The Dead Man's Brother (29 page)

A part of me is tempted to go more deeply into the storyline of the book you’re currently holding, but there doesn’t seem much point in that, as you’ve either just read it or are about to (I also tend to shy away from academic approaches). I will say that
The Dead Man’s Brother
, despite being over 35 years old, holds its own in the sophisticated contemporary world of mystery. It’s a smart book, entertaining as hell, very well thought out, and, of course, well written.

I hope you are half as fond of it as I am. I’m thrilled that Hard Case Crime is the publisher bringing it to you. They are the perfect folks for this one, and I know my father would be very pleased. Somewhere, I imagine he’s smiling a bit, hands clasped behind his head, saying something to the effect of, "Thanks."

As I said earlier, a part of me was surprised when told about the manuscript, but in no way was I shocked. Now, I won’t even be surprised if another turns up down the road. Thrilled beyond imagining, yes, but not surprised, as writers usually have material that has never been published, or has been lost in the mists of time.

The man clearly could have written anything he chose to write. He will likely always be remembered best for
Lord of Light
and
The Chronicles of Amber
, but thinking a little further, we will then remember
The Dead Man’s Brother
, and what a wonderful tale it is.

Roger Zelazny
(May 13, 1937 – June 14, 1995) was an American writer of fantasy and science fiction, best known for his
Chronicles of Amber
series. He won the Nebula award three times (out of 14 nominations) and the Hugo award six times (also out of 14 nominations), including two Hugos for novels: the serialized novel
...And Call Me Conrad
(subsequently published under the title
This Immortal
) and then the novel Lord of Light (1967).