The hardboiled author of the Mike Hammer novels writes to his friend, the reporter and TV journalist Hy Gardner about his father's health problems and rumors of the mob working with Fidel Castro to smuggle drugs into the US. "Word in from sources south has come up with a cutie. Since Cuba has tied in so close with Commie Russia and China, the narcotic import has increased with Cuba the jumping off point and the garlic brotherhood in Italy cut off. It's so serious in Europe that a big personality formerly deported from the U.S. is due in Cuba to parlay with Castro and rumor has it (Rumor hell, this is classified) that it will be Lucky himself. I'm going to follow it up some, but out of gunshot range." Spillane also describes driving back to South Carolina, presumably from New York. He had a house in South Carolina, and his parents had retired there. His father was back in the hospital. He closes the letter with a wry observation on his father's condition: "Love to the wife.if either of you have to be checked out on diapers, let me know. I'm an expert." In this undated letter, Spillane writes, "The week end of the 15th I'll be back to pick up the rest of the family and deliver a book to Dutton." Spillane's father, John Joseph, died on June 18, 1962 (according to South Carolina death records). Spillane did not publish any novels in the late 1950s, so the most likely candidates for the book he refers to are The Deep (1961) and the Mike Hammer novel, Girl Hunters (1962). Hy Gardner is a character in Girl Hunters and played himself in the 1963 film adaptation. Typed in brown ink on Mickey Spillane Productions (South Carolina) letterhead. 8-1/2 by 11 inches. Signed Mickey in red pencil. Garner (presumably) has written "File" in pencil in the top margin. Folded for mailing, else near fine.

Seller Inventory # 307760

Contact seller

Report this item

Bibliographic Details

Title

Typed Letter, Signed, to the Journalist Hy Gardner

Publisher

Murrell's Inlet, SC

Publication Date

1961

Binding

Ephemera

Condition

Near fine

Signed

Signed by Author(s)

Seller catalogs

Store Description

We offer first editions, unusual, and rare books in Portland, Oregon. We are open to the public by appointment only.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Downtown Brown Books, LLC
25 NW 23rd Pl, STE 6 PMB 148, Portland, OR, 97210, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

All items guarantee as described. Returns accepted for any reason within 14 days of receipt.

Right of cancellation

Shipping Terms

Purchases sent to US addresses are usually shipped on the next business day by USPS Media Mail. Priority delivery and International orders may require additional shipping, depending on the size of the item(s) purchased.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	� 4.48	� 11.21

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Detailed Seller Information

Payment Methods

Add to Wants