In the '80s Playboy magazine published an excellent autobiographical article by Morrell entitled "The Man Who Created Rambo". It had a very funny passage where Morrell recalled a conversation he had with his lawyer when he sold First Blood to Hollywood. "Make sure you get a cut of the sequels," "Sequels? But Rambo dies at the end!" "TRUST ME." "Also, make sure you get a cut of any toys." "Toys??? This is a serious adult novel about Vietnam veterans!" "TRUST ME."
That IS funny. He wrote the novelisation of Rambo: First Blood Part II, which must have been a weird experience. Interesting to note that Hollywood saved Rambo while the UK killed Jack Carter
I was an undergraduate at Penn State in 1990 when I found out that David had done his post grad work there. I was at the bookstore on campus and saw a display of books written by Penn State alumni. At that point I’d read probably 5-6 of his books and he was firmly established as one of my favorite authors. Since then I’ve read all of his works and kept up with his new books as well because with the dawn of the internet and social media, I’ve had the chance to ask David questions about his work and what I’ve learned from David has made me appreciate his works even more. David, like many authors, is very approachable online and has welcomed my questions given me background information that is akin to watching a movie with the director’s commentary in the background. To finish my thoughts, I’ve made it a point to contact various people in the Penn State University faculty and administrator to request the placement of a sign on campus commemorating First Blood as it’s what I and many others consider an important work of fiction and per what David has explained, has many ties to his ties to his time on campus.
"The brotherhood of the rose", "the fraternity of the stone" and "the league of night and fog" are my favorite books by Morrell. They form a sort of unofficial trilogy centered around two pairs of government assassins (unconnected and with completely different backgrounds): one pair per book and they sort of team up in the third book when their paths cross. Imagine a movie where Jason Bourne and Aaron Cross would team up with John Wick and the Equalizer and you have an idea!
@@dartharaneus67 The tv Adaptation was my very first contact with David Morrell. I think I have read most of his novels, but agree with you that those are highlights.
Morrell is not just a great writer. He is great with his fans. I have written to him on his website at least twice and he responded on each occasion within three to six hours personally. Including commenting on a novel he wrote The Spy Who Came For Christmas, which I mentioned I used in a sermon at Christmas (yes I am a clergyman), and he graciously responded that he’d heard from a number of clergy that they’d used it too. I really like such engagement, in an age when so often you get at best cursory, at worst silence, from authors.
David Morrell is notoriously humble. I saw him speaking at a mystery convention once and before he started, he stood up and said, "Are you all sure you want to listen to me? Dennis Lehane is next door." I read The Totem in high school--fantastic mix of science and horror.
Similar experience. I met him at Bouchercon years ago and had a brief chat. The next day he saw me and asked if I was having a good time at the convention. Not in the throw-away sense, but he really wanted to know if I was enjoying myself. A wealth of knowledge and a kind and humble man.
I was in a writing workshop he did at a mystery convention some years ago, and his advice has really stuck with me. It wasn't just all the usual stuff.
After "the brotherhood of the rose", there is "the fraternity of the stone" and "the league of night and fog". They form a sort of unofficial trilogy centered around two pairs of government assassins (unconnected and with completely different backgrounds): one pair per book and they sort of team up in the third book when their paths cross. Imagine a movie where Jason Bourne and The Equalizer would team up and you have an idea!
First Blood is my all time favorite movie. I’ve never been so invested, or drawn into a story. And that was only the beginning. The legend has masterpiece after masterpiece. An absolute highlight of my life was meeting Mr. Morrell at Bouchercon last year.
David Morrell writes about a lot of subjects, but they all have a cerebral nature in common. I like his interaction with fans, his book about writing, and his short stories "Before I Wake" helped me shift into short stories.
I read Totem this week and really enjoyed it, despite finding it a little fractured with almost too much going on. Your explanation of the cuts explain why I felt lots of things needed more fleshing out. I've just added First Blood and Creepers to my tbr list. Another great vid. Keep up the great work, I get SO many good recs from you! I'm reading The Elementals by Michael McDowell at the moment. Very creepy and incredibly atmospheric.
I read about a dozen Morrell books in the '90s. You need to read Brotherhood of the Rose, which was turned into a tv movie. The cast included Robert Mitchum, Peter Strauss and David Morse. He has many other great books too.
Brotherhood of the Rose is a great miniseries. It’s now many years since I’ve seen it but still have vivid memories of it. That is the acid-test of quality.
I love his Opium-Eater series of Victorian era mystery thrillers. They are so much fun. While I was reading them, it kind of blew my mind that he was the same guy who created Rambo.
One of my crime author friends has written on First Blood; and he has encouraged me to read Morrell. I have been meaning to, but this is a good reminder for me to kick that into gear and get a copy of his work.
I got hooked on David Morrell with "The Brotherhood of the Rose", "The League of Night and Fog" and "The Fraternity of the Stone" way back. Excellent reads!
I've read Creepers and the short story collection Black Evening. My first Morrell story was Rio Grande Gothic in the 999 anthology. That's a story I periodically come back to. He's such a taut, precise, skilled writer. I need to read more.
