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Devils in Paradise: Crime Never Sleeps in the City of Angels
It’s a hot October in 1946, and L.A. has become ground zero in America's anti-Red crusade. Russians are the last thing on PI's Kit and Henry's minds, however, when they accept a job finding a rare first edition of a Jules Verne novel. Client Donald Dreiland, a pulp magazine editor, believes his assistant Marlene stole the book, then did a runner. To find the book then, Kit and Henry must find Marlene. But Marlene, a former child prodigy and secret Code Girl, has dropped from sight. The detectives soon discover they aren’t the only ones on the hunt, and their relentless Russian competitors are deadly serious about finding Marlene first. As subterfuge and secrets pile up, Kit and Henry are forced to question the nature of their mission and who exactly is paying their fees.
- GenresMystery
317 pages, Paperback
Published August 5, 2025
3275 people want to read
About the author
A.D. Price
4 books69 followersBorn in Washington, D. C., A. D. Price is an Emmy-winning screenwriter and author. Her publications (as Amy Dunkleberger) include educational books and feature articles on historical and arts-related subjects. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 14, 2025
Told by several POV this book will grab you from beginning to end and even though it’s book two on a series it can be read as a standalone.
Part historical fiction part thriller but full of adventure the book has very well developed character with a very engaging plot that will keep your attention on its pages and rule for Kit and Henry to find the Verne book.
Looking forward to read the next book in the series.
Part historical fiction part thriller but full of adventure the book has very well developed character with a very engaging plot that will keep your attention on its pages and rule for Kit and Henry to find the Verne book.
Looking forward to read the next book in the series.
August 15, 2025
Shadows of Secrets in Post-War L.A.
A.D. Price’s Devils in Paradise, a Comfort & Company Mystery, weaves a compelling narrative set in the sun-soaked yet shadowy Los Angeles of 1946. The novel follows Kit Comfort, a private investigator with a scarred past, and her partner Henry Richman as they tackle the disappearance of Marlene Overbrook, an assistant editor, and a rare first edition of Jules Verne’s From the Earth to the Moon. Commissioned by Marlene’s employer, Donald Dreiland, Kit delves into a case that intertwines personal trauma, professional intrigue, and a web of secrets tied to a valuable book. The narrative arc unfolds as a classic detective story, with Kit navigating a labyrinth of clues while confronting her own vulnerabilities, set against the backdrop of a city recovering from wartime scars.
The novel explores themes of secrecy, trust, and the lingering effects of war. Price deftly examines how hidden truths—both personal and societal—shape relationships and motivations. Marlene’s mysterious note and the coveted book symbolize concealed knowledge, reflecting the era’s paranoia about espionage and betrayal, a nod to the Red Scare’s early stirrings. The theme of post-war disillusionment is palpable, particularly in Henry’s struggles with his wife Bea’s mental health, which mirrors the broader societal struggle to find normalcy after global conflict. These themes are woven seamlessly into the plot, enhancing its depth without overwhelming the mystery.
The characters are vividly drawn, with Kit’s resilience and Henry’s quiet stoicism anchoring the story. Kit, marked by a physical scar from a past case, embodies determination tempered by vulnerability, her interactions with clients revealing both her sharpness and empathy. Henry’s personal battles add emotional weight, though his arc occasionally feels secondary to Kit’s. Marlene, though absent for much of the narrative, is a compelling enigma, her prodigious intellect and hinted mental instability creating intrigue. The Los Angeles setting is a character in itself, with Price’s meticulous depiction of its post-war bustle—complete with Santa Ana winds and cultural shifts—lending authenticity. Historical details, such as references to internment camps and Hollywood’s Red Scare anxieties, ground the story, enhancing its immersive quality.
The story’s pacing is engaging, with the initial chapters gripping readers through Marlene’s tense escape and Kit’s methodical investigation. The middle sections occasionally slow as Price delves into character backstories, but the momentum builds toward a satisfying climax. The writing style is clear and evocative, employing a third-person perspective that shifts between characters to offer varied viewpoints. Price’s use of period-specific dialogue and vivid sensory details, like the clatter of trash cans in the wind, enhances the noir atmosphere. The novel’s structure, alternating between Kit’s investigation and glimpses of Marlene’s perspective, keeps the mystery dynamic.
