Fri 16 Feb 2007
Obituary: RICHARD S. PRATHER (1921 – 2007)
Posted by Steve under Authors , Crime Fiction IV , Obituaries / Deaths Noted[17] Comments
It didn’t take long for the news to get around. James Reasoner, Ed Gorman and Bill Crider were among the first to have gotten the news of Mr. Prather’s death online, but I’d heard it from Al Hubin by way of John Herrington (in England) just minutes before I saw it on Bill’s blog. It must be true, and yet it’s still hard to believe.
I’m not positive, but I’m all but convinced that it was one of Shell Scott’s crazy capers in the mid-1950s that introduced me to Gold Medal paperback fiction. I’d been reading the Hardy Boys before that, as I’ve related before, and while the details of what happened when are not exactly clear, I know it wasn’t much earlier that I’d started in on the shelf of Erle Stanley Gardner hardcovers I’d discovered in the Cadillac (MI) public library.
Perry Mason was nothing like Shell Scott, a private eye with a leer and not much savoir faire, and there was no going back. My innocence was gone. No, I didn’t abandon Perry. I read those, too, the entire shelf. But I also read all of those paperbacks with the yellow spines in the supermarket spinner rack, with new books in every Wednesday, or was it Tuesday, on my way home from high school, some of them while standing right there at the rack, as who had 75 cents to spend whenever another three of them came out?
Mr. Prather came up for discussion on this blog not too long ago, when I mentioned the interview that Linda Pendleton did with him late last year, and I suggest that you go read it again. You did read it the first time, didn’t you?
Here’s his entry in Allen J. Hubin’s Crime Fiction IV, in chronological order. I won’t list all of the reprints, of which there were many: n = novel, co = collection, ss = short story, nv = novelette, na = novella; SS = Shell Scott.
PRATHER, RICHARD S(cott) (1921- )
* Bodies in Bedlam (n.) Gold Medal 1951 [SS]
* Everybody Had a Gun (n.) Gold Medal 1951 [SS]
* Find This Woman (n.) Gold Medal 1951 [SS]
* Dagger of Flesh (n.) Falcon 1952
* Darling, It’s Death (n.) Gold Medal 1952 [SS]
* Lie Down, Killer (n.) Lion 1952 [SS]
* Way of a Wanton (n.) Gold Medal 1952 [SS]
* Ride a High Horse (n.) Gold Medal 1953. Also published as: Too Many Crooks. Gold Medal, 1956. [SS]
* Always Leave ’Em Dying (n.) Gold Medal 1954 [SS]
* Pattern for Panic (n.) Abelard-Schuman 1954. Revised version, with SS: Gold Medal, 1961.
* Strip for Murder (n.) Gold Medal 1956 [SS]
* Too Many Crooks (n.) Gold Medal 1956; See: Ride a High Horse (Gold Medal, 1953).
* The Wailing Frail (n.) Gold Medal 1956 [SS]
* Have Gat – Will Travel (co) Gold Medal 1957 [SS]
# • The Build-Up • ss Suspect Feb ’56
# • Code 197 • ss Manhunt Jun ’55
# • Murder’s Strip Tease • ss
# • Sinner’s Alley • ss
# • The Sleeper Caper • ss Manhunt Mar ’53
# • Trouble Shooter • ss Accused Jan ’56
* Three’s a Shroud (co) Gold Medal 1957 [SS]
# • Blood Ballot • nv Menace Nov ’54
# • Dead Give-Away • na
# • Hot-Rock Rumble • nv Manhunt Jun ’53
* The Scrambled Yeggs (n.) Gold Medal 1958; See: Pattern for Murder (Graphic 1952), as by David Knight. [SS]
* Slab Happy (n.) Gold Medal 1958 [SS]
* Take a Murder, Darling (n.) Gold Medal 1958 [SS]
* Double in Trouble [with Stephen Marlowe] (n.) Gold Medal 1959 [SS with Chester Drum]
* Over Her Dear Body (n.) Gold Medal 1959 [SS]
* Dance with the Dead (n.) Gold Medal 1960 [SS].
* Dig That Crazy Grave (n.) Gold Medal 1961 [SS]
* Shell Scott’s Seven Slaughters (co) Gold Medal 1961 [SS]
# • Babes, Bodies and Bullets • ss
# • The Best Motive • ss Manhunt Jan ’53
# • Butcher • ss Manhunt Jun ’54
# • Crime of Passion • ss
# • The Double Take • nv Manhunt Jul ’53
# • Film Strip • nv Ed McBains Mystery Book #1 ’60
# • Squeeze Play • ss Manhunt Oct ’53
* Kill the Clown (n.) Gold Medal 1962 [SS]
* Dead Heat (n.) Pocket Books 1963 [SS]
* The Peddler (n.) Gold Medal 1963; See: Lion, 1952 as by Douglas Ring.
