What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Cape Case Files #2
The Coconut Swindle
In this exciting prequel to the critically acclaimed Dane Curse, a pair of black capes are found dead on the floor of Wentorf Hall, mere inches away from the world’s largest diamond. Of course the cops think the pair killed each other over the heist. After all, everyone knows that the Vandenberg Coconut is a one size fits all motivation for murder. Everyone, that is, except for Dane Curse.
But when the former villain turned PI takes the case he’ll discover that the truth has more sides than a diamond has facets. And in order to get to it Dane will follow a trail that leads through an old enemy with a bagful of grudges, a killer who specializes in assassinating super villains, and a wealthy socialite with a murky motive. A thorny maze indeed, and sitting at its heart, mysteriously returned from years in hiding, is Dane’s very own daughter.
Will Dane Curse discover the thieves’ secret in time to solve the case, save his agency, and protect his only child from a vicious death? Or will he lose it all, just another victim of The Coconut Swindle?
In this follow up to the critically acclaimed Dane Curse, Matt Abraham, winner of Pulp Detective’s 2015 Newcomer of the Year Award, takes us on our second trip through Gold Coast City. It’s Dane’s very first case, the one that made the agency, but almost broke the man. If you like white knuckled action, devious dames, and heroic villains then get your copy today, and saddle up with the most exciting detective since Harry Dresden!
But when the former villain turned PI takes the case he’ll discover that the truth has more sides than a diamond has facets. And in order to get to it Dane will follow a trail that leads through an old enemy with a bagful of grudges, a killer who specializes in assassinating super villains, and a wealthy socialite with a murky motive. A thorny maze indeed, and sitting at its heart, mysteriously returned from years in hiding, is Dane’s very own daughter.
Will Dane Curse discover the thieves’ secret in time to solve the case, save his agency, and protect his only child from a vicious death? Or will he lose it all, just another victim of The Coconut Swindle?
In this follow up to the critically acclaimed Dane Curse, Matt Abraham, winner of Pulp Detective’s 2015 Newcomer of the Year Award, takes us on our second trip through Gold Coast City. It’s Dane’s very first case, the one that made the agency, but almost broke the man. If you like white knuckled action, devious dames, and heroic villains then get your copy today, and saddle up with the most exciting detective since Harry Dresden!
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2016
81 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 4, 2016
There aren’t many fictional characters who I’m an actual fan of (Jack Reacher tops the list) but Dane Curse, former black cape super villain and present day private investigator, is most certainly one of them.
In the first book the talented Matt Abraham introduced us to the futuristic Gold Coast City and its personable gumshoe protagonist, a super powered individual amongst many other super powered individuals, all with their own unique powers, moral ethics and idiosyncrasies. It was an impressive accomplishment which drew on the most entertaining aspects of comic books and the noir detective and ramped up the level of humour (especially with the wisecracks) several notches.
This second instalment is just as good. Once again the fast paced narrative centres around a who-done-it as Curse investigates the deaths of two would be diamond thieves, Thermite and Firewall, and it doesn’t take him long (a mixture of persistence and an unofficial visit to the morgue) to confirm the two have been murdered.
This time around the author develops his character a little more with the introduction of an ex-wife Tera and a seventeen year old daughter, Doodle, which allows for a deeper character study amidst all the comic book action and violence. Curse feels a mixture of regret for missing her growing up, his neglect as a parent and also worry that her mother has induced her into the criminal world. There’s an interesting irony in that Curse wants to put her on the straight and narrow path yet even as he contemplates this he is planning to break into a museum. Our protagonist may no longer be a black cape but he still treads a very dubious path, at least in a legal sense.
Fast paced, entertaining and fun throughout.
Five stars
In the first book the talented Matt Abraham introduced us to the futuristic Gold Coast City and its personable gumshoe protagonist, a super powered individual amongst many other super powered individuals, all with their own unique powers, moral ethics and idiosyncrasies. It was an impressive accomplishment which drew on the most entertaining aspects of comic books and the noir detective and ramped up the level of humour (especially with the wisecracks) several notches.
This second instalment is just as good. Once again the fast paced narrative centres around a who-done-it as Curse investigates the deaths of two would be diamond thieves, Thermite and Firewall, and it doesn’t take him long (a mixture of persistence and an unofficial visit to the morgue) to confirm the two have been murdered.
