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The Girl The Crow The Writer and the Fighter
It’s 1965 and provocative author Henry Miller is taken incognito to an infamous title fight.
In the turbulent aftermath of the bout, Miller is forced to battle his way through the ensuing melee in order to make a vital connection with the keeper of a tightly guarded secret.
‘Is it safe?’
Twenty years later, a young Maine waitress receives an unusual bequest.
From the estate of an elderly patron, May Morgenstern takes ownership of a bound collection of letters, hitherto unseen correspondence between her late friend and the aforementioned writer in which he not only recounts the story of how he came to be accused of the slaying of the man who fathered her but how his fate came to be linked with that of future heavyweight champion, Sonny Liston.
George Paterson’s epistolary tale of murder and chicanery is a study of chaos in instalments. ‘The Girl, The Crow, The Writer And The Fighter’ is an incendiary, exciting, ‘what if?’ page turner which spans continents and lifetimes.
In the turbulent aftermath of the bout, Miller is forced to battle his way through the ensuing melee in order to make a vital connection with the keeper of a tightly guarded secret.
‘Is it safe?’
Twenty years later, a young Maine waitress receives an unusual bequest.
From the estate of an elderly patron, May Morgenstern takes ownership of a bound collection of letters, hitherto unseen correspondence between her late friend and the aforementioned writer in which he not only recounts the story of how he came to be accused of the slaying of the man who fathered her but how his fate came to be linked with that of future heavyweight champion, Sonny Liston.
George Paterson’s epistolary tale of murder and chicanery is a study of chaos in instalments. ‘The Girl, The Crow, The Writer And The Fighter’ is an incendiary, exciting, ‘what if?’ page turner which spans continents and lifetimes.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
396 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2021
3 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 30, 2025
Paterson can write. The book is full of crackling one liners and clever sentences. The plot convoluted, there are characters coming and going, and a lot of loose ends and asides. The conceit of using real life writer Henry Miller and boxer Sonny Liston adds a layer of interest and intrigue and the style.of writing holds promise for future books.
October 21, 2021
Old meets new in this chaotic tale that is guaranteed to leave your head spinning. This book tells an intriguing tale that has you questioning every event as you flip from page to page. I found this to be a slow read, but one I could not walk away from. At first, you are left very unsure, but the more you read the more the pieces fit together and the more entertaining the read becomes.
The author tells a complex tale with lots of characters, different timelines and various beautiful locations. Part of the story is in the form of a book being read by one of the characters and you are whipped between past and present all around the world. Initially, I battled to keep up, but the more I read the more I found myself falling into step with the author’s rhythm. By the time I reached the last page, everything was nicely tied up.
When May Morgenstern receives a collection of letters written to her friend by the infamous author Henry Miller, she is drawn to the old author’s curious ramblings. What she is not prepared for is to be drawn into a dangerous situation of religious relics and murder. The more she reads, the more she discovers the people in her life are not as known to her as might have thought.
This book had a slow start, but the more pages I turned the more hooked I became. This is a book that takes time to get into, but once you are hooked there is no turning away. I battled to keep track of the timelines, but it all fell into place.
There are a lot of characters in this book. The author was extremely creative in putting all these people together and showing everyone’s importance. While Henry Miller is a slightly eccentric writer who has a habit of thinking only of himself, Sonny is a bear of a man with a moral compass and a heart of gold.
This book is unique and difficult to place in a specific category, however, I found myself engrossed and left asking questions after every chapter that kept me eagerly reading more. All this made for an entertaining read.
The Girl, The Crow, The Writer and The Fighter will appeal to readers who enjoy something a little different. This book brings together old-style writing with new adventures. It touches on religious beliefs and racial equality with a strong undercurrent of belief, righteousness, and honour. It is a book that will keep you guessing.
The author tells a complex tale with lots of characters, different timelines and various beautiful locations. Part of the story is in the form of a book being read by one of the characters and you are whipped between past and present all around the world. Initially, I battled to keep up, but the more I read the more I found myself falling into step with the author’s rhythm. By the time I reached the last page, everything was nicely tied up.
When May Morgenstern receives a collection of letters written to her friend by the infamous author Henry Miller, she is drawn to the old author’s curious ramblings. What she is not prepared for is to be drawn into a dangerous situation of religious relics and murder. The more she reads, the more she discovers the people in her life are not as known to her as might have thought.
This book had a slow start, but the more pages I turned the more hooked I became. This is a book that takes time to get into, but once you are hooked there is no turning away. I battled to keep track of the timelines, but it all fell into place.
There are a lot of characters in this book. The author was extremely creative in putting all these people together and showing everyone’s importance. While Henry Miller is a slightly eccentric writer who has a habit of thinking only of himself, Sonny is a bear of a man with a moral compass and a heart of gold.
This book is unique and difficult to place in a specific category, however, I found myself engrossed and left asking questions after every chapter that kept me eagerly reading more. All this made for an entertaining read.
The Girl, The Crow, The Writer and The Fighter will appeal to readers who enjoy something a little different. This book brings together old-style writing with new adventures. It touches on religious beliefs and racial equality with a strong undercurrent of belief, righteousness, and honour. It is a book that will keep you guessing.
November 2, 2021
I was intrigued by the premise of this debut novel from George Paterson, not least because of the glowing endorsement from author David F Ross; the guy who wrote my favourite book of last year; There's Only One Danny Garvey (published by Orenda Books).
This is a tightly and cinematically structured novel, it's a brave undertaking for a new novelist and one that has clearly involved a great deal of research. I have to admit that I'm not familiar with either the life or works of author Henry Miller, and despite the urge to, I refrained from Googling him whilst reading the book. I've since done that though and what an extraordinary character he was.
The opening paragraphs find Henry in a hotel room, preparing for the night ahead. I 'saw' these scenes in black and white, reminded of a noir movie filmed on an old camera and with an air of anticipation about them.
Henry Miller is taken to a boxing ring to watch what becomes something of a controversial fight, however, he's not there for the action, he's there to meet someone.
Some years later, the reader is introduced to the staff of a Maine diner, and most importantly, to May Morgenstern who has just returned from her first trip to Vegas. She didn't travel there for the bright lights, or the gambling, she went to collect her bequeath from one of the diner's customers who May had been kind to, and had recently died.
May's inheritance is a book of letters. Written to her friend by Henry Miller and detail Miller's involvement in a murder case, a criminal gang and time spent on Corfu. The author relates most of the story through the letters, using Miller's voice and it's long and it's detailed but it is difficult to put down. I found myself totally gripped by the drama and wondering just how May was going to be involved in this.
The large cast of characters are skilfully created, there's such an air of authenticity about the people, the place and the era, it's perfectly done and the reader truly feels part of both the 1960s action and the more recent recollections.
A difficult book to write about, but not difficult to read and lose yourself in by any means. Paterson's lyrical style of writing is satisfying and enjoyable. I look forward to reading more from him.
This is a tightly and cinematically structured novel, it's a brave undertaking for a new novelist and one that has clearly involved a great deal of research. I have to admit that I'm not familiar with either the life or works of author Henry Miller, and despite the urge to, I refrained from Googling him whilst reading the book. I've since done that though and what an extraordinary character he was.
The opening paragraphs find Henry in a hotel room, preparing for the night ahead. I 'saw' these scenes in black and white, reminded of a noir movie filmed on an old camera and with an air of anticipation about them.
Henry Miller is taken to a boxing ring to watch what becomes something of a controversial fight, however, he's not there for the action, he's there to meet someone.
Some years later, the reader is introduced to the staff of a Maine diner, and most importantly, to May Morgenstern who has just returned from her first trip to Vegas. She didn't travel there for the bright lights, or the gambling, she went to collect her bequeath from one of the diner's customers who May had been kind to, and had recently died.
