The Fabulous Clipjoint

Fredric Brown (1906-1972) was an American writer who primarily worked in the science fiction and fantasy genres, but he occasionally branched out into mystery writing as well. His first full-length novel, The Fabulous Clipjoint, involves a nephew-and-uncle detective team (Ed and Am Hunter) who investigate the murder of the pair’s father/brother. The book is both a detective novel and a coming-of-age story, and some of the best moments involve young Ed’s view of the world as he navigates the violent neighborhoods of Chicago’s South Side. Winner of the 1948 Edgar Award for Best First Novel.