order
- Atlanta Deathwatch (Hardman #1)
- A Talent for Killing
- The Charleston Knife is Back in Town (Hardman Book 2)
- The Golden Girl and All (Hardman Book 3)
- Pimp for the Dead (Hardman Book 4)
- The Spy in a Box
- Down Among the Jocks (Hardman Book 5)
- Murder is Not an Odd Job (Hardman Book 6)
- The Deadly Cotton Heart (Hardman Book 8)
- Hump’s First Case (Hardman Book 10)
Synopsis of Ralph Dennis Books in Order
Atlanta Deathwatch (Hardman #1)
Hardman is an ex-cop, a former college football player, and a retired army sergeant. He’s also the best private detective in Atlanta. In Atlanta Deathwatch, Hardman is hired to find Marjorie Ferris, a 24-year-old bank teller who’s gone missing in mid-1970s Atlanta. Finding her is hard enough, but Hardman also has to make sure she isn’t the next victim of a killer who’s running loose in the city.
As Hardman starts to uncover the truth about Marjorie’s darker side, his investigation takes him from the tawdriest parts of town to the most respected citizens of Atlanta. This is a thrilling city with a thriving sex trade, crooked cops, and crime on the rise. Atlanta Deathwatch is like nothing most readers will have encountered and is a deeply involving journey into a dark world.
This is the novel that was the basis for the 1973 film of the same name starring Dean Martin, and is a story of greed, betrayal, and courage. Ralph Dennis has been acclaimed as “the godfather of hard-boiled fiction” and this book shows us why.
A Talent for Killing
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The Charleston Knife is Back in Town (Hardman Book 2)
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The Golden Girl and All (Hardman Book 3)
“The Golden Girl and All (Hardman Book 3)” by Ralph Dennis is a hard-boiled crime novel that follows the story of Jim Hardman, a former Atlanta cop turned unlicensed private investigator. In this third installment of the Hardman series, Jim is hired to find a wealthy young woman who has gone missing. As he delves into the seedy underbelly of Atlanta, he uncovers a web of corruption, greed, and violence, all while navigating his own personal demons.
The novel is set in the 1970s, capturing the gritty, urban landscape of Atlanta during that time. Ralph Dennis’ writing is fast-paced and filled with sharp dialogue, as he takes readers on a thrilling ride through the world of crime and deception. Jim Hardman is portrayed as a complex and flawed protagonist, making the story both compelling and relatable.
With its engaging plot, vivid setting, and well-developed characters, “The Golden Girl and All (Hardman Book 3)” is a must-read for fans of hard-boiled crime fiction. Ralph Dennis’ masterful storytelling and attention to detail make this novel a gripping and immersive read from start to finish.
Pimp for the Dead (Hardman Book 4)
“Pimp for the Dead” by Ralph Dennis is the fourth book in the Hardman series. This hardboiled crime novel follows the private investigator Jim Hardman as he takes on a case involving a missing dead body. Hardman is hired to locate the body of a murdered prostitute, but the case takes a dark turn as he finds himself embroiled in a web of corruption and danger.
As Hardman delves deeper into the investigation, he encounters various shady characters and must navigate the seedy underbelly of the criminal underworld. With his wits and street smarts, Hardman must unravel the truth behind the missing corpse and confront the dangerous forces at play.
Ralph Dennis’s gripping narrative and vivid storytelling bring the gritty world of 1970s Atlanta to life, capturing the atmosphere and pulse of the era. “Pimp for the Dead” is a thrilling and fast-paced crime novel filled with suspense, action, and compelling characters, making it a must-read for fans of hardboiled detective fiction.
The Spy in a Box
“The Spy in a Box” follows the story of a former CIA agent, Ben Slaughter, who is now living a seemingly normal life as a private investigator. However, when a mysterious woman named Julia hires him to investigate the death of her husband, Ben is drawn back into the world of espionage and danger. As he delves deeper into the case, Ben uncovers a web of conspiracy and betrayal that leads him to question everything he thought he knew. With danger lurking around every corner, Ben must use all of his skills and experience to navigate the treacherous world of espionage and uncover the truth.
