I only learned of this series when the latest volume, “The Grocer’s Son” appeared—so I bought all three and started right in. This first book is brilliant, and sets the reader up with both a satisfying ending and vast possibilities as to what might happen.
Garrick Jones writes with such an authentic voice, that it forced me to keep reminding myself that this wasn’t actual 1950s detective fiction. Like Frank Butterfield’s epic Nick Williams series, the Clyde Smith mysteries take us back two generations, to a world where being gay was still criminal, and the immediacy of World War II had not faded from anyone’s mind.
An army officer-turned-policeman, Clyde Smith has left the Sydney police because of his discomfort at the depth of the corruption in the ranks. He’s trying his hand at journalism, with a sideline in private investigation—both talents he developed as a soldier.
The story opens with Sam Telford, Clyde’s former police partner and ex-boyfriend, pounding on his door, bringing him news of a grisly murder—and a note addressed to Clyde apparently found at the scene. Thus the author plunges right in, opening up what becomes a dark, messy mystery involving sports betting and drugs, and also pulling the reader into a close look at the gay demimonde in Australia in the 1950s.
What is so engaging about the book, aside from Jones’s splendid writing, is this parallel track, in which Clyde’s life as a gay man and his skill as a detective are given equal prominence, both aspects of his personality driving the story and the character’s development. Love, sex and friendship are treated with frankness and emotional acuity. Neither the idea of “friends with benefits” or open relationships were invented by my generation; any more than police corruption or organized crime were. It is Clyde Smith’s integrity, and his emotionally honest approach to his own world, that gives the narrative its strong moral compass.
This is an era when subterfuge was the rule in order for men to maintain any sort of relationship. Sometimes that subterfuge included wives and fiancées used as a smokescreen. It’s a reality that has not, in fact disappeared even in 2022, but which was much more routine and accepted a lifetime ago. Indeed, my generation still feels deeply unhappy at the idea of all those women who became pawns in their boyfriends’ and husbands’ machinations. Clyde Smith (exactly my parents’ age) feels the discomfort deeply, but tries not to judge—until it encroaches on his own happiness.
Garrick Jones offers twists and turns right to the last pages, and gives equal weight to both the mystery and the love story. The book left me wanting more of Clyde Smith, and ready for the next one.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a novel that explores life after tragedy and the enduring spirit of love. | Learn more
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