* The Cockeyed Corpse (n.) Gold Medal 1964 [SS]
* Joker in the Deck (n.) Gold Medal 1964 [SS]
* The Trojan Hearse (n.) Pocket Books 1964 [SS]
* Dead Man’s Walk (n.) Pocket Books 1965 [SS]
* Kill Him Twice (n.) Pocket Books 1965 [SS]
* The Meandering Corpse (n.) Trident 1965 [SS]
* The Kubla Khan Caper (n.) Trident 1966 [SS]
* Gat Heat (n.) Trident 1967 [SS]
* The Cheim Manuscript (n.) Pocket Books 1969 [SS]
* Kill Me Tomorrow (n.) Pocket Books 1969 [SS]
* The Shell Scott Sampler (co) Pocket Books 1969 [SS]
# • The Bawdy Beautiful • ss
# • The Cautious Killers • ss Shell Scott Mystery Magazine Nov ’66
# • The Da Vinci Affair • ss Shell Scott Mystery Magazine Feb ’66
# • The Guilty Party • ss Come Seven/Come Death, ed. Henry Morrison, Pocket, 1965
# • The Live Ones • ss, 1956
* Dead-Bang (n.) Pocket Books 1971 [SS]
* The Sweet Ride (n.) Pocket Books 1972 [SS]
* The Sure Thing (n.) Pocket Books 1975 [SS]
* The Amber Effect (n.) Tor 1986 [SS]
* Shellshock (n.) Tor 1987 [SS]
* Hot-Rock Rumble and The Double Take (co) Gryphon Books 1995
# • The Double Take [Shell Scott] • nv Manhunt Jul ’53
# • Hot-Rock Rumble [Shell Scott] • nv Manhunt Jun ’53
as by KNIGHT, DAVID
* Dragnet: Case No. 561 (n.) Pocket Books 1956 [TV tie-in]
as by RING, DOUGLAS
I’ve omitted some of Mr. Prather’s stories that haven’t appeared in any of the various collections. I’ll have to add those later. It’s quite a list of fiction even without them. Many of these books I have not read in over 50 years, and the plots are mostly gone from memory – not all: no one who’s read Strip for Murder will ever forget what went on in that one – but not the days at the paperback rack at the local supermarket.
I’ll close up this tribute for tonight with a review of the Scott Scott mini-epic which I read most recently. It’s from November 2002:
RICHARD S. PRATHER – Way of a Wanton
Gold Medal 497; c.1952; 4th GM printing, July 1957
Prather was not one of the Gold Medal authors Gorman mentioned in the book before this one [a book entitled Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?] — Sam McCain seems to have been primarily a Harry Whittington fan — but the Shell Scott books are very much a part of my high school memories. Not that I remember actually reading one, straight through, from beginning to end, but — ah — the good parts, those I remember.
This particular one, the inimitable private eye’s sixth, gets Shell involved with the movie business. There is a small but not insignificant body of work that mixes gumshoes with starlets, and this one’s a good addition to the group. Invited to a rather raucous Hollywood party — you might even call it wanton — Prather does — Shell breaks up the gathering when he retrieves a dead female body from the pool.
Those at the party — all of whom are suspects — are working on a Grade B jungle epic, which means lots of good-looking women in skimpy costumes, and Shell outdoes himself in leering and ogling and all-around having a good time.
And so does the reader. Back in the 1950s, this was hot stuff. According the cover, over 10 million Prather books had been sold. Much to my surprise, however, I have to tell you that Mr. Scott is a fraud. Given two skinny-dipping opportunities, confronted with ladies already disrobed or on their way so, Shell Scott hems and haws and gulps and swallows, and man — he stalls. Just like all of the adolescent kids reading the books. A lot of talk and imagination, and not nearly as much action as they’d like to let on.
Prather has a nice way with words, though, in a purely soft-boiled vein, and the detective work is at least adequate, even though Shell has to admit, with 14 pages to go, that he’d “narrowed it down to the world.” Back in the 50s, however, to repeat a phrase, nobody read these books for the feats of detection they contained, and they still don’t today.
COMMENT [02-18-07]: From an email from Bill Pronzini:
I hadn’t heard about Prather until your e-mail. Not unexpected, at his age, but sad news nonetheless. Shell Scott was my favorite character is an impressionable kid, and like you, Prather was the writer who turned me on to the pleasures of other Gold Medal original writers — John D., Charles Williams, Peter Rabe, etc. I must have reread WAY OF WANTON and my all-time favorite Shell Scott, STRIP FOR MURDER, half a dozen times as a teenager. The novels don’t quite hold up for me now, but I can still derive a chuckle and considerable enjoyment from some scenes and such passages as “You’re won’t believe this, boss, but that rock just shot me in the ass!” (THE COCKEYED CORPSE).
