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MUSIC CITY MURDERS: The Harry James Denton Series Book #9
Fade Up From Black: The Return of Harry James Denton
He knew he was going to die...
So he hired a P.I. to find his killer!
An Edgar and Shamus Award-winning Series Returns!
The last thing Harry James Denton needs on one of the hardest days of his life is a stranger walking into his office and imploring him to investigate a murder. Especially a murder that hasn’t even happened yet.
But that’s exactly what Leo Walsh—a once-wealthy, famous writer who’s fallen on hard times—wants Harry to do. When Leo explains that he’s the intended victim, Harry blows him off. He doesn’t have time for this craziness.
After all, he’s just learned that the terminally ill mother of his teenaged daughter has passed away. Now he has to fly to Reno, Nevada for the funeral and to arrange for his daughter, Alexis, to return with him to Nashville.
He also has to somehow get his head around the fact he’s becoming a single father in his late-fifties to a daughter he barely knows.
But Harry’s already messy, complicated life is complicated even further when Leo Walsh’s prediction turns out to be true. Overwhelmed by guilt that he didn’t believe Walsh’s outlandish story, Harry starts digging into the brutal murder…
Edgar and Shamus Award-winning author Steven Womack brings the original MUSIC CITY MURDERS Nashville PI series back after nearly two decades. Harry — and his creator Steven Womack — will steal the hearts of readers who like their sleuths witty, self-effacing, and slightly Colombo-esque.
You'll love Womack's writing. Readers have compared him to John D. MacDonald, only with a big meat n’ three side dish of smart-ass on steroids.
“Womack is right up there with Parker, Jance, and Grafton. He writes a fast-moving, humorous, well-plotted detective story. I highly recommend all of the Denton series. I've read every one, and haven't been disappointed yet.” —Joan Benny, Amazon Reviewer
So he hired a P.I. to find his killer!
An Edgar and Shamus Award-winning Series Returns!
The last thing Harry James Denton needs on one of the hardest days of his life is a stranger walking into his office and imploring him to investigate a murder. Especially a murder that hasn’t even happened yet.
But that’s exactly what Leo Walsh—a once-wealthy, famous writer who’s fallen on hard times—wants Harry to do. When Leo explains that he’s the intended victim, Harry blows him off. He doesn’t have time for this craziness.
After all, he’s just learned that the terminally ill mother of his teenaged daughter has passed away. Now he has to fly to Reno, Nevada for the funeral and to arrange for his daughter, Alexis, to return with him to Nashville.
He also has to somehow get his head around the fact he’s becoming a single father in his late-fifties to a daughter he barely knows.
But Harry’s already messy, complicated life is complicated even further when Leo Walsh’s prediction turns out to be true. Overwhelmed by guilt that he didn’t believe Walsh’s outlandish story, Harry starts digging into the brutal murder…
Edgar and Shamus Award-winning author Steven Womack brings the original MUSIC CITY MURDERS Nashville PI series back after nearly two decades. Harry — and his creator Steven Womack — will steal the hearts of readers who like their sleuths witty, self-effacing, and slightly Colombo-esque.
You'll love Womack's writing. Readers have compared him to John D. MacDonald, only with a big meat n’ three side dish of smart-ass on steroids.
“Womack is right up there with Parker, Jance, and Grafton. He writes a fast-moving, humorous, well-plotted detective story. I highly recommend all of the Denton series. I've read every one, and haven't been disappointed yet.” —Joan Benny, Amazon Reviewer
475 pages, Paperback
Published February 3, 2022
302 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Steven Womack
32 books43 followersWith the publication of his novel, FADE UP FROM BLACK: THE RETURN OF HARRY JAMES DENTON, Steven Womack brings back his award-winning MUSIC CITY MURDERS series, featuring P.I. Harry James Denton
Womack began his first novel when he was eighteen-years-old. A short eighteen years later, he finally sold one. His first published novel, MURPHY'S FAULT, was the only debut mystery on the 1990 New York Times Notable Book List. Since then, he has published ten more novels, winning both the Edgar and Shamus Awards, as well as receiving multiple nominations for major mystery awards.
