Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“Santo Domingo Stakeout” by John Keyse-Walker is a masterful blend of historical fiction and crime noir, set against the vibrant yet tumultuous backdrop of 1965 Santo Domingo.

This novel, the second in the Cuban Noir series, continues the story of Henry Gore, a former private investigator whose life is a cocktail of danger, deception, and dark humor.

Keyse-Walker excels in crafting complex and flawed characters. Henry Gore is a quintessential noir protagonist—cynical, world-weary, yet driven by a sense of justice. His interactions with the enigmatic embassy aide add layers of intrigue and tension to the story. The supporting cast, from corrupt officials to revolutionary figures, are vividly portrayed, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative.

Keyse-Walker's writing is atmospheric and evocative, capturing the essence of 1960s Santo Domingo with meticulous detail. His prose is sharp and engaging, with a perfect balance of action, suspense, and dark humor. The pacing is brisk, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the plot twists and turns. Keyse-Walker’s ability to blend historical context with gripping storytelling makes for a compelling read.

"Santo Domingo Stakeout” explores themes of corruption, loyalty, and the quest for justice in a world where moral lines are blurred. The novel delves into the geopolitical tensions of the era, reflecting on the impact of foreign intervention and the struggle for power. Keyse-Walker also examines the personal cost of survival in a corrupt society, highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness of his characters.

"Santo Domingo Stakeout” is a standout addition to the crime noir genre, offering a thrilling and thought-provoking narrative that will captivate readers from start to finish. John Keyse-Walker has crafted a story that is entertaining and intellectually stimulating, with characters that linger in the mind long after the final page.

Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction or crime thrillers, this novel is a must-read.

Havana Highwire was one of my favorite books of 2022. I had no idea that it was the first book in a series, and was pleasantly surprised when I heard that another book was forthcoming.

In Santo Domingo Stakeout, which takes place in the mid 1960s, our “hero”, Henry Gore, a prior PI, finds himself in the Dominican Republic, a U.S. citizen unable to return to his country. While drinking in a bar with another expat, he receives a warning to vacate the premises and ends up being the sole survivor of a bombing. He decides to investigate as no trace of his friend can be found. As the book goes on, Henry finds himself drawn into Dominican politics and a possible conspiracy with international overtones.

This was a very enjoyable sequel to Havana Highwire. Once again, the author brings the Caribbean setting to life, and definitely transported this reader back to the Sixties. My only minor complaint is that Val, the US cultural attaché who becomes involved with Henry, seemed at times to be more of a caricature than a character. But, other than that, I thought the book was a great read.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

My thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing an ARC of the book.

Fans of the noir, wise cracking washed up PI who has dubious relatiionships, especially with women, will like this one. Set in Santo Domingo, it's all about what happened to Henry after he was involved in, well, activity in Havana and more or less exiled from the US as well. It feels old fashioned (especially with regard to women) and I likely would have appreciated it more had I read the first book. That said, it's a good reminder of the politics of the region. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Over to others.

2.5/3

This is the second in the series so perhaps I should have read Havana Highwire first. I don't think it's necessary to the plot though but the protagonist, Henry Gore, refers, on several occasions, to his time in Cuba.

Henry is apparently a private investigator but from reading this novel you'd never know it. He's certainly not very good at his job since he keeps ending up in hospital when a suspect got the jump on him.

Aside from trying to discover who set the bomb at his favourite bar, nearly killing him in the process, Henry spends the rest of his time drinking with the Police Chief, Salazar, and falling in love/having sex with any woman who crosses his path for more than 5 seconds.

He does a very irritating impression of a little lost boy when it comes to anything despite being 35. All he says he wants is to get his name cleared of the communist label he got in Cuba, so he can go back to the States but then he rejects any help offered by CIA operatives.

I'm afraid I found Henry an extremely annoying narrator. The storyline would be simple but all investigations are complicated because of the coup, counter-coup and US involvement. The history itself is extremely interesting but it gets lost within Henry's story.

I felt this book was neither one thing or the other and it left me dissatisfied.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Severn House for the advance review copy.