May's inheritance is a book of letters. Written to her friend by Henry Miller and detail Miller's involvement in a murder case, a criminal gang and time spent on Corfu. The author relates most of the story through the letters, using Miller's voice and it's long and it's detailed but it is difficult to put down. I found myself totally gripped by the drama and wondering just how May was going to be involved in this.
The large cast of characters are skilfully created, there's such an air of authenticity about the people, the place and the era, it's perfectly done and the reader truly feels part of both the 1960s action and the more recent recollections.
A difficult book to write about, but not difficult to read and lose yourself in by any means. Paterson's lyrical style of writing is satisfying and enjoyable. I look forward to reading more from him.
December 4, 2023
I’ve had this sitting in my TBR pile for a few months now but I eventually got round to reading it and it honestly worth the wait.
It’s difficult to describe the plot in too much detail, as to do so would spoil it for future readers but I’ll try not to give too much away.
THE GIRL - is May Morgenstern, who is a waitress in a Maine diner who receives an unusual bequest in an old acquaintance’s will. It’s a correspondence apparently written by THE WRITER Henry Miller detailing his adventures in pre and postwar Paris and other locations.
THE CROW - is a criminal‘mastermind’ in Paris who gets Miller caught up in a vicious web of murder and deceit.
THE FIGHTER - is Sonny Liston, World Heavyweight boxing champion, who led a rather ‘colourful’ life prior to his boxing career and acts, for a time, as Miller’s bodyguard.
Add into this mix of characters, a much sought after religious antiquity and you have all the ingredients for a thrilling mystery and adventure.
I really enjoyed this novel as the plot crosses timelines and continents and is a real epic of a story. Also the use of real characters added to the charm and has made me go and further research both Miller and Liston. I knew little about both men, apart from having a vague memory of reading some of Miller’s novels in my youth. There’s know doubt that George Paterson know’s how to write and both the plot and the prose are equally brilliant. The story contains a dual storyline of past and present and both are equally thrilling although I couldn’t get enough of Miller’s adventures across Europe. If I’ve a little gripe, it my usual, as there are a myriad of characters, at times I had to go back to remind my self of some of them.
I’ve also read good things about Paterson’s next novel ‘Westerwick’ and I won’t be leaving it so long to getting round to read it !
It’s difficult to describe the plot in too much detail, as to do so would spoil it for future readers but I’ll try not to give too much away.
THE GIRL - is May Morgenstern, who is a waitress in a Maine diner who receives an unusual bequest in an old acquaintance’s will. It’s a correspondence apparently written by THE WRITER Henry Miller detailing his adventures in pre and postwar Paris and other locations.
THE CROW - is a criminal‘mastermind’ in Paris who gets Miller caught up in a vicious web of murder and deceit.
THE FIGHTER - is Sonny Liston, World Heavyweight boxing champion, who led a rather ‘colourful’ life prior to his boxing career and acts, for a time, as Miller’s bodyguard.
Add into this mix of characters, a much sought after religious antiquity and you have all the ingredients for a thrilling mystery and adventure.
I really enjoyed this novel as the plot crosses timelines and continents and is a real epic of a story. Also the use of real characters added to the charm and has made me go and further research both Miller and Liston. I knew little about both men, apart from having a vague memory of reading some of Miller’s novels in my youth. There’s know doubt that George Paterson know’s how to write and both the plot and the prose are equally brilliant. The story contains a dual storyline of past and present and both are equally thrilling although I couldn’t get enough of Miller’s adventures across Europe. If I’ve a little gripe, it my usual, as there are a myriad of characters, at times I had to go back to remind my self of some of them.
I’ve also read good things about Paterson’s next novel ‘Westerwick’ and I won’t be leaving it so long to getting round to read it !
December 13, 2023
Personal notes, not a review....
Enjoyed this story, involving May Morgensten, Sonny Liston, The Crow and Henry Miller.
Told through May's own life, but preceded by the diaries of Henry, who was a friend of May's father, Clifford. Premise is around an underground resistance group, who possess a plate (holy grail-esque) from a group of treasure hunting villains - The Crow.
Literary license used in using Sonny Liston's real life and mysterious death, and his part in the protection of the plate, alongside his ally and friend, Henry, the writer
Moves between present and past, and links many of the people May has in her life to this 'group' who pain themselves to protect the plate.
Murders, nasty escapes, hidden figures, including Elvin Peterson and his father, and Rose, the CIA style librarian who ultimately comes to May's rescue in the closing sequences
Bit over complicated in some parts for me, and being honest, not sure if I understand the Harry Levin/Joe De Sappo crow link towards the final reveal....
Enjoyed this story, involving May Morgensten, Sonny Liston, The Crow and Henry Miller.
Told through May's own life, but preceded by the diaries of Henry, who was a friend of May's father, Clifford. Premise is around an underground resistance group, who possess a plate (holy grail-esque) from a group of treasure hunting villains - The Crow.
Literary license used in using Sonny Liston's real life and mysterious death, and his part in the protection of the plate, alongside his ally and friend, Henry, the writer
Moves between present and past, and links many of the people May has in her life to this 'group' who pain themselves to protect the plate.
Murders, nasty escapes, hidden figures, including Elvin Peterson and his father, and Rose, the CIA style librarian who ultimately comes to May's rescue in the closing sequences
Bit over complicated in some parts for me, and being honest, not sure if I understand the Harry Levin/Joe De Sappo crow link towards the final reveal....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2024
George Paterson weaves an improbable tale of waitresses, hitmen, underground organisations and a mystical object that brings together Henry Miller and Sonny Liston. Paterson’s evocation of both France and America is achieved with a confidence and conviction that enhances his recreation of an American novel that rumbles and jumps as the reader is batted back and forth by daring escapes, ruthless killings and the always just-out-of-reach sense that he or she is missing something.
As I set the book down after the last brief chapter, I was certain of a few things. I was glad I bought this book and went on the journey between its intriguing covers. George Paterson is a talent of note. I need to return to Miller and Spark but Faulkner and Fitzgerald too.
I gather the author’s next book couldn’t be more different - I can’t wait!
As I set the book down after the last brief chapter, I was certain of a few things. I was glad I bought this book and went on the journey between its intriguing covers. George Paterson is a talent of note. I need to return to Miller and Spark but Faulkner and Fitzgerald too.
I gather the author’s next book couldn’t be more different - I can’t wait!
March 8, 2024
Apart from needing a wall chart to keep up with the serious amount of characters/locations and using real people to build a fictional mystery around, this is a clever, fast paced and fun book.
Totally implausible plot but worth getting lost in for a few evenings, and a good reminder that I have not read much Henry Miller.
Totally implausible plot but worth getting lost in for a few evenings, and a good reminder that I have not read much Henry Miller.
August 9, 2022
I did not understand this book at all. Cool characters, good gangsters but what the hell the plot was all about beats me.
This book was far too long and the two parallel story format, with one in italics was annoying.
Books that try to be clever for sake of being clever aren’t worth the effort.
This book was far too long and the two parallel story format, with one in italics was annoying.
Books that try to be clever for sake of being clever aren’t worth the effort.
November 7, 2025
Paperback read.
Absolutely not my kind of book. It's very cleverly written but felt very much like a fever dream where I was only vaguely catching snippets of the story. I did finish it but still struggle to explain what it's about.
Absolutely not my kind of book. It's very cleverly written but felt very much like a fever dream where I was only vaguely catching snippets of the story. I did finish it but still struggle to explain what it's about.
October 21, 2021
A very creative story with a mixture of characters. A great read
October 30, 2021
My review for this amazing book is on my blog: https://thefallenlibrarianreviews.wor...
January 22, 2025
The first novel by George Paterson, it is a fascinating concept for a story. The four main characters are vividly depicted and the story unfolds slowly but in a very satisfying way.
March 2, 2023
3.5 stars
Review to follow
Review to follow
July 17, 2022
I read the sample and found the lyrical style chaotic. Decided not to pursue.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews