Forests of the Night
by: David Stuart Davies
Published by: Thomas Dunne Books
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Reviewed by Andrea Sisco
Author David Stuart Davies is the former editor of Sherlock, a crime fiction magazine and the author of several books on Sherlock Holmes. He edits the Crime Writers' Association magazine, Red Herrings.
If you love period mysteries and anything British, you'll be right at home with the novel, Forests of the Night
In 1939, young John Hawke, a policeman, is preparing, as is most of Britain, to fight for his country in WWII. His plans change with one shot from a rifle during training. The gun explodes and he loses an eye. Not one to sit behind a desk, John leaves the police force and sets up shop, in London, as a private investigator.
In 1940, John is hired by a young woman's family to find her. Pamela Palfrey been missing for several months. John soon learns that the dowdy, plain girl her parents knew is not the same beautiful, promiscuous woman that others knew.
When Pamela's body is found, John decides that he must find her murderer. His investigation into her life as a 'star-struck' wannabe actress leads John to the fading film actor Gordon Moore. A chance meeting with a young runaway boy also is connected to Gordon Moore. The boy tugs at John's heart because of the parallels to John's own life.
This book is compelling. His dialogue is filled with dry humor and just sparse enough to evoke strong emotions from the reader. The characters are well developed--and you'll either like them or root for their downfall.
I hope that John Hawke will make a return appearance.
Armchair Interviews says: John Hawke is a welcome addition to the mystery scene.
Author's Web site: http://www.davidstuartdavies.com
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