BLURB:
It's Christmas 1943 and
the world is at war. Journalist Nathan Doyle has just returned home from North Africa --still recovering from wounds received in
the Western Desert Campaign--when he's asked to
cover the murder of a society blackmailer.
Lt. Matthew Spain of the
LAPD homicide squad hates the holidays since the death of his beloved wife a
few months earlier, and this year isn’t looking much cheerier what with the
threat of attack by the Japanese and a high-profile homicide investigation.
Matt likes Nathan; maybe too much.
If only he didn’t suspect
that Nathan had every reason to commit murder.
EXCERPT:
He stared into Mathew Spain’s
long-lashed hazel eyes, and he realized with sudden terrible clarity that Spain
knew all about him. Knew exactly what he was. Knew it as surely as though
Nathan’s ugly history were an open file on his Spain ’s
tidy desk. In fact…Nathan glanced at Spain ’s
desktop as though somehow the explanation could be found there, because how did
Spain
know? How? Had it become that obvious? Like a scarlet letter branded into his
skin -- or the mark of Cain?
Hot blood flushed Nathan’s face, and
just as quickly drained away, leaving him feeling light-headed. He drew back,
drawing sharply on his cigarette. He sat very straight.
“Why am I here?” Nathan asked,
blowing out a stream of blue smoke. His voice was just about steady.
“Why didn’t you mention you were with
the Arlen kid on Saturday night?”
“I wasn’t with him,” Nathan said. “I
ran into him at the Las Palmas Club. We had a drink together.” He shrugged.
“She doesn’t know me very
well.” Nathan studied the ashes on his cigarette.
“Did she threaten to kill
her husband and Pearl Jarvis?”
“She might have.” Nathan
smiled wryly. “I wasn’t listening that carefully to tell you the truth.”
“Why’s that?”
Nathan said slowly, “I went there for a few
drinks and some laughs, but after I got there…I realized that really wasn’t
what I needed.”
“What did you need?” Spain
asked -- and Nathan, for the life of him, couldn’t think of how to answer.
"Lt. Spain". What a great name. And everything about that book is so noir. Will there be a sequel?
ReplyDeleteOh yes. There will definitely be a sequel. :-)
DeleteI loved,loved this novel :)! I still hope for sequel. And their Coda is so loving and desperate. I heard sample of it's audiobook and I must say, that's my next goal. The narrator's voice is perfect, just how I love my noir movies and mysteries :),
ReplyDeleteGoge
Alexander is one of my favorite narrators. He does an especially great job with this one. :-)
DeleteI think this might be my next listen. It's been too long since I've read it. It's nice that you're giving us these reminders of the gifts you've given us.
ReplyDelete:-) Thanks, M!
DeleteI reread this in the Fall. One of your truly great ones, Josh. Heartbreakingly beautiful. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Susan. :-)
DeleteThis one was one of your most heartbreaking reads I loved the audio book, how these guys get to have a life together in that time and place had me very sad...because I couldnt figure out how but I had faith in Spain that he could hold onto Nathan. Grin...he seemed a pretty determined guy.
ReplyDeleteI've just started re-reading Snowball in Hell. The first time I read it I loved it so much... I am really looking forward to reading more about Doyle and Spain. Do you have any approximate date for the sequel?
ReplyDeleteI loved this book, so many emotions - glad to read there will be a sequel!
ReplyDeleteSNOWBALL!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLoved this tight, moody book!!!! Sequels are appreciated!!!!!!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!!
Rosei
And that pic above is smokin'!!!!!!! {:^D
DeleteI loved the audible book. Nathan's voice was wonderful. This is one of my favorite books of yours. Of course, I say that about all of them. :)
ReplyDeleteDidn't read that one...but I LOVED that excerpt!!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorites of yours... possibly my most favorite. I just recently listened to it in Audiobook. I am looking forward to more of them.
ReplyDeleteI listened to the audiobook just a couple of days ago, and it was just perfect! - the story, the narration, the atmosphere - i love the atmosphere - and there's a scene towards the end *sigh* i'd forgotten how moving that scene was. Looking forward to the sequel :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorites. I haven't heard it on audio, though. Maybe I'll try it. And I really can't wait for the sequel.
ReplyDeleteI just read this recently and LOVED it. Felt so much for each of the MCs.
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful book! Interwoven sadness and joy! I am very happy, that you will write a second book.
ReplyDelete