When people ask me if ive ever read a book on one day i always think of Brotherhood of the Rose. I was in the army overseas and people would leave books behind once they were done reading them. I picked up that one and had it finished in one maybe two days. I could not put it down.
Hey Olly! Love this! I’ve only read the one by him, Creepers, but would love to find more of his work. You’re right, I’ve not seen him talked about anywhere else.
Jack Carr, author of the Terminal List novel series, cites David Morrell (First Blood/Rambo) as an influence. It is apparent in the Prime series adaptation.
The 'Thomas De Quincey' series is a great trilogy by David Morrell which should also be covered. All three books are highly readable with the narrative set in the Victorian era, which is very unlike 'First Blood'!
@@francoisdan4492 those books were incredible! Need to re-read! I read The Totem in the ‘80s and thought he was awesome, I never forgot his name bc of that book and was shocked when I put it together (in the 90s) that he was also the author of First Blood. The ‘Thomas De Quincey’ stories blew my mind bc I had never read my copy of Confessions of an English Opium Eater. Morrell is amazing.
@DKBiedron Indeed, I very much loved both main characters within the narrative. Especially as Thomas de Quincey is a developped as a certain type of Sherlock Holmes, with his own flaws and personal demons. While the historical background and character development are mastered by Morrell, all are certainly worth a reread!
Yes! I remember Creepers from way back in the day when I was reading John Saul. Instant watch when I saw that in the thumbnail-and instantaneous, mildly bewildered agreement: True, I don’t know if I’ve ever heard anyone talking about David Morrell, even though I always see his books at various sales… And, by nostalgic association, I don’t know that I’ve ever heard anyone talk about John Saul, either… You ever dipped your toes into his work?
Watching this I remembered that I read The League of the Night And fog many many years ago in Spanish and loved that book! But I completely forget about it for years, so now I'm definitely going to pick up a lot of his books. Cheers mate
I like some of Morrell's work, and I think you're right about people's perceptions of him because of First Blood. I see parallels with Frederick Forsyth: the first few books were gritty and realistic, then he creates a world that's full of violence but in which nobody has sex, nobody swears, nobody talks about anything except what's relevant to the plot
His short stories “Orange Is for Anguish, Blue for Insanity” (originally published in Prime Evil, edited by Douglas E. Winter) and what I think is his earliest short story “The Dripping” (originally published in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine) I know are excellent, and I’ve wanted to read First Blood for a while now (along with the original “rogue male” novel, suitably called Rogue Male).
Thanks Olly, I've added The Totem to my Kobo! Creepers sounds like fun, too. I didn't realize Morrell was Canadian. Incidentally, Andrew Pyper (also Canadian), just passed away. I haven't read anything of his but The Demonologist has been on my list for a while. Have a great day!
Like most who've read Morrell, I read First Blood, which I loved. Also, Brotherhood of the Rose, which I almost think I liked even more (BTW - The mini series they made off the book, starring Peter Strauss and David Morse is also very good). The League of Night and Fog is sitting on the shelf, just waiting to be read, and I've read one other of his books, the name of which I just can't remember, try as I might. Anyway, the biggest reason I haven't read him all that much is because I'm not really all that into spy stories and government intrigue, which I thought was mostly what he wrote, but he's a good enough writer that I do grab something by him every few years.
Olly, I'm glad you highlighted David Morrell in your video today. I read and reviewed my first David Morrell novel in October 2024 on my book blog. I read Murder As Fine Art by David Morrell which is a work of historical fiction/mystery/ thriller. It’s also the first novel in the Thomas De Quincy series. This novel was so much more than I expected it to be. The writing is detailed and simply superb. I Look forward to reading the rest of the series. I’ve added Totem and Testament to my reading wishlist. Thanks for the suggestions of other novels to read by David Morrell.
I wrote about Morrell and Rambo (note: he's just Rambo in "FIRST BLOOD", we never know his first name - that came with the movies) when I worked on a newspaper in Ukraine. David kindly provided a comment for the article. Another of his works that I highly recommend is THE SUCCESSFUL NOVELIST, a book about writing and creativity.
Hello, I have read most if not all of his books over the years . Very good author. The Fraternity of the Stone is one of my absolute favorites. Similar to the Bourne series.
As others have mentioned, the trilogy that begins with The Brotherhood Of The Rose is excellent. Another excellent read is his western The Last Reveille. Id highly recommend that one.
I read "Assumed Identity" in 1996 and was awestruck. I've also read First Blood, Burnt Sienna, The Shimmer, and Double Image. Then, about six years ago, I met him at a writers' conference in Nashville. We bumped into each other as we waited for a presentation to begin. He introduced himself as "Dave" and we chatted for a bit before I realized he was David Morrell. He's a classy and humble man.
I read Creepers when it first came out and loved it. Just checked Morrell out on IMDB and I see there's a film version of it in the works called Do Not Enter.
