Richard Himmel published as many as eight paperback novels for the legendary Gold Medal publisher, five of them featuring a Hardboiled Chicago lawyer, Johnny Maguire. Although these books feature a lawyer, he's really a stand-in for a Hardboiled private eye. I Have Gloria Kirby first came out in 1951 and falls in the middle of this series. It is, without question, an absolute gem of a pulp novel.
This is told with Maguire narrating. He spent his childhood growing up with Gloria and they became lovers and moved in together. One day, seeing greener pastures, she walked out on him and became the queen of all gangster molls. She took up with the local boss of bosses and was featured in all the society columns. She just oozed sex appeal as she walked across the room. Ten years later, Gloria walks into Maguire's office with a suitcase full of money and the mobster she ripped off right on her tail - or at least soon to follow. Maguire knows he's a patsy for looking after the woman who ripped his heart out ten years earlier, but, even after she tells him he's a chump, he goes to bat for her.
This is absolutely terrific pulp fiction and is just simply a great story told with perfect narration that just draws you in. Maguire knows he ought to stay out of it, but he takes on this dame like he's got no choice in the matter. Himmel may be one of the forgotten pulp writers, but his work deserves a revival. ( )