This book is the follow on from the excellent "Havana Highwire" which also featured the American Henry Gore. At the end of the previous book Henry is blackmailed by the Cuban military junta to try and trap Fidel Castro and his revolutionary rebels. We learn that Henry helped Castro to overthrow the incumbent military and USA backed regime. He was awarded with for a short time a role in Castro's government. He then became surplus to requirements and asked to leave Cuba.
Now on the blacklist with the USA, Henry has travelled around various caribbean islands until he landed in the Dominican Republic. This fairly wealthy country shares it's border with the not so well run country of Haiti.
Henry became a consultant to the Juan Bosch government located in the Capital city Santo Domingo. There was then a coup led by General Wessin Y Wessin. Henry remained in Santo Domingo and now spends his time drinking in bars often in the company of another American Jerry Pleasants.
One evening Henry finds a note on the bar warning him. He narrowly misses being blown up. He wakes in the hospital with a Valerie Spicer from the U.S. Embassy by his bed. Apparently there is no trace of Jerry nor the bartender Jaime. Henry wants to investigate but the current regime are not interested. However Valerie shows an interest in both him and the investigtion, much to the consternation of his housekeeper ( and occasional lover) Camila Polanco.
Henry asks a friend captain Cosme Salazar of the local police to help, but Cosme does not want to upset his bosses. The Country is in turmoil with Bosch supporters trying to win back control and with USA looking on anxiously.
Another winner for the author. I enjoy the way he uses real places and events to weave his stories around. Very much recommended.

American Henry Gore longs for the good old US of A but has to settle for the pleasant climes of the Dominican Republic, On the verge of a regime change and the whims of the US government, Henry needs to get out whilst the going is good but, of course, it isn’t that simple.

The narrative keeps you absolutely dialled in and there is so much to like about Henry. As with so many countries under US control, the politics are not only absurd but stranger than even a novelist could imagine.

My advice? Pour yourself a generous shot of rum and catch up with Henry Gore on his quest to stay alive, find the girl of his dreams and do the right thing but not necessarily in that order.

The second absolute fire cracker in this noir series set in the Caribbean islands in the 60s. Whilst entitled Cuban Noir, this 2nd book finds the irresistible Henry Gore now in the Dominican drinking his days away in the sultry heat.

A geo-political noir thriller plays out that rips along at pace as Henry, his many conquests and the rest of the cast of this story all make this to be a read up there with any historical noir.

Government meddling, Coups, corruption and lots and lots of rum, this Is a superb follow up to the first book which I raved about. This is just as good.

The second absolute fire cracker in this noir series set in the Caribbean islands in the 60s. Whilst entitled Cuban Noir, this 2nd book finds the irresistible Henry Gore now in the Dominican drinking his days away in the sultry heat.

A geo-political noir thriller plays out that rips along at pace as Henry, his many conquests and the rest of the cast of this story all make this to be a read up there with any historical noir.

Government meddling, Coups, corruption and lots and lots of rum, this Is a superb follow up to the first book which I raved about. This is just as good.

Elmore Leonard died more than ten years ago, but if he hadn't, I would have expected to see his name on the cover of this book. It's the same sort of characters, the same places, the same kind of narrative he used to spin for us,

Now, don't get me wrong here. I'm not saying this book is an imitation of Leonard. It's not. It just lives on the same plane of story telling excellence. Flavorsome locations, razor-sharp dialogue, and characters with a wry view of life and love that we've all missed terribly since Leonard left us.

This is an absolutely first-rate book and as fine a piece of writing as I've read in a long time.

Thanks for the ARC! I really enjoyed this books, and despite taking place in 1965 I found the geopolitical landscape that's the backdrop for all of this to still feel relevant to current events today. Without getting into spoilers, I thought the characters were all well written, as well as the action. At times, exciting, mysterious, fun, and heartbreaking. I'm definitely going to go back and read the first book in the series, and wish I had read it first. Two thumbs up! (or five stars)

A vivid account of the Caribbean islands told through the lens of PI/spy/outcast Henry Gore, who also seems pretty savoy with the ladies. This is the second novel from Keyes-Walker and it is as outstanding as the first which I could not get enough of. This time Gore has moved from Cuba to Danto Domingo in what turns out to be some politico strife in country. Gore gets throw literally into the mess when a bomb goes off at a bar he enjoys getting a little tipsy at.

An outstanding novel with traces of John Corey character mixed in. Great writing and so happy Keyes-Walker has this going. Highly Recommended