Taut, tense, and suspenseful… A fun romp through and through.
Set in a retro-futuristic 1935 San Francisco, MacArthur’s second installment in the Lou Tanner Mystery series plunges the hard-boiled investigator into a labyrinth of murder and intrigue. Amidst the diesel-fueled chaos of a city on the brink of war, Lady Detective Lou Tanner finds herself entangled in a web of murder and conspiracy. With looming Nazi threats and ruthless politicians lurking around every corner, she must rely on her wits and sharp instincts to solve the case. Will she come out unscathed or succumb to the treacherous forces at play in her beloved Bay City?
Witty dialogue and well-developed characters with unique quirks and idiosyncrasies add levity to the narrative, balancing its darker themes. Lou, a cynic to her core, navigates the treacherous waters of her profession with unwavering self-reliance, relying solely on her sharp tongue and cunning mind. Her witty internal observations of those around her and the absurdities of her situation add humor to her story. Meanwhile, the funny, resourceful, and capable Marley is a complete darling. MacArthur vividly depicts a grim San Francisco where cutting-edge technology and urban decay intertwine, with towering symbols of progress overshadowing dilapidated structures and the pungent odor of fish and coal lingering in the air. Futuristic self-driving cabs and crawlers provide a dramatic backdrop to Tanner’s detective work. The novel’s pacing is swift, and unexpected plot twists keep readers guessing. Throughout it all, the story delves into themes of self-discovery, friendship, moral ambiguity, resilience, and relationships. A humorous, entertaining read that grips from start to finish.
No Requiem for the Tin Man: A Lou Tanner Mystery
T.E. MacArthur
Coming soon
