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The Fairfax Incident
1933 NYC. When is a suicide not a suicide? When it's murder. Hired by a wealthy widow to investigate her husband's mysterious death, private detective Charlie Doherty finds himself face to face with not only some of the most powerful people in New York City, but the most evil men in the world. A riveting new novel of historical thrills.
278 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 13, 2018
3.5
I didn't expect this book to be this entertaining. I read it all in one sitting.
The Fairfax Incident is a noirish story that takes place between the two world wars. The protagonist is not what you'd call an honest man. You see, Charlie Doherty used to be a cop, a crooked one at that. Now he is a private investigator thanks to a very wealthy man whose son he'd saved.
Throughout the book, Charlie grows on you, though. Actually, he does that right away even though he himself describes the things he used to do while he was 'on the take'. It turns out, Charlie Doherty is not all that crooked.
As for this particular story, a seemingly simple case of suicide grows into something much larger and unexpected.
ARC received from Polis Books via NetGalley
I didn't expect this book to be this entertaining. I read it all in one sitting.
The Fairfax Incident is a noirish story that takes place between the two world wars. The protagonist is not what you'd call an honest man. You see, Charlie Doherty used to be a cop, a crooked one at that. Now he is a private investigator thanks to a very wealthy man whose son he'd saved.
Throughout the book, Charlie grows on you, though. Actually, he does that right away even though he himself describes the things he used to do while he was 'on the take'. It turns out, Charlie Doherty is not all that crooked.
As for this particular story, a seemingly simple case of suicide grows into something much larger and unexpected.
ARC received from Polis Books via NetGalley
June 18, 2018
This ‘golden age’ gumshoe story kicks off as a private investigation into the apparent suicide of a wealthy businessman – but soon it’s obvious that there’s a lot more going on than a bit of slap and tickle on the side…
New York gumshoe Charlie Doherty is doing pretty well for himself, considering it’s 1933 and most working joes are suffering the worst effects of the Depression. Charlie has a powerful benefactor – which is just as well. While he was a detective on the NYPD, Charlie did some pretty questionable things and he left under some seriously dark clouds.
Charlie barely has a chance to start asking questions about the dead man’s mistress before he’s the target of an Al Capone-style drive-by shooting. The next thing you know, he’s getting his chops slapped by beautiful women and broken-nosed coppers alike, and then suddenly people start talking German and the plot seriously thickens.
It’s pretty obvious, given the date when this story is set, what direction the narrative is going to take – but that didn’t make it any the less enjoyable. Author McCauley creates a credible representation of pre-war East Coast America where you can almost smell the soup kitchens and cigars.
There’s a tip of the hat to just about every crime novel convention. Even so, it was refreshing to read a murder-mystery in which the hero isn’t a drug addict or an alcoholic or an amnesiac or anything weird. Instead he’s a smart guy handing a pretty slick job. The dialogue is slick, the pace clips along without getting bogged down in unnecessary background, and one mystery is satisfactorily solved… although author McCauley leaves a big can of worms wriggling for the next episode.
Nothing especially gruelling here; the violence and language aren’t explicit or offensive. A professionally polished package, in fact, which made for an entertaining afternoon.
7/10
There's more reviews of crime / thrillers over at http://www.murdermayhemandmore.net
New York gumshoe Charlie Doherty is doing pretty well for himself, considering it’s 1933 and most working joes are suffering the worst effects of the Depression. Charlie has a powerful benefactor – which is just as well. While he was a detective on the NYPD, Charlie did some pretty questionable things and he left under some seriously dark clouds.
Charlie barely has a chance to start asking questions about the dead man’s mistress before he’s the target of an Al Capone-style drive-by shooting. The next thing you know, he’s getting his chops slapped by beautiful women and broken-nosed coppers alike, and then suddenly people start talking German and the plot seriously thickens.
It’s pretty obvious, given the date when this story is set, what direction the narrative is going to take – but that didn’t make it any the less enjoyable. Author McCauley creates a credible representation of pre-war East Coast America where you can almost smell the soup kitchens and cigars.
There’s a tip of the hat to just about every crime novel convention. Even so, it was refreshing to read a murder-mystery in which the hero isn’t a drug addict or an alcoholic or an amnesiac or anything weird. Instead he’s a smart guy handing a pretty slick job. The dialogue is slick, the pace clips along without getting bogged down in unnecessary background, and one mystery is satisfactorily solved… although author McCauley leaves a big can of worms wriggling for the next episode.
Nothing especially gruelling here; the violence and language aren’t explicit or offensive. A professionally polished package, in fact, which made for an entertaining afternoon.
7/10
There's more reviews of crime / thrillers over at http://www.murdermayhemandmore.net
May 28, 2018
Absolutely classic New York noir. Fans of McCauley's other two series (which The Fairfax Incident links together) will love this latest offering and new readers will be impressed with McCauley's attention to atmosphere and ode to spot-on classic crime writing. A fast, immersive read that I highly recommend to any reader of crime fiction.
June 5, 2018
I was asked to review The Fairfax Incident by publicist Wiley Saichek and was provided with a review copy from the publisher via Net Galley.
Protagonist Charlie Doherty is no paragon of virtue, but he is sympathetic. His wealthy patron, Van Dorn, who pays all his expenses and brings him clients, considers Doherty a hero because he rescued Van Dorn's son from a kidnapper. Others might consider him a hero because he fought in WWI as a Marine. Readers who are fans of the Maisie Dobbs mystery series are familiar with the problem of PTSD resulting from combat in WWI. Doherty is not immune to PTSD. He experiences an instance of WWI flashbacks during the narrative.
The Fairfax Incident is the first book I've read dealing with the consequences of WWI that is set in the U.S. The impact of Germany's defeat on German-Americans is central to the plot.
The novel ends as more of an espionage thriller than a mystery. Readers will learn whodunit, but there is an ongoing national security crisis involving the events leading up to WWII that is not resolved. Presumably, there will be a sequel in which Doherty will continue to distinguish himself in service to his country.
I consider The Fairfax Incident a thought provoking and suspenseful novel.
For my complete review see http://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/20...
Protagonist Charlie Doherty is no paragon of virtue, but he is sympathetic. His wealthy patron, Van Dorn, who pays all his expenses and brings him clients, considers Doherty a hero because he rescued Van Dorn's son from a kidnapper. Others might consider him a hero because he fought in WWI as a Marine. Readers who are fans of the Maisie Dobbs mystery series are familiar with the problem of PTSD resulting from combat in WWI. Doherty is not immune to PTSD. He experiences an instance of WWI flashbacks during the narrative.
The Fairfax Incident is the first book I've read dealing with the consequences of WWI that is set in the U.S. The impact of Germany's defeat on German-Americans is central to the plot.
The novel ends as more of an espionage thriller than a mystery. Readers will learn whodunit, but there is an ongoing national security crisis involving the events leading up to WWII that is not resolved. Presumably, there will be a sequel in which Doherty will continue to distinguish himself in service to his country.
I consider The Fairfax Incident a thought provoking and suspenseful novel.
For my complete review see http://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/20...
April 11, 2018
“The Fairfax Incident” by Terrence McCauley is a classic “gumshoe” mystery set in New York City in 1933. The story is a first-person narrative by Charles “Charlie” Doherty, a detective “making a damned fine living making my wealthy clients feel like I genuinely care about their ivory-tower troubles.” The plot flows effortlessly, and the details slowly come into focus in an easy natural way as part of the conversations that Charlie is having with the reader.
Charlie has a somewhat checkered past handling the occasional dirty job as “Chief Carmichael’s Black Hand.” He is called to the Fairfax mansion to meet with Mrs. Eleanor Blythe Fairfax. Her husband killed himself, and she really wants to know was why. Charlie is sure that throwing enough money at the problem could do the trick.
The story has the classic noir feel: the city, the rain, the cynical PI, the money, the big question. New York is a character just as much as are the people, and little details highlight all the trappings of society and politics. There are blown fuses, elevators, influential gossip columns, private clubs, and coat checks, all the ins and outs of the time. It was New York in 1933, and Charlie knows it well.
“But there’s really no such thing as a nice, quiet walk in Manhattan. Trucks were always backfiring. The sound of pneumatic hammers pounding away at concrete or asphalt was never too far away. Car horns honked and people cursed. Throw in the flutter of pigeon wings for good measure and that was as tranquil as New York City got. It’s a whole lot of different sounds all mixed together in one big urban symphony, but it’s usually the same sounds heard over and over. That’s why when you heard something new, you knew it.”
Charlie has a classic PI sense of humor; “I’m afraid my trench coat is at the cleaner’s.” There are figurative clichés that set the stage as well. For example, the traffic was as packed as a cross-town trolley at rush hour; the man was crooked as a dog’s hind leg, and the exasperated, “Who the hell’s going to shoot me out here? A cow?” Oh, and do not forget McCauley’s shout-out for his cigar stores.
I received a copy of “The Fairfax Incident” from Terrence McCauley and Polis Books. I do not read a lot of “noir” but I loved this one, and I highly recommend it. It is easy to read and very entertaining. It had a compelling mystery and a murder without all the blood and gore and mess. However, be careful, you might just laugh right out loud as you read.
Charlie has a somewhat checkered past handling the occasional dirty job as “Chief Carmichael’s Black Hand.” He is called to the Fairfax mansion to meet with Mrs. Eleanor Blythe Fairfax. Her husband killed himself, and she really wants to know was why. Charlie is sure that throwing enough money at the problem could do the trick.
The story has the classic noir feel: the city, the rain, the cynical PI, the money, the big question. New York is a character just as much as are the people, and little details highlight all the trappings of society and politics. There are blown fuses, elevators, influential gossip columns, private clubs, and coat checks, all the ins and outs of the time. It was New York in 1933, and Charlie knows it well.
“But there’s really no such thing as a nice, quiet walk in Manhattan. Trucks were always backfiring. The sound of pneumatic hammers pounding away at concrete or asphalt was never too far away. Car horns honked and people cursed. Throw in the flutter of pigeon wings for good measure and that was as tranquil as New York City got. It’s a whole lot of different sounds all mixed together in one big urban symphony, but it’s usually the same sounds heard over and over. That’s why when you heard something new, you knew it.”
Charlie has a classic PI sense of humor; “I’m afraid my trench coat is at the cleaner’s.” There are figurative clichés that set the stage as well. For example, the traffic was as packed as a cross-town trolley at rush hour; the man was crooked as a dog’s hind leg, and the exasperated, “Who the hell’s going to shoot me out here? A cow?” Oh, and do not forget McCauley’s shout-out for his cigar stores.
I received a copy of “The Fairfax Incident” from Terrence McCauley and Polis Books. I do not read a lot of “noir” but I loved this one, and I highly recommend it. It is easy to read and very entertaining. It had a compelling mystery and a murder without all the blood and gore and mess. However, be careful, you might just laugh right out loud as you read.
June 10, 2018
It's 1933 and Charlie Doherty has been kicked off the police force and works as a private detective supported by a very wealthy Mr Van Dorn. When he is paid to investigate the death of a Mr Fairfax, presumed a suicide, he has no idea how big the problem will become.
An entertaining and interesting mystery which moves toward becoming an espionage thriller.
A NetGalley Book
An entertaining and interesting mystery which moves toward becoming an espionage thriller.
A NetGalley Book
June 6, 2018
McCauley spins an enthralling, non-stop tale of Prohibition, 1933 Manhattan, and Charlie Doherty, a disgraced New York cop sucked into world of crime even he didn't know existed. Neither will you. Start-to-finish action, great writing that pulls you forward, big surprises. McCauley never disappoints.
May 30, 2019
Charlie Doherty, private investigator, “crooked” ex-NYPD detective, ex-Marine, thinks he has it easy. Since his “retirement” from the police force, he has been investigating cases for wealthy clients and being paid handsomely. Cases are funneled to him by the mysterious Harriman Van Dorn—easy cases such as tracking down wayward offspring or tailing spouses in divorce cases. Easy, that is, until he takes on the case of a society matron wanting to know why her husband was murdered. Although the police had ruled Walter Fairfax’s death an open-and-shut case of suicide, his wife thinks otherwise, “Walter was incapable of suicide. Not that he wasn’t a coward, mind you, for Walter Fairfax was most certainly a cowardly man. He simply wasn’t considerate enough to kill himself.” He was too busy making sure his insurance company remained a successful venture even throughout the Depression, during which time this story takes place. Mrs. Fairfax is adamant that someone drove her husband to his death, “The lives and fortunes of insurance men are based on calculations and charts and payment schedules that were created on the off chance that something terrible might happen to a policy holder one day. Do you know that they even have charts that can determine how long a policy holder will live based on certain factors? What’s even more troubling is how accurate the charts are…And that is why, Mr. Doherty, I know my husband did not take his own life.”
So, heaving an inward sigh, Charlie takes the case, thinking it will be a no-brainer to just read the police reports again, talk to a few of Mr. Fairfax’s associates, do some research on Walter Fairfax at the library, wrap up the case quickly and collect another handsome fee. So much for a quick resolution when he gets shot at while walking from the posh apartment of Mrs. Fairfax downtown to the New York Public Library.
The story escalates with the death of someone close to Mr. and Mrs. Fairfax who had information that is helpful to Doherty’s case, Doherty’s catching a beautiful female spy and his realizing that his former cohorts at the police department want to throw a billy club into his investigation.
Although this story is well-paced overall, it gets off to a very slow start, “I stifled a yawn as I listened to the old lady repeat herself for the third time. Or maybe it was the fourth. I’d lost count by then.” I almost did, too—yawn and lose count.
Slang phrases from the 1930s— “the old lady,” “Hooverville,” “Kraut” and calling various places around town a “dump”—are scattered through the first half of the novel to add verisimilitude, but really don’t add much to the story.
Some of the characterization is stereotypical, such as Charlie Doherty and Andrew Carmichael being crooked Irish New York City policemen on the take as part of the Tammany Hall political machine. Mary Pat Dennehy, the library assistant who locates information for Doherty is a “shy, heavy girl with bad skin and thick glasses” who writes fan mail to Doherty during one of his previous cases. “Girls like Mary Pat were a dime a dozen in this town,” but Doherty feels sorry for her because she’s “a sweet kid.”
Yet other characters are more interesting, such as Father Mullins and Harriman Van Dorn. Mysterious Father Mullins knows about guns, foreign languages, mystic runes, and Nazis. Although Van Dorn is very elusive during the first part of the novel (shades of Mission Impossible— “your mission, should you choose to accept it…”), later he is depicted as a loving family man and unofficial government operative.
But, I do like Charlie Doherty’s first-person narration of this case with his smart-mouth responses to his former NYPD colleagues.
All told, this is a nice, fast-paced look into pre-World War II intrigue.
So, heaving an inward sigh, Charlie takes the case, thinking it will be a no-brainer to just read the police reports again, talk to a few of Mr. Fairfax’s associates, do some research on Walter Fairfax at the library, wrap up the case quickly and collect another handsome fee. So much for a quick resolution when he gets shot at while walking from the posh apartment of Mrs. Fairfax downtown to the New York Public Library.
The story escalates with the death of someone close to Mr. and Mrs. Fairfax who had information that is helpful to Doherty’s case, Doherty’s catching a beautiful female spy and his realizing that his former cohorts at the police department want to throw a billy club into his investigation.
Although this story is well-paced overall, it gets off to a very slow start, “I stifled a yawn as I listened to the old lady repeat herself for the third time. Or maybe it was the fourth. I’d lost count by then.” I almost did, too—yawn and lose count.
Slang phrases from the 1930s— “the old lady,” “Hooverville,” “Kraut” and calling various places around town a “dump”—are scattered through the first half of the novel to add verisimilitude, but really don’t add much to the story.
Some of the characterization is stereotypical, such as Charlie Doherty and Andrew Carmichael being crooked Irish New York City policemen on the take as part of the Tammany Hall political machine. Mary Pat Dennehy, the library assistant who locates information for Doherty is a “shy, heavy girl with bad skin and thick glasses” who writes fan mail to Doherty during one of his previous cases. “Girls like Mary Pat were a dime a dozen in this town,” but Doherty feels sorry for her because she’s “a sweet kid.”
Yet other characters are more interesting, such as Father Mullins and Harriman Van Dorn. Mysterious Father Mullins knows about guns, foreign languages, mystic runes, and Nazis. Although Van Dorn is very elusive during the first part of the novel (shades of Mission Impossible— “your mission, should you choose to accept it…”), later he is depicted as a loving family man and unofficial government operative.
But, I do like Charlie Doherty’s first-person narration of this case with his smart-mouth responses to his former NYPD colleagues.
All told, this is a nice, fast-paced look into pre-World War II intrigue.
May 7, 2018
Charlie Doherty, an ex-detective who now works for a very rich and supportive client. He’s got it made, makes more money than he knows what to do with, his clientele are now the rich and famous, but is the money worth it, and is he really working for what he believes in?
This book starts out with a bang, I immediately fell in love with ole Charlie. I loved his banter, his thoughts, the way he did business. He is the true 1933 detective, without the trench coat. He’s had a little checkered past, but he is now in a much better place and doesn’t have to put up with the diplomacy or bureaucracy of the police department. He is now investigating an accidental shooting, or was it a suicide? Then the dead bodies start to mount up as the suspense increases. This was a fast enjoyable read. I would say it is a gumshoe mystery, and he kind of reminds me of Cormoran Strike, my other private investigator I enjoy reading.
The only downside was towards the end, I got lost in trying to keep straight all that was going on, a lot of action and a lot of names, so much happens in the last part of the book. But do not let that keep you from reading this one.
I thank Net Galley and Polis Books for allowing me to receive an ARC copy for my honest review. This one gets 5*****’s. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend if you enjoy Detective stories.
This book starts out with a bang, I immediately fell in love with ole Charlie. I loved his banter, his thoughts, the way he did business. He is the true 1933 detective, without the trench coat. He’s had a little checkered past, but he is now in a much better place and doesn’t have to put up with the diplomacy or bureaucracy of the police department. He is now investigating an accidental shooting, or was it a suicide? Then the dead bodies start to mount up as the suspense increases. This was a fast enjoyable read. I would say it is a gumshoe mystery, and he kind of reminds me of Cormoran Strike, my other private investigator I enjoy reading.
The only downside was towards the end, I got lost in trying to keep straight all that was going on, a lot of action and a lot of names, so much happens in the last part of the book. But do not let that keep you from reading this one.
I thank Net Galley and Polis Books for allowing me to receive an ARC copy for my honest review. This one gets 5*****’s. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend if you enjoy Detective stories.
January 11, 2022
Terrence McCauley – Charlie Doherty Thriller Bk 4 – The Fairfax Incident – Reviewed 1/11/22 - Read 1/8/22
When Charlie is asked to look into a suicide case, he finds that the victim led a double life!
Life has been great for Charlie since he parted ways with the police department; his benefactor has set him up in his own private investigation business with all of his wealthy friends. He is making better money now, being straight than he ever did, being crooked on the force, chasing down wayward spouses and runaway rich kids. Then the case of a lifetime falls into his lap when he is asked to prove a husband’s suicide was actually murder.
Charlie figures that he would check out all the facts everyone already knew and then pocket a big payday. Little did he know that this case would be so much more than just suicide, and he finds himself battling some of the most powerful but evil men in the world, and the story begins.
Join Charlie as he digs in and bites off more than he expected, even getting shot to find the truth and stop the bad guys…
What did I like? One of the most exciting things about this series was when Charlie woke up and found that going straight and doing the right thing was more important to him than his previous life of crime.
What will you like? Intense intrigue, action, shootouts, tons of bad/evil guys, mystery, and the goal to end the conspiracy. The storyline is fascinating, with a healthy dose of evil men, well developed and beautifully written. The characters will take you back in time to a period that was some of our worse days, but with a better outcome. Don’t miss Terrence McCauley’s next book in the Charlie Doherty Thrillers, “The Fairfax Incident,” which is available NOW!!!
• ASIN: B09L987VYQ
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 12/15/2021
• File Size: 3100 KB
• Print Length: 246 pages
• Genre: Pulp Thrillers, Historical Thrillers, Kidnapping Crime Fiction
When Charlie is asked to look into a suicide case, he finds that the victim led a double life!
Life has been great for Charlie since he parted ways with the police department; his benefactor has set him up in his own private investigation business with all of his wealthy friends. He is making better money now, being straight than he ever did, being crooked on the force, chasing down wayward spouses and runaway rich kids. Then the case of a lifetime falls into his lap when he is asked to prove a husband’s suicide was actually murder.
Charlie figures that he would check out all the facts everyone already knew and then pocket a big payday. Little did he know that this case would be so much more than just suicide, and he finds himself battling some of the most powerful but evil men in the world, and the story begins.
Join Charlie as he digs in and bites off more than he expected, even getting shot to find the truth and stop the bad guys…
What did I like? One of the most exciting things about this series was when Charlie woke up and found that going straight and doing the right thing was more important to him than his previous life of crime.
What will you like? Intense intrigue, action, shootouts, tons of bad/evil guys, mystery, and the goal to end the conspiracy. The storyline is fascinating, with a healthy dose of evil men, well developed and beautifully written. The characters will take you back in time to a period that was some of our worse days, but with a better outcome. Don’t miss Terrence McCauley’s next book in the Charlie Doherty Thrillers, “The Fairfax Incident,” which is available NOW!!!
• ASIN: B09L987VYQ
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 12/15/2021
• File Size: 3100 KB
• Print Length: 246 pages
• Genre: Pulp Thrillers, Historical Thrillers, Kidnapping Crime Fiction
August 12, 2018
Set in 1933 Manhattan, the plot revolves around ex-cop Charlie Doherty, who is now making a nice living catering to the Manhattan upper crust. Asked to investigate an obvious suicide, Charlie thinks it's easy money until someone opens fire on him with a Tommy gun as he's walking down the street. Terrence McCauley has crafted a real page turner that uses Manhattan as a character, from the Hooverville camp in Central Park, to the dingy gin mills to the famed Nat Sherman's, this is Manhattan at its best -- and worst. McCauley has also created some truly memorable characters, including some unforgettable villains. Still, at the heart of the book, is a mystery and Charlie Doherty, determined as he is tough, will stop at nothing to solve it. The plot is pitch-perfect as it touches on the social issues that plagued the period as well as the strength needed to overcome such obstacles. I do hope McCauley has another Doherty story in the works!
June 12, 2018
Quick, easy read. PI Charlie Doherty, ex-cop with once questionable ethics, now working for a rich guy whose clients pay the big bucks. Charlie's come up in the world and brought up his standards with him. Not entirely, just up. This case should be a slam dunk. Widow Fairfax doesn't believe her husband killed himself, but the evidence is undeniable. Charlie promises to look into it but figures he'll wrap it up by the end of a day, two at the most. Doesn't work quite that way. When people start shooting at him on the streets of New York, well, he looks at the dead man's motives more closely.
November 21, 2022
The Fairfax Incident by Terrence McCauley is Noir fiction at its finest. The hero is no choir boy and was saved after his fall from grace by a wealthy benefactor. Now investigating the suicide or not of the deceased spouse of a wealthy widow has Charlie uncovering the worst kind of bad guys of the time period and …. This is one you need to read. 5-star offering.
April 11, 2018
SERIOUSLY!? I JUST CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SECOND BOOK OF THIS SERIES TO COME OUT!!!!! (Although, this book hasn't even been released yet ;p)
I originally picked up this book because of the cover, and I could tell this book falls into Historical Mystery genre, which is my favorite of all.
I am soooo glad I picked up this book because it was absolutely a page turner! I couldn't stop reading! In fact, I gave up 2 nights of sleep to finish reading this book. And those 2 days, I just couldn't help but abandon house chores because I needed to find out what was coming up next!
Only the thing I wished I had known before I started reading this book was that this book ISN'T a standalone book. Although it doesn't say it officially, this book is the first of its series for sure because the whole story doesn't complete within this book. So when I reached the end of the book, I was left quite shocked.
"I don't care what you may have heard or read about my husband's death, Mr. Doherty, but I can assure you it was not a suicide. It was murder, plain and simple."
In New York City, 1933, Mr. Fairfax, rich and the owner of a life insurance company, was found dead. He shot himself in the head and was declared he died in an "accident" in order to protect the family from big scandal.
Ex-cop Charlie Doherty, who was living off with big checks which were paid by his rich clients, was hired by the widow Mrs. Fairfax to find out "why" her husband killed himself. Since he has taken this job, some group of people with a gray overcoat were after him to take him down. Some people he has spoken to are also found dead later. He finds himself in the middle of a big conspiracy.
And when a man of well-organized and planned nature, such as Mr. Fairfax, takes an out of his character action, there is always a woman behind it. The woman is a royalty. She is beautiful, intelligent, mysterious, and cunning. But what is she hiding? What kind of influence had she had on Mr. Fairfax? Their true relationship?
Would you like to find out more??
This book is filled with incidents and happenings, there is no time for you to get bored!! I found myself learning new information and connections through the pages, and it was truly captivating how a suicide of a quiet man is just "the tip of the iceberg." I can't wait to find out how this story ends in the next book!
I rate this book 5 stars based on the rating below.
(1 star: couldn’t finish, 2 stars: made myself finish it, 3 stars: I liked it, 4 stars: I loved it, 5 stars: loved enough to reread it!!)
Thank you so much for reading my review!!
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Original post: http://mebooksandchunkycheeks.com/the...
I originally picked up this book because of the cover, and I could tell this book falls into Historical Mystery genre, which is my favorite of all.
I am soooo glad I picked up this book because it was absolutely a page turner! I couldn't stop reading! In fact, I gave up 2 nights of sleep to finish reading this book. And those 2 days, I just couldn't help but abandon house chores because I needed to find out what was coming up next!
Only the thing I wished I had known before I started reading this book was that this book ISN'T a standalone book. Although it doesn't say it officially, this book is the first of its series for sure because the whole story doesn't complete within this book. So when I reached the end of the book, I was left quite shocked.
"I don't care what you may have heard or read about my husband's death, Mr. Doherty, but I can assure you it was not a suicide. It was murder, plain and simple."
In New York City, 1933, Mr. Fairfax, rich and the owner of a life insurance company, was found dead. He shot himself in the head and was declared he died in an "accident" in order to protect the family from big scandal.
Ex-cop Charlie Doherty, who was living off with big checks which were paid by his rich clients, was hired by the widow Mrs. Fairfax to find out "why" her husband killed himself. Since he has taken this job, some group of people with a gray overcoat were after him to take him down. Some people he has spoken to are also found dead later. He finds himself in the middle of a big conspiracy.
And when a man of well-organized and planned nature, such as Mr. Fairfax, takes an out of his character action, there is always a woman behind it. The woman is a royalty. She is beautiful, intelligent, mysterious, and cunning. But what is she hiding? What kind of influence had she had on Mr. Fairfax? Their true relationship?
Would you like to find out more??
This book is filled with incidents and happenings, there is no time for you to get bored!! I found myself learning new information and connections through the pages, and it was truly captivating how a suicide of a quiet man is just "the tip of the iceberg." I can't wait to find out how this story ends in the next book!
I rate this book 5 stars based on the rating below.
(1 star: couldn’t finish, 2 stars: made myself finish it, 3 stars: I liked it, 4 stars: I loved it, 5 stars: loved enough to reread it!!)
Thank you so much for reading my review!!
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Original post: http://mebooksandchunkycheeks.com/the...