February 18th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
I started reading Shell Scott mysteries while on duty with the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1957. At sea quite a bit of the time, we received boxes of books in the ship’s library. I tried to get there first and get out with all of the Shell Scott books. Then I was lucky to meet Richard S. Prather while reading meters for the gas company. I told him I wanted to be a writer and he invited me in, gave me a soft drink, and talked to me for about a half an hour. I will never forget his candor, his generosity, and the advice he gave me. I still think he is the King of the PI novel.
His passing leaves a small void in my heart and a huge void in the world of mystery writers. The last letter I got from him thanked me for sending him a poem I wrote: “Do They Play Golf In Heaven?”
If they do, I hope I get you in a foursome when I get there, Dick.
You will be missed.
Don Yarber
Author of “Bodies and Beaches”
March 28th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Mr. Prather and Shell Scott made my young years (14 to 22) fly by and enjoyable. Yes I wanted to be a writer or derring do. I lived out both those fantasies through Richard S. Prather’s Gold Medal paperbacks. I could never put one down until I finished the tale. My mother was a an Olympian reader of pulp fiction and I caught that bug. This brought me joyously to Mr. Prather’s novels. I dreamed of meeting him (in the dream I broke down crying when he opened the door…so much for machismo a la Shell Scott..). Now, sadly, that can never happen. Richard S. Prather was OUR Ian Fleming and Sheldon Scott was OUR James Bond. I prefered Shell over James after all was said and read. I can only say that the author, having brought joy, smiles and great fiction to millions of readers, was one for US to be proud of and thankful for. His passing leaves life a little darker, a little empty. For those of us he entertained in brilliant fashion I feel safe in saying he left US, not with a whimper, BUT A BANG. Condolences to his family and a huge thanks for all those wonderful pages. RJG.
May 9th, 2007 at 10:15 am
I always wondered if I was related to Richard S. Prather, I loved his books and read as many as I could find, I am glad they are back in print, maybe I can re-read or get some I have not read..I read his interview on computer, and am sad that he is gone.
Carole (Prather) Mc Aninch
November 7th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
I am very saddened by Mr. Prather’s death. He was my ultimate hero. I first came across his novels in 1958. I was in the Marine Corps, and stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. The town outside of the base gate was called North Chicago. I purchased “Darling It’s Death”, and the obsession with Shell Scott began. Some years ago, earlier this century, I was once again in a book store in Baltimore called “Mystery Loves Company”. I found out, that he was there a week prior.
I have a double collection. A week doesn’t go by, that I will re-read a novel. As I write, I’m reading “Strip For Murder”.
He will live on forever.
Joe Ciurca
Berlin MD, near Ocean City.
November 11th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
I really enjoyed all the Shell Scott stories and I recently purchase a whole bunch of them on e-bay as the stories are timeless. I first ran across Mr. Prather’s Scott when I was in high school, my senior year (1959), my dad was a wholesaler of softcover books so I free access to the 25 and 35cent Gold Medal books. I spent most of my time in English class reading Shell Scott in the back row and never got caught!! What great stories!! Beat the hell out of English Lit! In my selfishness I am saddened by the lost of Mr. Prather but 50 years later his books still give me great pleasure.
Ken Masty
Roseville, CA
January 22nd, 2008 at 12:53 am
After serving my country in the Navy for 22 years I decided to become a Deputy in San Bernardino County California, I am just now researching the author whom I was named after and find it intresting how ironic our lives are similar. I do have to offer that my Daughter has also followed in my footsteps and is now a Deputy as well. My father was very proud of my decision, and would have been even prouder of his Grandaughter. We are both looking forward to learning more about the author and his work.
December 11th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
recently i became involved in a discussion on my reading habits. As i began to explain my liking for detective novels and how i had started as a pre-teen reading my mothers true crime magazines, and authors like carter brown, john mcdonald and my all time favorite richard s prather. I started to describe detective shell scott, i couldn’t do him justice, so i googled mr prather and was saddened to find out that he passed on last year. i remember reading his books and laughing so loud my sister tried to shush me which only made me laugh even more. even though i have not revisited his books in years i will miss him still
January 1st, 2009 at 5:53 pm
As a Marine in 1959 I first encountered Richard Prather’s work. As an aspiring writer during my four years in the Corps and after reading and enjoying immensely several of his novels, I wrote him relating how much I identitfied with and enjoyed his work. He responded with a copy of his latest masterpiece, “Kill the Clown”, and suggested I come out to California and try my hand at it, he said it was a great life and would introduce me to his publisher. Shell Scott was very different from the other PI being passed around the barracks, Mickey Spillane, and although we Jarheads loved both heroes, Shell had a sense of humor Spillane did not, and he would not leave quite a bloody mess in the bathroom stall as Spillane would. I have seven of his novels and will pass them on to my youngest son as I someday join Richard in the next world.
March 3rd, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I too am one of Mr Prather’s late high school readers. Many lonely teen-aged nights were spent with the Shell and his adventures. The last one I remember reading was set in Hawaii where Shell went on an assignment. I remember a vivid description of a Banyan tree that stayed with me forty years until I finally went to Hawaii and saw one personally. Does anyone know the name of the book in question?
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:29 pm
Bill
It has to be DANCE WITH THE DEAD. Here’s the dedication page: “Here’s to all who are in love with love and have eaten in the Banyan Tree.”
— Steve
March 14th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
When my father left my mother in 1972, he also left behind a whole cabinet of paperback novels in our garage. I used to sneak back there and look at the sexy covers of the Carter Brown novels. One day, my mother caught me and said,”Oh, you found those books. Read whatever you want.” One of the books I found was called Everybody Had a Gun. I was hooked. I searched everywhere for new Shell Scott novels, I couldn’t get enough of them. The beautiful babes, the GREAT hoodlum names (come on, who couldn’t love a hood named Garlic? or Slobbers O’Brien? or Blister?), and the language was so perfectly funny. I’ve yet to read a Shell Scott novel that didn’t make me howl with laughter. My favorite line is from Kill Me Tomorrow:”He was an odd looking bird. I use that noun very carefully because he looked, in fact, like a bird. Not any specific bird, just a whole bunch of birds mashed together.” Genius. I still grab for a Shell Scott caper every once in a while,(I just re-read Dance With the Dead…with the Banyan Tree and ALL those fannies! And am currently re-reading Dig That Crazy Grave) I’ve read them all, but they never seem to go stale. I’m sad that Mr. Prather has passed on, I wish I could have met him. I guess I can only be glad that he left such a fun body of work behind. So long, Mr. Prather. You’ve helped to make my life a joy.
July 18th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
I met Shell Scott while stationed at RAF Station Alconbury, England, 1957 to 1960.
I have read all Mr Prather’s books from 1960 back. Miss him now and forever.
m.a. humes
Washington, DC
October 17th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
I remember being in the USAF, in mebbe late 64, at the end of boot camp and lying in my bunk reading some outlandish Shell Scott caper and laughing aloud, uncontrollably, during what was supposed to be a quiet time, and having to clean the latrine in consequence, and thinking it worth the cost…RIP, Richard Prather…
March 4th, 2011 at 10:29 am
*****
I was so very saddened to hear of Richard S. Prather’s demise — it was almost as Shell Scott [Prather’s protagonist) himself had died! Many are the times that, as a teen, that I would rock, roll, and roar with nearly uncontrolable laughter as I vicariously frolicked through Shell’s capers with him! He lightened the lives of all who read hiim. He made you want to BE Shell Scott! What a superlative writer! It is sad, indeed, that he is slowly fading from public memory — millions are missing these great novels.
There MUST be a way, somehow, to have Mr. Prather’s books REPUBLISHED!
Lloyd W. Cary
*****
June 28th, 2015 at 12:23 am
I started Reading Richard S. Prather and Carter Brown in High School. Did I enjoy Shell Scott? Well my Son’s middle name is Sheldon! Some of the stories were silly but some were way ahead of their time. I was just wondering if Mr. Prather had any Freemason connections as some of his lines seem to come from that direction.
To Tina, and to Richard, God Bless you both
June 7th, 2024 at 10:54 pm
I discovered Richard S. Prather when I had moved to Alaska in the early 1980s. My brother, Mike (a non-reader whenever possible), had discovered a box of books in the basement of our rented home. I heard him laughing his head off one evening after bedtime. I went to his door to find out what was so funny and was shocked to see he was reading. The cover (risque) had caught his eye so he was tempted to try it. He was hooked and I had to find out what was funny enough to keep Mike reading that I read it when he finished it. I was hooked, too! It wasn’t Nobel Prize material. but the mystery, good storyline and above all, GREAT HUMOR, made me a lifelong admirer of Mr. Prather. I read as many as I can get me hands on, and some even two or three times. I am not a fan of smutty material, but the combination of good writing, mystery and humor won me over in a flash, and I ignored most of the raunchier sections. Yes, Richard Prather is deserving of being remembered and even getting his work republished, so other generations can laugh and enjoy some relaxing reading from an author well worth the effort. (Oh, the first story had something to do with two horses,identical except for a white star on one horse’s forehead. Shell (a non-rider) discovered he was on the wrong horse too late and had to continue to ride the demon horse to capture the bad guy. Absolutely hilarious!
June 8th, 2024 at 12:29 am
Wonderful reminiscences, Carolynn. Thanks for sharing with us!