Was Michael Avallone a good writer? Well...when you're writing complete novels in 36 hours, you may have to skimp a bit on style and form. Are his books fun to read? Absolutely. Or as one of Avallone's fellow writers once said, "He could sure tell a story, he couldn't write, but he could sure tell a story."
"The Man From Avon" tells the story of Larry McKnight, a traveling book salesmen for Avon Books. It should come as no surprise that Avon was Avallone's publisher at time. McKnight travels the country selling Avon books to book sellers and charming and bedding beautiful women. Perhaps the most absurd aspect of the plot is the fact that a book salesman could have the same effect on women as James Bond. Although, McKnight is a good salesman and seems to enjoy his work, it is really only a cover for his real occupation as the United States most important UFO investigator. Throw in some flying saucers, a group of small time eccentrics and a damsel in distress and you have a pretty good read.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of "The Man From Avon" is that Avallone seems to be having as much fun writing it as you do reading it. Throughout the book, he shamelessly promotes Avon Books dropping book titles and authors names wherever possible. He even gives a history of the paperback book industry. Now how many books about flying saucers give you information like that.
For more info on Michael Avallone go to The Thrilling Detective Website
