A detective novel should not be an epic. It shouldn't be over 700 pages long. In The Death of the Detective, Mark Smith breaks both of these rules and it doesn't matter one bit. This book is so engrossing and mysterious that the length isn't an issue. Also, unlike some reviews I have read, I had no trouble following the story or the characters. In fact, although there are several interwoven plots, there aren't an overabundance of characters, and each is so well drawn that the reader should never be confused. As for the plot, where to begin? There is an escaped, murderous psychopath; a dying millionaire somehow wanting to atone for his past sins; a sensuous nurse; a young heir searching for his own identity; a few other characters I won't mention; and the detective--actually retired and now the owner of an illustrious security firm that is named after him. Though the book jumps between the different story threads, the detective's quest to get to the bottom of what happens to the rich man is the core of the book, and we watch as his mania takes over and leads us from one unforgettable scene to the next. There could be several novels carved from this--but it is far better as it stands. Each chapter is a marvelous miniature work of its own. Smith's descriptions of Chicago, of a Polish celebration, of racing through the night in an old Duesenberg, or of being on a lake in the dark and the mist are each masterpieces. I had no idea what to expect when I started this. I doubted it could live up to its most enthusiastic reviews--but in fact it exceeded them. Don't waste any more time reading my review--read The Death of the Detective! ( )

A killer calling himself The Deathmaker is on the loose, pursued by Arnold Magnuson, a grief-stricken detective on the verge of a mental breakdown. "The Death of the Detective" is macabre story about the corruption in the City of Chicago, and the detective who slowly unravels. This novel is violent and heartbreaking. This novel is often called "The best detective novel ever" It is and so much more. This is a multi-genre masterpiece. The characters and events in this book will stay with you, and haunt your nightmares. ( )

Anyone who reads my reviews can tell that I like my detective fiction spare and lean. This book is anything but. The language is convoluted and obscure. I found it impossible but I can understand that people who like modern fiction will probably like this book. Try the sample and see what you think. Be aware, though, that the following chapters are very much like the sample and there is no attempt at clarity in the presentation of the story.

"The Death of the Detective" is one of the older detective novels that Brash Books is reissuing. It was originally published in 1974. I received a review copy of "The Death of the Detective: A Novel" by Mark Smith (Brash Books) through NetGalley.com. ( )

I tried hard with this book. I wanted to love it. Of course I did. Who picks up a book with the intention of a miserable reading experience? But, try as I might, there was just nothing here for me to latch onto.

First, the story is confusing. Is there a lead character? Who are these people? What is the point of it all? I have no answer for the first question, and the second two took me half the book to figure out. We're given an overload of characters who are doing a whole lot of things that aren't necessarily connected or even interesting. On top of that, we're given abundant, extraneous detail that doesn't move the story forward, or anywhere at all.

The writing itself has a compelling quality, with a literary feel. But put together in story form, the experience is like wading through a swamp filled with flowers - beautiful, but blocking the path we need in order to see where we're going.

*I was provided with an ebook copy by the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.* ( )