April 28, 2018
In 1930s New York City, private detective Charlie Doherty is weathering the Depression just fine. Bankrolled by a wealthy man whose son he rescued and whose sole condition is priority access to any records and photos, he enjoys a comfortable apartment, an elegant wardrobe, and a brimming bank account.
Doherty's latest client, Mrs. Fairfax, wants him to prove that her husband's recent death was not suicide. Early one morning, Walter Fairfax, head of a successful insurance company, entered his office, sat at his desk, took a phone call and shot himself in the head. Just when former Marine and ex-cop Charlie Doherty thought he'd left the horrors of war behind him, this seemingly open-and-shut case revives painful memories and could turn out to have global consequences.
Told by Doherty himself in what could be the voiceover for an old-fashioned detective movie, this suspenseful story deals with façades and what hides behind them. I truly enjoyed the unexpected complexity of the plot and the tension that the author maintained throughout this novel. The style of the narrative was perfect, Doherty's wisecracks punctuating his account with welcome touches of humour like flashes of lightning in the dark, broody atmosphere.
I was provided with a free electronic copy of this book through NetGalley by the publisher, Polis Books, in exchange for an honest review.
Doherty's latest client, Mrs. Fairfax, wants him to prove that her husband's recent death was not suicide. Early one morning, Walter Fairfax, head of a successful insurance company, entered his office, sat at his desk, took a phone call and shot himself in the head. Just when former Marine and ex-cop Charlie Doherty thought he'd left the horrors of war behind him, this seemingly open-and-shut case revives painful memories and could turn out to have global consequences.
Told by Doherty himself in what could be the voiceover for an old-fashioned detective movie, this suspenseful story deals with façades and what hides behind them. I truly enjoyed the unexpected complexity of the plot and the tension that the author maintained throughout this novel. The style of the narrative was perfect, Doherty's wisecracks punctuating his account with welcome touches of humour like flashes of lightning in the dark, broody atmosphere.
I was provided with a free electronic copy of this book through NetGalley by the publisher, Polis Books, in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2018
Thought the Fairfax Incident by Terrence McCauley was quite good. It had a lot of intriguing elements that kept me hooked throughout. I am interested if there is an additional book that follows this one, and if so I would be very interested in reading it. I really liked the mystery aspect of this book, where every turn of the page see,ed to have a new wrinkle. I would for sure recommend this book!
Thanks to Polis Books and Terrence McCauley for providing me with an advanced reading copy.
Thanks to Polis Books and Terrence McCauley for providing me with an advanced reading copy.
November 6, 2018
Charlie Doherty is a private investigator in Manhattan. Moreover, he’s a guy you want on your side. And don’t let his size fool you; he’s one tough fellow. The big war may be over, but Prohibition lingers, along with slow economic recovery. People down on their luck have little to lose, so crime is on the rise. At one time, Charlie was an NYPD cop, but now he works for Harriman Van Dorn, a man with resources that Charlie couldn’t even dream about. Fortunately, Van Dorn’s clients tend toward the upper end of society, so Charlie’s lifestyle has vastly improved, even though his relationship with Chief of Police Andrew Carmichael has taken a hefty nosedive. He can deal with that.
Van Dorn’s latest request is for Charlie to look into the suicide of wealthy insurance magnate Walter Fairfax. The story goes that Mr. Fairfax shot himself shortly after arriving at his office one morning. The newly widowed Eleanor Fairfax doesn’t buy the official account, not even a little bit. As much as he tries, Charlie can’t convince her that she’s throwing her money away on his investigation. To Charlie, it appears to be as open and shut as the proverbial locked room case. But Mrs. Fairfax is not a woman to be deterred, so Charlie goes through the motions of looking into it. He figures, what the heck, he’ll make a few calls, interview the people she’s listed; their stories will confirm her husband offed himself, and that will be that.
Well, it might've worked out that way if not for the bullets flying around on the streets. Once he’s picked himself up off the sidewalk, Charlie figures right away that the guns were meant for him. So he knuckles down and gets serious. He learns that Water was a rich man, yes, but also a dull one. He was a man of routine, a man of numbers, a man who, it would seem, couldn’t possibly be involved in dangerous intrigue. It simply wasn’t in his nature. But while delving into his past, Charlie uncovers some disturbing connections that frighten even the seasoned ex-cop. What on earth had Walter gotten himself into?
The extent of the entanglement goes far beyond one man putting a gun into his mouth and pulling the trigger. Charlie’s seed of doubt about simple suicide grows. Okay, maybe Walter did kill himself, but why? Did he leave a note? Nobody mentioned one. What motive could he have had? Was the man ill? His doctor says no. What about the business? It appears to be booming. And his home life seemed pretty normal, if not exactly passionate. So why?
Oh, the answer will totally blow you away. Mild-mannered Walter Fairfax had something up his sleeve, no question about it, something deadly. This fellow who was devoted to routine deviated from his norm and found himself caught in a trap, a lethal one. His life wasn’t quite what it seemed --- nor what his wife thought it was --- and there were factors at work that he couldn’t control. Those factors turned out to have implications far beyond an insurance man’s life. Normally cautious Walter sampled the forbidden fruit and paid the price.
THE FAIRFAX INCIDENT is a wonderful, old-fashioned detective novel. Set in the 1930s, there are no fancy tricks done with cell phones or computers. Technology was decidedly low back then, if not entirely nonexistent, so Charlie has to rely on his brains. That makes solving the mystery far more fun and far more clever. And Charlie Doherty is definitely one to watch out for. This is a smart read and a wild ride through post-war Manhattan.
Reviewed by Kate Ayers
Van Dorn’s latest request is for Charlie to look into the suicide of wealthy insurance magnate Walter Fairfax. The story goes that Mr. Fairfax shot himself shortly after arriving at his office one morning. The newly widowed Eleanor Fairfax doesn’t buy the official account, not even a little bit. As much as he tries, Charlie can’t convince her that she’s throwing her money away on his investigation. To Charlie, it appears to be as open and shut as the proverbial locked room case. But Mrs. Fairfax is not a woman to be deterred, so Charlie goes through the motions of looking into it. He figures, what the heck, he’ll make a few calls, interview the people she’s listed; their stories will confirm her husband offed himself, and that will be that.
Well, it might've worked out that way if not for the bullets flying around on the streets. Once he’s picked himself up off the sidewalk, Charlie figures right away that the guns were meant for him. So he knuckles down and gets serious. He learns that Water was a rich man, yes, but also a dull one. He was a man of routine, a man of numbers, a man who, it would seem, couldn’t possibly be involved in dangerous intrigue. It simply wasn’t in his nature. But while delving into his past, Charlie uncovers some disturbing connections that frighten even the seasoned ex-cop. What on earth had Walter gotten himself into?
The extent of the entanglement goes far beyond one man putting a gun into his mouth and pulling the trigger. Charlie’s seed of doubt about simple suicide grows. Okay, maybe Walter did kill himself, but why? Did he leave a note? Nobody mentioned one. What motive could he have had? Was the man ill? His doctor says no. What about the business? It appears to be booming. And his home life seemed pretty normal, if not exactly passionate. So why?
Oh, the answer will totally blow you away. Mild-mannered Walter Fairfax had something up his sleeve, no question about it, something deadly. This fellow who was devoted to routine deviated from his norm and found himself caught in a trap, a lethal one. His life wasn’t quite what it seemed --- nor what his wife thought it was --- and there were factors at work that he couldn’t control. Those factors turned out to have implications far beyond an insurance man’s life. Normally cautious Walter sampled the forbidden fruit and paid the price.
THE FAIRFAX INCIDENT is a wonderful, old-fashioned detective novel. Set in the 1930s, there are no fancy tricks done with cell phones or computers. Technology was decidedly low back then, if not entirely nonexistent, so Charlie has to rely on his brains. That makes solving the mystery far more fun and far more clever. And Charlie Doherty is definitely one to watch out for. This is a smart read and a wild ride through post-war Manhattan.
Reviewed by Kate Ayers
December 10, 2018
Charlie Doherty is a private investigator in Manhattan. Moreover, he’s a guy you want on your side. And don’t let his size fool you; he’s one tough fellow. The big war may be over, but Prohibition lingers, along with slow economic recovery. People down on their luck have little to lose, so crime is on the rise. At one time, Charlie was an NYPD cop, but now he works for Harriman Van Dorn, a man with resources that Charlie couldn’t even dream about. Fortunately, Van Dorn’s clients tend toward the upper end of society, so Charlie’s lifestyle has vastly improved, even though his relationship with Chief of Police Andrew Carmichael has taken a hefty nosedive. He can deal with that.
Van Dorn’s latest request is for Charlie to look into the suicide of wealthy insurance magnate Walter Fairfax. The story goes that Mr. Fairfax shot himself shortly after arriving at his office one morning. The newly widowed Eleanor Fairfax doesn’t buy the official account, not even a little bit. As much as he tries, Charlie can’t convince her that she’s throwing her money away on his investigation. To Charlie, it appears to be as open and shut as the proverbial locked room case. But Mrs. Fairfax is not a woman to be deterred, so Charlie goes through the motions of looking into it. He figures, what the heck, he’ll make a few calls, interview the people she’s listed; their stories will confirm her husband offed himself, and that will be that.
Well, it might've worked out that way if not for the bullets flying around on the streets. Once he’s picked himself up off the sidewalk, Charlie figures right away that the guns were meant for him. So he knuckles down and gets serious. He learns that Water was a rich man, yes, but also a dull one. He was a man of routine, a man of numbers, a man who, it would seem, couldn’t possibly be involved in dangerous intrigue. It simply wasn’t in his nature. But while delving into his past, Charlie uncovers some disturbing connections that frighten even the seasoned ex-cop. What on earth had Walter gotten himself into?
The extent of the entanglement goes far beyond one man putting a gun into his mouth and pulling the trigger. Charlie’s seed of doubt about simple suicide grows. Okay, maybe Walter did kill himself, but why? Did he leave a note? Nobody mentioned one. What motive could he have had? Was the man ill? His doctor says no. What about the business? It appears to be booming. And his home life seemed pretty normal, if not exactly passionate. So why?
Oh, the answer will totally blow you away. Mild-mannered Walter Fairfax had something up his sleeve, no question about it, something deadly. This fellow who was devoted to routine deviated from his norm and found himself caught in a trap, a lethal one. His life wasn’t quite what it seemed --- nor what his wife thought it was --- and there were factors at work that he couldn’t control. Those factors turned out to have implications far beyond an insurance man’s life. Normally cautious Walter sampled the forbidden fruit and paid the price.
THE FAIRFAX INCIDENT is a wonderful, old-fashioned detective novel. Set in the 1930s, there are no fancy tricks done with cell phones or computers. Technology was decidedly low back then, if not entirely nonexistent, so Charlie has to rely on his brains. That makes solving the mystery far more fun and far more clever. And Charlie Doherty is definitely one to watch out for. This is a smart read and a wild ride through post-war Manhattan.
Reviewed by Kate Ayers
Van Dorn’s latest request is for Charlie to look into the suicide of wealthy insurance magnate Walter Fairfax. The story goes that Mr. Fairfax shot himself shortly after arriving at his office one morning. The newly widowed Eleanor Fairfax doesn’t buy the official account, not even a little bit. As much as he tries, Charlie can’t convince her that she’s throwing her money away on his investigation. To Charlie, it appears to be as open and shut as the proverbial locked room case. But Mrs. Fairfax is not a woman to be deterred, so Charlie goes through the motions of looking into it. He figures, what the heck, he’ll make a few calls, interview the people she’s listed; their stories will confirm her husband offed himself, and that will be that.
Well, it might've worked out that way if not for the bullets flying around on the streets. Once he’s picked himself up off the sidewalk, Charlie figures right away that the guns were meant for him. So he knuckles down and gets serious. He learns that Water was a rich man, yes, but also a dull one. He was a man of routine, a man of numbers, a man who, it would seem, couldn’t possibly be involved in dangerous intrigue. It simply wasn’t in his nature. But while delving into his past, Charlie uncovers some disturbing connections that frighten even the seasoned ex-cop. What on earth had Walter gotten himself into?
The extent of the entanglement goes far beyond one man putting a gun into his mouth and pulling the trigger. Charlie’s seed of doubt about simple suicide grows. Okay, maybe Walter did kill himself, but why? Did he leave a note? Nobody mentioned one. What motive could he have had? Was the man ill? His doctor says no. What about the business? It appears to be booming. And his home life seemed pretty normal, if not exactly passionate. So why?
Oh, the answer will totally blow you away. Mild-mannered Walter Fairfax had something up his sleeve, no question about it, something deadly. This fellow who was devoted to routine deviated from his norm and found himself caught in a trap, a lethal one. His life wasn’t quite what it seemed --- nor what his wife thought it was --- and there were factors at work that he couldn’t control. Those factors turned out to have implications far beyond an insurance man’s life. Normally cautious Walter sampled the forbidden fruit and paid the price.
THE FAIRFAX INCIDENT is a wonderful, old-fashioned detective novel. Set in the 1930s, there are no fancy tricks done with cell phones or computers. Technology was decidedly low back then, if not entirely nonexistent, so Charlie has to rely on his brains. That makes solving the mystery far more fun and far more clever. And Charlie Doherty is definitely one to watch out for. This is a smart read and a wild ride through post-war Manhattan.
Reviewed by Kate Ayers
August 7, 2018
When Hitler rose to power in the early 1930’s on a tide of nationalism, fascist groups emerged in many countries including the United States. With the economy in shreds, unemployment at an all time high and prohibition, little attention was paid. It is not surprising that The Fairfax Incident pits Doherty and his allies against one such group.
The Fairfax Incident begins much like any other pulp detective novel, but it quickly metamorphosizes into something more. While it can’t strictly be considered a spy novel, espionage plays a major role in The Fairfax Incident and is likely to play a larger role in the novels that follow. (The end of The Fairfax Incident makes further novels extremely likely) As in many pulp detective novels, there is a hefty dose of action- chases, gunfights, etc. But there is also a strong human element. Charlie Doherty is tough but he is also compassionate as well as loyal. Terrence McCauley does an excellent job depicting the time period and balancing the human and action elements. My only complaint is that the main villains of the piece were two dimensional. They were stereotypes rather than characters and some of their actions had little motive other than to further the plot. There are holes in the plot, but they aren’t visible as long as you focus on the action and don’t think too much.
Charlie Doherty was kicked off the force in the aftermath of the Grand Central Massacre, but he’s fallen on his feet - working as a private detective for wealthy Manhattanites. Mrs. Fairfax is convinced that her husband was murdered, despite evidence that he shot himself. Charlie’s benefactor wants him to take the case,so he reluctantly agrees to look into matters. It swiftly becomes clear that Walter Fairfax’s life was anything but simple. Not only was he enamoured with a beautiful but penniless aristocrat, but he had become closely tied to her friends and their cause - friends who do not wish the nature of their connection to Fairfax known. The more Charlie digs into what made Fairfax pull the trigger, the more people try to kill him...and the more he realizes that Fairfax’s death is only the beginning.
The Fairfax Incident is an exciting novel that will appeal to a broad audience. McCauley’s novel isn’t perfect, but it shows potential. While The Fairfax Incident is a stand alone, the novel prepares readers for an ongoing series.
4 / 5
I received a copy of The Fairfax Incident from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
— Crittermom
The Fairfax Incident begins much like any other pulp detective novel, but it quickly metamorphosizes into something more. While it can’t strictly be considered a spy novel, espionage plays a major role in The Fairfax Incident and is likely to play a larger role in the novels that follow. (The end of The Fairfax Incident makes further novels extremely likely) As in many pulp detective novels, there is a hefty dose of action- chases, gunfights, etc. But there is also a strong human element. Charlie Doherty is tough but he is also compassionate as well as loyal. Terrence McCauley does an excellent job depicting the time period and balancing the human and action elements. My only complaint is that the main villains of the piece were two dimensional. They were stereotypes rather than characters and some of their actions had little motive other than to further the plot. There are holes in the plot, but they aren’t visible as long as you focus on the action and don’t think too much.
Charlie Doherty was kicked off the force in the aftermath of the Grand Central Massacre, but he’s fallen on his feet - working as a private detective for wealthy Manhattanites. Mrs. Fairfax is convinced that her husband was murdered, despite evidence that he shot himself. Charlie’s benefactor wants him to take the case,so he reluctantly agrees to look into matters. It swiftly becomes clear that Walter Fairfax’s life was anything but simple. Not only was he enamoured with a beautiful but penniless aristocrat, but he had become closely tied to her friends and their cause - friends who do not wish the nature of their connection to Fairfax known. The more Charlie digs into what made Fairfax pull the trigger, the more people try to kill him...and the more he realizes that Fairfax’s death is only the beginning.
The Fairfax Incident is an exciting novel that will appeal to a broad audience. McCauley’s novel isn’t perfect, but it shows potential. While The Fairfax Incident is a stand alone, the novel prepares readers for an ongoing series.
4 / 5
I received a copy of The Fairfax Incident from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
— Crittermom
June 16, 2018
The first Chapter starts slow, but- this book is a roller coaster of a ride. The writing is strong and reminiscent of Dashiell Hammett's, The Maltese Falcon. This one grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. It has everything a 1930's Detective Story should have...strange deaths, beautiful women, lots of players and a brash Humphrey Bogart type Lead. I love this type of story set in the thirties and forties, when they are well written.
Mrs. Eleanor Blythe Fairfax of Park Avenue hires Charlie Doherty to prove her Husband was murdered. But no-one believed that. The Chief of Police had a thick conclusive file on it. Her Brother, Dr. Blythe, thinks Eleanor is trying to prove the impossible. But, if the case is as dead as her husband- why do people keep trying to kill Charlie? Who is being blackmailed to report his movements and why?
Charlie hasn't had time for Women, since his Wife divorced him and went back to Poughkeepsie, New York with his two kids. Now, the Secretary is trying to seduce him on top of everything else. That is only the beginning of Charlie Doherty's trouble. I thought I would read this book over two or three days. But I couldn't quit until I found out how it ended. It is reminiscent of the great Detective thrillers of that Golden Era of Writing. I really enjoyed the fast pace. I am giving it five stars.
My thanks to Netgalley and Polis Books
Mrs. Eleanor Blythe Fairfax of Park Avenue hires Charlie Doherty to prove her Husband was murdered. But no-one believed that. The Chief of Police had a thick conclusive file on it. Her Brother, Dr. Blythe, thinks Eleanor is trying to prove the impossible. But, if the case is as dead as her husband- why do people keep trying to kill Charlie? Who is being blackmailed to report his movements and why?
Charlie hasn't had time for Women, since his Wife divorced him and went back to Poughkeepsie, New York with his two kids. Now, the Secretary is trying to seduce him on top of everything else. That is only the beginning of Charlie Doherty's trouble. I thought I would read this book over two or three days. But I couldn't quit until I found out how it ended. It is reminiscent of the great Detective thrillers of that Golden Era of Writing. I really enjoyed the fast pace. I am giving it five stars.
My thanks to Netgalley and Polis Books
June 17, 2018
The first Chapter starts slow, but- this book is a roller coaster of a ride. The writing is strong and reminiscent of Dashiell Hammett's, The Maltese Falcon. This one grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. It has everything a 1930's Detective Story should have...strange deaths, beautiful women, lots of players and a brash Humphrey Bogart type Lead. I love this type of story set in the thirties and forties, when they are well written.
Mrs. Eleanor Blythe Fairfax of Park Avenue hires Charlie Doherty to prove her Husband was murdered. But no-one believed that. The Chief of Police had a thick conclusive file on it. Her Brother, Dr. Blythe, thinks Eleanor is trying to prove the impossible. But, if the case is as dead as her husband- why do people keep trying to kill Charlie? Who is being blackmailed to report his movements and why?
Charlie hasn't had time for Women, since his Wife divorced him and went back to Poughkeepsie, New York with his two kids. Now, the Secretary is trying to seduce him on top of everything else. That is only the beginning of Charlie Doherty's trouble. I thought I would read this book over two or three days. But I couldn't quit until I found out how it ended. It is reminiscent of the great Detective thrillers of that Golden Era of Writing. I really enjoyed the fast pace. I am giving it five stars.
My thanks to netgalley and Polis Books
Mrs. Eleanor Blythe Fairfax of Park Avenue hires Charlie Doherty to prove her Husband was murdered. But no-one believed that. The Chief of Police had a thick conclusive file on it. Her Brother, Dr. Blythe, thinks Eleanor is trying to prove the impossible. But, if the case is as dead as her husband- why do people keep trying to kill Charlie? Who is being blackmailed to report his movements and why?
Charlie hasn't had time for Women, since his Wife divorced him and went back to Poughkeepsie, New York with his two kids. Now, the Secretary is trying to seduce him on top of everything else. That is only the beginning of Charlie Doherty's trouble. I thought I would read this book over two or three days. But I couldn't quit until I found out how it ended. It is reminiscent of the great Detective thrillers of that Golden Era of Writing. I really enjoyed the fast pace. I am giving it five stars.
My thanks to netgalley and Polis Books
December 18, 2018
Charlie Doherty is no choirboy. He was a bagman for Tammany Hall and the police commissioner in New York. But he was also one of the Devil Dogs of Belleau Wood, once a Marine, always a Marine. But after he took the fall as a scapegoat for reform in the police ranks, he is hired by Charles Van Dorn to be a private detective, taking care of Mr. Van Dorn's wealthy friends who need the services of a discrete investigator. Charlie is hired to figure out why Walter Fairfax committed suicide. His widow is convinced it was murder, but the facts do not bear this out. As the investigation proceeds, dark secrets come to light. Walter Fairfax had secrets, including his German mistress who was working to bring Fascism to this country. Turns out, Mr. Van Dorn wanted Charlie to investigate not just the death of Walter Fairfax, but also his entanglements with the rise of Nazism in Germany. Great plotting and Charlie is definitely a character to watch. I will be reading any further adventures.
November 9, 2018
It kept me up past midnight
The Fairfax Incident is my first Terrence McCauley book - and it won't be my last.
McCauley has brought to life New York between the wars, through the eyes of a former street-tough and WW1 veteran whose career with the New York police department was cut short by dirty politics. But in spite of all that, Charlie Doherty seems to have landed on his feet. He has a cushy life, working as a private investigator for the wealthy under the direction of his benefactor. Charlie is sure he has seen it all, until when his benefactor insists he investigates what is plainly a simple suicide.
It seems the War to End All Wars wasn't, and someone is stirring up another one using the wealthy elite of New York City.
The Fairfax Incident is my first Terrence McCauley book - and it won't be my last.
McCauley has brought to life New York between the wars, through the eyes of a former street-tough and WW1 veteran whose career with the New York police department was cut short by dirty politics. But in spite of all that, Charlie Doherty seems to have landed on his feet. He has a cushy life, working as a private investigator for the wealthy under the direction of his benefactor. Charlie is sure he has seen it all, until when his benefactor insists he investigates what is plainly a simple suicide.
It seems the War to End All Wars wasn't, and someone is stirring up another one using the wealthy elite of New York City.
August 31, 2020
The Fairfax Incident is the first book I have read by Terrence McCauley. It will not be my last. It is a perfect summer read. Set in the Depression, we are introduced to a private detective, Charlie Doherty, who has a benefactor,, Harriman Van Dorn. Charlie is a retired NYPD detective who got in a bit of trouble and a WW I veteran who sometimes has flashbacks. VanDorn asks Charlie to look into the suicide of wealthy Walter Fairfax who appears to have shot himself. Mrs. Fairfax is convinced that Walter did not kill himself. It looks like an easy case for Charlie. Lots of twists and turns involved in the background of prohibition, a German mistress............I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining book and look forward to a sequel with Charlie.
August 2, 2018
3.5 When reading this book, I can hear the accents, smell the smells, see New York. The tableau presented was so authentic to me, I was sucked in—instantly.
Classic NYC gumshoe detective novel. Entertaining and instructional the way solid historical fiction can be.
I’m giving it 3.5 stars because all of the elements were there to make this a fantastic novel; many personal boxes checked off for this reader. Yet, despite how atmospheric the writing was, the plot seemed sluggish in parts.
If you’ve read any Lindsay Faye this might be for you.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for ARC in exchange for honest review.
Classic NYC gumshoe detective novel. Entertaining and instructional the way solid historical fiction can be.
I’m giving it 3.5 stars because all of the elements were there to make this a fantastic novel; many personal boxes checked off for this reader. Yet, despite how atmospheric the writing was, the plot seemed sluggish in parts.
If you’ve read any Lindsay Faye this might be for you.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for ARC in exchange for honest review.
October 23, 2018
I picked up this book accidentally. Meant to get the author's other book, The Conspiracy of Ravens. LoL. Oh well.
Very glad I read this. It was a pleasure and fun story taking place in 1933 New York City. Charlie Doherty, a former cop, gets a plum job with a somewhat mysterious benefactor, who "assigns" him certain jobs amongst his friends, the rich of the City.
A man kills himself. His wife insists he would never have done such a thing. Charlie listens to her and shortly thereafter is convinced she may be right. The plot thickens to the point of there being a Nazi training camp in Virginia. Guns, explosions! Yowza!
Very glad I read this. It was a pleasure and fun story taking place in 1933 New York City. Charlie Doherty, a former cop, gets a plum job with a somewhat mysterious benefactor, who "assigns" him certain jobs amongst his friends, the rich of the City.
A man kills himself. His wife insists he would never have done such a thing. Charlie listens to her and shortly thereafter is convinced she may be right. The plot thickens to the point of there being a Nazi training camp in Virginia. Guns, explosions! Yowza!
May 19, 2019
This book was a page turner, kept me hooked to its story all the way through.
The ex-cop and a private detective, Charlie Doherty was hired by a widow of a wealthy guy who died by suicide. Is it really a suicide or a murder? As he investigates, he starts to discover a bigger picture behind it.
As the story goes, this book gets more and more intriguing. It’s not simply investigating the cause of death of a man, it’s much more larger, interesting and unexpected.
I need to read what's coming next on its sequel.
I marked this book as 4.0 stars
Thank you Polis Books vie Netgalley for a copy of this book.
The ex-cop and a private detective, Charlie Doherty was hired by a widow of a wealthy guy who died by suicide. Is it really a suicide or a murder? As he investigates, he starts to discover a bigger picture behind it.
As the story goes, this book gets more and more intriguing. It’s not simply investigating the cause of death of a man, it’s much more larger, interesting and unexpected.
I need to read what's coming next on its sequel.
I marked this book as 4.0 stars
Thank you Polis Books vie Netgalley for a copy of this book.
August 7, 2018
I enjoyed this book. The main character is Charlie Doherty, who was formerly one of New York's finest and is now a private detective. The story has the feel and descriptive powers of a fine detective yarn. The plot twists and turns as the hero discovers one clue after another to the mystery he is trying to solve amid corruption and lies in New York City in the late 1920s. I liked the author and his word play as much as I liked the characters. I will read more of this author.
October 3, 2018
A well-paced, tightly-written detective story set in 1930s New York, "The Fairfax Incident" centers on Charlie Doherty, a cop turned private investigator whose inquiry into a wealthy man's suicide reveals a dangerous web of deception and intrigue. Terrence McCauley captures the color and detail of his Depression-era setting without sacrificing plot, and his cast of characters contains a satisfying mix of genre standbys: deceptive women, corrupt cops, and an engaging, acerbic narrator.
November 24, 2018
Picked the book up randomly from a library and was very glad that I did. It is not the longest story that I will read this year or the deepest story that I will read this year, but I was entertained from page 1
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