Yes I did read a book by Morrell called the Brotherhood of the Rose which I really liked. I also read one or two others but I don’t think they’re any of the ones you mentioned. I had forgotten he wrote the First Blood book which I never read. I didn’t think the movie was that great. It’s a revenge story like some of his other stuff but there was never a convincing motive for his persecution by those mean cops. Anyway I’m glad Morrell is still around and will look up his other books you talked about.⚛♥
Morrell has long been one of my faves. His short stories are fantastic, as well, and he has three collections. 'Burnt Sienna' is my personal favorite, and 'The Fifth Profession' is pulpy fun. He also wrote the novelisations for Rambo and Rambo 3.
I have read First Blood and Creepers, both of which I enjoyed immensely and I found very gripping, Thank you Olly for the reminder that I need to track down and read some of his other material.
I want to read First Blood by David Morrell, because I love the 1982 film, I heard the book is way more violent. I need to check out David Morrell's books, Great video!😀👍
Great video. For me, during the 80's and 90's, David Morrell was the quintessential 'beach book' or 'rainy day book' author. I loved his orphan brothers trilogy (Brotherhood of the Rose, Fraternity of the Stone and The Leauge of Night and Fog). You'd hit the ground running, and not stop until the back of the book.
First Blood is fantastic. I've been talking to people about David Morrell recently. And I've been talking to David Morrell, too. I've got a couple more of his books on my phone now waiting to be read!
I read the League of Night and Fog years ago and enjoyed it. Shortly afterwards, I picked up another book by him (I can't remember which one) but didn't like it nearly as much. That was it for me, but perhaps I dismissed him too soon. I will check out Totem, which sounds very good.
I had a Rambo knife and t-shirt with "Free all hostages, send Rambo" text on it. Was about ten, I think. Haven't thought about that in a while. Really should read First Blood.
I agree with you. David Morrell deserves more attention than he gets. I've read all 4 of the Morrell books that you've mentioned, but I haven't read any of the comic books he's scripted. I also didn't realize that he has written 28 books, either!
David Morrell is a good writer if a person wants to break out of a reading slump. The last book I read by him was Creepers, & every time I put the book down, I found myself thinking about it several hours later. Totem was like that as well. I've also read a collection of weird suspense stories by him, called Black Evening, & virtually all of the stories in it were first rate. His prose has a well balanced, compelling feel to it,
Great profile of Morrell. I had a copy of First Blood when it came out but can't remember reading another book by him. Good idea to profile an author who doesn't get enough attention. Forgotten authors is an interesting theme. I recently dug out an old copy of Stone City. A book set in a prison. Published in the 1990s. An impressive book but again someone who's not talked about.Author is Mitchell Smith
I think you're spot-on in that he's too eclectic to settle into a single marketing/fan base. The two versions of The Totem are fascinating, different enough in their pacing and style to seem like two separate novels. And both work!
I'm only aware of him from First Blood, but I'm now intrigued by Testament and The Totem, particularly the prior. Both sound like they would make for good films.
David Morrell is a phenomenal, propulsive, prolific writer whose stuff falls through the cracks for anyone who isn't in the know. Primarily a thriller writer, he also regularly appears in Best Of the Year horror anthologies for his short work. I went on a huge run of his work when I saw how much of it my then-local library had. Not a bad one in the bunch.
I read First Blood last year and have bought it twice for friends to read as I thought it was fantastic. I’ve recently read The Totem (which I admittedly bought because the cover looked cool) and loved it just as much as First Blood. I kept thinking that The Totem would make a great film. Really creepy
Hello Olly, I want to encourage as strongly as possible to read The Brotherhood of the Rose. Quite simply my favourite thriller of all time. Moreover the book works on two levels, which is unusual. It works, brilliantly, as a regular novel. However if you know anything about the Cambridge Five, Kim Philby etc. there's the secondary level which is very rewarding. This is no spoiler but the character Eliot is essentially the equivalent of the real life CIA intelligence operative James Jesus Angleton [all the way down to Eliot has a passion for roses and Angleton for, I think, orchids.]
I read Totem a few years ago and really enjoyed it. When you mentioned it recently I picked up the ebook without realizing it was the revised edition. I liked the original edition more which I remember as being creepy. I didn't think the revised edition was as focused or unnerving. Curious to see what you think if you ever take the revised edition for a spin.
One of those times when I can in all honesty say "Well _I_ do" :). Mostly in the context of "First Blood" (when people see and almost invariably enjoy the movie, i'll _always_ recommend the book as even better, IMO at least - just more going on with the more ambiguous "hero", the intergenerational stuff etc. Also one of my favourite opening lines). Didn't get switched onto him until the TV adaptation of his "Brotherhood of the Rose" book(s) in the late 80s so I actually started with those _then_ "First Blood" (then others, including 'Totem'). Didn't get to it immediately because I was initially confused - unusually for source material authors, Morrell _also_ wrote the _novelisations_ of some later Rambo movies (think he wanted to protect the character, even though, y'know... :) so I mistakenly thought "First Blood" was a novelisation too. (and teeniest correction BTW, in the book we never learn Rambo's first name - he's not "...John J" until the first movie :)
I have 11 of his books (Totem is on order) but have only read the first Rambo so far. The League of Night and Fog /The Covenant of the Flame/Burnt Sienna/Assumed Identity/Creepers/Scavenger/Double Image/Desperate Measures/Rambo 1, 2, 3
I have only read “The Totem” so far but I also have “Testament” and would like to eventually read “Creepers” its sequel and “First Blood.” That’s interesting that the original version of “The Totem” was heavily edited. The copy I read was also an original release from 1979 and I definitely got that fragmentary sense often feeling like scenes were left unfinished or that you just suddenly were dropped into a scene with no build-up to it. Based on that I only thought it was okay, but I did enjoy it overall.
