Dead Silver: A Novel

Hugh Davoren #2

by Neil McMahon

Their first appearance in Lone Creek helped garner McMahon the most extraordinary reviews of his career. None other than mystery guru Otto Penzler said: "It is the poignant and knowing prose that elevates this novel to literature. What separates this book from other outstanding crime novels is the moral might of the hero—and he is a hero, just as Philip Marlowe, Lew Archer, Spenser, Harry Bosch, and C. W. Sugrue are. Davoren believes in friendship, his word, honor, and the earth—the bleak but beautiful mountainous west." Dead Silver begins with a distraught call to Hugh Davoren from the daughter of a famous professor when she finds a wooden box containing disturbing photos and an earring that belonged to her stepmother, murdered after protesting the opening of a silver mine. With his trademark descriptions of the well-to-do and the down-and-out, McMahon brings in a cast of colorful characters who support and oppose Hugh and his friend Madbird—plenty of people who may have had a hand in the murder cases that these photos have reopened. And Hugh's judgment could be clouded by his feelings for the professor's vulnerable but feisty daughter, who is trying to draw the killer out on her own.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Westerns

288 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2008

About the author

aka Daniel Rhodes.



Neil McMahon grew up in Chicago, holds a degree in psychology from Stanford, and has lived in Montana since 1971. His wife, Kim, coordinates the annual Montana Festival Of The Book. Along with writing, he spent many years working as a carpenter. He has published ten thrillers in addition to co-authoring, with James Patterson, the #1 New York Times bestseller, TOYS. His first three novels, horror thrillers NEXT, AFTER LUCIFER; ADVERSARY; and CAST ANGELS DOWN TO HELL, are newly released for the first time since their original publication 1987-90.

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this out at the same time I got Lone Creek. McMahon is a very good writer. I thought this book lacked the depth of plot detail and some stretches of believability that made Lone Creek overshadow it. None-the-less, I really enjoyed the read.

[Steven Howes · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I read Lone Creek, I tried several other Nneil McMahon books. This was a good, fun read as well. I read it in a day.

[Paul McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery that takes place in Montana.
Excellent storytelling. For some reason the author never wrote another book in this series.

[Judith E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read of McMahon. I enjoyed the writing style although I don't think I know enough about the subject. I am starting now to read Lone Creek. On a personal note, I guess I should say how I came about reading his books. I found an address in some old stuff I was going thru that belonged to my mother. Mr. McMahon's mother (Georgia) and my mother Esther W. Edson were teachers together in Illinois. I remember that Georgia had a son who lived in Montana and was a writer. So in this 21st century we all check some things out on the internet. I found his web site and want to tell him that I and enjoying his writing and that I remember his mother fondly. I am looking forward to reading, Revolution No.9 and To the Bone. I hope you are doing well and that your wife enjoys and is successful in her establisment of the Montana Arts Festival.
Best wishes,
Judith Edson Fleming
dsjf1957a2gmail.com

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this charater, Hugh Davoren, that McMahon has developed. This book is number two for the character. It is a good solid mystery. Hugh is a carpenter along with his friend Madbird in Montana. A woman from his past wants him to investigate the murder of her stepmother and her boyfriend. She feels her father was set up for the fall. With the help of Madbird and the local sheriff, Hugh starts peeling back the layers and soon finds himself fighting for his life in the mountains of Montana.

This is just a good barebones, straight at you, mystery.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but not as good as what I'm used to from McMahon. Dead Silver just never developed the speed and was predictable for those who read anything. You could guess the bad guys were and you never doubted yourself.

[Troy Groff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was pretty good. I liked the close friendship between the 3 characters, Hugh, Madbird and Renee. Also, the feel of Montana was nice to read about. I would definitely read another book by Neil McMahon. I would recommend this to friends.

[Andrew Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing seemed awkward at the beginning, but I soon got into the flow. Overall, I enjoyed the book....a one day read. The story-line was interesting and the ending was not 'story-book'....which was ok with me. I would be willing to read more of his books.

[PulpMonkey (Chompa) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book featuring these characters. McMahon is a writer I greatly enjoy as are his characters. This was a very good read.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were rich and I enjoyed the modern day western setting.

[Rob Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice change from San Francisco doc to Montana ranch hand. Prefer these his previous books.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Montana civilian mystery

[Liz Foreman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like reading Neil McMahon. A good, solid mystery with interesting characters.

[Brandon Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent read could of been better though. Didn't really have any excitement until about 80% into book

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

was alright