Oh no, don’t say it’s true…
David Bowie has contributed a quote for the blurb of the latest Jake Arnott novel, truecrime. The book is published by Sceptre on 18th August and apart from the cover quote from David of: ‘Funny, fast, witty and brutal.’, he has also said this of Jake’s work: Whenever he’s got a new book out I drop everything, knowing that the next couple of hours are going to be pure gangland bliss. Gawd bless ‘im.
Here’s the synopsis for truecrime: It’s 30 years since Harry Starks and his gang kept the underworld of Soho under control, but the consequences of their brutal reign are still being felt. Moving his focus to the greedy 80s and the 90s rave scene, Arnott delivers another hard-edged novel.
Jake’s year of birth, 1961, and his obvious good taste, makes it perfectly feasible that he himself enjoys the music of David Bowie. If not, he’s certainly heard a Mick Ronson tune or two. Those of you familiar with Jake’s work will recall the central character of his last book, (He Kills Coppers) a certain Billy Porter. Billy Porter is the opening track on Ronno’s 1975 solo album, Play Don’t Worry, and contains the line: Billy Porter, You never told me that I needed a gun. Small world, eh?