Homicide 69
by Sam Reaves
Published by Carroll & Graf
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Reviewed by Nicole M. Boals
Get ready for a gripping detective story written in the spirit of the classic detective novel. Homicide 69 is a great read from cover to cover, and you aren’t going to want to put it down.
Set in the gritty time of 1969 Chicago, Homicide 69 follows the path of veteran Detective Mike Dooley as he doggedly follows a case he just can’t let go. The homicide of a young woman seems to be an open and shut case when a seedy character confesses to his involvement. However, Dooley knows something isn’t right. He follows his instincts into a world with beautiful women, mobsters, crooked cops, and the FBI. He is determined, against all odds (and orders from above) to find out who really killed the young woman and bring them to justice.
The story goes far beyond just the investigation, which is a large part of the intrigue of the novel. Dooley has a strained family situation, with an unsatisfied wife, teenage daughter, a son struggling with his identity and another son in Vietnam. He must balance being a part of all of their lives while following a case that is capturing all of his thoughts and most of his time. In addition to his family, Dooley has a partner, bosses, and a very special witness to keep happy. His struggle to balance all of the challenges in his life adds a subtle element of drama to the story.
The novel brilliantly incorporates many of the historical events into the story. It is very interesting to get a picture of how events like the moon landing affected day-to-day life in 1969.
Homicide 69 is an interesting and very exciting read. The characters are well developed and you will come to care deeply about their well-being. While the novel doesn’t leave any loose ends, it definitely leaves you wanting Mr. Reaves to write some more.
Armchair Interviews says: An outstanding 5-star read!
Author’s Web site: http://www.samreaves.com