Ralph Dennis’s gripping and suspenseful thriller is filled with twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel delves into the murky world of spies and double agents, painting a vivid and realistic portrait of the dangers and moral ambiguity that come with the territory. Ben Slaughter’s journey is a thrilling and pulse-pounding ride that will leave readers eager for more.
“The Spy in a Box” is a fast-paced and immersive thriller that will appeal to fans of espionage and action-packed novels. With its gripping plot and well-drawn characters, Ralph Dennis’s novel is sure to keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
Down Among the Jocks (Hardman Book 5)
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Murder is Not an Odd Job (Hardman Book 6)
“Murder is Not an Odd Job” by Ralph Dennis is the sixth book in the Hardman series. Set in 1970s Atlanta, the story follows the private investigator Jim Hardman as he becomes entangled in a dangerous case involving murder and criminal intrigue. When a friend of Hardman’s is murdered, he sets out to track down the killer and uncover the truth behind the crime.
As Hardman delves deeper into the case, he encounters a cast of colorful and dangerous characters, including corrupt cops, ruthless gangsters, and treacherous con artists. With his sharp wit and street-smart tactics, Hardman navigates the treacherous underworld of Atlanta to solve the mystery and bring the culprits to justice.
Filled with gritty action, gripping suspense, and hard-boiled storytelling, “Murder is Not an Odd Job” showcases Ralph Dennis’s talent for creating pulse-pounding crime fiction. The novel is a thrilling addition to the Hardman series, offering readers a captivating and immersive tale of murder, betrayal, and justice in the seedy underbelly of 1970s Atlanta.
The Deadly Cotton Heart (Hardman Book 8)
“The Deadly Cotton Heart” by Ralph Dennis is the eighth book in the Hardman series. The story follows the private investigator Jim Hardman as he navigates through the dangerous streets of Atlanta. Hardman gets caught up in a web of corruption and violence when he decides to help a friend’s daughter who is being blackmailed. The novel delves into the criminal underbelly of the city, portraying the seedy characters and dark alleys that Hardman encounters as he seeks justice.
Ralph Dennis expertly weaves a gritty and compelling narrative that is filled with suspense and action. The book offers a vivid portrayal of 1970s Atlanta, capturing the atmosphere and tension of the era. Hardman is a complex and morally ambiguous protagonist, and readers are kept on the edge of their seats as they follow his journey through a world of crime and deception.
“The Deadly Cotton Heart” is a thrilling crime novel that will appeal to fans of hardboiled detective fiction. Ralph Dennis delivers a fast-paced and gripping story, filled with memorable characters and unexpected twists. The book showcases the author’s talent for storytelling and creates a captivating reading experience for fans of the genre.
Hump’s First Case (Hardman Book 10)
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About Ralph Dennis
Ralph Dennis, a South Carolina native with a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina, made his mark in the mystery genre with his twelve novel series featuring Jim Hardman, a former cop turned unofficial private eye, set in the City of Atlanta. Despite his passing in 1988, Dennis left behind a legacy of unpublished novels, showcasing his passion for storytelling.
In conclusion, the works of Ralph Dennis, from the Hardman series to his standalone novels, reflect a commitment to gritty crime fiction that delves into the complexity of human nature. The characters in his books navigate a world of moral ambiguity, deep-seated corruption, and the struggle for survival. Through his stories, Dennis presents a nuanced exploration of power dynamics, loyalty, and the formidable challenges faced by everyday individuals. His writings provide a thought-provoking examination of the human condition and the fundamental human desires that drive individuals towards their actions. Dennis’ works offer a compelling narrative that is both captivating and insightful, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities and contradictions inherent in the human experience.
FAQs about author Ralph Dennis
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