Read The Totem last year, also recommend Assumed Identity. Interesting observation regarding Morrell writing career having ultimately suffered due to eclipse of Stallone’s portrayal of John Rambo…but then again Morrell did elect to resurrect his literature character and pen the novelisations for Rambo 2 & 3 (not his stories or screenplays though) ✌️
I loved David Morrell. Read everything he wrote in the 80's and 90's. Wasn't thrilled when he made the switch from intrigue and espionage to historical murder mystery but decided to give Murder As A Fine Art a try. Although well written, I found it rather derivative and dull.
I read First Blood a couple years back and thought it was only ok because a lot of the forest section was, to me, repetitive. Looking back on it, the end was the best part, with Rambo being beyond cold blooded.
Anybody who avoids a writer because they've "seen the movie" is not really an astute reader. Surely we've all read enough & watched enough to know that the quality of a movie is NEVER indicative of its source material.
Hi 👋 New sub here :) I have never even heard of this author until you mentioned his Totem book in one of your wrap ups. I’d love to explore his work but do you think his style is similar to SG Jones? I’m being very presumptuous here but theme reminds me of SGJ (the only good Indians) and I can’t say I enjoyed that one 🤔
Yes I've read him, because only cool people read him. 🤭I know another reason he's not talked about, but this is specific to booktube - because everyone is too busy talking about Stephen Snoozfest King !!!! Yes, it's a 4 exclamation mark sentence. 🤭
I read three novel of David Morrell. Just know the German titles though. Loved Creepers and can't recommend it enough, I liked First Blood at lot and think it was better than movie. But I was rather disappointed of Level 9 which is, as far as I remember, the sequel to Creepers. Nonetheless definitely an author that deserves a little bit more attention.
Jack Carr likes him. I think he interviewed him. Wow 4 hours: ruclips.net/video/OmOZAo0elm0/видео.html Morrell did a commentary track on the First Blood blueray. He also wrote the novelizations of the other Rambo movies. He co-edited Thrillers: 100 Must Reads (see the table of contents for the list, it starts with Beowulf). He was a professor in literature. Brotherhood of the Rose is the only television miniseries to premiere after a Super Bowl. Testament is his most intense novel. I wonder how he compares to Adam Roberts, another literary professor that writes scifi.
In the '80s Playboy magazine published an excellent autobiographical article by Morrell entitled "The Man Who Created Rambo". It had a very funny passage where Morrell recalled a conversation he had with his lawyer when he sold First Blood to Hollywood. "Make sure you get a cut of the sequels," "Sequels? But Rambo dies at the end!" "TRUST ME." "Also, make sure you get a cut of any toys." "Toys??? This is a serious adult novel about Vietnam veterans!" "TRUST ME."
That IS funny. He wrote the novelisation of Rambo: First Blood Part II, which must have been a weird experience. Interesting to note that Hollywood saved Rambo while the UK killed Jack Carter
@@andrewcurtis4907 And Rambo 3.
Ha ha that’s a great story
Professor Morrell, as I knew him at the University of Iowa, was my lit teacher in the late 1970s. Funny, brilliant, and incredibly gracious.
I was an undergraduate at Penn State in 1990 when I found out that David had done his post grad work there. I was at the bookstore on campus and saw a display of books written by Penn State alumni. At that point I’d read probably 5-6 of his books and he was firmly established as one of my favorite authors. Since then I’ve read all of his works and kept up with his new books as well because with the dawn of the internet and social media, I’ve had the chance to ask David questions about his work and what I’ve learned from David has made me appreciate his works even more. David, like many authors, is very approachable online and has welcomed my questions given me background information that is akin to watching a movie with the director’s commentary in the background.
To finish my thoughts, I’ve made it a point to contact various people in the Penn State University faculty and administrator to request the placement of a sign on campus commemorating First Blood as it’s what I and many others consider an important work of fiction and per what David has explained, has many ties to his ties to his time on campus.
"The brotherhood of the rose", "the fraternity of the stone" and "the league of night and fog" are my favorite books by Morrell. They form a sort of unofficial trilogy centered around two pairs of government assassins (unconnected and with completely different backgrounds): one pair per book and they sort of team up in the third book when their paths cross. Imagine a movie where Jason Bourne and Aaron Cross would team up with John Wick and the Equalizer and you have an idea!
@@dartharaneus67 The tv Adaptation was my very first contact with David Morrell. I think I have read most of his novels, but agree with you that those are highlights.
