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Henry Wood Detective #1
Henry Wood Detective Agency
Jan 1, 1955
Henry Wood is suffering greatly from a festive night of saying goodbye to 1954. His world is one of black and white, right and wrong, but his life is about to change and there will forever be shades of grey. An average detective, with a passion for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Henry is about to be hired by a beautiful woman, to find her father and his journal. It seems simple enough, but when a second woman appears, wanting his services, to find the same journal, he suspects he might be in over his head. He’s right. They are the least of his problems. The local mafia boss, Tommy ‘The Knife’, wants the journal too. As long as it is missing, he is vulnerable, and the other bosses smell blood in the water.
Who can Henry trust? Henry has a mysterious benefactor that he has never met, but seems to have his best interest at heart. Will Henry take the help that is offered? Does he have a choice?
Henry Wood is suffering greatly from a festive night of saying goodbye to 1954. His world is one of black and white, right and wrong, but his life is about to change and there will forever be shades of grey. An average detective, with a passion for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Henry is about to be hired by a beautiful woman, to find her father and his journal. It seems simple enough, but when a second woman appears, wanting his services, to find the same journal, he suspects he might be in over his head. He’s right. They are the least of his problems. The local mafia boss, Tommy ‘The Knife’, wants the journal too. As long as it is missing, he is vulnerable, and the other bosses smell blood in the water.
Who can Henry trust? Henry has a mysterious benefactor that he has never met, but seems to have his best interest at heart. Will Henry take the help that is offered? Does he have a choice?
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2011
300 people are currently reading
980 people want to read
About the author
Brian D. Meeks
22 books100 followersBrian D. Meeks is a graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Economics. He is the author of the Henry Wood Detective Series, a satire series, Underwood, Scotch, and Wry, and has some stand alone YA, a science fiction series, and in 2019 is working on a 10 book Epic Fantasy series.
He lives on the Las Vegas strip.
And really loves people who post pictures of guinea pigs on Facebook.
They are adorable!
He lives on the Las Vegas strip.
And really loves people who post pictures of guinea pigs on Facebook.
They are adorable!
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May 20, 2019Free on Amazon 20th May 2019
January 30, 2015
I picked this up because it happened to be on free promotion at the same time as my book. I thought it was a straight detective story, but in fact there's a mysterious closet that dispenses woodworking equipment and advice from the future. It was a rewarding read, and I'm now reading the sequel, which I bought.
One of the best things about noir for me is the language, and this book has some lovely turns of phrase. "She wore a Dior dress that would make an hourglass self-conscious", "Henry's flash of genius was looking more like a flash of imbecile" and "The falling snow painted a layer of clean on the city" were three that I highlighted. I wish there had been a lot more of these. On the downside, there are a number of small language errors, few very major, and the dialogue is stiff (mostly without contractions) and doesn't always fit the speaker very well. The Frenchman doesn't sound French, and the Italian gangsters don't sound like Italian gangsters. The author doesn't always put his commas where they belong, either, especially around names. It's pretty much a wash between that and the wonderful phrases for me, so three stars for language.
The characters, apart from their dialogue, are good. The main character, Henry, has more depth than the average private dick, with his woodworking hobby and his love of books, and he also, apparently, makes good money at it, since he has an office, an apartment and a house. The secondary characters also seem like real people with emotions and motivations and concerns, and aren't just cliches out of Cental Casting. Four stars for characters.
The plot is adequately mysterious and suspenseful, and the detective makes steady progress on solving the puzzle, which is important for me in a detective story. Four stars.
The setting is 1950s New York. It somehow doesn't give me that strong a 50s vibe, though it's certainly New Yorkish. The science-fictional element is neither explained in the book nor, really, essential to the resolution, but I assume it becomes more important later in the series. Three stars for setting.
The cover doesn't do the book justice, and needs improvement. Almost anything would improve it. (Edited to add: the new cover is a great improvement.)
Overall, I liked this book and will be following the series, so it gets an overall four stars from me.
