Howard Browne

Howard Browne (1908-1999) was an American science fiction, mystery, and screenwriter known for his detective novels and television scripts. His work spanned multiple genres and mediums, though he gained particular recognition for his hardboiled detective fiction written under various pen names including John Evans. During the 1940s and 1950s, Browne served as editor of Ziff-Davis publications including Amazing Stories and Fantastic Adventures. He wrote several science fiction novels including "Warrior of the Dawn" (1943) and "Return to Liliput" (1958), as well as the Paul Pine detective series beginning with "Halo in Blood" (1946). Browne transitioned to television writing in the 1950s, penning scripts for shows like "Maverick," "Mission: Impossible," and "The Fugitive." His screenplay work included "Portrait of a Mobster" (1961) and "The St. Valentine's Day Massacre" (1967). The Paul Pine detective series, written under the John Evans pseudonym, remains Browne's most enduring literary contribution, with the character drawing favorable comparisons to Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe. His final novel, "Pork City" (1975), marked the end of his career as a novelist before his death in 1999.

Readers praise Browne's Paul Pine detective series for capturing the noir atmosphere of 1940s Chicago and delivering sharp, witty dialogue. Several online reviews note his skill at crafting complex mysteries while maintaining a fast pace. Multiple readers on Goodreads highlight similarities to Raymond Chandler's style but appreciate Pine as a distinct character. Liked: - Authentic Chicago settings and period details - Clever wordplay and dark humor - Complex yet followable plots - Strong character development of Paul Pine Disliked: - Some dated social attitudes and language - Occasional slow middle sections - Limited availability of his books - Uneven quality across his television writing Ratings: Goodreads: "Halo in Blood" - 3.8/5 (82 ratings) "Thin Air" - 3.9/5 (67 ratings) Amazon: Paul Pine series averages 4.2/5 across available titles Reviews of his TV work and science fiction novels are too sparse for meaningful averages. Note: Review data is limited due to many works being out of print.

The Return of Tharn (1956) A prehistoric adventure novel following a young warrior in a primitive world who must protect his tribe from hostile forces while discovering an advanced civilization.

Warrior of the Dawn (1943) A science fiction tale set in prehistoric times about a modern man who awakens 50,000 years in the past and must survive among primitive tribes.

Halo in Blood (1946) A hard-boiled detective novel introducing private investigator Paul Pine as he navigates a complex murder case in Chicago.

Halo for Satan (1948) The second Paul Pine mystery following the detective as he investigates a case involving religious cults and murder.

Halo in Brass (1949) The third installment in the Paul Pine series where the detective becomes entangled in a case of political corruption.

The Taste of Ashes (1957) The final Paul Pine mystery featuring the detective investigating a case that leads him into Chicago's criminal underworld.

Return to Liliput (1958) A science fiction novel that continues the story of Gulliver's Travels with a modern protagonist discovering the legendary land.

Pork City (1975) A crime novel set in Chicago examining political corruption and organized crime through multiple character perspectives.

Raymond Chandler wrote complex detective novels featuring Philip Marlowe during the same era as Browne's Paul Pine series. His hardboiled noir style and intricate mysteries mirror Browne's approach to the detective genre.

Dashiell Hammett created the foundation for hardboiled detective fiction that influenced Browne's work. His Continental Op stories and novels like "The Maltese Falcon" share the gritty realism found in Browne's Paul Pine series.

Ross Macdonald wrote the Lew Archer detective series with similar themes and tone to Browne's work. His stories focus on California crime and family secrets, utilizing the same noir storytelling techniques as Browne's Paul Pine novels.

John D. MacDonald created the Travis McGee series and wrote standalone crime novels that parallel Browne's mix of detective work and action. His work crosses multiple genres like Browne's, combining mystery with elements of adventure and suspense.

Mickey Spillane wrote the Mike Hammer detective series during the same period as Browne's peak output. His direct writing style and focus on urban crime settings match the approach Browne took with his detective fiction.