Standout elements include Price’s ability to blend historical authenticity with a tightly plotted mystery and her nuanced portrayal of Kit’s resilience. However, the novel’s occasional overemphasis on secondary characters’ personal struggles can detract from the central plot.
Overall, Devils in Paradise succeeds as a thoughtful, atmospheric mystery, appealing to fans of historical fiction and classic detective stories. Its blend of post-war intrigue and personal redemption makes it a recommended read for those who enjoy Tana French or Jacqueline Winspear.
Voluntary review of a free advance review copy.
A.D. Price’s Devils in Paradise, a Comfort & Company Mystery, weaves a compelling narrative set in the sun-soaked yet shadowy Los Angeles of 1946. The novel follows Kit Comfort, a private investigator with a scarred past, and her partner Henry Richman as they tackle the disappearance of Marlene Overbrook, an assistant editor, and a rare first edition of Jules Verne’s From the Earth to the Moon. Commissioned by Marlene’s employer, Donald Dreiland, Kit delves into a case that intertwines personal trauma, professional intrigue, and a web of secrets tied to a valuable book. The narrative arc unfolds as a classic detective story, with Kit navigating a labyrinth of clues while confronting her own vulnerabilities, set against the backdrop of a city recovering from wartime scars.
The novel explores themes of secrecy, trust, and the lingering effects of war. Price deftly examines how hidden truths—both personal and societal—shape relationships and motivations. Marlene’s mysterious note and the coveted book symbolize concealed knowledge, reflecting the era’s paranoia about espionage and betrayal, a nod to the Red Scare’s early stirrings. The theme of post-war disillusionment is palpable, particularly in Henry’s struggles with his wife Bea’s mental health, which mirrors the broader societal struggle to find normalcy after global conflict. These themes are woven seamlessly into the plot, enhancing its depth without overwhelming the mystery.
The characters are vividly drawn, with Kit’s resilience and Henry’s quiet stoicism anchoring the story. Kit, marked by a physical scar from a past case, embodies determination tempered by vulnerability, her interactions with clients revealing both her sharpness and empathy. Henry’s personal battles add emotional weight, though his arc occasionally feels secondary to Kit’s. Marlene, though absent for much of the narrative, is a compelling enigma, her prodigious intellect and hinted mental instability creating intrigue. The Los Angeles setting is a character in itself, with Price’s meticulous depiction of its post-war bustle—complete with Santa Ana winds and cultural shifts—lending authenticity. Historical details, such as references to internment camps and Hollywood’s Red Scare anxieties, ground the story, enhancing its immersive quality.
The story’s pacing is engaging, with the initial chapters gripping readers through Marlene’s tense escape and Kit’s methodical investigation. The middle sections occasionally slow as Price delves into character backstories, but the momentum builds toward a satisfying climax. The writing style is clear and evocative, employing a third-person perspective that shifts between characters to offer varied viewpoints. Price’s use of period-specific dialogue and vivid sensory details, like the clatter of trash cans in the wind, enhances the noir atmosphere. The novel’s structure, alternating between Kit’s investigation and glimpses of Marlene’s perspective, keeps the mystery dynamic.
Standout elements include Price’s ability to blend historical authenticity with a tightly plotted mystery and her nuanced portrayal of Kit’s resilience. However, the novel’s occasional overemphasis on secondary characters’ personal struggles can detract from the central plot.
Overall, Devils in Paradise succeeds as a thoughtful, atmospheric mystery, appealing to fans of historical fiction and classic detective stories. Its blend of post-war intrigue and personal redemption makes it a recommended read for those who enjoy Tana French or Jacqueline Winspear.
Voluntary review of a free advance review copy.
November 22, 2025
Thank you to BookSirens for bringing this book to my attention and providing me with an ARC copy. And thank you to A.D. Price for writing such a good book.
This is the third book in the Comfort & Company series but I was told reading the previous books was not required. I usually like to read a series in-order but took it as a challenge to read this without reading the others first. It did take me some time to orient myself with the established characters but quickly figured things out with context. I, for instance, was under the impression Kit was a man having only read this book’s blurb. After realizing this though, I feel the story was way more exciting than I already thought it was going to be.
There are a few badass women in this book and Kit has got to be my favorite. Her profession as a woman sleuth is not only cool but also unique for a woman to have. Work was still limited for women after the war.
As for the storyline, it was engaging and believable. Russian influence in the United States was a genuine concern in the post-war years and Price has woven a mystery and conspiracy that seems could have actually happened in real life. Price furthermore did well in her research of this time period and made the characters use the correct vernacular. I thought that was a nice touch to immerse the reader in that era.
I ultimately very much enjoyed this book and just might go back to read the first two in the series and keep my eye out for any new books.
This is the third book in the Comfort & Company series but I was told reading the previous books was not required. I usually like to read a series in-order but took it as a challenge to read this without reading the others first. It did take me some time to orient myself with the established characters but quickly figured things out with context. I, for instance, was under the impression Kit was a man having only read this book’s blurb. After realizing this though, I feel the story was way more exciting than I already thought it was going to be.
There are a few badass women in this book and Kit has got to be my favorite. Her profession as a woman sleuth is not only cool but also unique for a woman to have. Work was still limited for women after the war.
As for the storyline, it was engaging and believable. Russian influence in the United States was a genuine concern in the post-war years and Price has woven a mystery and conspiracy that seems could have actually happened in real life. Price furthermore did well in her research of this time period and made the characters use the correct vernacular. I thought that was a nice touch to immerse the reader in that era.
I ultimately very much enjoyed this book and just might go back to read the first two in the series and keep my eye out for any new books.
January 10, 2026
The third in the Comfort & Co. series of mysteries, DEVILS IN PARADISE is an engrossing portrayal of post-WWII Los Angeles that is an absolute treat for anyone seeking excellent writing rather than the cookie-cutter sameness so often encountered in thrillers nowadays. I really enjoyed the central mystery, which is clever and satisfying, but it is Price's nuanced, often poignant characters and amazing ability to make history come alive that made me immediately dive back in for a reread as soon as I'd finished the book.
Private detectives Kit and Henry, and their circle of family, friends and enemies, are richly portrayed and will really stick with you. I especially love Kit's Army vet brother Stanley and Henry's troubled, clever wife Bea, both of whom are depicted with such sympathy and intelligence.
Being a huge history buff, I'm constantly astounded by Price's detailed research and insightful, atmospheric depiction of a city and country in turbulent growth after the devastations of World War II. I also really appreciate the intricate structure of her storytelling and the way she effortlessly moves between the perspectives of the various characters.
Here's hoping that the next installment in Kit's and Henry's adventures arrives soon and that there are many more to come!
Private detectives Kit and Henry, and their circle of family, friends and enemies, are richly portrayed and will really stick with you. I especially love Kit's Army vet brother Stanley and Henry's troubled, clever wife Bea, both of whom are depicted with such sympathy and intelligence.
Being a huge history buff, I'm constantly astounded by Price's detailed research and insightful, atmospheric depiction of a city and country in turbulent growth after the devastations of World War II. I also really appreciate the intricate structure of her storytelling and the way she effortlessly moves between the perspectives of the various characters.
Here's hoping that the next installment in Kit's and Henry's adventures arrives soon and that there are many more to come!
August 24, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, where Kit got involved in investigating and really found her place.
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to read the 2nd instalment, so I may have missed some important details that would have helped me 'get' Devils in Paradise better.
This book follows Kit as she tries to track down a rare novel, while her client has other, darker motives.
I found that having 5 main POV characters popping up telling their parts of the story was pretty distracting and really broke up my flow of following the narrative. The writing/phrasing really seemed awkward in places as well, like it didn't go with whatever character we were with at that moment. It would have made more sense for me if Kit and Marlene had been the main voices, with the villain's 'novel' as excerpts and Kit's brother and Henry becoming part of Kit's voice.
I do enjoy the very strong descriptions of day to day life in post WWII L.A., and appreciate the author's dedication to realism.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, where Kit got involved in investigating and really found her place.
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to read the 2nd instalment, so I may have missed some important details that would have helped me 'get' Devils in Paradise better.
This book follows Kit as she tries to track down a rare novel, while her client has other, darker motives.
I found that having 5 main POV characters popping up telling their parts of the story was pretty distracting and really broke up my flow of following the narrative. The writing/phrasing really seemed awkward in places as well, like it didn't go with whatever character we were with at that moment. It would have made more sense for me if Kit and Marlene had been the main voices, with the villain's 'novel' as excerpts and Kit's brother and Henry becoming part of Kit's voice.
I do enjoy the very strong descriptions of day to day life in post WWII L.A., and appreciate the author's dedication to realism.
November 10, 2025
DEVILS IN PARADISE is a fast-paced historical fiction crime thriller, perfect for fans of Harlan Coben and Kristin Hannah novels.
The post-war haze of sadness is slowly lifting from LA, but a new weight is dropping- the Red scare. Meanwhile, PI protege Kit races to find a rare edition of a book, while her mentor Harry struggles with personal issues. During the investigation, Kit starts to wonder about the motives of the suspected thief, magazine editor Marlene, and her editor- in- chief who hired her.
Told in multiple POV's, DEVILS IN PARADISE switches between the missing book mystery and the paranoia growing around the country due to political pressure and media bias. This action-packed mystery will take readers on a roller coaster though late 1940's Los Angeles, leaving them exhilarated and ready for the next installment in the Comfort & Company series.
Thank you The Niche Reader for the free Advanced Copy.
The post-war haze of sadness is slowly lifting from LA, but a new weight is dropping- the Red scare. Meanwhile, PI protege Kit races to find a rare edition of a book, while her mentor Harry struggles with personal issues. During the investigation, Kit starts to wonder about the motives of the suspected thief, magazine editor Marlene, and her editor- in- chief who hired her.
Told in multiple POV's, DEVILS IN PARADISE switches between the missing book mystery and the paranoia growing around the country due to political pressure and media bias. This action-packed mystery will take readers on a roller coaster though late 1940's Los Angeles, leaving them exhilarated and ready for the next installment in the Comfort & Company series.
Thank you The Niche Reader for the free Advanced Copy.
September 2, 2025
Book Sirens eARC. In Los Angeles in October of 1946 post war America is in the midst of anti-Red campaigns with many citizens under review. When Comfort and Company are hired to recover a rare first edition of a Jules Verne novel the last thing they expect is to cross paths with Russian spies. Missing woman Marlene is believed to be the culprit but she proves elusive. This compelling historical mystery series spotlights the changes that follow a world war and the many impacts on society. The narrative being told from multiple points of view adds interest and perspective. Henry, Kit and Ruby are diverse engaging characters and none are your typical gum shoe. The plot is complex and fast paced with a solid climax. With each entry the reader delves a little deeper into the back story and personality of the recurring cast of realistic characters. An entertaining atmospheric read.
August 18, 2025
What a journey! What an epic ending! What the heck did I just witness in this reading? I'm elated, I'm satisfied, and feel like fireworks wired to the explosions next time for a proper send off, and to add another dimension ! Lol. I didn't know where to start, but I just dug in and hoped for the best while I was inhaling this book. It's got all the elements needed to make you scream in your seat with joy at the end. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
August 27, 2025
In reading this book, the third in a series, I wished I had read the second as some points would make more sense but it did not detract from the overall outline. There were at least 5 different points of view progressing through the story depending on where you are up to in the narrative. At times, I found this distracting as I was just getting into following along with one of the characters, say Kit, then it would jump to Drieland and I would have to refocus on his story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 4, 2025
I'm really enjoying this series as I like the characters at the heart of the Comfort and Company agency. It's great to have a female major protagonist and this is a period of US history that I know relatively little about as a Brit.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoy both the mystery plot as well as the secondary sub-plots such as around Kit's brother and his life, Henry's wife and the societal themes such as veterans and the Communist scares…
Looking forward to seeing how this series progresses
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoy both the mystery plot as well as the secondary sub-plots such as around Kit's brother and his life, Henry's wife and the societal themes such as veterans and the Communist scares…
Looking forward to seeing how this series progresses
January 5, 2026
i would really like to give this 4.5 stars. I enjoyed the pace of the story and the dynamic between Kit and Henry was interesting. I liked the fact readers had a chance the feelings and thoughts of the main characters as the mystery deepened. Kit is nothing if not thorough; I also enjoyed that about her. I had not read the first 2 books before reading Devils in Paradise, but this story stands out as an individual one without someone reading the first 2 books in the series.
This was a fine read; I'm on to book 1!
This was a fine read; I'm on to book 1!
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November 4, 2025"Devils in Paradise is a private eye story glamorously set in 1940s Los Angeles." - Mystery Review Crew
Read our full review of Devils in Paradise on Mystery Review Crew
Read our full review of Devils in Paradise on Mystery Review Crew
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews