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Noho
When a dead dancing girl with all the wrong connections is found with Nick Valentine's name scrawled on a scrap of paper in her pocket, life gets a lot more complicated for the disgraced Great War hero.pUnwillingly drawn into a web of espionage and crime in the underbelly of 1930's London, Nick soon discovers that who killed her may be less important than why.brWith British Intelligence leaning on Nick to use his underworld connections to investigate the girl's killing, it soon becomes clear that there's more to the murder than meets the eye.pNick soon finds himself at odds not just with the authorities, but on the wrong side of Soho's gangland bosses and pursued by a foreign spy ring. Trawling Fitzrovia and Soho's demi-monde of clubs, cabarets and pubs for answers, Nick realises that the stakes go beyond national security, and that no one can be trusted.pAs the net closes and the case draws to an increasingly bloody conclusion, Nick is left to tie up the loose ends at a terrible personal cost. pThis dark and brooding thriller lifts the covers on a fascinating 1930s' London few know, while the plot's twists and turns keep the reader guessing right up to the final page.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2011
115 people want to read
About the author
James Davis
3 books2 followersJames Davis was raised in Hertfordshire, close to the gravitational pull of North. London. A keen writer since early childhood, whilst studying psychology at the University of Kent, then Cranfield University, James continued to write, both fiction and increasingly, commentary and opinion on the burgeoning dance music scene. It was perhaps inevitable that after university James would end up spending his nights hunched over a keyboard in a squat in London's Fitzrovia, scratching a living from writing freelance magazine commissions whilst working on his fiction. These formative years are a key inspiration for the setting of Noho.
Journalistic success of sorts beckoned and in 1997 after a spell travelling the US James had a short story published in a travel anthology, Travellers Tales From Heaven and Hell, (Eye Books, 1997) and his freelance work led to him joining the legendary Ministry of Sound club as part of the team that launched Ministry magazine. Contributions to The Face, Mixmag, Seven, The UK Club Guide, Metro, The Times and many more were to follow. Whilst professionally James became increasingly involved in the commercial side of the fast developing digital media business, working in senior roles for Warner Bros, News International and MTV, among others, his passion for writing never diminished. He continued to fill his spare time crafting novels and observing London's demi-monde of nightclubs, boozers and cabarets, developing a passion for Art Deco style and burlesque, as well as a taste for Martinis.
A keen traveller, James now splits his time between London and Ibiza and is married. He spends his spare time reading, writing and doing his best to stay in shape. Noho is his debut novel, but certainly not his last.
Journalistic success of sorts beckoned and in 1997 after a spell travelling the US James had a short story published in a travel anthology, Travellers Tales From Heaven and Hell, (Eye Books, 1997) and his freelance work led to him joining the legendary Ministry of Sound club as part of the team that launched Ministry magazine. Contributions to The Face, Mixmag, Seven, The UK Club Guide, Metro, The Times and many more were to follow. Whilst professionally James became increasingly involved in the commercial side of the fast developing digital media business, working in senior roles for Warner Bros, News International and MTV, among others, his passion for writing never diminished. He continued to fill his spare time crafting novels and observing London's demi-monde of nightclubs, boozers and cabarets, developing a passion for Art Deco style and burlesque, as well as a taste for Martinis.
A keen traveller, James now splits his time between London and Ibiza and is married. He spends his spare time reading, writing and doing his best to stay in shape. Noho is his debut novel, but certainly not his last.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 1, 2012
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Noho is an accomplished thriller. Although the story revolves around spies in pre-war London, the story comes across more like a Philip Marlowe story with a flawed main character and glamorous women who draw him into an ever deepening web of intrigue and betrayal. The main character is a world war 1 veteran who used to carry out covert missions and assassinations behind enemy lines and is now working as a private detective haunted by what he had to do during the war. The story starts with him waking in the early morning and finding the body of a woman not too far from his house. Things start to go down hill from there.
Although the main character with his various flaws seems formulaic for this type of story, you are kept engaged by providing numerous questions that you want to get the answer to, not least of which what is the big dark secret from the main characters past. You never know who in the story is trustworthy and who are what they seem. These things keep you engaged and provide an entertaining read.
My biggest grip is not with the story itself. I would have gave this book 4 stars rather than 3 but it really needs proof-read! It has obviously been spell-checked but suffers from the usual problem of correctly spelled words not actually being the right words and you end up trying to decipher what the sentence actually should have been! This would not have been once or twice but to my utter annoyance it keeps on happening. If this books goes to a second print I seriously advise the author to do a full proof read and correct this problems as it really detracts and makes his efforts seem amateurish. (Oh, and remove the double printed last chapter as well...)
Noho is an accomplished thriller. Although the story revolves around spies in pre-war London, the story comes across more like a Philip Marlowe story with a flawed main character and glamorous women who draw him into an ever deepening web of intrigue and betrayal. The main character is a world war 1 veteran who used to carry out covert missions and assassinations behind enemy lines and is now working as a private detective haunted by what he had to do during the war. The story starts with him waking in the early morning and finding the body of a woman not too far from his house. Things start to go down hill from there.
Although the main character with his various flaws seems formulaic for this type of story, you are kept engaged by providing numerous questions that you want to get the answer to, not least of which what is the big dark secret from the main characters past. You never know who in the story is trustworthy and who are what they seem. These things keep you engaged and provide an entertaining read.
My biggest grip is not with the story itself. I would have gave this book 4 stars rather than 3 but it really needs proof-read! It has obviously been spell-checked but suffers from the usual problem of correctly spelled words not actually being the right words and you end up trying to decipher what the sentence actually should have been! This would not have been once or twice but to my utter annoyance it keeps on happening. If this books goes to a second print I seriously advise the author to do a full proof read and correct this problems as it really detracts and makes his efforts seem amateurish. (Oh, and remove the double printed last chapter as well...)
July 7, 2020
Noho by James Davis
Nick Valentine finds himself caught up in the murder of a young woman, not only does he discover her body but the police also find his name and address upon her person. The police decide to use Nicks criminal underworld connections to their advantage which puts Nick and the people that he cares about in danger.
Although Noho is set in 1930's London it feels almost American, giving off New York vibes. I felt the story was a little Predictable and repetitive going back and forth between characters and round in circles.
The book itself has been very poorly edited, by page 36 i had already noticed a few mistakes such as "he moved back the bar" and "he stepped out after tram rattled past." Almost every other page had a mistake, a misspelt, missing or incorrect word. It made it frustrating and laborious to read, it's almost as if little care was given to the publishing of this novel.
Overall i didn't enjoy this book which is a shame. It's unlikely that I would seek out another novel by this author.
4/10 🚬 🚬🚬🚬
Nick Valentine finds himself caught up in the murder of a young woman, not only does he discover her body but the police also find his name and address upon her person. The police decide to use Nicks criminal underworld connections to their advantage which puts Nick and the people that he cares about in danger.
Although Noho is set in 1930's London it feels almost American, giving off New York vibes. I felt the story was a little Predictable and repetitive going back and forth between characters and round in circles.
The book itself has been very poorly edited, by page 36 i had already noticed a few mistakes such as "he moved back the bar" and "he stepped out after tram rattled past." Almost every other page had a mistake, a misspelt, missing or incorrect word. It made it frustrating and laborious to read, it's almost as if little care was given to the publishing of this novel.
Overall i didn't enjoy this book which is a shame. It's unlikely that I would seek out another novel by this author.
4/10 🚬 🚬🚬🚬
February 15, 2012
James Davis delivers a gritty Noir tale with his newest release called Noho. The novel takes place in Soho, London sometime in the 1930’s. His character Nick Valentine takes us right into the seedy sections and leads us on a world wind tour as he attempts to solve a murder, protect his dame and figure out who the good guys are.
As I read this novel, the whole tale came alive for me in black and white. It reminded me of the old PI movies I watched as a teen. I could see the art deco styled lounges and the smoke filled bars. The men in trench coats and fedoras and the ladies in their cocktail dresses, hats and heals. The story begins with Davis dropping us smack dap into one of Nick Valentine’s flashback/nightmares of the war. Some would say Nick is a disgraced war hero and a drunk, but we quickly learn looks can be deceiving. Nick wakes up from his nightmare to the sound of a gunshot. He leaves his flat to investigate, and finds the body of a young woman. He contacts the police and is hauled in for his troubles. The police are leaning heavy on Nick accusing him of killing the girl; when a British Intelligence officer steps in and takes over the case. Nick’s name and address are found on the body, and Nick is unwillingly drawn into assisting him with the investigation. As Nick uncovers clues, we are left wondering who the good guys are. Nick finds himself being pursed by the law and a handful of unsavory characters. What unfolds is a fast paced gripping tale with a cast of who-dun-it’s that will leave you guessing.
I want to thank Wild Wolf Publishing and the author for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
The key players (characters) are beautifully portrayed by Davis. They are all flawed, unique and each has their own personal agenda. It is up to Nick to piece together the clues, solve the murder, and get himself out of this mess. Despite his personal demons, I really like protagonist Nick Valentine. He is highly intelligent, loyal and charismatic. Watching him find clues and solve the case was a blast. Davis beautifully executed one twist after another in this action packed tale of murder, spies, and secrets. The ending kept me completely engrossed, as I was hit with surprise twists and climactic scenes.
As I read this novel, the whole tale came alive for me in black and white. It reminded me of the old PI movies I watched as a teen. I could see the art deco styled lounges and the smoke filled bars. The men in trench coats and fedoras and the ladies in their cocktail dresses, hats and heals. The story begins with Davis dropping us smack dap into one of Nick Valentine’s flashback/nightmares of the war. Some would say Nick is a disgraced war hero and a drunk, but we quickly learn looks can be deceiving. Nick wakes up from his nightmare to the sound of a gunshot. He leaves his flat to investigate, and finds the body of a young woman. He contacts the police and is hauled in for his troubles. The police are leaning heavy on Nick accusing him of killing the girl; when a British Intelligence officer steps in and takes over the case. Nick’s name and address are found on the body, and Nick is unwillingly drawn into assisting him with the investigation. As Nick uncovers clues, we are left wondering who the good guys are. Nick finds himself being pursed by the law and a handful of unsavory characters. What unfolds is a fast paced gripping tale with a cast of who-dun-it’s that will leave you guessing.
I want to thank Wild Wolf Publishing and the author for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
The key players (characters) are beautifully portrayed by Davis. They are all flawed, unique and each has their own personal agenda. It is up to Nick to piece together the clues, solve the murder, and get himself out of this mess. Despite his personal demons, I really like protagonist Nick Valentine. He is highly intelligent, loyal and charismatic. Watching him find clues and solve the case was a blast. Davis beautifully executed one twist after another in this action packed tale of murder, spies, and secrets. The ending kept me completely engrossed, as I was hit with surprise twists and climactic scenes.
January 15, 2012
This book was Noir at it's finest right down to the last page. I loved it!! Great story telling great characters great setting pertaining to this genre of literature. If someone told me they were planning on writing a hard boiled detective style novel I would tell them to take notes form this book and author. Once again classic!
February 10, 2012
What a rattling good yarn! Spies, murders, double crosses, gangsters, beautiful but morally flawed women, sexy but cynical (and possibly sociopathic) men. Really, this had the lot AND was set in a between the wars Soho that is instantly recognisable. Thoroughly enjoyable!
December 5, 2012
LOVE LOVE LOVED IT! Amazing storyline with lots of twists and turns. I couldn´t put it down. I love this era and the author really brought to life the sign of the times. I want to see Nick Valentine again.
October 4, 2013
Enjoyable tosh undermined by typos and an implausible plot
The story is set in Fitzrovia and Soho. Fitzrovia is generally taken to refer to the area in London that lies north of Oxford Street and south of Euston Road. I am baffled as to why author James Davis chose to call his book "Noho". Noho, or North Soho, is a name loathed by most residents of Fitzrovia and the name only emerged around 2008 by estate agents attempting to rebrand the area. It has no relevance to 1930s London when the area was only known as Fitzrovia. Perhaps, then, I should have been wary of a book called "Noho"?
So having got that bone of contention out of the way, I will say I quite enjoyed this story of private investigator Nick Valentine set in 1930s London, at least at first. The story is set in Fitzrovia and Soho - both areas I know well, and so I could imagine many of the places being described. Despite the pleasure I derived from recognising places, I became increasingly frustrated. There were two reasons:
1. The story, whilst fast-paced, becomes increasingly implausible and cliche-ridden as the bodies pile up. By the book's end there was barely anyone, bar protagonist Nick Valentine, left alive.
2. The number of typos. I noticed in other earlier reviews of this book a similar complaint, although apparently more extreme than the twenty plus I spotted. Someone associated with the book, commenting in 2011, stated that "the first file upload for the Kindle version of Noho was corrupted. It has since been rectified." I dread to think what the original version was like, because the numerous sloppy mistakes that are still present were a major distraction.
I regret reading this book.
The story is set in Fitzrovia and Soho. Fitzrovia is generally taken to refer to the area in London that lies north of Oxford Street and south of Euston Road. I am baffled as to why author James Davis chose to call his book "Noho". Noho, or North Soho, is a name loathed by most residents of Fitzrovia and the name only emerged around 2008 by estate agents attempting to rebrand the area. It has no relevance to 1930s London when the area was only known as Fitzrovia. Perhaps, then, I should have been wary of a book called "Noho"?
So having got that bone of contention out of the way, I will say I quite enjoyed this story of private investigator Nick Valentine set in 1930s London, at least at first. The story is set in Fitzrovia and Soho - both areas I know well, and so I could imagine many of the places being described. Despite the pleasure I derived from recognising places, I became increasingly frustrated. There were two reasons:
1. The story, whilst fast-paced, becomes increasingly implausible and cliche-ridden as the bodies pile up. By the book's end there was barely anyone, bar protagonist Nick Valentine, left alive.
2. The number of typos. I noticed in other earlier reviews of this book a similar complaint, although apparently more extreme than the twenty plus I spotted. Someone associated with the book, commenting in 2011, stated that "the first file upload for the Kindle version of Noho was corrupted. It has since been rectified." I dread to think what the original version was like, because the numerous sloppy mistakes that are still present were a major distraction.
I regret reading this book.
July 6, 2016
Kudos to James Davis for writing a fast-paced and intriguing historical thriller. NOHO kept me turning the pages (in spite of the lack of editing) to see what happens to Nick Valentine, a WWI survivor. The story takes place in the 1930s near London's SOHO region. Nick finds a dead woman's body and becomes implicated in her murder. To extricated himself from charges, he must work undercover for the British Intelligence. What Nick uncovers is more than what his handlers had thought he was capable of discovering.
The title NOHO is never explained. Perhaps the name is evident to a Londoner, but not to this American. A google search revealed that NOHO is a modern term for an area north of Soho that for decades had been known as Fitzrovia, which is mentioned in the novel. Is the title anachronistic? It surely was not relevant, at least to me, as part of the story.
In short, this first novel by James Davis is an entertaining thriller. I hope he writes another book and gets it edited.
The title NOHO is never explained. Perhaps the name is evident to a Londoner, but not to this American. A google search revealed that NOHO is a modern term for an area north of Soho that for decades had been known as Fitzrovia, which is mentioned in the novel. Is the title anachronistic? It surely was not relevant, at least to me, as part of the story.
In short, this first novel by James Davis is an entertaining thriller. I hope he writes another book and gets it edited.
September 6, 2016
I would have enjoyed the book much more if there would not be so many mistakes. The typing errors gave me a headache and I was reading the book a chapter a week because it irritated me so much. Otherwise it would be a lovely book, the author brought the characters to life perfectly, the twists were good, but so many typists errors are just so irritating.
Want to read
March 16, 2012Recieved this book through Goodreads First Reads.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews