The Eye That Never Sleeps – 4 Stars
Clifford Browder
ISBN 9781684332335

New York City in the mid nineteenth century is described in vivid detail. Both the decadent activities of the wealthy and the struggles of the common working class portray the life of the city. The historical aspect of the novel is outstanding’

The characters are well developed. Nicholas Hale, a narcissist bank robber, loves the game of chance and the seedy side of life. Sheldon Minick, a private operative hired to find the person robbing city banks, struggles to be the proper Methodist husband while experiencing all aspects of New York City. An arrangement made between the two is unique and carries the action.

Supporting characters, the parrot owner, the very proper Mrs. Minick, a professor studying phrenology and many others add to the entertainment and color.

The arrangement between Hale and Minick seems unlikely, but it makes an interesting story and is the focus of the plot. It is best not to analyze it too deeply and just enjoy the story.

This is a well researched historical mystery that paints a panorama of the people and life in mid 1800 New York City. It is interesting and entertaining.

Reviewer: Nancy

19th-century, mystery, private-investigators, NYC *****

Enter the seamier haunts of mid-nineteenth century NYC. One man is married, short, honorable, a master of disguising himself as various working men, all for good and in his chosen profession and a devoted admirer of Alan Pinkerton's agency. The other is a player, fairly tall, pretty much amoral, an adept planner of felonies, and sneakily vindictive. Follow them around for a while and you decide which one bests the other in a dangerous game.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Black Rose Writing via NetGalley.