Paul Theroux, one of the world's most popular authors, both for his
travel books and his fiction, has produced an off-beat story of 1960s
weirdos unlike anything he has ever written.
During the time of Lyndon Johnson's presidency, Herbie Gneiss is forced
to leave college to get a job, which happens to be at the Kant-Brake toy
factory, which manufactures military toys for children. His income keeps
his chocolate-loving mother, who tips the scales at a smidgeon over 200
pounds, from starvation.
Mr. Gibbon, a patriotic veteran of three wars, also works at Kant-Brake.
When Herbie is drafted, Mr. Gibbon falls in love with Herbie's mother
and they move in together at Miss Ball's rooming house. Since Herbie is
fighting for his country, Mr. Gibbon feels that he, too, should do
something for his country and convinces Miss Ball and Mrs. Gneiss to
join him in the venture.
They decide to rob the Mount Holly Trust Company because it is managed
by a small dark man who is probably a communist. There are some
complications, including Herbie's death in action, Miss Ball's jealous
Puerto Rican lover, and a few unavoidable murders--not to mention three
people over sixty pulling off a bank robbery in broad daylight.
Combine Donald E. Westlake with Abby Hoffman, add a bit of Gore Vidal at
his most vitriolic, and you will have Murder in Mount Holly.
Praise for Murder in Mount Holly
The geezer psychopath finally gets his due... The fun here is in how
hateful the characters are. -The New York Times Book Review
Murder in Mount Holly parodies the American political fringe at a time
when flags burned, hippies protested and commies lurked
everywhere...you'll have little difficulty inserting today's fringe
characters into Theroux's lampoon. --Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Christopher Moore andTony Robbins come to mind. It's kind of like
watching All in the Family when all of a sudden Edith comes home with a
suitcase full of body parts... Fans are sure to enjoy both the read and
the stretch. -Bookreporter
The situations and dialogue are often hilarious, invoking reactions that
range from a simple smile to belly laughs. It is a parable that applies
today...Murder in Mount Holly is a most entertaining read. --About.com
...a Vonnegut tinged absurdist satire...(a) tightly paced, expertly
drawn comic romp. --Lit Reactor Praise for Paul Theroux
Theroux has established himself in the tradition of Conrad, or perhaps
Somerset Maugham. --The New York Times Book Review
What makes Paul Theroux so good is what always separates the fine
writers from the pack: his ability to look at the familiar in a fresh,
original way--and make us richer for it. --The Philadelphia Inquirer
Reading Theroux becomes a journey of the unexpected, the comedic, the
bureaucratically tangled and the marvelous. It is like all good journeys
should be. --The Plain Dealer
Theroux is an irresistible storyteller, able to hook you with his first
few lines. He dazzles not just with the number of places he writes about
but the number he can evoke as if they were home. --Chicago Tribune
