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A review by christinecc
In a Lonely Place by Dorothy B. Hughes, Paula Rabinowitz
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A must-read for noir enthusiasts. Dorothy B. Hughes is a master of the genre.
Dix Steele is back from flying planes in WWII. Now in California and living on his uncle's dime, he reaches out to one of his flyboy friends, Brub, who is now happily married and working as a detective in LA. Funny thing is, Dix doesn't feel like Brub's wife is happy to see him. Why would that be? And in the foggy summer of the City of Angels, there's a serial strangler on the loose. What's that all got to do with Dix?
Hughes paints this dark, tense portrait of characters hiding their true intentions, viscerally sensing danger, and playing with every possible detail to manipulate those around them. The murders loom over the story, and we just don't know who to suspect until it's all too clear and another death is on the way. Then we're strapped in for the ride and we can't stop until the last page (which is a shame because the story ends kind of abruptly; it's strong about 99% of the way before screeching to a halt).
Recommended for mystery lovers, anyone who enjoys character writing with a psychological bent, and noir fans who can't miss a classic of the genre.
Dix Steele is back from flying planes in WWII. Now in California and living on his uncle's dime, he reaches out to one of his flyboy friends, Brub, who is now happily married and working as a detective in LA. Funny thing is, Dix doesn't feel like Brub's wife is happy to see him. Why would that be? And in the foggy summer of the City of Angels, there's a serial strangler on the loose. What's that all got to do with Dix?
Hughes paints this dark, tense portrait of characters hiding their true intentions, viscerally sensing danger, and playing with every possible detail to manipulate those around them. The murders loom over the story, and we just don't know who to suspect until it's all too clear and another death is on the way. Then we're strapped in for the ride and we can't stop until the last page (which is a shame because the story ends kind of abruptly; it's strong about 99% of the way before screeching to a halt).
Recommended for mystery lovers, anyone who enjoys character writing with a psychological bent, and noir fans who can't miss a classic of the genre.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Murder