I am glad that somebody is talking about David Morrell, First Blood literally sent shivers down my spine with its chilling end.
Morrell is not just a great writer. He is great with his fans. I have written to him on his website at least twice and he responded on each occasion within three to six hours personally. Including commenting on a novel he wrote The Spy Who Came For Christmas, which I mentioned I used in a sermon at Christmas (yes I am a clergyman), and he graciously responded that he’d heard from a number of clergy that they’d used it too. I really like such engagement, in an age when so often you get at best cursory, at worst silence, from authors.
David Morrell is notoriously humble. I saw him speaking at a mystery convention once and before he started, he stood up and said, "Are you all sure you want to listen to me? Dennis Lehane is next door." I read The Totem in high school--fantastic mix of science and horror.
Similar experience. I met him at Bouchercon years ago and had a brief chat. The next day he saw me and asked if I was having a good time at the convention. Not in the throw-away sense, but he really wanted to know if I was enjoying myself. A wealth of knowledge and a kind and humble man.
I was in a writing workshop he did at a mystery convention some years ago, and his advice has really stuck with me. It wasn't just all the usual stuff.
Morrell’s “The Brotherhood of the Rose” is my 1984 pick for the My Novel Life challenge. The premise sounded wild.
I loved that book !
After "the brotherhood of the rose", there is "the fraternity of the stone" and "the league of night and fog". They form a sort of unofficial trilogy centered around two pairs of government assassins (unconnected and with completely different backgrounds): one pair per book and they sort of team up in the third book when their paths cross. Imagine a movie where Jason Bourne and The Equalizer would team up and you have an idea!
@@dartharaneus67 I have all three books on my Kobo, so I’ll get to them eventually if I like the first one well enough.
@ If you like spy trillers with plenty of action, you will love them!
First Blood is my all time favorite movie. I’ve never been so invested, or drawn into a story. And that was only the beginning. The legend has masterpiece after masterpiece. An absolute highlight of my life was meeting Mr. Morrell at Bouchercon last year.
David Morrell writes about a lot of subjects, but they all have a cerebral nature in common. I like his interaction with fans, his book about writing, and his short stories "Before I Wake" helped me shift into short stories.
I read Totem this week and really enjoyed it, despite finding it a little fractured with almost too much going on. Your explanation of the cuts explain why I felt lots of things needed more fleshing out. I've just added First Blood and Creepers to my tbr list. Another great vid. Keep up the great work, I get SO many good recs from you! I'm reading The Elementals by Michael McDowell at the moment. Very creepy and incredibly atmospheric.
I saw him as a speaker at a World Horror Convention a number of years ago, and he was really interesting and gracious.
“The Brotherhood of The Rose” is one of my all-time favorite books. I highly recommend it.
I read about a dozen Morrell books in the '90s. You need to read Brotherhood of the Rose, which was turned into a tv movie. The cast included Robert Mitchum, Peter Strauss and David Morse. He has many other great books too.
Brotherhood of the Rose is a great miniseries. It’s now many years since I’ve seen it but still have vivid memories of it. That is the acid-test of quality.
@pauldeegan6652 very true! I always remember the knife fight on the beach, because it's so poignant and sad.
I love his Opium-Eater series of Victorian era mystery thrillers. They are so much fun. While I was reading them, it kind of blew my mind that he was the same guy who created Rambo.
One of my crime author friends has written on First Blood; and he has encouraged me to read Morrell. I have been meaning to, but this is a good reminder for me to kick that into gear and get a copy of his work.
I've never read any David Morrell, thank you for your endorsement, I'll dive in, :)
I got hooked on David Morrell with "The Brotherhood of the Rose", "The League of Night and Fog" and "The Fraternity of the Stone" way back. Excellent reads!
Excelent collection ❤👍💚
Have always been a fan of David Morrell, as was my father. I got to meet him in Iraq when he was on a USO tour.
Always love his books with the Brotherhood of the Rose trilogy still amongst my top 3 novels of all time
I finally read First Blood last year and Creepers in 2021 and was blown away by the writing both times.
I was in the Army, mid-90’s. The base library had Morrell books. The Fifth Profession was my first. I devoured his stuff.
The Abelard Sanction series, which starts with the great, The Brotherhood of the Rose is great. Read them back in college and loved them.
My two favourite authors: Morrell and McCarthy. First Blood was breathtaking. Brotherhood and Fraternity are rollercoaster rides into adrenaline ❤
I've read Creepers and the short story collection Black Evening. My first Morrell story was Rio Grande Gothic in the 999 anthology. That's a story I periodically come back to. He's such a taut, precise, skilled writer. I need to read more.
When people ask me if ive ever read a book on one day i always think of Brotherhood of the Rose. I was in the army overseas and people would leave books behind once they were done reading them. I picked up that one and had it finished in one maybe two days. I could not put it down.
"The Totem" was an unexpected delight.
Hey Olly! Love this! I’ve only read the one by him, Creepers, but would love to find more of his work. You’re right, I’ve not seen him talked about anywhere else.
Jack Carr, author of the Terminal List novel series, cites David Morrell (First Blood/Rambo) as an influence. It is apparent in the Prime series adaptation.
The 'Thomas De Quincey' series is a great trilogy by David Morrell which should also be covered. All three books are highly readable with the narrative set in the Victorian era, which is very unlike 'First Blood'!
@@francoisdan4492 those books were incredible! Need to re-read! I read The Totem in the ‘80s and thought he was awesome, I never forgot his name bc of that book and was shocked when I put it together (in the 90s) that he was also the author of First Blood. The ‘Thomas De Quincey’ stories blew my mind bc I had never read my copy of Confessions of an English Opium Eater. Morrell is amazing.
@DKBiedron Indeed, I very much loved both main characters within the narrative. Especially as Thomas de Quincey is a developped as a certain type of Sherlock Holmes, with his own flaws and personal demons. While the historical background and character development are mastered by Morrell, all are certainly worth a reread!
Yes!
I remember Creepers from way back in the day when I was reading John Saul.
Instant watch when I saw that in the thumbnail-and instantaneous, mildly bewildered agreement: True, I don’t know if I’ve ever heard anyone talking about David Morrell, even though I always see his books at various sales…
And, by nostalgic association, I don’t know that I’ve ever heard anyone talk about John Saul, either…
You ever dipped your toes into his work?
Watching this I remembered that I read The League of the Night And fog many many years ago in Spanish and loved that book! But I completely forget about it for years, so now I'm definitely going to pick up a lot of his books. Cheers mate
I like some of Morrell's work, and I think you're right about people's perceptions of him because of First Blood. I see parallels with Frederick Forsyth: the first few books were gritty and realistic, then he creates a world that's full of violence but in which nobody has sex, nobody swears, nobody talks about anything except what's relevant to the plot
His short stories “Orange Is for Anguish, Blue for Insanity” (originally published in Prime Evil, edited by Douglas E. Winter) and what I think is his earliest short story “The Dripping” (originally published in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine) I know are excellent, and I’ve wanted to read First Blood for a while now (along with the original “rogue male” novel, suitably called Rogue Male).
Thanks Olly, I've added The Totem to my Kobo! Creepers sounds like fun, too. I didn't realize Morrell was Canadian. Incidentally, Andrew Pyper (also Canadian), just passed away. I haven't read anything of his but The Demonologist has been on my list for a while. Have a great day!
Like most who've read Morrell, I read First Blood, which I loved. Also, Brotherhood of the Rose, which I almost think I liked even more (BTW - The mini series they made off the book, starring Peter Strauss and David Morse is also very good).
The League of Night and Fog is sitting on the shelf, just waiting to be read, and I've read one other of his books, the name of which I just can't remember, try as I might.
Anyway, the biggest reason I haven't read him all that much is because I'm not really all that into spy stories and government intrigue, which I thought was mostly what he wrote, but he's a good enough writer that I do grab something by him every few years.
Olly, I'm glad you highlighted David Morrell in your video today. I read and reviewed my first David Morrell novel in October 2024 on my book blog. I read Murder As Fine Art by David Morrell which is a work of historical fiction/mystery/ thriller. It’s also the first novel in the Thomas De Quincy series. This novel was so much more than I expected it to be. The writing is detailed and simply superb. I Look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I’ve added Totem and Testament to my reading wishlist. Thanks for the suggestions of other novels to read by David Morrell.
I had the same experience with this novel. It was so entertaining with vivid characters and fascinating historical background.
I wrote about Morrell and Rambo (note: he's just Rambo in "FIRST BLOOD", we never know his first name - that came with the movies) when I worked on a newspaper in Ukraine. David kindly provided a comment for the article.
Another of his works that I highly recommend is THE SUCCESSFUL NOVELIST, a book about writing and creativity.
Hello, I have read most if not all of his books over the years . Very good author. The Fraternity of the Stone is one of my absolute favorites. Similar to the Bourne series.
The Fraternity of the Stone was my favorite by Morrell. Anti terrorist agent turned Carthusian monk. Would have made a stellar movie.
I read 3 Morrell books last year based upon your talking about him. I've enjoyed everything I've read and I have The Totem ready to go on my Kobo.
As others have mentioned, the trilogy that begins with The Brotherhood Of The Rose is excellent. Another excellent read is his western The Last Reveille. Id highly recommend that one.
Great question!
I read "Assumed Identity" in 1996 and was awestruck. I've also read First Blood, Burnt Sienna, The Shimmer, and Double Image. Then, about six years ago, I met him at a writers' conference in Nashville. We bumped into each other as we waited for a presentation to begin. He introduced himself as "Dave" and we chatted for a bit before I realized he was David Morrell. He's a classy and humble man.
I've had contact with Morrell on social media, we follow each other on Twitter, and he such a nice person.
I read Creepers when it first came out and loved it. Just checked Morrell out on IMDB and I see there's a film version of it in the works called Do Not Enter.
I read The Totem back in the 80’s because Stephen King recommended it, and I was blown away I loved it
I read "The Totem" in the 80s and knew of his "First Blood" connection and followed him loosely over the years, glad he's still around and writing 👍
I basically forced myself to read ‘First Blood’ and I really enjoyed it. The misery on Rambo was more concentrated than the movie.
I read Creepers last year. While it wasn’t really to my personal taste, he writes action scenes incredibly skillfully.
Yes I did read a book by Morrell called the Brotherhood of the Rose which I really liked. I also read one or two others but I don’t think they’re any of the ones you mentioned. I had forgotten he wrote the First Blood book which I never read. I didn’t think the movie was that great. It’s a revenge story like some of his other stuff but there was never a convincing motive for his persecution by those mean cops. Anyway I’m glad Morrell is still around and will look up his other books you talked about.⚛♥
I have read Totem twice. The original in the 80s and the revised in the 00s. Also read Creepers. I have First Blood and others on my shelves.
I read "Creepers" last year and loved it - bought the sequel to read this year. I also have an old-school paperback of "The Totem".
Morrell has long been one of my faves. His short stories are fantastic, as well, and he has three collections. 'Burnt Sienna' is my personal favorite, and 'The Fifth Profession' is pulpy fun. He also wrote the novelisations for Rambo and Rambo 3.
Yeah I forgot when I filmed this, but I have also read both the Rambo books. Definitely going to be trying out more of his stuff soon
According to Goodreads he worked on all 3 Rambo novelizations.
When I was a young fellah I read all his books in the late 80s
I have read First Blood and Creepers, both of which I enjoyed immensely and I found very gripping,
Thank you Olly for the reminder that I need to track down and read some of his other material.
I want to read First Blood by David Morrell, because I love the 1982 film, I heard the book is way more violent. I need to check out David Morrell's books, Great video!😀👍
Great video. For me, during the 80's and 90's, David Morrell was the quintessential 'beach book' or 'rainy day book' author. I loved his orphan brothers trilogy (Brotherhood of the Rose, Fraternity of the Stone and The Leauge of Night and Fog). You'd hit the ground running, and not stop until the back of the book.
He wrote the novelization of Rambo First Blood Part 2. Its a fun read
First Blood is fantastic. I've been talking to people about David Morrell recently. And I've been talking to David Morrell, too. I've got a couple more of his books on my phone now waiting to be read!
I read the League of Night and Fog years ago and enjoyed it. Shortly afterwards, I picked up another book by him (I can't remember which one) but didn't like it nearly as much. That was it for me, but perhaps I dismissed him too soon. I will check out Totem, which sounds very good.
Love the League of the night ...
I had a Rambo knife and t-shirt with "Free all hostages, send Rambo" text on it. Was about ten, I think. Haven't thought about that in a while. Really should read First Blood.
I agree with you. David Morrell deserves more attention than he gets. I've read all 4 of the Morrell books that you've mentioned, but I haven't read any of the comic books he's scripted. I also didn't realize that he has written 28 books, either!
David Morrell is a good writer if a person wants to break out of a reading slump. The last book I read by him was Creepers, & every time I put the book down, I found myself thinking about it several hours later. Totem was like that as well. I've also read a collection of weird suspense stories by him, called Black Evening, & virtually all of the stories in it were first rate. His prose has a well balanced, compelling feel to it,
I read First Blood before the Rambo movie and enjoyed it very much.
Great profile of Morrell. I had a copy of First Blood when it came out but can't remember reading another book by him. Good idea to profile an author who doesn't get enough attention. Forgotten authors is an interesting theme.
I recently dug out an old copy of Stone City. A book set in a prison. Published in the 1990s. An impressive book but again someone who's not talked about.Author is Mitchell Smith
I read the unexpurgated version of The Totem on Audible. The ending freaked me out.
He's one of my favorite writers. A ton of his stuff is on Kobo Plus, at least in the US. Not sure if they are in the UK.
Just checked, and yes, here too, which is a win!
I think you're spot-on in that he's too eclectic to settle into a single marketing/fan base. The two versions of The Totem are fascinating, different enough in their pacing and style to seem like two separate novels. And both work!
I'm only aware of him from First Blood, but I'm now intrigued by Testament and The Totem, particularly the prior. Both sound like they would make for good films.
Creepers is criminally underrated! Such an amazing novel! Couldn't get into Scavengers though.
David Morrell is a phenomenal, propulsive, prolific writer whose stuff falls through the cracks for anyone who isn't in the know. Primarily a thriller writer, he also regularly appears in Best Of the Year horror anthologies for his short work. I went on a huge run of his work when I saw how much of it my then-local library had. Not a bad one in the bunch.
I read First Blood last year and have bought it twice for friends to read as I thought it was fantastic. I’ve recently read The Totem (which I admittedly bought because the cover looked cool) and loved it just as much as First Blood. I kept thinking that The Totem would make a great film. Really creepy
I love David Morrell. I have read Creepers and Scavenger. Now Totem is on my list. He is a wonderful writer.
Hello Olly,
I want to encourage as strongly as possible to read The Brotherhood of the Rose. Quite simply my favourite thriller of all time. Moreover the book works on two levels, which is unusual. It works, brilliantly, as a regular novel. However if you know anything about the Cambridge Five, Kim Philby etc. there's the secondary level which is very rewarding. This is no spoiler but the character Eliot is essentially the equivalent of the real life CIA intelligence operative James Jesus Angleton [all the way down to Eliot has a passion for roses and Angleton for, I think, orchids.]
i read creepers in college in one sitting. very entertaining pulp novel.
It’s because he’s Canadian.
I read Totem a few years ago and really enjoyed it. When you mentioned it recently I picked up the ebook without realizing it was the revised edition. I liked the original edition more which I remember as being creepy. I didn't think the revised edition was as focused or unnerving. Curious to see what you think if you ever take the revised edition for a spin.
I've read a couple of books in Morrell's Abelard Sanction series, years and years ago, and thought they were very good thrillers.
Funny. I literally picked up Totem by him yesterday
One of those times when I can in all honesty say "Well _I_ do" :). Mostly in the context of "First Blood" (when people see and almost invariably enjoy the movie, i'll _always_ recommend the book as even better, IMO at least - just more going on with the more ambiguous "hero", the intergenerational stuff etc. Also one of my favourite opening lines).
Didn't get switched onto him until the TV adaptation of his "Brotherhood of the Rose" book(s) in the late 80s so I actually started with those _then_ "First Blood" (then others, including 'Totem'). Didn't get to it immediately because I was initially confused - unusually for source material authors, Morrell _also_ wrote the _novelisations_ of some later Rambo movies (think he wanted to protect the character, even though, y'know... :) so I mistakenly thought "First Blood" was a novelisation too.
(and teeniest correction BTW, in the book we never learn Rambo's first name - he's not "...John J" until the first movie :)
I have 11 of his books (Totem is on order) but have only read the first Rambo so far. The League of Night and Fog
/The Covenant of the Flame/Burnt Sienna/Assumed Identity/Creepers/Scavenger/Double Image/Desperate Measures/Rambo 1, 2, 3
I have only read “The Totem” so far but I also have “Testament” and would like to eventually read “Creepers” its sequel and “First Blood.” That’s interesting that the original version of “The Totem” was heavily edited. The copy I read was also an original release from 1979 and I definitely got that fragmentary sense often feeling like scenes were left unfinished or that you just suddenly were dropped into a scene with no build-up to it. Based on that I only thought it was okay, but I did enjoy it overall.
Read The Totem last year, also recommend Assumed Identity. Interesting observation regarding Morrell writing career having ultimately suffered due to eclipse of Stallone’s portrayal of John Rambo…but then again Morrell did elect to resurrect his literature character and pen the novelisations for Rambo 2 & 3 (not his stories or screenplays though) ✌️
I loved David Morrell. Read everything he wrote in the 80's and 90's. Wasn't thrilled when he made the switch from intrigue and espionage to historical murder mystery but decided to give Murder As A Fine Art a try. Although well written, I found it rather derivative and dull.
I read First Blood a couple years back and thought it was only ok because a lot of the forest section was, to me, repetitive. Looking back on it, the end was the best part, with Rambo being beyond cold blooded.
Anybody who avoids a writer because they've "seen the movie" is not really an astute reader. Surely we've all read enough & watched enough to know that the quality of a movie is NEVER indicative of its source material.
First Blood is amazing, I couldn't put it down. Also, think Rambo might be the antagonist in First Blood, not the hero...
Wait till you get to The Brotherhood of the Rose!
Hi 👋 New sub here :)
I have never even heard of this author until you mentioned his Totem book in one of your wrap ups.
I’d love to explore his work but do you think his style is similar to SG Jones? I’m being very presumptuous here but theme reminds me of SGJ (the only good Indians) and I can’t say I enjoyed that one 🤔
Thanks for subbing! I’d say the style is quite different from SGJ - much more straightforward and accessible
@@CriminOllyBlog Ah!! Thank you!
First Blood is I think the only book of his I read and it was good
Yes I've read him, because only cool people read him. 🤭I know another reason he's not talked about, but this is specific to booktube - because everyone is too busy talking about Stephen Snoozfest King !!!! Yes, it's a 4 exclamation mark sentence. 🤭
I read three novel of David Morrell. Just know the German titles though. Loved Creepers and can't recommend it enough, I liked First Blood at lot and think it was better than movie. But I was rather disappointed of Level 9 which is, as far as I remember, the sequel to Creepers. Nonetheless definitely an author that deserves a little bit more attention.
Jack Carr likes him. I think he interviewed him. Wow 4 hours: ruclips.net/video/OmOZAo0elm0/видео.html Morrell did a commentary track on the First Blood blueray. He also wrote the novelizations of the other Rambo movies. He co-edited Thrillers: 100 Must Reads (see the table of contents for the list, it starts with Beowulf). He was a professor in literature. Brotherhood of the Rose is the only television miniseries to premiere after a Super Bowl. Testament is his most intense novel. I wonder how he compares to Adam Roberts, another literary professor that writes scifi.
morel pasti kalah benavides good