One of the best things about noir for me is the language, and this book has some lovely turns of phrase. "She wore a Dior dress that would make an hourglass self-conscious", "Henry's flash of genius was looking more like a flash of imbecile" and "The falling snow painted a layer of clean on the city" were three that I highlighted. I wish there had been a lot more of these. On the downside, there are a number of small language errors, few very major, and the dialogue is stiff (mostly without contractions) and doesn't always fit the speaker very well. The Frenchman doesn't sound French, and the Italian gangsters don't sound like Italian gangsters. The author doesn't always put his commas where they belong, either, especially around names. It's pretty much a wash between that and the wonderful phrases for me, so three stars for language.
The characters, apart from their dialogue, are good. The main character, Henry, has more depth than the average private dick, with his woodworking hobby and his love of books, and he also, apparently, makes good money at it, since he has an office, an apartment and a house. The secondary characters also seem like real people with emotions and motivations and concerns, and aren't just cliches out of Cental Casting. Four stars for characters.
The plot is adequately mysterious and suspenseful, and the detective makes steady progress on solving the puzzle, which is important for me in a detective story. Four stars.
The setting is 1950s New York. It somehow doesn't give me that strong a 50s vibe, though it's certainly New Yorkish. The science-fictional element is neither explained in the book nor, really, essential to the resolution, but I assume it becomes more important later in the series. Three stars for setting.
The cover doesn't do the book justice, and needs improvement. Almost anything would improve it. (Edited to add: the new cover is a great improvement.)
Overall, I liked this book and will be following the series, so it gets an overall four stars from me.
December 6, 2011
Henry Wood is a detective, we see him bringing in the New Year with more of a groan than a bang! His cases are predictable and safe. Heading to his office on New Years Day with nothing to do but needing somewhere to go and nurse his vodka fuelled hangover his fireworks are just about to start!
We are introduced to Luna, a lady who is looking for her father who's strict routine has been broken - and he seems to have disappeared! I instantly liked Luna, there seemed to be an 'air' around her and her instant trust in Henry - I knew it was going to be good.
I liked the fact that we find out that Henry enjoys making things out of wood - things that he doesn't know what they are called or what they are for but he just enjoys making them, usually in books when they go off the main subject it bugs me, in this book however I found it quite endearing and enjoyed reading about it as much as the main storyline.
Henry is a good detective and soon finds some clues, but he is surprised to discover that he is not the only person wanting to find Luna's father.
We see Sylvia who has lost her own father trying to save her fathers name. Henry is reluctant to trust that everything is as it seems when it comes to Sylvia but that all changes.
Henry receives some clues in quite an unorthodox manner - that in itself is a mystery (one which I'm sure we will discover more about in future books) and again this had me quite hooked.
I won't give anymore away about the actual storyline itself - you'll have to read to find out! I will however say that it had me intrigued throughout, it is one of those books that the more you read, the more you want to find out.
As well as wanting to read about what's next for Henry, I'm also intrigued about the other characters and where they're stories will end up.
We are introduced to Luna, a lady who is looking for her father who's strict routine has been broken - and he seems to have disappeared! I instantly liked Luna, there seemed to be an 'air' around her and her instant trust in Henry - I knew it was going to be good.
I liked the fact that we find out that Henry enjoys making things out of wood - things that he doesn't know what they are called or what they are for but he just enjoys making them, usually in books when they go off the main subject it bugs me, in this book however I found it quite endearing and enjoyed reading about it as much as the main storyline.
Henry is a good detective and soon finds some clues, but he is surprised to discover that he is not the only person wanting to find Luna's father.
We see Sylvia who has lost her own father trying to save her fathers name. Henry is reluctant to trust that everything is as it seems when it comes to Sylvia but that all changes.
Henry receives some clues in quite an unorthodox manner - that in itself is a mystery (one which I'm sure we will discover more about in future books) and again this had me quite hooked.
I won't give anymore away about the actual storyline itself - you'll have to read to find out! I will however say that it had me intrigued throughout, it is one of those books that the more you read, the more you want to find out.
As well as wanting to read about what's next for Henry, I'm also intrigued about the other characters and where they're stories will end up.
August 20, 2015
Great read
It was a good clean read with lots of surprises. I felt the characters were realistic and stayed true to their personalities and roles.
