Set against the backdrop of New York City’s contrasting landscapes, Shaun Goldsmith’s The Spire delves into the dichotomy of a metropolis that is both a tourist’s paradise and a locale with a darker, hidden side. The narrative follows veteran detective Mike Vogel as he navigates through the complexities of a double homicide in The Spire, a symbol of affluence in Midtown Manhattan. Characterized by his formidable ego, Vogel faces a convoluted case teeming with an abundance of suspects, pushing his detective skills to their limits.

Goldsmith’s writing style is notably brisk and impactful, characterized by straightforward sentences that convey a certain ‘too-cool-for-school’ attitude commonly found in notable works of the cops-and-robbers narrative. The influence of revered authors such as Elmore Leonard and Raymond Chandler is palpable, with Goldsmith even paying direct homage to Chandler in his writing. The protagonist, Mike Vogel, is a quintessential detective figure whose personal life is overshadowed by his dedication to solving crimes. This portrayal taps into a recurring theme in detective literature: the transformation of a detective’s persona, often towards cynicism, due to the nature of their profession. Vogel’s character may ring familiar to avid readers of the genre, yet his journey remains engaging.

The Spire excels in its gradual narrative build-up, with the plot intensifying progressively. As readers explore the upper tiers of New York’s social strata and delve into the city’s underbelly, it becomes clear that the mystery surrounding the Spire murders may not conclude with a definitive resolution. However, this aspect does not detract from the novel’s appeal. Instead, the journey alongside Mike Vogel, an intriguing and dynamic character, becomes the focal point of Goldsmith’s storytelling.

The Spire offers an immersive experience into the life and mind of a dedicated detective while painting a vivid picture of New York City’s multifaceted character. Goldsmith skillfully delivers a narrative that is as much about the intriguing protagonist as it is about the unfolding mystery, making it a captivating read for fans of the genre.

Pages: 369 | ASIN : B0CVFY99DG