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Henry Swann #3
Swann's Lake of Despair
When rare photos‚ a scandalous diary‚ and a beautiful woman all go missing at once‚ the stage is set for three challenging cases for Henry Swann. It begins with an offer to partner up with his slovenly‚ unreliable frenemy‚ Goldblatt. The disbarred lawyer-turned-“facilitator” would provide the leads and muscle‚ while Swann would do all the fancy footwork. A lost diary by a free-loving Jazz Age flapper is worth enough to someone that Swann takes a beat down on an abandoned boardwalk. Pilfered photos of Marilyn Monroe propel him deep into the past of an alcoholic shutterbug‚ his wife; and he’s hired to search for a lonely writer’s runaway girlfriend. The cases converge and collide in a finale that lifts the curtain on crucial‚ deadly facts of life for everyone—including Swann himself. Praise for Swann’s Lake of Despair… “Smart, satisfying, even profound, this is exactly what every mystery reader is looking A terrific story, full of wit and originality, and a master class in voice. Charles Salzberg is a true talent, and his Henry Swann is a classic — complex, hilarious, and completely charming.” —Hank Phillippi Ryan, Mary Higgins Clark award winner for The Other Woman, Agatha winner for The Wrong Girl
- GenresMystery
284 pages, Hardcover
Published October 22, 2014
3 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Charles Salzberg
38 books279 followersCharles Salzberg's latest novel, Swann's Lake of Despair, is the third in the Henry Swann Detective Series. When rare photos, a scandalous diary, and a beautiful woman all go missing at once, the stage is set for three challenging cases for this skip tracer and his slovenly, disbarred lawyer friend, Goldblatt.
Devil in the Hole, his last novel, is a work of literary crime fiction based on the notorious John List murders, which is on shelves now, was just chosen by Suspense Magazine as one of the Best True Crime Novels of the Year. It is also now available as an e-book on Kindle.
He is also the author of the Henry Swann detective series: Swann’s Last Song, which was nominated for a Shamus Award for Best First PI Novel; Swann Dives In; and the upcoming Swann's Lake of Despair.
Salzberg has been a Visiting Professor at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, and has taught writing at Sarah Lawrence College, Hunter College, the Writer's Voice, and the New York Writers Workshop, where he was a Founding Member. He is a consulting editor at the webzine Ducts.org and co-host, with Jonathan Kravetz, of the reading series, Trumpet Fiction, at KGB in New York City.
His freelance articles has appeared in such publications as Esquire, New York Magazine, GQ, Elle, Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, The New York Times Arts and Leisure section, The New York Times Book Review, and the Los Angeles Times Book Review.
He is also the author of From Set Shot to Slam Dunk, An Oral History of the NBA; On A Clear Day They Could See Seventh Place: Baseball’s 10 Worst Teams of the Century; and co-author of My Zany Life and Times, by Soupy Sales, Catch Them Being Good; and The Mad Fisherman.
Devil in the Hole, his last novel, is a work of literary crime fiction based on the notorious John List murders, which is on shelves now, was just chosen by Suspense Magazine as one of the Best True Crime Novels of the Year. It is also now available as an e-book on Kindle.
He is also the author of the Henry Swann detective series: Swann’s Last Song, which was nominated for a Shamus Award for Best First PI Novel; Swann Dives In; and the upcoming Swann's Lake of Despair.
Salzberg has been a Visiting Professor at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, and has taught writing at Sarah Lawrence College, Hunter College, the Writer's Voice, and the New York Writers Workshop, where he was a Founding Member. He is a consulting editor at the webzine Ducts.org and co-host, with Jonathan Kravetz, of the reading series, Trumpet Fiction, at KGB in New York City.
His freelance articles has appeared in such publications as Esquire, New York Magazine, GQ, Elle, Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, The New York Times Arts and Leisure section, The New York Times Book Review, and the Los Angeles Times Book Review.
He is also the author of From Set Shot to Slam Dunk, An Oral History of the NBA; On A Clear Day They Could See Seventh Place: Baseball’s 10 Worst Teams of the Century; and co-author of My Zany Life and Times, by Soupy Sales, Catch Them Being Good; and The Mad Fisherman.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 19, 2015
Let me say, first off, that one of the things I liked most about Charles Salzberg's detective novel, Swann's Lake of Despair, were the wonderful settings in New York City—scenes set in Starbucks, Greenwich Village bookshops, subway stations, Grand Central terminal, Nathan’s at Coney Island, the boardwalk at Long Beach, neighborhoods in Brooklyn such as Bushwick, references to Woody Allen, etc. All this was very familiar and reassuring to a native New Yorker like me.
As a change of pace, one scene is set in Florida, so we get some relief from the winter snow and slush of New York City and are treated to a lakeside scene in a retirement community.
While some of the elderly characters are rendered as beautiful and dignified, which was a heart-warming surprise for a senior like me, most of the other characters in the book, including Swann, himself, all seem a little shifty, all looking out for themselves, all lacking a sense of morality.
But deeper into the book, as the plot develops, and Swann reveals his philosophy of life, my God, it was an earth-shaking, life-changing experience for me! This book had far more depth than I had at first imagined!
In fact, one of the major characters, Goldblatt, Swann’s partner, so to speak, who is an unapologetic glutton throughout the book, is revealed in a later scene, in such an exultant breakfast in a restaurant, Swann’s first-hand description of the pancakes with maple syrup and scrambled eggs and fries with ketchup had my mouth watering in envy.
I love scenes of beauty, of birds in flight and flowers, etc., but I swear this breakfast scene was, in and of itself, a glorious work of art, which could be compared to the beauty of any art work on the planet! In fact, the metaphor that came most aptly to mind was Beethoven's 7th Symphony in A Major!
As indicated, this book has a lot of surprises in store for the reader. In fact, this book will sweep you off your feet! It even has a dance studio scene in it. So I mean all this literally.
Moreover, the author has the gall to include a person he knows from real life in his fictional work and identifies that person by name, I assume with the person's permission. That is really pushing the boundaries, dear reader. A little Lewis Carroll meets Franz Kafka.
As far as detective work is concerned, Author Charles Salzberg's style is so deceptively simple, that when he finally winds up all the complexity of the plot, it is another masterpiece you’re in for. Swann is an everyman, in a way, and every man or woman reader will find him/herself relating to this antihero in Swann’s Lake of Despair.
What more can I say? You’ll have to decide for yourself if you want to come along for the ride.
--Erica Miles, author of Dazzled by Darkness
As a change of pace, one scene is set in Florida, so we get some relief from the winter snow and slush of New York City and are treated to a lakeside scene in a retirement community.
While some of the elderly characters are rendered as beautiful and dignified, which was a heart-warming surprise for a senior like me, most of the other characters in the book, including Swann, himself, all seem a little shifty, all looking out for themselves, all lacking a sense of morality.
But deeper into the book, as the plot develops, and Swann reveals his philosophy of life, my God, it was an earth-shaking, life-changing experience for me! This book had far more depth than I had at first imagined!
In fact, one of the major characters, Goldblatt, Swann’s partner, so to speak, who is an unapologetic glutton throughout the book, is revealed in a later scene, in such an exultant breakfast in a restaurant, Swann’s first-hand description of the pancakes with maple syrup and scrambled eggs and fries with ketchup had my mouth watering in envy.
I love scenes of beauty, of birds in flight and flowers, etc., but I swear this breakfast scene was, in and of itself, a glorious work of art, which could be compared to the beauty of any art work on the planet! In fact, the metaphor that came most aptly to mind was Beethoven's 7th Symphony in A Major!
As indicated, this book has a lot of surprises in store for the reader. In fact, this book will sweep you off your feet! It even has a dance studio scene in it. So I mean all this literally.
Moreover, the author has the gall to include a person he knows from real life in his fictional work and identifies that person by name, I assume with the person's permission. That is really pushing the boundaries, dear reader. A little Lewis Carroll meets Franz Kafka.
As far as detective work is concerned, Author Charles Salzberg's style is so deceptively simple, that when he finally winds up all the complexity of the plot, it is another masterpiece you’re in for. Swann is an everyman, in a way, and every man or woman reader will find him/herself relating to this antihero in Swann’s Lake of Despair.
What more can I say? You’ll have to decide for yourself if you want to come along for the ride.
--Erica Miles, author of Dazzled by Darkness
August 10, 2014
A really, really engaging story that reads like a hard-boiled mystery. Only there's lots of mysteries in this one, including shocking photos, a secret diary, and a missing woman. High stakes, lots of twists and turns, and a climax you won't soon forget.
Time richly spent.
*FTC Disclosure: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review, and the opinions in this review are my own.
Time richly spent.
*FTC Disclosure: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review, and the opinions in this review are my own.
April 30, 2019
Swann’s Lake of Despair is the third book in Charles Salzberg’s series about Henry Swann, a PI (well sort of) in New York City who is surrounded by colorful and compelling characters. I read two of Salzberg’s previous stand alone thrillers – Second Story Man and Devil in the Hole – and enjoyed them very much. So I wasn’t surprised when I loved this book too. In Lake of Despair, Swann is juggling three cases – a missing woman, a missing diary and a file of missing rare photos. But maybe just as entertaining as the story itself is the wild cast of characters surrounding Swann. Particularly his sometimes partner Goldblatt, a slovenly disbarred lawyer who never met a meal he didn’t like. (The scenes of Goldblatt shoveling food into his mouth in a diner with Swann are beyond hilarious!) Swann’s Lake of Despair is a wild ride through the underbelly of New York City, and one you should definitely take. Salzberg has a new book in the series, Swann’s Down, coming out very soon…can’t wait!
October 29, 2014
Charles Salzberg in his new book, “Swann’s Lake of Despair” Book Three in the Henry Swann Detective series published by Five Star gives us another adventure with Henry Swann.
From the back cover: When rare photos, a scandalous diary, and a beautiful woman all go missing at once, the stage is set for three challenging cases for Henry Swann.
It begins with an offer to partner up with his slovenly, unreliable frenemy, Goldblatt. The disbarred lawyer-turned-“facilitator” would provide the leads and muscle, while Swann would do all the fancy footwork. A lost diary by a free-loving Jazz Age flapper is worth enough to someone that Swann takes a beat down on an abandoned boardwalk. Pilfered photos of Marilyn Monroe propel him deep into the past of an alcoholic shutterbug, his wife; and he’s hired to search for a lonely writer’s runaway girlfriend.
The cases converge and collide in a finale that lifts the curtain on crucial, deadly facts of life for everyone ? including Swann himself.
I have always liked the detective stories from the Fifties and Sixties. Back then the P.I. would get involved in two cases that dovetailed and sometimes put his life in danger before solving. Here Swann gets involved in three cases that couldn’t possible have anything to do with other but will surprise you. “Swann’s Lake of Despair” is Private Investigator mystery extravaganza. This story has lots of action: high stakes and lots of twists and turns. Henry Swann is a wonderful character that will remind you of the old time P.I.s. I am looking forward to more Henry Swann stories.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: When rare photos, a scandalous diary, and a beautiful woman all go missing at once, the stage is set for three challenging cases for Henry Swann.
It begins with an offer to partner up with his slovenly, unreliable frenemy, Goldblatt. The disbarred lawyer-turned-“facilitator” would provide the leads and muscle, while Swann would do all the fancy footwork. A lost diary by a free-loving Jazz Age flapper is worth enough to someone that Swann takes a beat down on an abandoned boardwalk. Pilfered photos of Marilyn Monroe propel him deep into the past of an alcoholic shutterbug, his wife; and he’s hired to search for a lonely writer’s runaway girlfriend.
The cases converge and collide in a finale that lifts the curtain on crucial, deadly facts of life for everyone ? including Swann himself.
I have always liked the detective stories from the Fifties and Sixties. Back then the P.I. would get involved in two cases that dovetailed and sometimes put his life in danger before solving. Here Swann gets involved in three cases that couldn’t possible have anything to do with other but will surprise you. “Swann’s Lake of Despair” is Private Investigator mystery extravaganza. This story has lots of action: high stakes and lots of twists and turns. Henry Swann is a wonderful character that will remind you of the old time P.I.s. I am looking forward to more Henry Swann stories.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 21, 2014
After being only slightly busy, Henry Swann becomes engaged in three cases all at once thanks to his new ‘partner’ Goldblatt. To Goldblatt, it’s all about the money but to Swann, it’s about much more than just the money. Swann is a P.I. (without the license). He finds people and things and he’s really good at it. Before this, he was a skip tracer. Goldblatt is a disbarred lawyer. So, at least he still knows what legal from what’s not legal. Goldblatt has a lot of connections; therefore, his ‘partnership’ selling point to Swann is just that. Through his connections, he can provide cases to keep Swann busy for a very long time. It’s up to Swann to put in the time; do all the legwork; and take all the chances. Swann thinks the money split should be more like .75 to .25, but Goldblatt thinks it’s just fine to keep it at .50 / .50.
So, now it’s up to Swann to locate Donna, a beautiful young woman who has seemingly relocated overnight; rare photos having belonged to an achieved photographer from the late forties / early fifties; and a diary having belonged to a murdered Jazz Age flapper, Starr Faithfull.
The author did great on character build-up. They were all filled with personalities – lovable and ‘hatable’. I especially loved the two main characters, Henry Swann and his frenemy and ‘partner’, Goldblatt. Their verbal interchange was highly enjoyable. However, I did expect more than what was provided at the end. The case of the missing young woman could have had more of a closure. Instead the last 25% of the novel fell a bit flat for me. Just on the character personalities alone, I would consider reading more about Henry Swann and his partnership with Goldblatt. I rated Swann’s Lake of Despair at 3.5 out of 5.
http://www.fictionzeal.com/swanns-lak...
So, now it’s up to Swann to locate Donna, a beautiful young woman who has seemingly relocated overnight; rare photos having belonged to an achieved photographer from the late forties / early fifties; and a diary having belonged to a murdered Jazz Age flapper, Starr Faithfull.
The author did great on character build-up. They were all filled with personalities – lovable and ‘hatable’. I especially loved the two main characters, Henry Swann and his frenemy and ‘partner’, Goldblatt. Their verbal interchange was highly enjoyable. However, I did expect more than what was provided at the end. The case of the missing young woman could have had more of a closure. Instead the last 25% of the novel fell a bit flat for me. Just on the character personalities alone, I would consider reading more about Henry Swann and his partnership with Goldblatt. I rated Swann’s Lake of Despair at 3.5 out of 5.
http://www.fictionzeal.com/swanns-lak...
November 2, 2014
There was so much to love about this book. From its witty, charismatic protagonist to the mystery and suspense that drove this novel from start to finish.
This is the first time I've had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Swann, and I must say I was immediately drawn to him. He had a strong personality, was charming, and a smartass when he needed to be. I enjoyed his interactions with the many different characters who popped up during his investigations, but his time with Goldblatt really put a smile on my face. He had a way of totally ridiculing his friend and partner but in a way that was quite endearing.
This was a great mystery read with exciting twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Never once predictable, Salzberg held me captive with his crisp writing and plotting. I enjoyed every minute spent playing detective alongside Henry Swann.
This is the first time I've had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Swann, and I must say I was immediately drawn to him. He had a strong personality, was charming, and a smartass when he needed to be. I enjoyed his interactions with the many different characters who popped up during his investigations, but his time with Goldblatt really put a smile on my face. He had a way of totally ridiculing his friend and partner but in a way that was quite endearing.
This was a great mystery read with exciting twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Never once predictable, Salzberg held me captive with his crisp writing and plotting. I enjoyed every minute spent playing detective alongside Henry Swann.
Read
March 18, 2015This book is not a normal private eye story but it is a good story. Beginning was a little slow but a good foundation was laid. Several different mysteries to be solved and all were wrapped up in the end. I enjoyed the book.
March 11, 2015
A really fun read, and a lot to discuss at book club. Everyone liked Swann.
May 28, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
When rare photos, a scandalous diary, and a beautiful woman all go missing at once, the stage is set for three challenging cases for Henry Swann. It begins with an offer to partner up with his slovenly, unreliable frenemy, Goldblatt. The disbarred lawyer-turned-"facilitator" would provide the leads and muscle, while Swann would do all the fancy footwork. A lost diary by a free-loving Jazz Age flapper is worth enough to someone that Swann takes a beat down on an abandoned boardwalk. Pilfered photos of Marilyn Monroe propel him deep into the past of an alcoholic shutterbug, his wife; and he's hired to search for a lonely writer's runaway girlfriend. The cases converge and collide in a finale that lifts the curtain on crucial, deadly facts of life for everyone ? including Swann himself.
I had not read a Charles Salzberg novel before this one and I had no real idea what I was in for. However, the reviews of his other books convinced me that I should request a copy of this book - and I am sure glad I did.
We all read for different reasons and have different preferences for what we expect in books - great characters, a tight plot, or awesome settings...this book ticks off quite a few of my "Most Wanted" things from a book.
Not only do we get a very good mystery here - we get three very good ones! Swann takes on three cases at the behest of his mate/enemy Goldblatt. All three of these mysteries are presented in such a way that you don't realise that all these plotlines were being pulled together at once - and that is a sign of a very good author.
The characters of Swann and Goldblatt were excellent - I could read books about these 2 more often. However, the minor characters were somewhat forgettable as the two MC's were so memorable.
The best part of this book, for me, was the setting. New York City comes alive under the pen of Salzberg. Lots of cultural and historical references that really drops the reader smack-bang into the middle of the city and keeps up the "location, location, location" theme all the way through the book.
Apart from the lack of strong minor characters, this was a very good book and one that I have no trouble recommending at all!!!
Paul
ARH
When rare photos, a scandalous diary, and a beautiful woman all go missing at once, the stage is set for three challenging cases for Henry Swann. It begins with an offer to partner up with his slovenly, unreliable frenemy, Goldblatt. The disbarred lawyer-turned-"facilitator" would provide the leads and muscle, while Swann would do all the fancy footwork. A lost diary by a free-loving Jazz Age flapper is worth enough to someone that Swann takes a beat down on an abandoned boardwalk. Pilfered photos of Marilyn Monroe propel him deep into the past of an alcoholic shutterbug, his wife; and he's hired to search for a lonely writer's runaway girlfriend. The cases converge and collide in a finale that lifts the curtain on crucial, deadly facts of life for everyone ? including Swann himself.
I had not read a Charles Salzberg novel before this one and I had no real idea what I was in for. However, the reviews of his other books convinced me that I should request a copy of this book - and I am sure glad I did.
We all read for different reasons and have different preferences for what we expect in books - great characters, a tight plot, or awesome settings...this book ticks off quite a few of my "Most Wanted" things from a book.
Not only do we get a very good mystery here - we get three very good ones! Swann takes on three cases at the behest of his mate/enemy Goldblatt. All three of these mysteries are presented in such a way that you don't realise that all these plotlines were being pulled together at once - and that is a sign of a very good author.
The characters of Swann and Goldblatt were excellent - I could read books about these 2 more often. However, the minor characters were somewhat forgettable as the two MC's were so memorable.
The best part of this book, for me, was the setting. New York City comes alive under the pen of Salzberg. Lots of cultural and historical references that really drops the reader smack-bang into the middle of the city and keeps up the "location, location, location" theme all the way through the book.
Apart from the lack of strong minor characters, this was a very good book and one that I have no trouble recommending at all!!!
Paul
ARH
March 10, 2015
My book club chose this book as it's selection this month. This was my first experience reading a book by this author. I am very glad I discovered this author! Charles Salzberg has a wonderful gift for mystery writing and for developing interesting characters. I enjoyed his writing style and sense of humor.
The main character in this mystery is Swann, a private investigator. He is a flawed but likable character. He grew on me more and more throughout the story. He's generally a good guy - insightful and fair. His partner, Goldblatt, is an amusing slovenly character who gorges himself on large meals throughout the story. Goldblatt has "connections" and comes up with most of the cases which Swann solves. Goldblatt's main interest seems to be making money.
Swann is working on three different cases within this story. I found it realistic since most small time investigators would probably not just work on one case at a time. It made the book interesting since there were 3 sub-plots going on within the story.
This mystery would appeal to mystery lovers who enjoy well developed and interesting characters. It would also appeal to readers who enjoy non-gory type mysteries. This one you could read before bedtime! It was easy to follow - a fun read!
I read the hard copy of this book and while I do not usually comment on this, I really liked the presentation of the book itself. The typeface was clear and easy to read! I hate when I pick up a book and have to strain to read tiny type! This book was a breeze to read! The chapters were not too long which made the story seem to move along quickly. I also thought the book had an interesting cover.
I am glad to have discovered Charles Salzberg as an author. I will read more books by this author in the future!
The main character in this mystery is Swann, a private investigator. He is a flawed but likable character. He grew on me more and more throughout the story. He's generally a good guy - insightful and fair. His partner, Goldblatt, is an amusing slovenly character who gorges himself on large meals throughout the story. Goldblatt has "connections" and comes up with most of the cases which Swann solves. Goldblatt's main interest seems to be making money.
Swann is working on three different cases within this story. I found it realistic since most small time investigators would probably not just work on one case at a time. It made the book interesting since there were 3 sub-plots going on within the story.
This mystery would appeal to mystery lovers who enjoy well developed and interesting characters. It would also appeal to readers who enjoy non-gory type mysteries. This one you could read before bedtime! It was easy to follow - a fun read!
I read the hard copy of this book and while I do not usually comment on this, I really liked the presentation of the book itself. The typeface was clear and easy to read! I hate when I pick up a book and have to strain to read tiny type! This book was a breeze to read! The chapters were not too long which made the story seem to move along quickly. I also thought the book had an interesting cover.
I am glad to have discovered Charles Salzberg as an author. I will read more books by this author in the future!
November 24, 2014
This is the first time that I have read anything by Charles Salzberg so I didn’t know what to expect. The main character, Henry Swann, who is a disbarred lawyer who reluctantly joins forces with Goldblatt another disbarred attorney. Swann has work experience that comes in handy as skip tracer which is to trace people who skip out on their payments. He works on three mysteries at the same time.
1. Locate a missing dairy of certain jazz flapper
2. Find photos of Marilyn Monroe that have been long lost
3. Trace a beautiful woman who vanished with all her belongings, leaving her lover wondering
Goldblatt is led to several different locations such as Long Island, New York, Austin, Texas, West Palm Beach Florida and New York City. The author gives a historical background of each which I really appreciated, especially in the case of Long Island.
This mystery is very different from most because there is so much humor. Most of the book involves conversations between the partners, the clients and people who Swann was trying to get information from. I pictured this whole book as being as a comedy mystery from the 1950s. Swann is a wisecracking, self-assured, secretive, observant, very direct intellectual. There are many scenes with Swann dining with others. It is easy to picture this story as a movie.
The part I liked the best is funny dialogue and also the history that that the author adds about the areas. Swann is very hard boiled. I think I prefer a different personality but that is just me.
I highly recommend this book for its smart humor and weird characters.
I received this Advance Reading Copy from the publishers as a win from FirstReads but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review.
1. Locate a missing dairy of certain jazz flapper
2. Find photos of Marilyn Monroe that have been long lost
3. Trace a beautiful woman who vanished with all her belongings, leaving her lover wondering
Goldblatt is led to several different locations such as Long Island, New York, Austin, Texas, West Palm Beach Florida and New York City. The author gives a historical background of each which I really appreciated, especially in the case of Long Island.
This mystery is very different from most because there is so much humor. Most of the book involves conversations between the partners, the clients and people who Swann was trying to get information from. I pictured this whole book as being as a comedy mystery from the 1950s. Swann is a wisecracking, self-assured, secretive, observant, very direct intellectual. There are many scenes with Swann dining with others. It is easy to picture this story as a movie.
The part I liked the best is funny dialogue and also the history that that the author adds about the areas. Swann is very hard boiled. I think I prefer a different personality but that is just me.
I highly recommend this book for its smart humor and weird characters.
I received this Advance Reading Copy from the publishers as a win from FirstReads but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review.
Read
June 9, 2018This is a unique, poignant and wonderful book—much more than crime fiction. While the whodunits are fully engaging, it is the tender psychological portrait of Henry Swann that sets this book apart. Swann play the dozens with the best of them, is as “noir” as they come, but his Boy Scout heart keeps getting in the way of his bankroll. Meanwhile, a deep sadness, a multitude of regrets and a host of mistakes burden him because he’s aware that he is his own worst enemy. There’s no inner peace for Swann, and so, in his work, he keeps trying to convince people to do the things he never got or couldn’t do for himself—share the money fairly, have closure, tell the truth. Swann is in touch with his deep loneliness, but the only one reaching out is a scheming, slovenly lawyer with a big plate of latkes, a small conscience, and a real threat to take over and star in the series himself. Swann knows better, but feeling liked, even if knows he’s also being used—well, his standards for himself are pretty low. I highly recommend you place your order now.
November 3, 2014
Charles Salzberg's Swann's Lake of Despair is an incredibly fast-paced and compelling read. "Un-put-downable" doesn't even begin to describe it. Not only does it involve Henry Swann, a world-weary yet engaging NYC skip tracer; it also includes a long-lost diary that belonged to a Jazz Age flapper, and that may or may not be a forgery; secret photos taken of Marilyn Monroe that are only just now coming to light; and a Long Island dance instructor who seems to find Swann irresistible. With rat-a-tat dialogue that reminded me of Richard Price's Lush Life, as well as hilarious scenes and well-drawn characters, I highly recommend this to anyone who likes one-of-a-kind sleuths, page-turning mysteries, or compelling novels set in Manhattan. It’s a great way to spend a weekend!
December 20, 2014
This is a very good book about a dectective who ends up working on three different cases.
Henry Swann is pulled into the mysteries of some missing rare photos, a missing diary, and a missing woman. All three cases are interesting and Swann can switch his personality to fit whatever the situation calls for… he can play both bad dectective and good detective. The story is fast paced and there is a bit of humor added.
Swann’s parnter Goldblatt is really more interested in the money than the cases, but he does help Swann through all the people he knows. Overall this was a good read, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good detective story.
This is the third book in the series but it can stand-alone.
Henry Swann is pulled into the mysteries of some missing rare photos, a missing diary, and a missing woman. All three cases are interesting and Swann can switch his personality to fit whatever the situation calls for… he can play both bad dectective and good detective. The story is fast paced and there is a bit of humor added.
Swann’s parnter Goldblatt is really more interested in the money than the cases, but he does help Swann through all the people he knows. Overall this was a good read, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good detective story.
This is the third book in the series but it can stand-alone.
October 26, 2014
If you like mysteries with a back story and some action you’ll like this intriguing tale and the quirky characters the main character meets and has to deal with. Swann is a likeable character who meets an awful lot of questionable dangerous and quirky characters in his line of work as a P.I. He solves the mystery, once he gets drawn into the search for a missing diary and a few other cases.The story is fast paced and very intriguing. It has some intense and enjoyable conversations even when the situation manages to be downright dangerous. Pick up a copy when you get a chance, you’ll like it.
January 17, 2015
It's a little slow going at first, as each of three subplots requires its own setup and there is nothing to connect them. But it's quite intriguing as an end game is negotiated for all three. There's a nuanced complexity here that makes this all very appealing in the end. A solid mystery and one that is recommended. Read our full review, here: http://www.mysteriousreviews.com/myst...
June 1, 2015
Detective Henry Swann is somewhat talked into becoming "partners" with his "somewhat" annoying friend, a dis-barred lawyer named Goldblatt. Of course Swann does all the leg work & gets himself into a few scrapes at times. This was good, reminded me of old time detective series on tv. Swann is a likeable character & apparently there are many books about him.
May 12, 2015
This was an excellent read with its mixture of suspense and deep and literal thought, one cannot help but cheer Swann on as he dwells into a myriad game of cat and mouse. I could not put this one down until the stories conclusion.
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