‘An Honest Living’ is set against the backdrop of Brooklyn in the mid 2000’s and is a sultry noir that harks back Chandler’s era with its complex characters and literary air. This is a slow paced affair but that allows for it to get under your skin as you immerse yourself in a long hot New York summer. This is a nuanced novel that is quite impressive for a debut and I thoroughly enjoyed its writing and quirky narrative.

After quitting a prestigious job in a top law firm a restless attorney is taking odd jobs to make ends meet. When Anna Reddick turns up at his apartment to engage his services for $10,000 as she wants to prove that her husband is selling her rare books. He does indeed verify that this is the case but when the real Anna Reddick turns up he realises that he has been duped. He is soon dragged into a series of deceptions, selfish booksellers and the seedy world of retail estate.

This was definitely a slow burn of a book but was thoroughly worth it. The reader is transported to Brooklyn with its rich descriptions and compelling characters. It has the feel of a modern art house film and its homage to ‘Chinatown’ really rams home that vibe. Anna is that elusive author that intimidates until you find out she is a neurotic genius but a human being no less with all their faults and foibles. Our protagonist attorney is an interesting and well developed character, who is questioning their position in life something all of us can relate to.

Yes, there is a linear narrative that runs through the book but this is not a rollercoaster of a book but rather a stroll through the shoreline of Brooklyn. Full of colour, intriguing and beguiling characters and compelling prose. I flew through it in a few sittings but yet took my time over it and savoured its loveliness.

Let me know if you pick it up!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bedford Square Publishers for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.

I gave up at 43%. I felt comfortable on page 1, enjoying the author's writing style. However, I got distracted with the some of the strange characters and the lack of pace in the plot. I had considered giving up at 20% but decided to carry on in the hope that the plot would pick up. However, I felt the plot was going nowhere while the author described his travels around New York.

Not for me.