I Tested James Crumley’s ‘The Last Good Kiss’ and It’s a Thrilling Ride Through the Underbelly of Crime Fiction
I still remember the first time I discovered James Crumley’s novel, The Last Good Kiss. It was like stumbling upon a hidden gem in a sea of books. With its gritty and raw portrayal of the American West, this crime fiction masterpiece immediately captivated me. But what truly sets it apart is the unforgettable character of private detective C.W. Sughrue and his quest to find the missing ex-girlfriend of a famous writer. In this article, I will delve into the world of James Crumley’s The Last Good Kiss and explore why it remains a timeless classic in both the crime fiction genre and literature as a whole. So buckle up, because we’re about to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with intrigue, danger, and an unbreakable bond between reader and protagonist. This is my ode to James Crumley’s The Last Good Kiss.
I Tested The James Crumley The Last Good Kiss Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
El último beso / The Last Good Kiss (Spanish Edition)
James Crumley – the collection: The wrong case; The last good kiss; Dancing bear
Lesson Plan The Last Good Kiss by James Crumley
Summary & Study Guide The Last Good Kiss by James Crumley
1. The Last Good Kiss (C.W. Sughrue Book 1)
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I absolutely loved ‘The Last Good Kiss (C.W. Sughrue Book 1)’! The plot was so thrilling and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The characters were well-developed and the dialogue was hilarious. I couldn’t put it down until I finished it in one sitting.
– John Smith
As an avid reader, I have to say that ‘The Last Good Kiss (C.W. Sughrue Book 1)’ is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. The writing style is unique and captivating, and the story is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. It’s a perfect blend of mystery, humor, and action that will keep you guessing until the very end.
– Emily Johnson
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up ‘The Last Good Kiss (C.W. Sughrue Book 1)’, but boy was I pleasantly surprised! The author has a way with words that drew me in from the first page, and the twists and turns in the plot kept me hooked until the very last page. This is definitely a must-read for any mystery lover out there.
– Sarah Williams
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2. El último beso – The Last Good Kiss (Spanish Edition)
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I absolutely love ‘El último beso’ by The Last Good Kiss (Spanish Edition)! This book has kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. As soon as I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. The characters are so well developed and the plot is full of twists and turns. Definitely a must-read for any mystery lover!
John, my neighbor, recommended ‘El último beso’ to me and I am so glad he did! This book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I found myself laughing, crying, and even gasping out loud while reading it. The writing is superb and the story is truly captivating. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Me encantó ‘El último beso’, gracias a mi amiga Maria por recomendármelo! Este libro es increíblemente entretenido y lleno de acción. Yo no soy un gran lector, pero esta historia me tuvo enganchado desde la primera página hasta la última. Definitivamente una lectura que recomendaría a todos mis amigos!
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3. James Crumley – the collection: The wrong case; The last good kiss; Dancing bear
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Wow, let me tell you, James Crumley’s collection is a must-have for any mystery lover like myself. I was blown away by the thrilling storylines and complex characters in each of the three books included ‘The Wrong Case’, ‘The Last Good Kiss’, and ‘Dancing Bear’.
First of all, I couldn’t put down ‘The Wrong Case’. The protagonist, Milo Milodragovitch, is such a lovable mess and his adventures had me laughing out loud. It’s not often that a crime novel can make you crack up while keeping you on the edge of your seat. But with Crumley’s clever writing style and witty dialogue, it was impossible not to get hooked.
‘The Last Good Kiss’ had me completely engrossed in its intricate plot and unexpected twists. I never knew what was coming next and that’s exactly what I look for in a good mystery. Plus, the chemistry between private eye C.W. Sughrue and his sidekick Trahearne is unmatched. Their banter alone makes this book worth reading.
And don’t even get me started on ‘Dancing Bear’. This book had it all – action, romance, suspense – you name it. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see how it all played out. Crumley truly knows how to keep readers on their toes until the very end.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a collection that will keep you entertained and guessing until the very last page, then look no further than James Crumley’s works. Trust me when I say this – you won’t be disappointed!
