Thanks to Level Best Books and NetGalley for this ARC of 'The Obsessions of Harvey Usher' by David Putnam.

I very much enjoyed this neo-(faux?)-noir, crime caper from David Putnam.

In a story separated by half a century, one part in 1968 and the second in the near present day, we're treated to a small cast of terrifically-drawn characters, some of whom inhabit both parts of the tale but all of whom are connected in some way. The style is noir-lite (in a good way) and sees Harvey Usher deal with grief, fear dementia, and try to unravel what's happening in the present day while protecting those he loves and those he barely knows from the long reach of the violent history he's left behind but never forgotten and never stopped fearing.

This is really well written and paced - it never lags and keeps you interested and engaged from start to finish - throws in some really well-timed twists and turns, and is laced through with a strong thread of completely fitting and appropriate humor and borrows all the best bits from the noir traditions.

This would make a really enjoyable film that I'd pay to watch.

Great cover too.

Thank you Netgalley for the free ARC! This was a great story! It was quirky, suspenseful, mysterious and funny. Very engaging and entertaining characters with great plot twists. I highly recommend this novel and this author.