Ash Dark as Night

by Gary Phillips

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Ash Dark as Night is a novel featuring photographer and PI Harry Ingram, written by Gary Phillips. Released 2nd April 2024 by Soho Press on their Soho Crime imprint, it's 241 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out late 2nd quarter 2025 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. 

This is a very well written gritty PI mystery set in LA in 1965. Harry captures undeniable proof of routine police brutality against the backdrop of the LA race riots which puts a target on his, Harry's back. Trying to get the proof published in the papers is a daunting nail-biting effort, aided by Harry's gutsy and brave girlfriend.

The book's prose is redolent of the time period and the dialogue is smart and whip-sharp. The cynicism from the main characters is palpable (and expected, given the overt deadly casual racism and economic injustice of the time). 

The mystery is well written and leads to a satisfying (if bitter) denouement and resolution. The author has woven his story around a framework of real life history so skillfully that it's not always clear where history shades into fiction. It's not at all derivative, but the style and story will suit fans of Walter Mosley, Robert Crais, and James Ellroy.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 20 minutes and is capably read by Leon Nixon. He has a well modulated, warm, rumbly baritone and handles the rapid dialogue without fumbles. He delineates the varied characters of both sexes and a range of socioeconomic classes and ethnicities clearly and without confusing the listener.

Four stars. It should be on the acquisitions lists for most public libraries, and would make a good choice for fans of historical PI noir.

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