It was a good clean read with lots of surprises. I felt the characters were realistic and stayed true to their personalities and roles.
July 12, 2012
MARK'S REVIEW
One aspect that clearly stood out from the very first page was the time setting. There were several obvious (and probably a few not so obvious) references to the 1950s, although I didn’t feel as immersed in the decade as I could have been. Time plays a very important role in this novel, taking on an almost supernatural nature. However, it seemed like an afterthought the first few times it was referenced, though it made me curious enough to keep reading.
The novel’s main downfall in my opinion is the lack of professional polish. It read like an unedited first or second draft, though according to Mr. Meeks an editor was hired, which demonstrates the need for extreme caution when a self-published or Indie author employs a freelance editor. There were two technical flaws noteworthy enough to mention. 1. Consistent misuse of commas and 2. Frequent shifting from past tense to present tense for no apparent reason, lacking any sense of a pattern.
Usually I don’t fuss too much about showing vs. telling; as long as I’m enjoying the story, any seeming lack of balance is either not recognized or ignored. With this book although I enjoyed several aspects of the story, I found the amount of telling too imbalanced to ignore. Because of this as well as some clunky dialogue, none of the characters seemed especially real to me. Even Henry, the main character, didn’t stand out from the rest of a fairly large cast of characters.
I recommend this book only because there is a previous gem buried underneath a rough exterior. After getting to know the writer via Twitter and a phone conversation, I feel he has a lot to offer the writing community. I got a sneak peek at the second book in the series, and I am pleased to say that the quality of writing is much better. In hindsight, though, I think this book would have been much better if he had waited to publish it, allowing him time to bring the quality of his writing to a slightly higher standard.
One aspect that clearly stood out from the very first page was the time setting. There were several obvious (and probably a few not so obvious) references to the 1950s, although I didn’t feel as immersed in the decade as I could have been. Time plays a very important role in this novel, taking on an almost supernatural nature. However, it seemed like an afterthought the first few times it was referenced, though it made me curious enough to keep reading.
The novel’s main downfall in my opinion is the lack of professional polish. It read like an unedited first or second draft, though according to Mr. Meeks an editor was hired, which demonstrates the need for extreme caution when a self-published or Indie author employs a freelance editor. There were two technical flaws noteworthy enough to mention. 1. Consistent misuse of commas and 2. Frequent shifting from past tense to present tense for no apparent reason, lacking any sense of a pattern.
Usually I don’t fuss too much about showing vs. telling; as long as I’m enjoying the story, any seeming lack of balance is either not recognized or ignored. With this book although I enjoyed several aspects of the story, I found the amount of telling too imbalanced to ignore. Because of this as well as some clunky dialogue, none of the characters seemed especially real to me. Even Henry, the main character, didn’t stand out from the rest of a fairly large cast of characters.
I recommend this book only because there is a previous gem buried underneath a rough exterior. After getting to know the writer via Twitter and a phone conversation, I feel he has a lot to offer the writing community. I got a sneak peek at the second book in the series, and I am pleased to say that the quality of writing is much better. In hindsight, though, I think this book would have been much better if he had waited to publish it, allowing him time to bring the quality of his writing to a slightly higher standard.
January 19, 2014
This is what could be a really nice read if not for a sudden appearance of a time travel closet that delivers tools? Really? I mean, it distracted me immensely from the otherwise decent detective story. As if the author felt his book needed something more than the mob and a detective solving a case the ordinary way.
Don’t get me wrong, if you forget about the closet and the non-story related clues, this is an old-fashioned detective story. Think Philip Marlow or any fifties mob and detective movie kind of story, but instead of doing old-fashioned detective work, he gets clues, which aren’t really clues at all, from a closet.
Like I said if not for that, it would be a decent read. The characters are well set, dialogue works like a charm. I could imagine them having their discussions and see the scenes. Nothing wrong there, but that silly closet that doesn’t really have a purpose as I suspected from the start.
Don’t get me wrong, if you forget about the closet and the non-story related clues, this is an old-fashioned detective story. Think Philip Marlow or any fifties mob and detective movie kind of story, but instead of doing old-fashioned detective work, he gets clues, which aren’t really clues at all, from a closet.
Like I said if not for that, it would be a decent read. The characters are well set, dialogue works like a charm. I could imagine them having their discussions and see the scenes. Nothing wrong there, but that silly closet that doesn’t really have a purpose as I suspected from the start.
February 5, 2016
The writing and tone suggests hard-boiled noir but this effort turned soft quickly. The first half was torturous to read. Short clipped narratives that seem fractured with little effort to fill in necessary detail. Fortunately, this improved over the course of the book
AND JUST FOR FUN, as it adds nothing substantial to the predictable plot, we have a mysterious time traveling closet that drops flotsam from the future into 1955. Really? I'm a scify fans so weirdness is welcomed but this literary device is totally unnecessary.
AND JUST FOR FUN, as it adds nothing substantial to the predictable plot, we have a mysterious time traveling closet that drops flotsam from the future into 1955. Really? I'm a scify fans so weirdness is welcomed but this literary device is totally unnecessary.
October 4, 2011
Nice job, Meeks! I thought it was fun and original. Great dialogue and true to the time period. Love the baseball references. One question: When they make the movie, can I play Luna?
January 30, 2015
Another free download that I enjoyed enough that I'll seek out more. A mixed up twist of noir with an element of time travel and I don't care for time travel so that surprised me. Solid mystery.
January 18, 2021
Like many of the other reviewers here, I had grabbed a free copy of the Kindle edition from Amazon. The cover art drew me in, harking back to the covers of Anthony Horowitz’ Diamond Brothers series of children’s detective novels. I subconsciously expected this book to tread similar ground based on this alone. However, this book is more a hardboiled crime story and less an absurdly comedic children’s yarn packed with dry, British wit.
The book has its strong points - characters feel like they lead real lives outside of the narrative (), the chapters are relatively short and the plot doesn’t meander. There’s also the supernatural cupboard whose mystery is not quite resolved even at the end of the book (after all, there are a couple of more books in this series).
However, as is to be expected from a debut, there are elements that leave much to be desired. The setting for one. The text tells us that the plot takes place in 1950s New York, but doesn’t really show us much of it leaving the story feeling anachronistic at times. Then, there’s the issue of dialogue. It isn’t terrible but it often comes off as stilted with some exchanges straying into the realm of stereotype or cliché. The mystery itself is rather tepid and the only real intrigue is afforded by the magic wardrobe.
While the book is narrated from a third person omniscient perspective, the text flits between the thoughts and voices of multiple characters within short spans which can leave a reader not a little disoriented. The protagonist often comes off as bland with some quirks nailed to him. The female characters, too, are done dirty. They have very little to do apart from serving as quest-givers and ‘Damsels in Distress’.
Again, as I mentioned, these could simply be teething problems that should be taken care of in the following entries in the series. I plan on reading at least the second instalment and reserve my final verdict until then.
The book has its strong points - characters feel like they lead real lives outside of the narrative (), the chapters are relatively short and the plot doesn’t meander. There’s also the supernatural cupboard whose mystery is not quite resolved even at the end of the book (after all, there are a couple of more books in this series).
However, as is to be expected from a debut, there are elements that leave much to be desired. The setting for one. The text tells us that the plot takes place in 1950s New York, but doesn’t really show us much of it leaving the story feeling anachronistic at times. Then, there’s the issue of dialogue. It isn’t terrible but it often comes off as stilted with some exchanges straying into the realm of stereotype or cliché. The mystery itself is rather tepid and the only real intrigue is afforded by the magic wardrobe.
While the book is narrated from a third person omniscient perspective, the text flits between the thoughts and voices of multiple characters within short spans which can leave a reader not a little disoriented. The protagonist often comes off as bland with some quirks nailed to him. The female characters, too, are done dirty. They have very little to do apart from serving as quest-givers and ‘Damsels in Distress’.
Again, as I mentioned, these could simply be teething problems that should be taken care of in the following entries in the series. I plan on reading at least the second instalment and reserve my final verdict until then.
October 18, 2024
“Henry Wood Detective Agency” is a peculiar read.
The writing is stiff and sometimes off-key.
The plot, set in 1955, depends on time travel, or maybe it doesn't (it all depends on a calling card).
Henry, P.I. and hobby carpenter, regularly finds items from the future in a cupboard at his home. Mostly they relate to woodwork. He has no idea who is sending them and little interest in profiting from the information he learns.
When he is hired, separately, by two young women to find their missing fathers on of them gives him his calling card. The card, however, is from a premises he has yet to occupy and he hasn't bought calling cards.
Henry dutifully follows a series of mysterious clues/puzzles to find out about why the men, who were business-linked, went missing and how to get them back.
There is some action but, in the main, this is cerebral fiction which Henry is sitting at the centre of a web and manipulating the strings. It's a conceit and doesn't really work, but it works well enough to get the job done.
It's very light noir and is just interesting enough to make me consider reading the second in the series (mostly because of the time travel element and the mysterious Bobby!).
If you like your novels to be straightforward and logical give this one a wide berth.
2.5 Stars, raised to 3 Stars.
The writing is stiff and sometimes off-key.
The plot, set in 1955, depends on time travel, or maybe it doesn't (it all depends on a calling card).
Henry, P.I. and hobby carpenter, regularly finds items from the future in a cupboard at his home. Mostly they relate to woodwork. He has no idea who is sending them and little interest in profiting from the information he learns.
When he is hired, separately, by two young women to find their missing fathers on of them gives him his calling card. The card, however, is from a premises he has yet to occupy and he hasn't bought calling cards.
Henry dutifully follows a series of mysterious clues/puzzles to find out about why the men, who were business-linked, went missing and how to get them back.
There is some action but, in the main, this is cerebral fiction which Henry is sitting at the centre of a web and manipulating the strings. It's a conceit and doesn't really work, but it works well enough to get the job done.
It's very light noir and is just interesting enough to make me consider reading the second in the series (mostly because of the time travel element and the mysterious Bobby!).
If you like your novels to be straightforward and logical give this one a wide berth.
2.5 Stars, raised to 3 Stars.
May 19, 2018
I accidentally picked up the second book in this series first, then ordered this one (the first) and then forgot I had it!! I really like Henry Wood!! He is a pretty sharp private eye working in New York City in the 1950s, with a little help from a secret closet, which seems to give him just what he needs, just when he needs it!
Two separate women hire Henry to find their missing fathers, and he is not sure if the second one is on the up-and-up, but soon figures out the two cases are related - and the fathers are both hiding from the mob, have been working together, and may be hiding out together.
Interesting, well-rounded characters, a believable description of NYC "back in the day" and a good story. I am ready for the next one in the series, which I have purchased, if I can only remember that I have!!
Two separate women hire Henry to find their missing fathers, and he is not sure if the second one is on the up-and-up, but soon figures out the two cases are related - and the fathers are both hiding from the mob, have been working together, and may be hiding out together.
Interesting, well-rounded characters, a believable description of NYC "back in the day" and a good story. I am ready for the next one in the series, which I have purchased, if I can only remember that I have!!
July 10, 2017
I don't really know what to make of this book. A private detective in 50s New York is approached by a young woman whose father is missing because of something to do with an accounting journal. Another young woman then hires him to find the journal because it will besmirch her dead father. His cop buddy warns him the mafia is involved and back off. Oh and then there is a magic cabinet from the future! The magic cabinet contents are the only way this case gets solved. Even how the daughters find our PI is related to the future. None of this is explained. It was engaging tale and I enjoyed the end. But it was cheating with the bizarre cabinet.
July 10, 2025
Interesting
There are lots of characters that are intriguing, along with happenings. I will read the next book because I am curious about what happens next. Detective, people disappearing, mystery, mob stuff, and fights. Sadly, one death. It's a mysterious closet that I need to find out if it's in the next book. The author writes actions to entice the reader to continue reading to the end. I just didn't care for the changing of characters in each chapter, kinda confusing if you don't read continuously one day or two. But that's my memory.
There are lots of characters that are intriguing, along with happenings. I will read the next book because I am curious about what happens next. Detective, people disappearing, mystery, mob stuff, and fights. Sadly, one death. It's a mysterious closet that I need to find out if it's in the next book. The author writes actions to entice the reader to continue reading to the end. I just didn't care for the changing of characters in each chapter, kinda confusing if you don't read continuously one day or two. But that's my memory.
November 8, 2024
An amusing enough read. We are kept engaged with wondering whether Henry Wood would outwit the gangland criminals.
I couldn’t quite engage with the character. The strange magic cupboard that delivered items from the future didn’t quite work for me, neither did Henry’s obsession with woodwork.
A note form the author sheds some light on all of this and it does then make sense.
Yes, a pleasant read.
I couldn’t quite engage with the character. The strange magic cupboard that delivered items from the future didn’t quite work for me, neither did Henry’s obsession with woodwork.
A note form the author sheds some light on all of this and it does then make sense.
Yes, a pleasant read.
June 24, 2020
Henry Wood is a washed up detective. His agency is floundering when a woman asks for his help in finding her father. Then another woman has the same request. The mob, bad cops, and murder hinder the investigation. Fast read. Good characters. I rate this a 4.8.
December 10, 2016
Another time and place
I loved being in this time and place through Henry's eyes. The manner and lifestyle are enviable in today's rushed hectic and terrible language that is becoming the norm. The characters were eccentric and likable.
I loved being in this time and place through Henry's eyes. The manner and lifestyle are enviable in today's rushed hectic and terrible language that is becoming the norm. The characters were eccentric and likable.
August 16, 2017
If there is such a thing a cute mystery noir.
December 23, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
July 27, 2018
Too many characters and all flat and boring to me. Not the type of book that keeps me turning the pages, but did make me sleepy.
October 25, 2018
This was a delightful whodunnit. A short novel with dames and damsels, crooks and corruption, PIs and cops. I look forward to reading more cozy mysteries with Henry and his friends.
November 30, 2018
I still don't really get the time travel closet, but I do this was a cute read.
February 23, 2019
Interesting read for all ages.
December 6, 2022
Outstanding book
This book is up to the caliber of John Grisham and Michael Connelly. I highly recommend this detective book. I look forward to the next book in the series.
This book is up to the caliber of John Grisham and Michael Connelly. I highly recommend this detective book. I look forward to the next book in the series.
November 27, 2023
Perfect vision of new York from the past. Enjoyed every page. Lineup of characters veered from the sublime to the hilarious.
October 1, 2011
This was such a complex, yet intriguing story. It's full of espionage, betrayal, and love. Yes, I said it - love. Everything you need when reading a thriller. Full of suspense and intrigue that will leave you wondering what will happen next.
Set in 1955, we catch a glimpse of what life in the Big Apple was like back then. There were no cell phones. No computers. No heavy electronics like we have today. Sure, the television had just been invented a couple before, but back then, people made do with the simplicities of life. And in all honesty, they enjoyed it.
Back then, people didn't have to worry about missed emails. Or whether they'd be able to contact someone online. No, they much preferred to spend as much time with their families and did their best to establish themselves within the world they lived in. Brian did an awesome job in showing this aspect of life back in the 50's.
He also gave us a very unique view into the every day life of a detective and the going-on's of what the world was like when gangsters ruled people with iron thumbs. Everything a person did, everything they said, it was known from every corner of New York. Retributions against those that were considered lacking, or those that gangsters felt owed them plenty were common. They didn't hesitate in taking a life or showing the person that they needed to show those in charge their loyalty.
This was how life was back then and the picture that Brian painted of it was quite vivid. He shows us what it was like to inhabit Henry's world. To see New York through his eyes. To see the good and the bad within the people he came across every day.
He accidentally, or in this case, intentionally - via several others, gets involved within a case of which he wonders if he'll ever be able to solve it. Luna Alexander has come to him in hopes of having him help her father. The beautiful Sylvia Culberson soon shows up and asks him for his help, too. Unable to deny them, he agrees, never knowing that his life has just been turned topsy-turvy.
Racing against time to decipher the clues that have been left behind by those involved, he watches his friends hurt in the process. It doesn't help that there's a betrayer in their midst. The journey towards his destination is rocky, and at times, he doubts if he'll ever make it to the end.