His Edgar and Shamus Award-winning Harry James Denton MUSIC CITY MURDERS series--DEAD FOLKS' BLUES, TORCH TOWN BOOGIE, WAY PAST DEAD, NOBODY'S CHAIN LAYS STRAIGHT, A MANUAL OF MURDER and DIRTY MONEY--has been republished by Spearhead Press.
A scriptwriter as well, Womack co-wrote the screenplays for PROUDHEART, which was nominated for the CableAce Award, and VOLCANO: FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN, an ABC television movie that was one of the most-watched television movies of the year.
Womack lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where for twenty-five years he anchored the screenwriting program at the Watkins Film School of Watkins College of Art. He also served five years as Chair of The Film School. When the college closed in May, 2020, he was the longest serving faculty member at the college.
A licensed pilot, Womack loves to fly and scuba dive in his spare time. Unfortunately, there hasn't been any spare time since 2001.
Visit his website at www.stevenwomack.com
Womack began his first novel when he was eighteen-years-old. A short eighteen years later, he finally sold one. His first published novel, MURPHY'S FAULT, was the only debut mystery on the 1990 New York Times Notable Book List. Since then, he has published ten more novels, winning both the Edgar and Shamus Awards, as well as receiving multiple nominations for major mystery awards.
His Edgar and Shamus Award-winning Harry James Denton MUSIC CITY MURDERS series--DEAD FOLKS' BLUES, TORCH TOWN BOOGIE, WAY PAST DEAD, NOBODY'S CHAIN LAYS STRAIGHT, A MANUAL OF MURDER and DIRTY MONEY--has been republished by Spearhead Press.
A scriptwriter as well, Womack co-wrote the screenplays for PROUDHEART, which was nominated for the CableAce Award, and VOLCANO: FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN, an ABC television movie that was one of the most-watched television movies of the year.
Womack lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where for twenty-five years he anchored the screenwriting program at the Watkins Film School of Watkins College of Art. He also served five years as Chair of The Film School. When the college closed in May, 2020, he was the longest serving faculty member at the college.
A licensed pilot, Womack loves to fly and scuba dive in his spare time. Unfortunately, there hasn't been any spare time since 2001.
Visit his website at www.stevenwomack.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 16, 2022
Harry Denton returns
This is a different Harry than the man in the Music City Murders series. Older, saddened after the death of his former lover, but with a new sense of purpose in raising their daughter. Obscenely rich, he hasn't worked as a PI for well over a decade. But the murder of a Memphis author pulls him back in. Harry has aged well. It was an enjoyable read!
This is a different Harry than the man in the Music City Murders series. Older, saddened after the death of his former lover, but with a new sense of purpose in raising their daughter. Obscenely rich, he hasn't worked as a PI for well over a decade. But the murder of a Memphis author pulls him back in. Harry has aged well. It was an enjoyable read!
February 2, 2022
After a long, decades time away, welcome back Harry James Denton. He's rich and semi-retired now, but he still finds himself in a whole heap of trouble. A professor at a Nashville film school comes to Harry's office in hopes of hiring him to solve a murder...his own. The familiar characters, including a bursting-at-the-seams growing Nashville. Harry saves the day, of course, and entertains along with enlightens.
February 12, 2022
If anyone is looking to read a really good, fast paced, murder mystery grab this book and if you haven’t read this series before start at the beginning. This is good writing and very enjoyable characters.
March 24, 2022
Must read
This book had me on the edge of my seat, each page a gem.
First I will mention that this book takes place in Nashville and even Mentions my home, Baxter Tn !!!
Second I will mention that While not the main point of the story, it was nice to read a book that included not one but several people with rags to riches back grounds. Reading about people who through education, hard work, and determination went from being very poor to extremely rich, was encouraging to me.
Normally I complain about Authors who use too many words and simply ramble on. This Author did use LOTS OF WORDS ... But he wasted none. Every word a gem. He is very descriptive, by the time you have finished reading this book, you will know exactly what Nashville in July feels like. When the MC visits a funeral home, you will actually smell the scene as well as be able to see it in your mind.
The books is suspenseful, action packed and enjoyable to read. You may want to put this book at the top of your to read list of books !
This book had me on the edge of my seat, each page a gem.
First I will mention that this book takes place in Nashville and even Mentions my home, Baxter Tn !!!
Second I will mention that While not the main point of the story, it was nice to read a book that included not one but several people with rags to riches back grounds. Reading about people who through education, hard work, and determination went from being very poor to extremely rich, was encouraging to me.
Normally I complain about Authors who use too many words and simply ramble on. This Author did use LOTS OF WORDS ... But he wasted none. Every word a gem. He is very descriptive, by the time you have finished reading this book, you will know exactly what Nashville in July feels like. When the MC visits a funeral home, you will actually smell the scene as well as be able to see it in your mind.
The books is suspenseful, action packed and enjoyable to read. You may want to put this book at the top of your to read list of books !
February 13, 2024
Nashville's finest
Great story. I was beginning to wonder just how long it would be before the suspense started. The story started out at a slow pace without much of interest. Finally about the halfway section of the book the story took off in a suspenseful mystery. The suspenseful mystery grew into a tense suspenseful thriller through the end.
This was a very entertaining story with some colorful descriptions of Nashville thrown in with local culture, some weather contrasts and some southern food favorites with down home vocabulary.
I hope you enjoy the venture. The characters made you feel welcome and friendly
Great story. I was beginning to wonder just how long it would be before the suspense started. The story started out at a slow pace without much of interest. Finally about the halfway section of the book the story took off in a suspenseful mystery. The suspenseful mystery grew into a tense suspenseful thriller through the end.
This was a very entertaining story with some colorful descriptions of Nashville thrown in with local culture, some weather contrasts and some southern food favorites with down home vocabulary.
I hope you enjoy the venture. The characters made you feel welcome and friendly
February 24, 2024
I'm a person that once I start a book I finish it even if I can't stand reading it. The first 2o chapters of this book was mostly description of the routes Harry drove from city streets to corners to highways. It was so boring I almost said to hell with it and deleted it. At about the 23rd chapter the story started to develop somewhat and I trudged on. Then we got to the endless description of the workings of the computer systems. Too much wording for me. The story was basically predictable and disappointing.
I don't know if I'd read another Harry Denton story. Frankly, this one was a waste of time.
I don't know if I'd read another Harry Denton story. Frankly, this one was a waste of time.
February 28, 2024
Annoying
I tried to get into this book--I really did. But at 25% I stopped and read another book, so tired of the slow-paced so-called plot and the endless details of every street he traveled and business or home he passed. It felt like filler to get enough words to complete his manuscript. Then I went back and tried again, made it to 53% and quit! The story is painfully slow, and the endless liberal slant finally finished it for me. The rednecks, the obnoxious driver with the Trump sticker, the huge fat dude whose ashamed of his father, a member of the Tea Party. And did I mention it is boring as hell? Never read this author before and now I'm sorry I tried him.
I tried to get into this book--I really did. But at 25% I stopped and read another book, so tired of the slow-paced so-called plot and the endless details of every street he traveled and business or home he passed. It felt like filler to get enough words to complete his manuscript. Then I went back and tried again, made it to 53% and quit! The story is painfully slow, and the endless liberal slant finally finished it for me. The rednecks, the obnoxious driver with the Trump sticker, the huge fat dude whose ashamed of his father, a member of the Tea Party. And did I mention it is boring as hell? Never read this author before and now I'm sorry I tried him.
August 15, 2022
Almost noir
We've been waiting so long for this Harry James Denton book, and it does not disappoint. A melange of DOA, The Producers and The Man Who Knew Too Much, the story takes us on a ride through the wilds of Nashville, warts and all.
You don't need to read the other books in the series to understand the story, but you really should. You really, really need to read the other books.
We've been waiting so long for this Harry James Denton book, and it does not disappoint. A melange of DOA, The Producers and The Man Who Knew Too Much, the story takes us on a ride through the wilds of Nashville, warts and all.
You don't need to read the other books in the series to understand the story, but you really should. You really, really need to read the other books.
February 8, 2024
Thought the book had a decent story line and liked the main characters. What bothered me (from beginning to end) was the street by street, building by building description of Nashville. If you eliminate even half of Harry's Tesla/Mustang road diary, you've got a book half the size--may be even a novella or short story. I kept reading and wading through street signs and traffic lights because I enjoyed the story.
March 22, 2024
I liked the story line - clever plot. I even liked several of the characters and how they fit together. But I got worn out reading about every street, every turn, almost every building in Nashville that Harry drove on, made, or passed. I like reading books about places I know and I like being reminded of streets, neighborhoods, and sights - but I don't need the description/discussion of them to take over the narrative. Again, I liked the story line & plot, but.......
April 1, 2022
Fade up from Black is a thriller/mystery that satisfies my need for an exciting plot but also brings a character arc and emotional development into the frame.
Clear easy style to read. Lots of great references to real life in Nashville and surrounds.
I’m ecstatic that Harry James Denton detective has made his return!
Clear easy style to read. Lots of great references to real life in Nashville and surrounds.
I’m ecstatic that Harry James Denton detective has made his return!
June 2, 2022
Great book
I wish there were 20 more books in this series! Steven Womack writes an exciting story. I haven't been able to find books 7 & 8 though. This series reminds me of the old Sam Spade series and is just as good. This book was well written with a first rate editing job. Kudos, Mr Womack!
I wish there were 20 more books in this series! Steven Womack writes an exciting story. I haven't been able to find books 7 & 8 though. This series reminds me of the old Sam Spade series and is just as good. This book was well written with a first rate editing job. Kudos, Mr Womack!
August 1, 2022
Story 7 in the series
It’s about 15 years after the previous story ends. Harry is the head of a cyber security consulting company but still has his PI license which he decides to use after being asked to investigate an unusual murder. An interesting plot with many of the characters from previous books. A great read.
It’s about 15 years after the previous story ends. Harry is the head of a cyber security consulting company but still has his PI license which he decides to use after being asked to investigate an unusual murder. An interesting plot with many of the characters from previous books. A great read.
November 7, 2022
It's been a while since I read one of the earlier Harry Denton mysteries but this, I believe his latest, is sharp, very contemporary in technology and compelling. It was hard to put it down and do the daily chores around the house and garage.
Womack threads a good read from the first page to the last. I've got another older Herry Denton edition in the queue on the Kindle.
Womack threads a good read from the first page to the last. I've got another older Herry Denton edition in the queue on the Kindle.
January 30, 2023
Best one!
I have just finished the entire series. Read them over the past week. It is now 2:22 AM and this one is finished. Awesome! Fantastic continuity in series. Great characters both old and new. Highly recommend! Thanks Steven for keeping the series fresh and real. BTW, what happened to the Lee’s?
I have just finished the entire series. Read them over the past week. It is now 2:22 AM and this one is finished. Awesome! Fantastic continuity in series. Great characters both old and new. Highly recommend! Thanks Steven for keeping the series fresh and real. BTW, what happened to the Lee’s?
March 7, 2023
free ebook
a man came to him to find out who was going to murder him. he didnt have time, he needed to get his daughter, her mom just died
when they got back the man had been murdered. so now hes looking into it while trying to find a school his daughter likes
he figures out who murdered the man, but the police wont do anything
it all comes to a head when they kidnap his daughter
a man came to him to find out who was going to murder him. he didnt have time, he needed to get his daughter, her mom just died
when they got back the man had been murdered. so now hes looking into it while trying to find a school his daughter likes
he figures out who murdered the man, but the police wont do anything
it all comes to a head when they kidnap his daughter
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2024
Harry is remembered as a PI by a writer who wants his own murder investigating, how could he resist ? He has more money than he knows what to do with, as Pratchett would say "richer than Creosote" but he has lost his edge a bit and has to get it back quick at the end helped by all his friends. Good story and setting and an enjoyable read.
abandoned
March 3, 2024I'm about halfway through, and I give up. It's moving much too slowly (apparently, just like Nashville traffic, which we are repeatedly treated to descriptions of). Maybe if I knew Nashville or knew the characters, this would be interesting, but so far, the plot is bordering on non-existent. Starting at book 9 is not a good call on this one.
April 27, 2024
Pretty Goood
The book jacket artwork was a little off-putting, so I wasn’t expecting much. As they say, don’t judge a book by its cover. The story, the characters, the cadence blended together and became interesting. I don’t feel like I wasted my time. It was nice to escape for a while.
The book jacket artwork was a little off-putting, so I wasn’t expecting much. As they say, don’t judge a book by its cover. The story, the characters, the cadence blended together and became interesting. I don’t feel like I wasted my time. It was nice to escape for a while.
March 16, 2022
I didn't enjoy this as much as the original books in the series ... too much filler, too much repetition, too much wallowing in the joys of being nouveau riche, too little time spent on the story.
Those twenty-plus years weren't kind to Harry or the author.
Those twenty-plus years weren't kind to Harry or the author.
April 24, 2022
Pretty good
The story is good, my main complaint the continuing whining about the gridlock traffic in Nashville. I don't feel a need to know e very left turn and detour of every drive across town.
The story is good, my main complaint the continuing whining about the gridlock traffic in Nashville. I don't feel a need to know e very left turn and detour of every drive across town.
May 16, 2022
Great Read
The plot twists are believable and the characters are realistic. The main character is flawed, honest and humanly believable. The author’s descriptions of Nashville help you visualize the action.
The plot twists are believable and the characters are realistic. The main character is flawed, honest and humanly believable. The author’s descriptions of Nashville help you visualize the action.
May 20, 2022
Couldn’t Put It Down
This book had me on the edge of my seat almost from the beginning. It’s fast-moving and exciting. I really wanted to do other things, but had to keep reading. The characters are all interesting. What a roller coaster ride!
This book had me on the edge of my seat almost from the beginning. It’s fast-moving and exciting. I really wanted to do other things, but had to keep reading. The characters are all interesting. What a roller coaster ride!
December 29, 2022
Another hit by Womack! Especially if you live in the Nashville area, you'll appreciate feeling like you're in the car with Harry Denton as he traverses the city, and the witty, dry sense of humor has continued from the previous Harry Denton books in the series, making this a fun, twisty read.
February 10, 2024
Nashville love
Pacing equals the Nashville traffic he goes on and on about. Solid read but perhaps reflects the author's screen writing expertise. You might also be able to do a food tour of Nashville after finishing.
Pacing equals the Nashville traffic he goes on and on about. Solid read but perhaps reflects the author's screen writing expertise. You might also be able to do a food tour of Nashville after finishing.
February 22, 2024
No
You will wait forever for the plot to develop. The protagonist is really a good guy, but I feel like I know too much about him. I can’t understand the 5 star ratings for this one.
You will wait forever for the plot to develop. The protagonist is really a good guy, but I feel like I know too much about him. I can’t understand the 5 star ratings for this one.
February 27, 2024
Good read
I enjoyed this book but there was some irrelevant passages that just seemed to fill pages with things that were immaterial, no sense and no meaning, like turning right and left onto named roads like we would know where that was.
I enjoyed this book but there was some irrelevant passages that just seemed to fill pages with things that were immaterial, no sense and no meaning, like turning right and left onto named roads like we would know where that was.
March 16, 2022
Excellent story. Well worth reading
March 16, 2022
I abandoned this book about 20% in because I was already skimming and nothing was happening.
December 10, 2022
Best yet!
I have the other six books in the series and they are all terrific. However, this one kept me up late at night to see what would happen.
It was well worth it.
I have the other six books in the series and they are all terrific. However, this one kept me up late at night to see what would happen.
It was well worth it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews