Monday, May 05, 2008

Mini Review: The Black Dove

Today's mini review is on The Black Dove by Steve Hockensmith (Guess where the link takes you.)

It's summer 1893, and cowboy detectives Big Red and Old Red are still in San Francisco trying to get real jobs as detectives while waiting to find out if Big Red's book about their previous two cases will be published.

While wandering through China Town, they are reunited with a friend who is obviously on edge about something. Then, when they go back to see him the next day, they find him dead. But suicide doesn't sit right with Old Red, so he begins investigating. Can they figure out what happened in a part of town where they aren't welcome?

Once again, this book has that wonderful historical feel to it. While there are lots of funny parts, the overall book is very serious in tone. In fact, it is the most serious of the series so far. The mystery was compelling and the characters are great, especially Big Red and Old Red, who I really feel I've gotten to know over the three books in the series to date.

My only complaint is the character's foul mouths. Everyone seems to swear at every opportunity. I enjoy the books enough to overlook that, but if that bothers you, you might want to steer clear.

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