Little does he know, there's a guardian angel on his side. One who is intent on giving him everything he needs to achieve his goal. One who's also determined to see him succeed, even when he thinks he's failed.
Set in 1955, we catch a glimpse of what life in the Big Apple was like back then. There were no cell phones. No computers. No heavy electronics like we have today. Sure, the television had just been invented a couple before, but back then, people made do with the simplicities of life. And in all honesty, they enjoyed it.
Back then, people didn't have to worry about missed emails. Or whether they'd be able to contact someone online. No, they much preferred to spend as much time with their families and did their best to establish themselves within the world they lived in. Brian did an awesome job in showing this aspect of life back in the 50's.
He also gave us a very unique view into the every day life of a detective and the going-on's of what the world was like when gangsters ruled people with iron thumbs. Everything a person did, everything they said, it was known from every corner of New York. Retributions against those that were considered lacking, or those that gangsters felt owed them plenty were common. They didn't hesitate in taking a life or showing the person that they needed to show those in charge their loyalty.
This was how life was back then and the picture that Brian painted of it was quite vivid. He shows us what it was like to inhabit Henry's world. To see New York through his eyes. To see the good and the bad within the people he came across every day.
He accidentally, or in this case, intentionally - via several others, gets involved within a case of which he wonders if he'll ever be able to solve it. Luna Alexander has come to him in hopes of having him help her father. The beautiful Sylvia Culberson soon shows up and asks him for his help, too. Unable to deny them, he agrees, never knowing that his life has just been turned topsy-turvy.
Racing against time to decipher the clues that have been left behind by those involved, he watches his friends hurt in the process. It doesn't help that there's a betrayer in their midst. The journey towards his destination is rocky, and at times, he doubts if he'll ever make it to the end.
Little does he know, there's a guardian angel on his side. One who is intent on giving him everything he needs to achieve his goal. One who's also determined to see him succeed, even when he thinks he's failed.
November 16, 2013
First, let me say who will like this book: anyone who likes black and white detective movies, a la Dick Tracy. There are broads, dames, and mafia families. It's not a fast-paced, action packed story, but one that stresses the detective's thought processes and feelings about events.
Here's what I liked: that the main character, Henry Wood, is a wood-worker. That is a wonderful detail that makes him a well-drawn character. I liked the pacing of the story -- it never felt rushed -- and I liked the way the characters are introduced -- I was able to keep up with everyone and didn't get confused about who was who.
A few minor things bothered me, such as the use of the full name Tommy 'The Knife' nearly every time the character is mentioned. The single quotation marks annoy me but that is totally my training as an English major and is not a big deal -- based on my education the only time a single quote is used is when there is a need for quotation marks within a quotation. Also, after the introduction of the character it would be more in keeping with real life behavior if people either referred to him as simply "Tommy" or maybe "the Knife." The "the" shouldn't be capitalized either. But, as I said, that is a minor criticism and something that would probably on bother my fellow grammar-police-types.
On an equally personal note, I was slightly bored by the end of the story. I'm not a huge fan of 1950s detective stories. The setting doesn't really fascinate me, and the big "twist" that other readers seem to have loved didn't quite grab me.
Despite my criticism, this is a perfectly fine story. There are a few typos here and there, but no more than in most other books. If this is a genre, setting, and time period that you like, you should check it out.
Here's what I liked: that the main character, Henry Wood, is a wood-worker. That is a wonderful detail that makes him a well-drawn character. I liked the pacing of the story -- it never felt rushed -- and I liked the way the characters are introduced -- I was able to keep up with everyone and didn't get confused about who was who.
A few minor things bothered me, such as the use of the full name Tommy 'The Knife' nearly every time the character is mentioned. The single quotation marks annoy me but that is totally my training as an English major and is not a big deal -- based on my education the only time a single quote is used is when there is a need for quotation marks within a quotation. Also, after the introduction of the character it would be more in keeping with real life behavior if people either referred to him as simply "Tommy" or maybe "the Knife." The "the" shouldn't be capitalized either. But, as I said, that is a minor criticism and something that would probably on bother my fellow grammar-police-types.