This time around the author develops his character a little more with the introduction of an ex-wife Tera and a seventeen year old daughter, Doodle, which allows for a deeper character study amidst all the comic book action and violence. Curse feels a mixture of regret for missing her growing up, his neglect as a parent and also worry that her mother has induced her into the criminal world. There’s an interesting irony in that Curse wants to put her on the straight and narrow path yet even as he contemplates this he is planning to break into a museum. Our protagonist may no longer be a black cape but he still treads a very dubious path, at least in a legal sense.
Fast paced, entertaining and fun throughout.
Five stars
February 8, 2016
I laughed a lot while reading this fast-moving crime noir crossed with superhero story; if it's not comedy it's irony. An earlier book introduced private eye Dane Curse, who has the handy gift of invulnerability. In a town filled with as many supernormals as normal people, some of them inevitably turn to crime and these are called black capes. Dane's got a record too but he's going straight, solving cases in Gold Coast City.
A pair of would-be jewel thieves are found dead next to the giant diamond known as the Coconut, and a relative convinces Dane that it wasn't a case of thieves falling out; somebody else must have been present and killed them. At least, this lady convinces Dane to take the case, but he has to investigate to convince himself of the veracity of her statement. This leads to him being mistaken for a thief too by a police detective called Monday.
What makes the story come alive in a way that's deeper than the veneer of clever names and stunts is the fact of Dane encountering his teenaged daughter for the first time in years. He values Doodle and wants to get to know her, but her mother, a black cape, isn't keen.
Due to the amount of violence - which unusually includes a bar fight between a man and a woman - and some rather gruesome imagery I'd recommend The Coconut Swindle for older teens and adults. Author Matt Abraham has certainly got a lively imagination.
A pair of would-be jewel thieves are found dead next to the giant diamond known as the Coconut, and a relative convinces Dane that it wasn't a case of thieves falling out; somebody else must have been present and killed them. At least, this lady convinces Dane to take the case, but he has to investigate to convince himself of the veracity of her statement. This leads to him being mistaken for a thief too by a police detective called Monday.
What makes the story come alive in a way that's deeper than the veneer of clever names and stunts is the fact of Dane encountering his teenaged daughter for the first time in years. He values Doodle and wants to get to know her, but her mother, a black cape, isn't keen.
Due to the amount of violence - which unusually includes a bar fight between a man and a woman - and some rather gruesome imagery I'd recommend The Coconut Swindle for older teens and adults. Author Matt Abraham has certainly got a lively imagination.
March 3, 2016
I received a copy of this novel in return for an honest review
First off the cover is great, some serious nostalgia there, noir style.
In fact the whole book is like that, very Maltese Falcon/Casablanca. Though then you add in the supernatural elements of this story as well: i.e. super powers. This combination was a fun read.
I haven’t read anything by the author before so it was a little confusing, this being book two and all. I was able to catch up and enjoy the author’s writing style, characters and plot. It made it much easier as this is the prequel to the first novel Dane Curse.
The plot line is pretty straight forward, the Dane Curse Detective Agency solves mysteries and finds bad guys. There is even a jewel heist, the world’s largest diamond the Vandenberg Coconut goes missing. Dane Curse and his side arms (which had cute nick names) must find the culprit!
The secondary characters are also pretty clever, people named: Mr. West, Viking etc.Etc...
I enjoyed this book, even though it’s a bit outside my normal genre. I recommend reading it, especially if you love Dick Tracy and Marvel Comics, this is a great mash up of several genres and will appeal to grownups and the YA New Adult crowd.
First off the cover is great, some serious nostalgia there, noir style.
In fact the whole book is like that, very Maltese Falcon/Casablanca. Though then you add in the supernatural elements of this story as well: i.e. super powers. This combination was a fun read.
I haven’t read anything by the author before so it was a little confusing, this being book two and all. I was able to catch up and enjoy the author’s writing style, characters and plot. It made it much easier as this is the prequel to the first novel Dane Curse.
The plot line is pretty straight forward, the Dane Curse Detective Agency solves mysteries and finds bad guys. There is even a jewel heist, the world’s largest diamond the Vandenberg Coconut goes missing. Dane Curse and his side arms (which had cute nick names) must find the culprit!
The secondary characters are also pretty clever, people named: Mr. West, Viking etc.Etc...
I enjoyed this book, even though it’s a bit outside my normal genre. I recommend reading it, especially if you love Dick Tracy and Marvel Comics, this is a great mash up of several genres and will appeal to grownups and the YA New Adult crowd.
April 3, 2016
**We received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
This could have gone either way, as a sci-fi or mystery/noir, I found equally to be appealing, and entertaining. The characters and the superpowers really set this series apart from others that I've read, and I'm thrilled to have been given the opportunity to read this. On that note, we were given it in exchange for a review, but I've also bought it.
We start off with Dane finishing up a job, his last job. Immediately, the author writes with the unforgettable flare that made me enjoy the first book, Dane Curse. There's irony, humor and some funny visuals all wrapped up in short, easy sentences.
In true Dane Curse form, he gets into trouble wherever he goes. Already starting out with a bit of tension, as most of the Black Capes think he's a snitch, he takes up a job that should be a close and shut case, but ends up being way bigger than even I expected! The story also revealed a bit more of the character's past. Dane's past comes back to him in the form of flesh and blood -- his daughter. She proves herself to be intelligent, and self-reliant ( at least when her mother, Dane's ex, isn't there pulling strings. ) I also adored her nickname, which was Doodle. Who couldn't love a character named Doodle? With family near, Dane manages to get into even more trouble. The moment you think you know what will happen, the story turns itself around, or the action scene goes completely away from what should happen. I loved the unpredictability of it all. Plus, the quips, and again hilarious writing, made each scene entertaining, putting me at the edge of my seat.
As the mystery gets pulled apart, bit by bit, Dane has some help from a shunned Detective Monday and together they're able to slowly trust one another and help one another out where it counts with the case. I really liked how they bonded, and though they seemed a bit alike in their basic morals, they are two different men.
I couldn't quite believe how far the mystery went. What should have been an easy "point your finger at the killer" case, went much deeper, and uglier. I think mystery fans, especially noir fans will love that. The cool gadgets will definitely keep sci-fi fans entertained as well.
CONCLUSION
With grit, action, and fast-talking characters I found this book hard to put down. There wasn't a moment where I could predict what was about to happen next. I am quite taken by this series and can't wait to find out where Dane goes next.
This could have gone either way, as a sci-fi or mystery/noir, I found equally to be appealing, and entertaining. The characters and the superpowers really set this series apart from others that I've read, and I'm thrilled to have been given the opportunity to read this. On that note, we were given it in exchange for a review, but I've also bought it.
We start off with Dane finishing up a job, his last job. Immediately, the author writes with the unforgettable flare that made me enjoy the first book, Dane Curse. There's irony, humor and some funny visuals all wrapped up in short, easy sentences.
In true Dane Curse form, he gets into trouble wherever he goes. Already starting out with a bit of tension, as most of the Black Capes think he's a snitch, he takes up a job that should be a close and shut case, but ends up being way bigger than even I expected! The story also revealed a bit more of the character's past. Dane's past comes back to him in the form of flesh and blood -- his daughter. She proves herself to be intelligent, and self-reliant ( at least when her mother, Dane's ex, isn't there pulling strings. ) I also adored her nickname, which was Doodle. Who couldn't love a character named Doodle? With family near, Dane manages to get into even more trouble. The moment you think you know what will happen, the story turns itself around, or the action scene goes completely away from what should happen. I loved the unpredictability of it all. Plus, the quips, and again hilarious writing, made each scene entertaining, putting me at the edge of my seat.
As the mystery gets pulled apart, bit by bit, Dane has some help from a shunned Detective Monday and together they're able to slowly trust one another and help one another out where it counts with the case. I really liked how they bonded, and though they seemed a bit alike in their basic morals, they are two different men.
I couldn't quite believe how far the mystery went. What should have been an easy "point your finger at the killer" case, went much deeper, and uglier. I think mystery fans, especially noir fans will love that. The cool gadgets will definitely keep sci-fi fans entertained as well.
CONCLUSION
With grit, action, and fast-talking characters I found this book hard to put down. There wasn't a moment where I could predict what was about to happen next. I am quite taken by this series and can't wait to find out where Dane goes next.
