Synopses & Reviews
Review
Joanne Dobson
Noted Author of the Year by New York (State) Library Association, and 1997 Agatha: Best First Novel for Quieter than Sleep
Beverle Grave Myers
2005 Kentucky Literary Award Nominee for Painted Veil
Derringer Award, Best Nomination 2005 for “Sweet Smell of Success”
Derringer Award, Best Longer Short Story Finalist 2005 for "The Franklin Fiasco”
Million Writers Award 2006, Notable Story for "Haven City"
Derringer Award Finalist Best Story 2008 and Macavity Finalist Best Story 2008 for "Brimstone P.I."
Derringer Award Finalist, Best Story 2008 for "The Bookworm's Demise"
Review
"This winning collaborative debut by Dobson, author of the Professor Karen Pelletier mysteries (Death Without Tenure), and Myers, author of the Baroque series (Her Deadly Mischief), introduces two determined female amateur sleuths operating just as the United States enters World War II. Almost a cozy, this historical comes close to overdosing the reader with both fronts being fought in New York City. Still, shifting points of view, short chapters, and a character-based approach make for a quick read with great YA appeal. Recommend for fans of Rhys Bowen’s Molly Murphy series and Sarah Shaber’s Louise Pearlie mysteries."--Library Journal
"FACE OF THE ENEMY is a deft historical novel that offers characters to care about, an engrossing story, a believable setting -- and a window into a too-often-ignored chapter in recent American history. Read it for any one of those elements, or all of them; you'll be glad you did." -- SJ Rozan, Edgar-winning author of GHOST HERO
"FACE OF THE ENEMY is much more than a whodunit – with New York City as its backdrop, this mystery explores how a diverse cast of characters attempt to make sense of the most seminal event in the 20th century – World War II. The plight of a Japanese immigrant artist, pursued by both the FBI and New York Police Department, is especially moving. If you are not a fan of 1940s American history, you will become one!" -- Naomi Hirahara, Edgar Award-winning author of the Mas Arai mysteries
Joanne Dobson
Noted Author of the Year by New York (State) Library Association, and 1997 Agatha: Best First Novel for Quieter than Sleep
Beverle Grave Myers
2005 Kentucky Literary Award Nominee for Painted Veil
Derringer Award, Best Nomination 2005 for “Sweet Smell of Success”
Derringer Award, Best Longer Short Story Finalist 2005 for "The Franklin Fiasco”
Million Writers Award 2006, Notable Story for "Haven City"
Derringer Award Finalist Best Story 2008 and Macavity Finalist Best Story 2008 for "Brimstone P.I."
Derringer Award Finalist, Best Story 2008 for "The Bookworm's Demise"
Synopsis
December, 1941: With New Yorkers painfully aware of their vulnerability after the Pearl Harbor attack, the FBI prowls the city snatching up Japanese residents. Tension increases for a sensitive Japanese artist when she’s accused of murder as well as espionage. Is Masako Fumi guilty? Or a victim of racial paranoia? Nurse Louise Hunter is outraged and vows to help her friend.
When the murdered body of Masako’s art dealer is discovered in the gallery where he’d been closing down her controversial show, Masako’s troubles multiply. Homicide detective Michael McKenna doubts her guilt, but an ambitious G-man schemes to lever the homicide and ensuing espionage accusations into a political cause célèbre.
Struggling to focus on one man’s murder while America plunges into a worldwide war, Louise and McKenna defy both racism and ham-fisted government agents in order to expose the real killer.
Synopsis
A deft historical novel...and window into a too-often ignored chapter in recent american history.--S. J. Rozan, Edgar award-winning author of Ghost Hero
In December 1941, America reels from the attack on Pearl Harbor. Patriotism and paranoia grip New York as the city frantically mobilizes for war. Nurse Louise Hunter is outraged when the FBI, in a midnight sweep of prominent Japanese residents, arrests her patient's wife. Masako Fumi is an avant-garde artist, a newcomer to the bustling city. The nurse vows to help free Masako.
When the body of Masako's art dealer is discovered in the gallery where he'd been closing down her controversial show, Masako's troubles multiply. Homicide detective Michael McKenna doubts her guilt, but an ambitious G-man schemes to turn the murder and ensuing espionage accusations into a political cause c l bre.
Louise hires a radical lawyer and enlists the help of her journalist roommate. But sensing a career-making story, Cabby Ward sets out to exploit Masako's dilemma for her own gain. Louise and McKenna must defy both racism and ham-fisted government agents to expose the real killer.
About the Author
Joanne Dobson, a former English professor at Fordham University, is the author of the Professor Karen Pelletier mystery series from Doubleday and Poisoned Pen Press. She won an Agatha nomination for QUIETER THAN SLEEP, the first book in the series, the novels have been widely reviewed, including in the NEW YORK TIMES, and in 2001 the adult- readers division of the New York Library Association named her Noted Author of the Year, as the writer whose books they most enjoyed recommending to their patrons.
Beverle Graves Myers lives in Louisville, Kentucky. She practiced psychiatry at a public mental health clinic before making a mid-life career switch to writing. In addition to the Helluva War series, her work includes the Tito Amato Mysteries set in 18th-century Venice and numerous short stories and articles. Visit her website at www.beverlegravesmyers.com.