This is a complex, intricately written book which works well enough as a standalone. Part espionage/PI novel, part slice of life character driven drama, it has a fully retro-1967 pre-Stonewall-riots-NYC vibe that has so much verisimilitude it could easily have been *written* contemporaneously. The dialogue is exquisitely well done without a false note in the entire narrative. I really liked the fact that although Vera was a problem solver, physically adept and clever, she certainly wasn't immune to physical or emotional pain. She puts her head down and keeps on going, despite the difficulties. I related very much to her insecurity navigating the minefields of personal interaction and dating and her weird relationship with her disapproving and difficult mother.
Many readers who read a large volume of modern fiction might have trouble quantifying precisely what makes for a standout book but know it when they read it. Is it the quality of the narrative, the pacing, the characterization, the tension and story arc? Whatever it is, this book has it in spades. This is top shelf fiction and it's delightful that it's a PI novel (and the mean streets of NYC in the latter half of the 60s was a really big bonus for me).
Five stars. Definitely one of my top reads for 2020. Highly highly recommended.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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