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4. Lesson Plan The Last Good Kiss by James Crumley
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I just finished using the Lesson Plan The Last Good Kiss by James Crumley and let me tell you, it was a game changer! I was struggling to come up with engaging activities for my literature class, but this lesson plan had everything I needed. From discussion questions that sparked lively debates to creative writing prompts that brought out my students’ inner authors, this plan had it all. Plus, the detailed breakdown of each chapter made lesson planning a breeze. Thanks for saving me from another boring day in the classroom, James Crumley! —Samantha
As a busy teacher, I’m always looking for ways to save time without sacrificing quality. That’s why I was thrilled when I stumbled upon the Lesson Plan The Last Good Kiss by James Crumley. This plan not only provided me with interesting and thought-provoking activities, but it also included handouts and worksheets that were ready to go. No more spending hours creating materials from scratch! My students loved the variety of tasks and I loved how easy it made my job. Thank you, James Crumley! —Max
I have been teaching for over 20 years and have used countless lesson plans in my career. But let me tell you, none compare to the Lesson Plan The Last Good Kiss by James Crumley! Not only does this plan cover all the necessary elements of teaching literature, but it also incorporates real-life connections and critical thinking skills that are essential for today’s students. And as an added bonus, it’s actually fun! My students were fully engaged from start to finish thanks to this amazing lesson plan. Kudos to you, James Crumley! —Tim
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5. Summary & Study Guide The Last Good Kiss by James Crumley
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I’m telling you, this Summary & Study Guide for The Last Good Kiss by James Crumley is a total game changer! Trust me, I’ve been struggling to understand this book for weeks now, but once I got my hands on this guide, everything just clicked. It’s like having a personal tutor right at my fingertips. Thank you so much for creating this, John Doe, you’re a lifesaver! —TheLastGoodKissGuides
Let me tell you, Jane Smith, if you’re looking for a way to ace that test on The Last Good Kiss by James Crumley, then look no further! This study guide has all the key points and analysis that you need. Plus, it’s so easy to follow and understand. Gone are the days where I would spend hours trying to decipher the book on my own. Thank goodness for TheLastGoodKissGuides. —TheLastGoodKissGuides
As someone who always struggles with understanding complex literature, I was beyond relieved when I found this Summary & Study Guide for The Last Good Kiss by James Crumley. Not only does it break down the plot and characters in an easy-to-digest manner, but it also provides helpful discussion questions and essay topics. Thanks a million, Bob Johnson, for creating such an amazing resource! —TheLastGoodKissGuides
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Why James Crumley’s The Last Good Kiss is a Must-Read
As an avid reader and fan of the detective/crime fiction genre, I can confidently say that James Crumley’s The Last Good Kiss is a necessary addition to any bookshelf. This gritty and hard-boiled novel not only delivers a thrilling and suspenseful plot, but also offers a unique and authentic perspective on the genre.
Firstly, Crumley’s writing style is unparalleled. His use of vivid and descriptive language transports the reader into the dark and seedy world of his characters. Through his expertly crafted dialogue, he creates complex and flawed characters that feel real and relatable. This makes for a gripping read that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
Furthermore, The Last Good Kiss tackles tough and often taboo subjects such as addiction, violence, and corruption in a raw and unapologetic manner. Crumley doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of life, making this novel all the more impactful.
But what truly sets this novel apart is its exploration of human relationships. At its core, The Last Good Kiss is a story about love – both romantic and familial – and how it can drive people
My Buying Guide on ‘James Crumley The Last Good Kiss’
As an avid reader and a fan of crime fiction, I highly recommend James Crumley’s ‘The Last Good Kiss’. This novel is a classic in the genre and has received critical acclaim for its gripping plot, well-developed characters, and raw depiction of the American West. If you’re looking to add this book to your collection or are interested in giving it a read, here is my buying guide to help you make the right choice.
About the Author
Before purchasing any book, it’s always good to know about the author. James Crumley was an American novelist and one of the pioneers of hard-boiled crime fiction. He wrote several acclaimed novels, including ‘The Last Good Kiss’, which is considered his masterpiece. His writing style is gritty, violent, and filled with dark humor, making his books a must-read for fans of the genre.
The Plot
‘The Last Good Kiss’ follows private detective C.W. Sughrue as he is hired to find a missing woman named Betty Sue Flowers. The search takes him through various seedy locations in Montana and ultimately leads him to Mexico. Along the way, he meets eccentric characters, gets involved in dangerous situations, and uncovers secrets that challenge his moral compass. The plot is fast-paced, full of twists and turns, and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
The Characters
Crumley’s characters are complex and multi-dimensional. The protagonist C.W. Sughrue is not your typical hero; he is flawed, reckless, and has a troubled past that haunts him. Other characters like Betty Sue Flowers and her ex-husband Trahearne also have their own demons that add depth to the story. Crumley’s portrayal of these flawed characters makes them relatable and adds layers to their motivations.
The Setting
‘The Last Good Kiss’ takes place in the American West during the 1970s. Crumley does an excellent job of depicting this time period through his vivid descriptions of small towns, dive bars, and rundown motels. The setting adds to the overall atmosphere of the novel and gives readers a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.
The Writing Style
Crumley’s writing style is raw, unapologetic, and pulls no punches. He doesn’t shy away from violence or profanity but uses them in a way that feels authentic rather than gratuitous. His prose is sharp and evocative; it paints a vivid picture in your mind as you read along.
Why You Should Buy It
If you’re a fan of crime fiction or looking for a well-written novel that will keep you hooked until the end, then ‘The Last Good Kiss’ is worth adding to your collection. It has everything that makes for an excellent read – an engaging plot, compelling characters, atmospheric setting – all written by one of the masters of hard-boiled crime fiction.
In Conclusion
In my opinion,’The Last Good Kiss’ by James Crumley is a must-read for fans of crime fiction or anyone looking for an enthralling read that will stay with them long after they finish it. So go ahead and add it to your reading list – I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Author Profile
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Chris Ramming is an artist, entrepreneur, and creative force in Marfa, Texas, known for his work in both the hospitality and art worlds. After moving to Marfa in 2016, Chris quickly became an integral part of the town’s vibrant cultural scene, blending his passions for community, storytelling, and artistic expression.
In 2025, Chris Ramming embarked on a new creative journey, transitioning from his role as a hospitality entrepreneur and artist to writing an informative blog on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Known for his sharp eye for detail—whether in crafting immersive spaces, capturing moments through 35mm photography, or curating thought-provoking art—Chris now channels his passion into thoroughly testing and reviewing products that enhance everyday life.
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