Book Review: No Hearts, No Roses

Introducing laid back amateur sleuth Tony Gerard in this gripping new historical mystery series - Ten years after the end of World War II, Tony Gerard, amateur P.I., lives a peaceful life. That is until a routine call from the glamorous Beverly Beaumont, asking Gerard to investigate the disappearance of her brother, ends in the discovery of a body and a face from the past. A face from Paris, 1945.

I downloaded this novel from Amazon, read it last week and I'm glad I did. I've always been a fan of detective stories and read them whenever I can--that is between all the other types of fiction and non-fiction I'm a fan of. The author of No Hearts, No Roses, Colin Murray, is a Facebook friend; we share interests in not only crime fiction but in both types of music as well: jazz and classical. (That's a joke, one I tell too often perhaps.)  Whenever I can, I try to read published stories by authors I know personally because I have learned from my own writing experience that it's sometimes difficult to find readers and also because I feel that it's only the polite and right thing to do; besides, I get curious about the talent and style of my writer friends. On occasion I am left disappointed, but definitely not in this case; Mr. Murray has talent and style to spare and this tale of 1950's London feels rich and authentic with plenty of jazzy atmosphere and a delightfully quirky cast of characters. Not to mention all the necessary thrills.

If you're a fan of classic mysteries, this particular time and locale, or just fine writing, I can happily recommend this book. And there's a sequel available as well.

Till next time,

--DTW

Severn House Publishers link