The Fairfax Incident by Terrence McCauley

The first Chapter starts slow, but- this book is a roller coaster of a ride. The writing is strong and reminiscent of Dashiell Hammett's, The Maltese Falcon. This one grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. It has everything a 1930's Detective Story should have...strange deaths, beautiful women, lots of players and a brash Humphrey Bogart type Lead.  I love this type of story set in the thirties and forties, when they are well written. 

Mrs. Eleanor Blythe Fairfax of Park Avenue hires Charlie Doherty to prove her Husband was murdered. But no-one believed that. The Chief of Police had a thick conclusive file on it. Her Brother, Dr. Blythe, thinks Eleanor is trying to prove the impossible. But, if the case is as dead as her husband- why do people keep trying to kill Charlie? Who is being blackmailed to report his movements and why?

Charlie hasn't had time for Women, since his Wife divorced him and went back to Poughkeepsie, New York with his two kids. Now, the Secretary is trying to seduce him on top of everything else. That is only the beginning of Charlie Doherty's trouble. I thought I would read this book over two or three days. But I couldn't quit  until I found out how it ended. It is reminiscent of the great Detective thrillers of that Golden Era of Writing. I really enjoyed the fast pace. I am giving it five stars.

Blurb:

Award-winning author Terrence McCauley takes you back to a time when booze was outlawed, crime ran rampant, and New York City was a powder keg waiting to explode…

Manhattan, 1933. Charlie Doherty may have been kicked off the force after The Grand Central Massacre, but thanks to a wealthy benefactor, his private detective business is booming. Catering to the city’s wealthy elite, Doherty is making a good living chasing down wayward spouses and runaway socialites when the case of a lifetime lands in his lap. Mrs. Fairfax, a wealthy widow, hires Doherty to prove her husband’s suicide wasn’t actually a suicide. It was murder.

At his benefactor's urging, Doherty takes the case. He expects to pocket a nice chunk of change to prove what everyone already knows: Walter Fairfax walked into his office in the Empire State Building one morning, took a phone call, and shot himself. But Charlie took the widow's money, so he begins to dig.

He quickly finds out there is more to the Fairfax incident than a simple suicide. Before long, he discovers that Mr. Fairfax was leading a double life; running with a dangerous crowd that has a sinister agenda that threatens to plunge Charlie’s city – and his country – into another war.
In an investigation that quickly involves global implications, Doherty finds himself against not only some of the most powerful people in New York City, but against the most evil men in the world.

Reviews:

"A total knockout. A slam-bang mystery and a story that just won't quit. You will not put it down.” ―Timothy Hallinan, author of the Poke Rafferty and Junior Bender novels

"McCauley has merged a classic detective story with a full-on actioner, and it works beautifully.” ―Booklist

"An intriguing standalone from McCauley...readers will hope to see more of the likeable, capable Charlie.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Readers will be glued to the pages.” ―Suspense Magazine