March 2, 2016
The Coconut Swindle Author Matt Abraham..
I liked The Coconut Swindle’s cover it reminded me a little of a comic book, really suited the novel itself I thought… I was really looking forwards to reading this novel at the end of last year and wasn't disappointed when I did get to read it. The characters were interesting and easy to follow and I loved that it was written in first person…
The story itself was about Dane Curse Detective Agency were black caps could go and ask for help to find killers or solve mysteries of what happened… The widow’s brother died and she asked for help to solve what happened… And so it began the search for the truth that led the main character down some dicey paths and into a lot of battles along the way…
This book has a little of everything heart, super human characters and a fight for the truth… The characters are engaging and have great names like Monday, Mr west, Al Almighty and many more… As well as some of their speech is really fun to read and hear in your head… And the chapters are easy to follow and get behind… There are some lovely descriptions and I couldn't won’t help but love some of the powers they have like the main characters daughter’s power to make things come alive out of her body…
The end of this book was so beautiful and magical and so sad that it brought tears to my eyes… I thought this was very well written and the description of what happened leapt off the page…
I would recommend this book if you like a bit of super human action and a mystery to get behind…. As well as character that will enchant your mind at times, make you question them and wince when they go into the fire to find the truth and an ending that will make you feel the beautify and sadness all at once…
I liked The Coconut Swindle’s cover it reminded me a little of a comic book, really suited the novel itself I thought… I was really looking forwards to reading this novel at the end of last year and wasn't disappointed when I did get to read it. The characters were interesting and easy to follow and I loved that it was written in first person…
The story itself was about Dane Curse Detective Agency were black caps could go and ask for help to find killers or solve mysteries of what happened… The widow’s brother died and she asked for help to solve what happened… And so it began the search for the truth that led the main character down some dicey paths and into a lot of battles along the way…
This book has a little of everything heart, super human characters and a fight for the truth… The characters are engaging and have great names like Monday, Mr west, Al Almighty and many more… As well as some of their speech is really fun to read and hear in your head… And the chapters are easy to follow and get behind… There are some lovely descriptions and I couldn't won’t help but love some of the powers they have like the main characters daughter’s power to make things come alive out of her body…
The end of this book was so beautiful and magical and so sad that it brought tears to my eyes… I thought this was very well written and the description of what happened leapt off the page…
I would recommend this book if you like a bit of super human action and a mystery to get behind…. As well as character that will enchant your mind at times, make you question them and wince when they go into the fire to find the truth and an ending that will make you feel the beautify and sadness all at once…
March 30, 2016
It has come to my attention that not everyone innately understands the merits of books about a private investigator in a town full of people with super human abilities.
This is baffling to me.
I can only suspect it is my tendency to babble and throw my arms about when excited that confuses people and distracts them from the topic at hand. So let me explain in the written word...
Dane Curse is a small time private investigator. Not just any old PI but the type that brings to mind old radio shows:
"The door swung aside and in walked a woman. She had a long, flowing overcoat atop a tailored black suit that hugged her hips like an old friend it hadn't seen since high school. Her broad brimmed hat cast a shadow over a pair of almond eyes so smokey they could teach a Navajo communications course, and with two full lips as red as the menace that scared my ma she said, "Mr Curse? I'm Mandy Marcus." - The Coconut Swindle
The difference is that Mr. Curse happens to have super strength and invulnerability and when Mandy Marcus (aka The Widow) shrugged off her jacket, she had four arms underneath.
While I love the idea of a PI working in a town full of super heroes (white capes) and their counterparts (because seriously, how fun is that) that isn't even the best part. The best part is Dane Curse himself. Former black cape turned PI for the "bad" guys and their families. He's not got great luck, but he's good with brute force and persistence. And while he might kinda, sorta, still be a tiny bit of a bad guy, he's still doing his best to do right by his clients.
Would I recommend it? Heroic villain anyone?
Yes.
Yes, is the answer you're looking for.
This is baffling to me.
I can only suspect it is my tendency to babble and throw my arms about when excited that confuses people and distracts them from the topic at hand. So let me explain in the written word...
Dane Curse is a small time private investigator. Not just any old PI but the type that brings to mind old radio shows:
"The door swung aside and in walked a woman. She had a long, flowing overcoat atop a tailored black suit that hugged her hips like an old friend it hadn't seen since high school. Her broad brimmed hat cast a shadow over a pair of almond eyes so smokey they could teach a Navajo communications course, and with two full lips as red as the menace that scared my ma she said, "Mr Curse? I'm Mandy Marcus." - The Coconut Swindle
The difference is that Mr. Curse happens to have super strength and invulnerability and when Mandy Marcus (aka The Widow) shrugged off her jacket, she had four arms underneath.
While I love the idea of a PI working in a town full of super heroes (white capes) and their counterparts (because seriously, how fun is that) that isn't even the best part. The best part is Dane Curse himself. Former black cape turned PI for the "bad" guys and their families. He's not got great luck, but he's good with brute force and persistence. And while he might kinda, sorta, still be a tiny bit of a bad guy, he's still doing his best to do right by his clients.
Would I recommend it? Heroic villain anyone?
Yes.
Yes, is the answer you're looking for.
May 18, 2016
Coconut Swindle is a fast paced action story about Dane Curse assigned to solve a murder crime. I was looking forward to the book ever since I read the first book of the author which also involved the case files of Dane curse. This one only gets better. Starting with a kick ass cover that instantly grabs your attention the readers are immediately pulled into action as Dane was involved in the complicated murder case that took place during a diamond robbery.
The narrative is amazing. Writer has a good sense of humor and its reflected in Dane’s funny dialogues. The best thing about the book is a fast moving action and many quirky characters that keep readers engaged.
Dane Curse is a kind of character you can hate him or love but can’t resist him and the ways he goes on his quest for solving the mystery. Coconut swindle is a very different thriller from the books I’ve read in the same category. A must read.
The narrative is amazing. Writer has a good sense of humor and its reflected in Dane’s funny dialogues. The best thing about the book is a fast moving action and many quirky characters that keep readers engaged.
Dane Curse is a kind of character you can hate him or love but can’t resist him and the ways he goes on his quest for solving the mystery. Coconut swindle is a very different thriller from the books I’ve read in the same category. A must read.
June 10, 2016
Abraham knocks it out of the park. Again. A worthy successor to "Dane Curse," and once again a perfect mix of tough talking PI and superhero tropes, all in a well-imagined and equally well-executed fictional world. The action is fast, fun, and non-stop, the characters are likeable and (as far as superheroes can be) believable. Overall, a clever and original whodunit that pays homage to the greats while still keeping it fresh and bringing something new to the table. I can't wait to see what the third book brings.
August 9, 2017
I’ve Got A Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts
By Bob Gelms
I’m thinking you need to be running Keb Mo’s great song "Look Out Baby I’m In a Dangerous Mood" when you read this review. In the last issue, I wrote about the novel by Matt Abraham presenting a brand-new detective series featuring Dane Curse. If the name sounds familiar, he’s named after one of Dashiell Hammett’s great novels, "The Dain Curse".
Dane is a tough talking, wisecracking, smart ass. I have a special place in my heart for guys like that and I just can’t resist a guy that turns a phrase like this: “Her smile was so wry she could’ve used both lips to make a Reuben.”
This caper is called "The Coconut Swindle" and it’s actually a prequel to the first book. It is the case that made Dane Curse’s detective agency famous in spite of Dane’s preferred name, Dane Curse – Super Powered Villain – Dark Deeds Done Daily.
Mr. Abraham tips his literary hat to a number of writers and detectives. We have already seen his main character named for one of Dashiell Hammett’s books. In another instance, Dane is looking for an architect who designs chemical plants. She designed Napier Chemicals. Jack Napier was a character in Batman who became The Joker when he fell into a vat of chemicals. Jack Napier/The Joker had a degree in chemical engineering and his forte was exotic chemical poisons.
Some of you out there are aware of a writer, Jim Butcher, who has created a series of detective novels that bear some similarities to Dane. Mr. Butcher’s series, "The Dresden Files", is a fine piece of work and is especially enjoyable but different enough to keep Mr. Abraham from being accused of plagiarism.
So our story focuses on the Vandenberg Coconut, the largest diamond in the world. It is about the same size as a coconut, hence the name. Heaps of people want to steal it and, as it turns out, you might need a program to keep track of all the people who do.
There are two bodies right by the display case. It’s a mystery. Everyone wants to use the dead guys as patsy’s. It becomes obvious they had nothing to do with it. Why are they dead?
The dreadfully large monkey wrench in Gold Coast City is all the super heroes who have a dizzying array of super powers. The good ones are called white capes. To make things interesting, there are also dozens of bad guys who also have amazing super powers. Surprisingly, they are called black capes. Our hero, if we can call him that, used to be a black cape who liked to throw Buicks at his enemies. He has reformed and now he’s a private investigator working his first case.
Popping up in the middle of all this is Dain’s estranged daughter, Doodle, and a very strange ex-wife. They too are mixed up in this but he has to figure out how. Dane really has no clue and it’s all awfully confusing.
Mr. Abraham has concocted a whole passel of heroes and villains to help and hinder Dane in his quest for the killer or killers. He meets the oddest group of people guaranteed to keep you turning the pages like a man in the desert desperately searching for water. Dain’s secretary doesn’t like him, his “used-to-be” friends don’t trust him, his client is skeptical of his abilities, and Dane is thinking about another line of work.
Most of the characters are super heroes, both good and bad, they were all born on earth and they have all developed strange powers. So, when they fight each other, the violence is extreme, bloody and exceptionally gruesome. It’s OK though because the brutality has a cartoonish quality to it, sometimes bordering on funny.
What Mr. Abraham has done is to take the super hero genre, tweak it quite a bunch, and lay it over a 1920’s noir detective story. It’s just brilliant and works to perfection. "The Coconut Swindle" is a fine addition to the Dane Curse series and I had loads of fun reading it.
s
By Bob Gelms
I’m thinking you need to be running Keb Mo’s great song "Look Out Baby I’m In a Dangerous Mood" when you read this review. In the last issue, I wrote about the novel by Matt Abraham presenting a brand-new detective series featuring Dane Curse. If the name sounds familiar, he’s named after one of Dashiell Hammett’s great novels, "The Dain Curse".
Dane is a tough talking, wisecracking, smart ass. I have a special place in my heart for guys like that and I just can’t resist a guy that turns a phrase like this: “Her smile was so wry she could’ve used both lips to make a Reuben.”
This caper is called "The Coconut Swindle" and it’s actually a prequel to the first book. It is the case that made Dane Curse’s detective agency famous in spite of Dane’s preferred name, Dane Curse – Super Powered Villain – Dark Deeds Done Daily.
Mr. Abraham tips his literary hat to a number of writers and detectives. We have already seen his main character named for one of Dashiell Hammett’s books. In another instance, Dane is looking for an architect who designs chemical plants. She designed Napier Chemicals. Jack Napier was a character in Batman who became The Joker when he fell into a vat of chemicals. Jack Napier/The Joker had a degree in chemical engineering and his forte was exotic chemical poisons.
Some of you out there are aware of a writer, Jim Butcher, who has created a series of detective novels that bear some similarities to Dane. Mr. Butcher’s series, "The Dresden Files", is a fine piece of work and is especially enjoyable but different enough to keep Mr. Abraham from being accused of plagiarism.
So our story focuses on the Vandenberg Coconut, the largest diamond in the world. It is about the same size as a coconut, hence the name. Heaps of people want to steal it and, as it turns out, you might need a program to keep track of all the people who do.
There are two bodies right by the display case. It’s a mystery. Everyone wants to use the dead guys as patsy’s. It becomes obvious they had nothing to do with it. Why are they dead?
The dreadfully large monkey wrench in Gold Coast City is all the super heroes who have a dizzying array of super powers. The good ones are called white capes. To make things interesting, there are also dozens of bad guys who also have amazing super powers. Surprisingly, they are called black capes. Our hero, if we can call him that, used to be a black cape who liked to throw Buicks at his enemies. He has reformed and now he’s a private investigator working his first case.
Popping up in the middle of all this is Dain’s estranged daughter, Doodle, and a very strange ex-wife. They too are mixed up in this but he has to figure out how. Dane really has no clue and it’s all awfully confusing.
Mr. Abraham has concocted a whole passel of heroes and villains to help and hinder Dane in his quest for the killer or killers. He meets the oddest group of people guaranteed to keep you turning the pages like a man in the desert desperately searching for water. Dain’s secretary doesn’t like him, his “used-to-be” friends don’t trust him, his client is skeptical of his abilities, and Dane is thinking about another line of work.
Most of the characters are super heroes, both good and bad, they were all born on earth and they have all developed strange powers. So, when they fight each other, the violence is extreme, bloody and exceptionally gruesome. It’s OK though because the brutality has a cartoonish quality to it, sometimes bordering on funny.
What Mr. Abraham has done is to take the super hero genre, tweak it quite a bunch, and lay it over a 1920’s noir detective story. It’s just brilliant and works to perfection. "The Coconut Swindle" is a fine addition to the Dane Curse series and I had loads of fun reading it.
s
April 16, 2023
I can't be the only one who thinks Black Cape Case Files would make a great movie franchise. The Dirty Harry meets Phillip Marlowe meets Who Framed Roger Rabbit vibe is just so cool. The characters, especially Dane Curse, have so many layers and yet are also stereotype's from Batman comics. The story telling is superb. The numerous characters weave together to form a complex and masterful plot that has lots of surprises. The action is over the top good and well described. There were a couple of places where the violence made me cringe a bit and in general I dislike the use of the g.d. profanity but it did fit in. When Dane uses it near the end of the book, it was like Rhett Butler saying, "Frankly my dear, I don't give a da..." It was an iconic closing statement. If you're craving action, great story telling, and characters that excite your imagination, I can't recommend this enough.
May 25, 2021
Being a big fan of the noir, hard-boiled detective a la Dashiell Hammett or Raymond Chandler, I thoroughly enjoyed both of these books. The characters were nicely developed and consistent through out both books (I'll probably add a review to the other as well). The story line was twisted and convoluted as one would expect from these types of detective novels and that's what made it interesting. HOWEVER! However, I cannot, for the life of me, figure out why this book was the second book when it's clearly the prequel to the first one, Dane Curse. Had I known that, I certainly would have read this one first. If there is a reason behind this, I hope someone could explain it to me. Nonetheless, great read...now time for some film noir starring Dane Curse.
August 10, 2020
I gave the first book 5 stars. This one was lots of fun. But there were pacing issues. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it very much. But there towards the end, the cycle of "Dane gets his ads kicked, wins/escapes at the last minute, rinse, repeat" started getting a little repetitive with very little between.
Story is good, some surprising twists, and a nice hand at character development. I didn't see the whodunnit coming, which is a treat.
All told, I can recommend this book in good faith. If you like your noir superhero detective stories to be relentlessly action- packed, Dane's your former-supervillain-turned-PI.
Story is good, some surprising twists, and a nice hand at character development. I didn't see the whodunnit coming, which is a treat.
All told, I can recommend this book in good faith. If you like your noir superhero detective stories to be relentlessly action- packed, Dane's your former-supervillain-turned-PI.
May 30, 2018
This combination of the superhero genre and film noir is one of the most brilliant things I've ever read. Dane Curse the super-powered private detective named after one of the more obscure Hammet novels is hired to investigate the murder of two "black capes", supervillains who apparently died while failing to steal a gigantic jewel and the result is story filled with twists, turns, deceit and tragedy. OK, it's not entirely perfect. The set up for the climax is something that's a little hard to believe. But ultimately, I loved it.
September 12, 2020
Dane Curse is a PI, super strong and invulnerable. Problem is most folks have some sort of super power.
It's got a Mickey Spillane type of feel to it. Dane's sitting in his office wondering where he's going to make his next buck when an attractive dame walks in. Her brother is dead and the authorities say he and his partner killed each other. It's Dane's job to find out the truth.
It's got a Mickey Spillane type of feel to it. Dane's sitting in his office wondering where he's going to make his next buck when an attractive dame walks in. Her brother is dead and the authorities say he and his partner killed each other. It's Dane's job to find out the truth.
July 10, 2021
Pretty good sequel
That's actually a prequel. I know - weird. But so is this book, as was the first in the series. For me, weird in a good way. I like quirky, and these books qualify in spades. As I said reviewing the first, they're basically superhero comics without the pictures. And a whole lot of fun.
That's actually a prequel. I know - weird. But so is this book, as was the first in the series. For me, weird in a good way. I like quirky, and these books qualify in spades. As I said reviewing the first, they're basically superhero comics without the pictures. And a whole lot of fun.
January 29, 2018
What a fun throwback read
This book was so great- a romp through a black and white era world where heroes and villains are easy to spot. The dialogue was great and Dane Curse is a villain who is easy to love. I hope there are LOTS of stories to come from Gold Coast City!
This book was so great- a romp through a black and white era world where heroes and villains are easy to spot. The dialogue was great and Dane Curse is a villain who is easy to love. I hope there are LOTS of stories to come from Gold Coast City!
December 21, 2018
Amazing read
After tossing away Superhero Detective for hire in disgust I wasn't ready for such a great book as this one. It wad a mixture of super hero tech with Mike Hammer charm.
After tossing away Superhero Detective for hire in disgust I wasn't ready for such a great book as this one. It wad a mixture of super hero tech with Mike Hammer charm.
October 12, 2019
Detective Dread
Very imaginative way to tell a murder mystery. The characters are unique. Didn't know who done it until the very end. An index of characters along with their qualities would help to keep them straight.
Very imaginative way to tell a murder mystery. The characters are unique. Didn't know who done it until the very end. An index of characters along with their qualities would help to keep them straight.
November 13, 2019
Hard case even for a Black Cape
Very difficult and dangerous case for Dane Curse. The bad guys were not just bad, and not just trying to kill him, they were hard to kill. To make things more difficult Dane's daughter was right in the middle of everything.
Very difficult and dangerous case for Dane Curse. The bad guys were not just bad, and not just trying to kill him, they were hard to kill. To make things more difficult Dane's daughter was right in the middle of everything.
November 13, 2021
Really good fantasy-noir
The pacing was great, the story sucked me in from the start and kept me scrolling through. All the twists you expect from a detective novel along with a heaping helping of super-powered bad guys and slightly-less-bad guys. Definitely check it out!
The pacing was great, the story sucked me in from the start and kept me scrolling through. All the twists you expect from a detective novel along with a heaping helping of super-powered bad guys and slightly-less-bad guys. Definitely check it out!
May 20, 2017
Great Book!
I enjoyed this book also. I could not put it down, very pleased at the content., and they way the plot, and story progressed.
I enjoyed this book also. I could not put it down, very pleased at the content., and they way the plot, and story progressed.
June 8, 2017
Can't wait for more!
Awesome read, keep them coming. A great second installment, develops the characters nicely. Reminds me of a world from the Astro City comics.
Awesome read, keep them coming. A great second installment, develops the characters nicely. Reminds me of a world from the Astro City comics.
July 4, 2017
Great Follow-up to the first book in the series. We see more of Gold Coast City in this second novel in the series. This prequel tells more about Dane Curse and how he became a detective.
July 10, 2017
Great
Best noir book I've read in a while, even better than book one in this series, very excited for the rest
Best noir book I've read in a while, even better than book one in this series, very excited for the rest
September 26, 2017
Great read
Excellent urban fantasy. Kind of reminded me of a Hard
Luck Hank novel. Nonstop action, great characters, lots of plot twists. Outstanding. Hard to put down.
Excellent urban fantasy. Kind of reminded me of a Hard
Luck Hank novel. Nonstop action, great characters, lots of plot twists. Outstanding. Hard to put down.
October 2, 2017
More Dane Curse Please!
This series is awesome! An ex villain turned detective who helps solve cases the police could care less about. Please keep writing!
This series is awesome! An ex villain turned detective who helps solve cases the police could care less about. Please keep writing!
August 22, 2018
Bit grimmer than the first one. Hope he isn’t going Turbo.
August 27, 2018
Great book!
Great read, Dane Curse, grabs you and keeps ahold of you all through the book. Very good, hard to put fown.
Great read, Dane Curse, grabs you and keeps ahold of you all through the book. Very good, hard to put fown.
May 9, 2019
Dane Curse is quickly becoming one of my favorite Characters
A great read
A great read
June 11, 2019
Good reading
A good read when you want something light. Not your normal supper hero book good guys are the bad guys and the good guys are not around
A good read when you want something light. Not your normal supper hero book good guys are the bad guys and the good guys are not around
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews