The Opening Night Murders

by James Scott Byrnside

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Opening Night Murders is the second book featuring Rowan Manory and his partner. Released 1st June 2019 by author James Scott Byrnside, it's 278 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is a modern period mystery set in 1935 in Chicago. It has a distinctly 'pulp' vibe and a pretty solid (if ever so slightly hackneyed) plot-line. The dialogue and banter betwen Manory and his sidekick Walter is snappy. The secondary characters function more as plot movers and window dressing, but overall, the whole is eminently readable and entertaining.
The payoff is twisty but fans of Black Mask and sister pulp magazines will have likely solved the major points before then.

For Kindle Unlimited subscribers; this title is available in the KU subscription to borrow and download for free.

I would recommend this one to fans of pulp/noir - it's always fun to find a new (to me) author to follow.
Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.