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Holland Taylor #4
Darkness, Sing Me a Song
David Housewright’s Edgar Award-winning Holland Taylor series returns with a case of murder resulting from tragic, twisted drama in an extremely wealthy family in Darkness, Sing Me a Song.
Holland Taylor is a PI who does simple background checks and other mostly unchallenging cases. Still wounded by the long-ago death of his wife and daughter, and newly mourning a recently failed relationship, Taylor doesn’t have much interest in more challenging work. But almost by accident, he finds himself in the middle of the crime of the century.
Eleanor Barrington, the doyenne of a socially prominent family of great wealth, has been arrested for the murder of Emily Denys, her son’s fiancée. Barrington made no secret of her disdain for the victim, convinced that she was trying to take advantage of her son and her family.
Taylor had been brought in to do a full background check on Emily, only to discover that both her name and her background were fabricated. Before he could learn more, she was murdered—shot in the head outside her apartment.
Barrington had been overheard threatening to kill her son’s fiancé and an eyewitness claims to have seen her kill Emily. But that’s not the worst of it. Barrington’s own son has even worse accusations to make against her.
Caught in the dark tangle of a twisted family and haunted by his own past, Taylor finds that the truth is both elusive and dangerous.
Holland Taylor is a PI who does simple background checks and other mostly unchallenging cases. Still wounded by the long-ago death of his wife and daughter, and newly mourning a recently failed relationship, Taylor doesn’t have much interest in more challenging work. But almost by accident, he finds himself in the middle of the crime of the century.
Eleanor Barrington, the doyenne of a socially prominent family of great wealth, has been arrested for the murder of Emily Denys, her son’s fiancée. Barrington made no secret of her disdain for the victim, convinced that she was trying to take advantage of her son and her family.
Taylor had been brought in to do a full background check on Emily, only to discover that both her name and her background were fabricated. Before he could learn more, she was murdered—shot in the head outside her apartment.
Barrington had been overheard threatening to kill her son’s fiancé and an eyewitness claims to have seen her kill Emily. But that’s not the worst of it. Barrington’s own son has even worse accusations to make against her.
Caught in the dark tangle of a twisted family and haunted by his own past, Taylor finds that the truth is both elusive and dangerous.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2018
84 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
David Housewright
65 books416 followersA past president of the Private Eye Writers of America, David Housewright has published 28 crimes novels including In A Hard Wind (June 2023 St. Martin’s Minotaur) and has contributed short stories to 15 anthologies and other publications. He has earned an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America, a Shamus nomination from the PWA, and three Minnesota Books Awards. A reformed newspaper reporter and ad man, he has also taught writing courses at the University of Minnesota and Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. His name and face were recently added to “Minnesota Writers on the Map” by the Minnesota Historical Society and Friends of the St. Paul Public Library.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 14, 2018
This is the 4th book of the series featuring Holland Taylor, a former police officer now working as a Private Investigator.
Book Blurb - Holland Taylor is a PI who does simple background checks and other mostly unchallenging cases. Still wounded by the long-ago death of his wife and daughter, and newly mourning a recently failed relationship, Taylor doesn’t have much interest in more challenging work. But almost by accident, he finds himself in the middle of the crime of the century.
A very wealthy woman, Eleanor Barrington, has been arrested for the murder of her son's fiancee, Emily Denys. While proclaiming her innocence, she also admits that she felt nothing short of contempt for the victim. Being so wealthy, Eleanor labelled Emily as a gold-digger, plain and simple.
But there's nothing simple about this case. What he finds is that Emily did not exist ... her name and personal history are all lies. So who was she really? And who wanted her dead .. other than her mother-in-law to be?
Supposedly there is a witness who heard Eleanor threaten the younger woman. An eyewitness comes forward who says they saw the murder ... and Eleanor was the one holding the gun.
This is a well-written mystery. It's full of surprises, twists and turns that keep the reader riveted to the story and trying to figure out what's really going on before the end of the book. The characters are finely drawn and credible.
Although 4th in the series, it reads easily as a stand alone. I do recommend starting at the beginning to discover the finer points about Holland Taylor. There are just a few references to the previous books, but nothing that would disrupt the reader's pleasure.
Many thanks to the author / St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 8, 2018
First Sentence: She was tall, slender, impeccably tanned; strawberry hair fell in waves to her shoulders.
Wealthy and socially important Eleanor Barrington has been arrested for the murder of her son Joel’s fiancée, Emily Denys. PI Holland Taylor has been hired to help the defense law firm by investigating Emily’s background, only to find she doesn’t have one. That’s not the only mystery. Bigger questions revolve around the relationship between the mother and son, and where, if at all, does Joel’s sister Devon fit into things, and whether a controversial business deal is involved. This case is much more than Taylor, still recovering from the death of his wife and daughter, and the breakup of a recent relationship, expected.
The best story is one which starts on page one, although I was amused by the typo on page six in the hardcover copy, and dives right it. It is a classic story for a reason. What also works is the reader being set up with one expectation and then story taking a twist within the first two paragraphs.
Housewright weaves the backstory of the characters into the text and dialogue in a manner where it is intriguing rather than disruptive. While some of the characters are quite disturbing, Ogilvy the rabbit, Mandy Wedermeyer, the 14-year-old neighbor, her mom Claire, and Taylor’s parents add balance and made Taylor more real.
Taylor is a great character and one that is fully developed. He has a past impacts which present. He is a person one would want to know, and there are some nice moments of realization—“I don’t think she was interested in me so much as she craved human contact, which seemed to prove that it isn’t how many people you meet, it’s how many you connect with that matters.”
There is a very well-done inclusion of environmental issues related to fracking, water, and land usage which bring contemporary relevance to the story. One minor criticism is that there are times when following a conversation can become confusing as to whom is speaking.
“Darkness, Sing me a Song” includes relationships which are uncomfortable, has very effective plot twists, and a powerful, rather sad, ending.
DARKNESS, SING ME A SONG (PI-Holland Taylor-Twin Cities-Contemp) – G+
Housewright, David – 4th in series
Minotaur Books – January 2018
Wealthy and socially important Eleanor Barrington has been arrested for the murder of her son Joel’s fiancée, Emily Denys. PI Holland Taylor has been hired to help the defense law firm by investigating Emily’s background, only to find she doesn’t have one. That’s not the only mystery. Bigger questions revolve around the relationship between the mother and son, and where, if at all, does Joel’s sister Devon fit into things, and whether a controversial business deal is involved. This case is much more than Taylor, still recovering from the death of his wife and daughter, and the breakup of a recent relationship, expected.
The best story is one which starts on page one, although I was amused by the typo on page six in the hardcover copy, and dives right it. It is a classic story for a reason. What also works is the reader being set up with one expectation and then story taking a twist within the first two paragraphs.
Housewright weaves the backstory of the characters into the text and dialogue in a manner where it is intriguing rather than disruptive. While some of the characters are quite disturbing, Ogilvy the rabbit, Mandy Wedermeyer, the 14-year-old neighbor, her mom Claire, and Taylor’s parents add balance and made Taylor more real.
Taylor is a great character and one that is fully developed. He has a past impacts which present. He is a person one would want to know, and there are some nice moments of realization—“I don’t think she was interested in me so much as she craved human contact, which seemed to prove that it isn’t how many people you meet, it’s how many you connect with that matters.”
There is a very well-done inclusion of environmental issues related to fracking, water, and land usage which bring contemporary relevance to the story. One minor criticism is that there are times when following a conversation can become confusing as to whom is speaking.
“Darkness, Sing me a Song” includes relationships which are uncomfortable, has very effective plot twists, and a powerful, rather sad, ending.
DARKNESS, SING ME A SONG (PI-Holland Taylor-Twin Cities-Contemp) – G+
Housewright, David – 4th in series
Minotaur Books – January 2018
June 20, 2021
I normally ALWAYS read a series from book number 1 . This time I didn't for books 1,2,3 are from 1995, 1997, and 1999 - and my library just didn't have them - and I really didn't feel like ordering thru inter loan. So, I took a chance and boy , I'm glad I did. Holland Taylor is now a PI after leaving the police department. We learn the reasons why he left and about his family. I felt like I didn't miss a thing. I love Holland - a great character and a super fun read. But, I have to say towards the end of the book I was getting a little bit confused with some of the characters - Now, in all fairness- it could have just been me - but I also have to say that I had no problem getting to the end of the book. I am really looking forward to picking up number 5 in this series. If you like police detective, PI type books you should enjoy this read
January 3, 2018
Thanks to Minotaur Books for the copy in exchange for my honest review!
I don't know how I had never heard of David Housewright before. Especially when it's a crime series set in Minnesota! Holland Taylor is a PI and finds himself in the middle of the crime of the century in DARKNESS, SING ME A SONG.
Eleanor Barrington is from a socially prominent and wealthy family, but she has been arrested for murder. Who did she allegedly kill? Her son's fiance, Emily Denys. Eleanor made it no secret that she hated her future daughter-in-law and was completely convinced that she was just using her son for financial gain. With plenty of witnesses coming forward stating that they overheard Eleanor threatening to kill Denys, it seems like a pretty open and shut case.
Meanwhile, Holland Taylor, a Private Investigator, who typically sticks to the simple cases finds himself thrust into the middle of this crime. While he was conducting a background check on Emily Denys, she discovers that her name and background are both completely fabricated. Before he can question her further she was found dead. Who killed Emily and what was she hiding from her past?
I love the crime thrillers that involve some kind of family secrets and drama. The dynamics of a family are completely unique to them and no two stories are the same. You'd think a wealthy family of high social standing would be immune to crime and murder, but they find themselves front and center. Housewright brings us on some twists and turns throughout the novel as we try to get to the bottom of the murder.
Being from Minnesota, I loved the familiar surroundings and atmosphere. Housewright did a fantastic job setting the scene, even when we moved to Wisconsin for a portion of the novel. I definitely want to go back and visit the beginning of the series.
Overall, if you want a solid crime novel that isn't only focused on the police procedurals, then you'll enjoy Holland Taylor. Housewright threw in some good twists and kept the mystery going at a great pace. It will definitely keep your interest until the very end. While this is book four in a series, it read very well as a standalone!
I give this 4/5 stars!
I don't know how I had never heard of David Housewright before. Especially when it's a crime series set in Minnesota! Holland Taylor is a PI and finds himself in the middle of the crime of the century in DARKNESS, SING ME A SONG.
Eleanor Barrington is from a socially prominent and wealthy family, but she has been arrested for murder. Who did she allegedly kill? Her son's fiance, Emily Denys. Eleanor made it no secret that she hated her future daughter-in-law and was completely convinced that she was just using her son for financial gain. With plenty of witnesses coming forward stating that they overheard Eleanor threatening to kill Denys, it seems like a pretty open and shut case.
Meanwhile, Holland Taylor, a Private Investigator, who typically sticks to the simple cases finds himself thrust into the middle of this crime. While he was conducting a background check on Emily Denys, she discovers that her name and background are both completely fabricated. Before he can question her further she was found dead. Who killed Emily and what was she hiding from her past?
I love the crime thrillers that involve some kind of family secrets and drama. The dynamics of a family are completely unique to them and no two stories are the same. You'd think a wealthy family of high social standing would be immune to crime and murder, but they find themselves front and center. Housewright brings us on some twists and turns throughout the novel as we try to get to the bottom of the murder.
Being from Minnesota, I loved the familiar surroundings and atmosphere. Housewright did a fantastic job setting the scene, even when we moved to Wisconsin for a portion of the novel. I definitely want to go back and visit the beginning of the series.
Overall, if you want a solid crime novel that isn't only focused on the police procedurals, then you'll enjoy Holland Taylor. Housewright threw in some good twists and kept the mystery going at a great pace. It will definitely keep your interest until the very end. While this is book four in a series, it read very well as a standalone!
I give this 4/5 stars!
December 31, 2019
Housewright does it again, in the sense of the same-old-same-old. Housewright has a distinctive voice, similar to Robert Parker, that he lends to his detective characters. They are smart, worldly, self-assured, and above all calm. Even when the bullets and fists fly, when the bodies putrefy, when love illuminates his life, Holland calmly takes it all in stride. If you are a highly sensitive reader, stressed by emotional outbursts, you're safe with Housewright.
The prose is neither good nor bad. Long 'tell' passages, narrated by Holland, followed by pages of snappy dialogue. Every character has a wit: fun to read, but not particularly deep or intriguing.
Like most PI stories, and like Housewright's other works, the witty characters are way too chatty, revealing their inner stories the moment they meet the detective. A writer really has to work to build a story with realistic characters (see Michael Connelly for a good example.) The lazy way is to have every witness and suspect blurt out a full recounting of their lives, saving the detective any actual detecting.
The plot has holes a Swiss Cheesemaker could fall through. As usual, the cops conveniently don't know useful and obvious facts so the detective can be the first to uncover them, e.g. neither the prosecutor nor the highly-paid defense attorney have noticed the prime suspect has an iron-clad alibi.
The resolution is relatively unsatisfying, since the killer turns out to have a motive that barely connects to the story. But exciting topical themes are tossed into the mix: fracking sand, armed militias, political corruption, and the book ends with a gratuitous action scene that's briefly exciting.
The prose is neither good nor bad. Long 'tell' passages, narrated by Holland, followed by pages of snappy dialogue. Every character has a wit: fun to read, but not particularly deep or intriguing.
Like most PI stories, and like Housewright's other works, the witty characters are way too chatty, revealing their inner stories the moment they meet the detective. A writer really has to work to build a story with realistic characters (see Michael Connelly for a good example.) The lazy way is to have every witness and suspect blurt out a full recounting of their lives, saving the detective any actual detecting.
The plot has holes a Swiss Cheesemaker could fall through. As usual, the cops conveniently don't know useful and obvious facts so the detective can be the first to uncover them, e.g. neither the prosecutor nor the highly-paid defense attorney have noticed the prime suspect has an iron-clad alibi.
The resolution is relatively unsatisfying, since the killer turns out to have a motive that barely connects to the story. But exciting topical themes are tossed into the mix: fracking sand, armed militias, political corruption, and the book ends with a gratuitous action scene that's briefly exciting.
January 2, 2018
I am in total shock and dismay. I had never heard of David Housewright until running into this book on NetGalley...! That almost makes me sick, because, trust me on this...this man can write a mystery! Wow. From what I can find out, this series was written, originally, as a trilogy back in the late 1990s. Apparently, he decided to bring it back after years of concentrating on his Mac McKensie series. I am so glad he did, because Holland Taylor is one of the best characters I’ve read in years.
Before you freak out about this being the fourth book in a series, let me say that I had no trouble at all learning and understanding Holland’s back story. His story was carefully woven into his current investigation without disturbing the flow and progression of his job into clearing his client, Eleanor Barrington, of murder charges.
Holland’s investigation takes him to Arona, Wisconsin, a town blowing apart at the seams over disputes about the silica sand mining operation in the area. I found this particularly interesting since a similar operation is planned just a few miles from my home. It was great to learn the potential up and down sides of a similar pending operation. The town is divided between those who appreciate the job opportunities and those who hate what’s being done to their environment.
I figured out “whodunnit” fairly quickly, but that’s not what the story is about, really. It’s about how Holland puts the pieces together and how he handles that knowledge. I was impressed. Really impressed.
The “about the author” blurb compares him to some amazing writers. Now, I will add him to my favorite mystery writers...James Patterson, John Sandford, Tom Savage and now David Housewrite. If you’re a fan of mystery, pick up a copy now, and...
Enjoy!
2shay (From the blog chezshayonline)
Before you freak out about this being the fourth book in a series, let me say that I had no trouble at all learning and understanding Holland’s back story. His story was carefully woven into his current investigation without disturbing the flow and progression of his job into clearing his client, Eleanor Barrington, of murder charges.
Holland’s investigation takes him to Arona, Wisconsin, a town blowing apart at the seams over disputes about the silica sand mining operation in the area. I found this particularly interesting since a similar operation is planned just a few miles from my home. It was great to learn the potential up and down sides of a similar pending operation. The town is divided between those who appreciate the job opportunities and those who hate what’s being done to their environment.
I figured out “whodunnit” fairly quickly, but that’s not what the story is about, really. It’s about how Holland puts the pieces together and how he handles that knowledge. I was impressed. Really impressed.
The “about the author” blurb compares him to some amazing writers. Now, I will add him to my favorite mystery writers...James Patterson, John Sandford, Tom Savage and now David Housewrite. If you’re a fan of mystery, pick up a copy now, and...
Enjoy!
2shay (From the blog chezshayonline)
March 20, 2018
"Hello darkness, my old friend
I've come for you to sing me a song again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains"
A very disturbing vision.
You thought the Lannisters from Game of Thrones are dysfunctional?
The Barrington family is dysfunctional on steroids.
The matriarch Eleanor Barrington is charged with murdering her sons girlfriend Emily.
Private investigator Holland Taylor is hired by her attorney to find the truth.
What twisted secrets haunt the Barrington clan that someone would murder to keep quiet?
A well written, fast paced read with some deeply disturbed characters.
I've come for you to sing me a song again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains"
A very disturbing vision.
You thought the Lannisters from Game of Thrones are dysfunctional?
The Barrington family is dysfunctional on steroids.
The matriarch Eleanor Barrington is charged with murdering her sons girlfriend Emily.
Private investigator Holland Taylor is hired by her attorney to find the truth.
What twisted secrets haunt the Barrington clan that someone would murder to keep quiet?
A well written, fast paced read with some deeply disturbed characters.
December 21, 2017
A fairly standard detective mystery that includes some taboo elements. I liked the character of Holland, and his relationship with his neighbour's child. The fact that he owned a rabbit rather than the usual cat or dog, and that the rabbit was essentially free range in his house was awesome. I also have a rabbit living like that, and it was nice to see. I felt like the story was somewhat generic murder mystery but some of the accusations had me raise my eyebrows at times. A generic, but good start to the series.
July 6, 2020
Eighteen years have elapsed since the last Holland Taylor mystery was published. During that time Housewright wrote a new mystery series featuring another ex St Paul cop with a strange first name: Rushmore McKenzie.
There are many similarities between these two protagonists. But as the Taylor series continues after this hiatus, the author has dropped a few of the things they have in common. Taylor is drinking bourbon, not Summit Ale, and there is no mention at all of jazz music.
There also have been some big changes in Taylor's life. He has sold his house in Roseville and lives alone with his rabbit Ogilvy in an apartment near Grand Ave in St Paul. He had moved in with his girlfriend Cynthia twice before she broke up with him each time.
Now he is free to spend time with his former partner Lt. Anne Scalasie or possibly pursue a neighbor or a college professor he meets while on this case. He is no longer in a committed, monogamous relationship (another break with McKenzie similarities).
Taylor has also taken on a partner Sydney Potier Fredericks to do all the computer investigative work. Freddie, who was a minor character in the second book, has been with him for 5 years. Taylor and Freddie are hired by a law firm to help prepare a defense for a client charged with the murder of her son's girlfriend.
The investigation takes him to another small town in WI (as in book 3). There are so many characters in this book that it would have been difficult to keep everyone straight had I not been reading continuously over a 24 hour period. Law enforcement, elected officials, environmentalists, militia, etc, are all actively involved in Taylor's investigation.
Housewright has inserted various issues in this book--fracking, armed militia groups, sexual harassment, incest, and mental health--but rather than get preachy about them, he just expresses strong opinions about them.
There were some aspects of this book that I did not like, such as a detailed description of a sex act, the dialogs about the incestuous behavior, the amount of profanity, and the number of characters engaging in extramarital affairs. Housewright hasn't indulged in this type of writing in any of his McKenzie or previous Taylor books. That is one of the things I thought I could count on.
As for the story itself, the plot is interesting, the pace is good, the settings are very well drawn, and the ending is not a surprise (though not exactly plausible either). I do like the author's dry humor and his writing style. He had some nice descriptive observations about the outdoor settings.
There are many similarities between these two protagonists. But as the Taylor series continues after this hiatus, the author has dropped a few of the things they have in common. Taylor is drinking bourbon, not Summit Ale, and there is no mention at all of jazz music.
There also have been some big changes in Taylor's life. He has sold his house in Roseville and lives alone with his rabbit Ogilvy in an apartment near Grand Ave in St Paul. He had moved in with his girlfriend Cynthia twice before she broke up with him each time.
Now he is free to spend time with his former partner Lt. Anne Scalasie or possibly pursue a neighbor or a college professor he meets while on this case. He is no longer in a committed, monogamous relationship (another break with McKenzie similarities).
Taylor has also taken on a partner Sydney Potier Fredericks to do all the computer investigative work. Freddie, who was a minor character in the second book, has been with him for 5 years. Taylor and Freddie are hired by a law firm to help prepare a defense for a client charged with the murder of her son's girlfriend.
The investigation takes him to another small town in WI (as in book 3). There are so many characters in this book that it would have been difficult to keep everyone straight had I not been reading continuously over a 24 hour period. Law enforcement, elected officials, environmentalists, militia, etc, are all actively involved in Taylor's investigation.
Housewright has inserted various issues in this book--fracking, armed militia groups, sexual harassment, incest, and mental health--but rather than get preachy about them, he just expresses strong opinions about them.
There were some aspects of this book that I did not like, such as a detailed description of a sex act, the dialogs about the incestuous behavior, the amount of profanity, and the number of characters engaging in extramarital affairs. Housewright hasn't indulged in this type of writing in any of his McKenzie or previous Taylor books. That is one of the things I thought I could count on.
As for the story itself, the plot is interesting, the pace is good, the settings are very well drawn, and the ending is not a surprise (though not exactly plausible either). I do like the author's dry humor and his writing style. He had some nice descriptive observations about the outdoor settings.
December 26, 2017
The great thing about series mysteries is getting to know your character over time and seeing them change and grow, or in the case of Darkness, Sing Me a Song by David Housewright, getting reacquainted after an almost twenty-year absence. St. Paul detective Holland Taylor is back, this time working to prove an appalling, repugnant client is not guilty of murdering her son’s fiancée. Minnesota nice she ain’t.
The murdered Emily seems too good to be true, with co-workers and neighbors who adore her. The evidence against his client is damning, too, as there is a rock-solid eyewitness with no reason to lie. But, there is one reason to suspect the awful Eleanor Barrington might be innocent. Emily Denys did not exist before she came to St. Paul and she clearly was not who she claimed to be. Could her murder be rooted in the secrets of her past?
Following the faintest of trails to Wisconsin, Taylor goes to a community torn apart by the new oil sands industry, environmentalists, pro-industrialists, and militia members are shouting each other down in the deeply partisan Wisconsin riven by Scott Walker’s rightwing revolution.
I thoroughly enjoyed Darkness, Sing Me a Song and want to go back to the beginning of the series. It’s been so long, they will seem fresh again. I lived in St. Paul many years ago and recognize the authenticity with which he creates the city. The story is contemporary, involving issues that are salient today, but the mores and motives are timeless.
As a mystery, it is fair. The clues are there and Taylor does what he is hired to do. Taylor may occasionally cross the line, but not by his own standard of ethics. It’s been a long time, but this fourth Holland Taylor book is completely satisfying.
I received an e-galley of Darkness, Sing Me a Song from the publisher through NetGalley. It will be released on January 2nd.
Darkness, Sing Me a Song at St. Martins Press
David Housewright
https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpre...
The murdered Emily seems too good to be true, with co-workers and neighbors who adore her. The evidence against his client is damning, too, as there is a rock-solid eyewitness with no reason to lie. But, there is one reason to suspect the awful Eleanor Barrington might be innocent. Emily Denys did not exist before she came to St. Paul and she clearly was not who she claimed to be. Could her murder be rooted in the secrets of her past?
Following the faintest of trails to Wisconsin, Taylor goes to a community torn apart by the new oil sands industry, environmentalists, pro-industrialists, and militia members are shouting each other down in the deeply partisan Wisconsin riven by Scott Walker’s rightwing revolution.
I thoroughly enjoyed Darkness, Sing Me a Song and want to go back to the beginning of the series. It’s been so long, they will seem fresh again. I lived in St. Paul many years ago and recognize the authenticity with which he creates the city. The story is contemporary, involving issues that are salient today, but the mores and motives are timeless.
As a mystery, it is fair. The clues are there and Taylor does what he is hired to do. Taylor may occasionally cross the line, but not by his own standard of ethics. It’s been a long time, but this fourth Holland Taylor book is completely satisfying.
I received an e-galley of Darkness, Sing Me a Song from the publisher through NetGalley. It will be released on January 2nd.
Darkness, Sing Me a Song at St. Martins Press
David Housewright
https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpre...
December 19, 2017
I received this arc from Netgalley.
A good read. A suspenseful book that kept me guessing. Definitely an enjoyable read.
A good read. A suspenseful book that kept me guessing. Definitely an enjoyable read.
January 29, 2018
After nearly 20 years, David Housewright brings back Holland Taylor in his new book, DARKNESS, SING ME A SONG. Housewright started his career in mysteries with three books in this series, winning an Edgar Award for his debut novel. That's a pretty amazing start.
His usual practice was to publish every other year and I got into the habit of eagerly looking forward to his newest books. However, after book #3, five years passed before anything new came through and, that next book started the Rushmore McKenzie series instead of continuing with the well-established and engaging Holland Taylor series. If memory serves it was a contractual issue between publisher and author that caused the delay and switch. I've always been impressed that Housewright could start something new after that kind of setback.
DARKNESS, SING ME A SONG starts slowly, a measured reintroduction to the world of Holland Taylor. The protagonist's backstory is filled in, and as the book moves forward there are plenty of seeds planted for future books--so I strongly suspect that we will see more Holland Taylor adventures in the future. It doesn't take long to figure out who the killer is (which is rare for me since that typically isn't my focus), but the path toward that reveal is a pleasant journey, most via a small town in Wisconsin. Housewright is part of the amazingly rich tradition of Minnesota mystery writers that emerged in the 1990s and who continue to produce excellent novels. DARKNESSS, SING ME A SONG is not Housewright's best, but it is worth your time.
Who knew, Wisconsin
small town life was so flush, with
sex, lies, and murder.
His usual practice was to publish every other year and I got into the habit of eagerly looking forward to his newest books. However, after book #3, five years passed before anything new came through and, that next book started the Rushmore McKenzie series instead of continuing with the well-established and engaging Holland Taylor series. If memory serves it was a contractual issue between publisher and author that caused the delay and switch. I've always been impressed that Housewright could start something new after that kind of setback.
DARKNESS, SING ME A SONG starts slowly, a measured reintroduction to the world of Holland Taylor. The protagonist's backstory is filled in, and as the book moves forward there are plenty of seeds planted for future books--so I strongly suspect that we will see more Holland Taylor adventures in the future. It doesn't take long to figure out who the killer is (which is rare for me since that typically isn't my focus), but the path toward that reveal is a pleasant journey, most via a small town in Wisconsin. Housewright is part of the amazingly rich tradition of Minnesota mystery writers that emerged in the 1990s and who continue to produce excellent novels. DARKNESSS, SING ME A SONG is not Housewright's best, but it is worth your time.
Who knew, Wisconsin
small town life was so flush, with
sex, lies, and murder.
December 3, 2017
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
Eleanor Barrington has employed Holland, a PI, to look into the background of Emily, the woman her son Joel is involved with. Holland discovers that "Emily" is a persona which has only existed for the last 13 months. Then Emily is murdered and a reliable eye witness claims the shooter was Eleanor. Holland is employed by Eleanor's lawyer to undermine the case against her. Then links are discovered between Emily's death and that of the mayor of a small town where US Sand is developing fracking operations.
This was a fast-moving, fairly light crime story. Holland is a likeable character with useful martial arts skills and a partner who doesn't let him get away with anything. This is apparently the fourth novel in a series and there was a certain amount of Holland's back story to catch up on, but it held up pretty well as a stand alone story. Once the plot had moved to Arona, there was quite a bewildering array of characters to keep on top of, but the plot was coherent over all and the conclusion fairly satisfactory
Eleanor Barrington has employed Holland, a PI, to look into the background of Emily, the woman her son Joel is involved with. Holland discovers that "Emily" is a persona which has only existed for the last 13 months. Then Emily is murdered and a reliable eye witness claims the shooter was Eleanor. Holland is employed by Eleanor's lawyer to undermine the case against her. Then links are discovered between Emily's death and that of the mayor of a small town where US Sand is developing fracking operations.
This was a fast-moving, fairly light crime story. Holland is a likeable character with useful martial arts skills and a partner who doesn't let him get away with anything. This is apparently the fourth novel in a series and there was a certain amount of Holland's back story to catch up on, but it held up pretty well as a stand alone story. Once the plot had moved to Arona, there was quite a bewildering array of characters to keep on top of, but the plot was coherent over all and the conclusion fairly satisfactory
January 30, 2018
David Housewright wrote three Holland Taylor, p.i., novels between 1995 and 1999. He returns to Taylor following at least a dozen books about Rushmore Mackenzie, and I enjoyed the reawakening. Taylor does a lot of his investigative work for several toney law firms. One of them has a rich and crass client who is accused of killing her son's girlfriend. It is Taylor's job to muddy the waters by finding other possible killers, or to clear her outright.
Another murder might be connected, as the client owns land in Wisconsin that is potentially near the center of a full-bore fracking fight in a community whose pro-fracking mayor was shot in the back of the head (much as the girlfriend was). So Taylor heads for Arona, Wisconsin, and gets involved in the community struggle, which involves eco-terrorists (maybe), a right wing militia group (certainly), a corrupt city administration, a federal investigation, and a web of fractured friendships. Taylor draws fire, both literally and figuratively, and remains an attractive central character.
Another murder might be connected, as the client owns land in Wisconsin that is potentially near the center of a full-bore fracking fight in a community whose pro-fracking mayor was shot in the back of the head (much as the girlfriend was). So Taylor heads for Arona, Wisconsin, and gets involved in the community struggle, which involves eco-terrorists (maybe), a right wing militia group (certainly), a corrupt city administration, a federal investigation, and a web of fractured friendships. Taylor draws fire, both literally and figuratively, and remains an attractive central character.
December 28, 2017
I wasn't familiar with this author before and have not read the first three books in this series (didn't even know about them) but I don't feel that it was necessary to read them to enjoy this one. In fact at times, I felt there was too much 'explaining' of the backstory.
The writing is good and the story is pretty interesting though not especially unusual. I liked the character of Holland Taylor and his rabbit. One thing that irritated me (and maybe this is just me) was that everyone called Holland by his last name - even his x=girlfriend. It just seemed affected somehow and every time it happened, it took me out of the flow of the story for a minute.
I guessed 'who did it' long before it was revealed, and some of the extra storylines were somewhat confusing and perhaps unnecessary. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
The writing is good and the story is pretty interesting though not especially unusual. I liked the character of Holland Taylor and his rabbit. One thing that irritated me (and maybe this is just me) was that everyone called Holland by his last name - even his x=girlfriend. It just seemed affected somehow and every time it happened, it took me out of the flow of the story for a minute.
I guessed 'who did it' long before it was revealed, and some of the extra storylines were somewhat confusing and perhaps unnecessary. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
December 30, 2017
Family secrets and lies always make for the best mysteries. In this case, the issue is Emily (who is she?) and Eleanor, her mother in law to be (is she the one who shot Emily?). Holland Taylor was originally hired for a background check that turns into a murder investigation. I'm not certain I'd want to work for Eleanor- to say she's not a nice person is an understatement. Her son's no gem either. Taylor is a classic wounded PI, dealing with heartbreak but still a concerned person. It's a fast read that's not too complicated but well written and plotted enough to keep you guessing. I'd not read a Holland Taylor before so thanks to Netgalley for the ARC that introduced us. This is a fine standalone but I'll be looking for him in the future.
February 16, 2021
I had not read a Holland Taylor detective novel in several years. David Housewright's books are set in the Twin Cities which make them all the more enjoyable. This murder mystery involves fracking and illegal land deals + a very, very dysfunctional family. Just when you believe the book has resolved the murders, there is a powerful ending. Kristi & Abby Tabby
January 8, 2023
Engaging enough read. Why does every detective/police/investigator novel with a main male character use the plot device of every viable female wanting to sleep with them. Blech. Halfway through the ending was predictable, but it was a decent quick read.
September 6, 2018
Although detective fiction writer David Housewright is far better known for his Rushmore McKenzie novels, he began with a more traditional private investigator named Holland Taylor in 1995. Taylor appeared in three novels, finishing with 1999's Dearly Departed, before Housewright switched to McKenzie. He returned to Holland Taylor's Minneapolis to check in with the former police officer just this year, in Darkness, Sing Me a Song.
Housewright doesn't move Taylor ahead the full 19 years since his last outing but does let some time pass. Taylor's relationship with lawyer Cynthia Grey has collapsed, but he's entered a partnership with former rival investigator "Freddie" Fredericks. The pair have been hired by attorney David Helin to find evidence that will clear Eleanor Barrington of killing her son Joel's girlfriend, Emily Denys. The problem is that most of the evidence they can find suggests Eleanor probably did it and against it they have only Eleanor's word she didn't. Since Eleanor is an exceptionally unpleasant woman with an unhealthy relationship to her son, the weight seems to be pretty heavily on one side.
As Taylor digs more and more into the everybody-loved-her Emily, he finds she lacks much history at all. His attempts to see who she really was lead him to a small town torn by new, environmentally invasive industry that seems at first to have nothing to do with Joel or Emily, even though the Barringtons own land in the area. But some corporate weasels, a paranoid militia group and a suspiciously similar murder draw his attention, and make the entire matter significantly more dangerous than it was when it started.
Taylor is quick-witted and Housewright makes him and a number of his castmates quite funny, with the Taylor-Freddie repartee standing out especially. The narrative wanders a little too much and keeps Taylor on site at the scene of the earlier murder longer than it really ought to. Even though the trigger-puller seems pretty obvious just about halfway through, Housewright keeps trying to throw in more spins to keep readers interested. That tendency affected the earlier trilogy as well. Like an over-reaching gymnast whose stretch for one more twist keeps her from sticking the landing, Housewright could never resist the extra swerve even though it caused an unbalanced story. Likeable characters made those three books work (or didn't; one of the reasons Practice to Deceive fails so completely is that Taylor is such a horse's ass in it).
Holland Taylor is a character who's fun to spend time with but who can become a trial when his creator doesn't make that likeability a strength or keep his eye on the ball in telling a story. A fifth Taylor novel is due in January, and the odd numbers have so far served him better than even ones, so we shall see.
Original available here.
Housewright doesn't move Taylor ahead the full 19 years since his last outing but does let some time pass. Taylor's relationship with lawyer Cynthia Grey has collapsed, but he's entered a partnership with former rival investigator "Freddie" Fredericks. The pair have been hired by attorney David Helin to find evidence that will clear Eleanor Barrington of killing her son Joel's girlfriend, Emily Denys. The problem is that most of the evidence they can find suggests Eleanor probably did it and against it they have only Eleanor's word she didn't. Since Eleanor is an exceptionally unpleasant woman with an unhealthy relationship to her son, the weight seems to be pretty heavily on one side.
As Taylor digs more and more into the everybody-loved-her Emily, he finds she lacks much history at all. His attempts to see who she really was lead him to a small town torn by new, environmentally invasive industry that seems at first to have nothing to do with Joel or Emily, even though the Barringtons own land in the area. But some corporate weasels, a paranoid militia group and a suspiciously similar murder draw his attention, and make the entire matter significantly more dangerous than it was when it started.
Taylor is quick-witted and Housewright makes him and a number of his castmates quite funny, with the Taylor-Freddie repartee standing out especially. The narrative wanders a little too much and keeps Taylor on site at the scene of the earlier murder longer than it really ought to. Even though the trigger-puller seems pretty obvious just about halfway through, Housewright keeps trying to throw in more spins to keep readers interested. That tendency affected the earlier trilogy as well. Like an over-reaching gymnast whose stretch for one more twist keeps her from sticking the landing, Housewright could never resist the extra swerve even though it caused an unbalanced story. Likeable characters made those three books work (or didn't; one of the reasons Practice to Deceive fails so completely is that Taylor is such a horse's ass in it).
Holland Taylor is a character who's fun to spend time with but who can become a trial when his creator doesn't make that likeability a strength or keep his eye on the ball in telling a story. A fifth Taylor novel is due in January, and the odd numbers have so far served him better than even ones, so we shall see.
Original available here.
April 9, 2018
I have not read anything by this author before. that means I started with #4 in a series, but that seemed to work fine. And I really liked this book. I'm not sure I'll go back and read the three earlier ones that go with it. There's a roughly 20 year gap in the writing (not clear on gap in the setting) and this one has a lot of the backstory (which would be fore story if that's even a word) baked into it. But the characters are interesting and the plot nicely complicated.
In tone it is one of those sort of noirish books that isn't that dark. I think I saw someone put Spenser books in that category. There are lots of twisted relationships--the stuff of noir (think The Big Sleep)--but you don't really feel the darkness as much as you do in what I think of as real noir. Your hero, even if he is pretty lonely, isn't so deeply mired in it. I like that balance. Maybe I'll call it noir light?
In tone it is one of those sort of noirish books that isn't that dark. I think I saw someone put Spenser books in that category. There are lots of twisted relationships--the stuff of noir (think The Big Sleep)--but you don't really feel the darkness as much as you do in what I think of as real noir. Your hero, even if he is pretty lonely, isn't so deeply mired in it. I like that balance. Maybe I'll call it noir light?
April 3, 2018
Holland Taylor is not one for get up and go, but he takes on the case of an unlikable woman who is accused of murdering a woman she threatened to kill and did not like. Even her son is convinced she is guilty, but she insists that she is not. Taylor finds out through some back channels that the bullet that killed her son's fiancee also killed a mayor across the border in Wisconsin--which is great news until he finds out that she had reason to hate him as well. He starts pulling a loose threads and the whole thing does eventually unravel, but not exactly in a good way. I would read another of these.
March 22, 2019
I wish I had started with the 1st book in this series featuring Holland Taylor. Even though I didn't feel like missing anything reading first the 4th book in the series, certain characteristics and quirks of Taylor felt like something a reader would know. I loved his peculiarities especially with a rabbit as pet and his relationship with the neighbor's child was a very lovely touch.
The mystery part of the story surprisingly led to the never-ending topic of political discussion, growth against nature destruction. But the root of everything the dysfunctional family dynamics in the Barrington House. Surely looking forward to catching up with all the books in the series.
The mystery part of the story surprisingly led to the never-ending topic of political discussion, growth against nature destruction. But the root of everything the dysfunctional family dynamics in the Barrington House. Surely looking forward to catching up with all the books in the series.
November 11, 2023
This was a good read. Holland is hired to assist a defense attorney whose client has been charged with murdering her son's girlfriend. This murder leads to one in Wisconsin, which leads to a big pile of worms. Holland of course, finds his way into a lot of trouble and eventually out again.
I will say, I thought I knew who the murderer was pretty early on, but not 100%. I was right. Still a great ride on the way to the reveal. One more Holland Taylor novel to go and I started that this morning.
I will say, I thought I knew who the murderer was pretty early on, but not 100%. I was right. Still a great ride on the way to the reveal. One more Holland Taylor novel to go and I started that this morning.
June 7, 2024
A well written mystery with witty dialogue and interesting characters, the plot centers a prominent wealthy family, whose son's fiancee, Emily, has been killed and the mother is arrested for the murder. Taylor is hired by the family lawyer to find out who Emily really was, as she was using an alias, and try to find out who else may have wanted her dead. There are lots of themes covered: environmental issues, police corruption, militia and taboo topics. Numerous twists and turns and a rather abrupt ending.
October 11, 2019
this series is taylor the x cop that had his wife and daughter killed in a drunk driving accident. he is no longer seeing cindy, the lawyer who grew up in foster care. he has a rabbit that runs around his apt
he was hired to get a rich lady off from a killing of a girl her son was seeing. turned out the mayor in another town was killed by the same gun
it turned out that her daughter was the one who killed them both. she was going to get arrested at the end
he was hired to get a rich lady off from a killing of a girl her son was seeing. turned out the mayor in another town was killed by the same gun
it turned out that her daughter was the one who killed them both. she was going to get arrested at the end
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2022
I have now read all the Twin Cities private eye books by David Housewright, both in this series and the one featuring Mac McKenzie, and they are uniformly complex, true to the setting (where I live), funny, occasionally violent, and thoroughly absorbing. This one is among the best, and the solution surprised me in a good way, in that I had the slightest whisper of a hunch that it might turn out this way, but I quickly and wrongly dismissed it.
April 13, 2018
Excellent; Continuing character: Holland Taylor; after nearly 20 years, Taylor reappears and has been hired by a lawyer to assist in the case of a woman accused of murdering her son's girl friend, but a battle raging between ecology-minded people and frac-sand oil production may play a role as well
June 14, 2018
Not my thing. I like a little more character development and a little less dialogue. It's almost all dialogue. I also just didn't really like Holland. We're in his head in the book and he doesn't think very highly of women, so I'm not sure why all these women like him.
October 22, 2020
Another "meh" novel in this series. It was interesting but a bit sad and ridiculous. No emotional investment. I did not feel invested in these main characters. I did not feel interested in their lives....
Still a fan of David Housewright!
Still a fan of David Housewright!
June 6, 2023
David Housewright has developed the character of Holland Taylor magnificently … his past and his life merge to make the man he is … love this character! The story starts fast … the reader twists and turns along the way … and you end with a bang … a pretty sad bang at that.
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