They Don't Dance Much by James Ross

James Ross wrote a single novel in 1940, though it was largely neglected. He became a journalist for the Greensboro Daily News in North Carolina covering local politics. He also wrote collections of short stories. His novel was reissued in 1975 under Signet Classics, though vintage copies may be next to impossible to find.

The novel faded from vision again, until a subsequent republishing by Mysterious Press which is both a New York City bookshop specializing in mystery fiction, and an independent Book Publisher. The bookshop was previously located at West 56th Street (for 25 years), and is currently in Tribeca at 58 Warren Street.

The novel itself is considered "country noir". Think along the lines of Flannery O'Connor meets Southern Mystery Pulp. They Don't Dance Much reportedly won praise from Flannery O'Connor and Raymond Chandler. James Ross is an incredibly talented writer and story teller, with the story told through the lens of a deeply flawed, troubled, sexist, racist, xenophobic narrator. The novel contains sharp and crisp writing and a really good capturing of scene. Venture with us to the literary outskirts and we'll dive in covering the novel's merit and flaws.

Here is a link to the novel listed from the book shop:
https://www.mysteriousbookshop.com/products/james-ross-they-dont-dance-much?_pos=1&_sid=126d4980c&_ss=r

The shop, located at 58 Warren Street, unfortunately, does not have books in stock. Hours are 11am-7pm, open every day except Sunday.

The novel is also available on Amazon and Thrift Books.
https://a.co/d/hdArkag