On an equally personal note, I was slightly bored by the end of the story. I'm not a huge fan of 1950s detective stories. The setting doesn't really fascinate me, and the big "twist" that other readers seem to have loved didn't quite grab me.
Despite my criticism, this is a perfectly fine story. There are a few typos here and there, but no more than in most other books. If this is a genre, setting, and time period that you like, you should check it out.
January 12, 2016
Henry Wood is a meticulous man. Precision in both thought and movement sets him above his fellow man. When an attractive young woman (Luna Alexander) enters his office with a hefty retainer and an apparently simple task, he doesn’t hesitate to accept. No sooner than he is on the case, another attractive woman (Sylvia Culberson) approaches him with basically the same quest and another retainer. This is a fortunate windfall indeed as clients aren’t beating down his door. He is entrusted to find the two girls fathers and recover a journal that contains evidence against the mob.
The 1955 timeline takes the reader back sixty years with the now forgotten slang and dialect from a time fewer and fewer can remember. It is reminiscent of the Philip Marlow stories where violence is at a minimum and personal values and morals are at a premium. This tale has a circuitous storyline that sees Henry juggling roles as a macho man and white knight with a mysterious time defying closet lurking in the shadows. Written in short decisive chapters this book is reader friendly and relates an interesting (if not particularly nail-biting) plot. Henry’s affinity to books and libraries endeared him to me immediately. I think many readers will enjoy this story that reflects images of the past.
The 1955 timeline takes the reader back sixty years with the now forgotten slang and dialect from a time fewer and fewer can remember. It is reminiscent of the Philip Marlow stories where violence is at a minimum and personal values and morals are at a premium. This tale has a circuitous storyline that sees Henry juggling roles as a macho man and white knight with a mysterious time defying closet lurking in the shadows. Written in short decisive chapters this book is reader friendly and relates an interesting (if not particularly nail-biting) plot. Henry’s affinity to books and libraries endeared him to me immediately. I think many readers will enjoy this story that reflects images of the past.
August 16, 2015
Henry Wood Detective Agency - Brian D. Meeks It's New Year's Day 1955, and Henry Wood is suffering the effects of a big New Year's Eve. Then a dame walks into his detective agency and asks him to find her father and her father's journal. Then another dame wants to hire him to find the same journal. It's about at this point that everything goes pear-shaped.This is a pretty standard noir mystery, with a twist -- Henry's hobby is woodworking, and he has a special closet in his place where items from the future turn up from time to time. That's not the only time-travel aspect in the book, but to say any more would give the story away.The writing could use a polish. And there's an odd glitch in the formatting of my Kindle copy -- each new chapter begins almost at the bottom of the page, as if the author or formatter put in a whole bunch of extra returns before the chapter title. But if you like mysteries, it might be worth your time to give Henry Wood Detective Agency a whirl.
July 7, 2013
Henry Wood is a 50's PI. When a gorgeous dame walks in and asks him to look for her missing father, he can't say no. Thus begins a dangerous and mysterious journey to find out what happened to the accountant.
This is a new twist on an old favorite. Henry is a 'Sam Slade' gumshoe with a few peculiarities. The biggest one is that he has a portal in his closet that sends him gifts from the future. He has to be the only man in his time that owns a DVD player.
The mystery was a blast to figure out as well. Just when you think you know what the mystery is, you find out you're wrong. The clues are so obscure that I couldn't figure them out, yet it was fun watching Henry do so.
Complete with the five families and war between the mafia and the coppers, this is a must read for mystery fans out there. It fits into the genre perfectly while adding something new for readers.
This is a new twist on an old favorite. Henry is a 'Sam Slade' gumshoe with a few peculiarities. The biggest one is that he has a portal in his closet that sends him gifts from the future. He has to be the only man in his time that owns a DVD player.
The mystery was a blast to figure out as well. Just when you think you know what the mystery is, you find out you're wrong. The clues are so obscure that I couldn't figure them out, yet it was fun watching Henry do so.
Complete with the five families and war between the mafia and the coppers, this is a must read for mystery fans out there. It fits into the genre perfectly while adding something new for readers.
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