Title: Lost in the Shadows: A Review of Twice as Dead
From the moment I cracked open Twice as Dead by the incredibly talented author, I felt transported to a world that danced on the edge of gritty noir and fantastical intrigue. As a fan of both urban fantasy and hard-boiled detective stories, I was drawn in not just by the premise, but by the unique setting—a Los Angeles teetering on the brink of surreal chaos, where vampires mingle with the shadows of the city and a detective struggles against the odds to make sense of it all.
The story begins with Jack Mitchell, a private eye whose office is as run-down as his bank account. Already, I felt a connection to him; his inner turmoil, battling against the bottle in his desk drawer and the weight of unmet expectations, was visceral and relatable. When a mysterious woman knocks on his door, the air thickens with tension and intrigue. Who doesn’t love a classic femme fatale? Yet, instead of facing the usual tropes, Mitchell’s clients are embroiled in intricacies that reflect deeper societal truths. Lamont Smalls and Clarice Jethroe are navigating affairs of the heart and mistrust, while Dora Urban, a vampire with her own set of secrets, adds a delightful twist to the mix.
One of the themes that resonated with me was the exploration of identity and societal inequities. Mitchell’s mixed-race background and his awareness of how he’s perceived added layers to his character, prompting me to consider how identity shapes our narrative. In a world where the police are as corrupt as they come and help can often only be found among the marginalized, the stakes feel incredibly real. It’s a poignant reflection of our own society, albeit cloaked in supernatural drama.
Harry Turtledove’s writing style is crisp and engaging. He deftly weaves together the complexities of each case, merging them into an overarching narrative that kept me turning pages late into the night. The pacing is a perfect cocktail of suspense and wit, with Mitchell’s witty banter, especially during his conversations with Old Man Mose—the cat who surprisingly talks back—providing moments of levity amidst a backdrop of looming dangers. The interplay between humor and gravity felt genuine and kept me invested.
My only quibble lies with the cover—cheesy doesn’t do it justice, especially when the world inside is brimming with class and intricacy. Dora would never be caught dead (pun intended) in such a getup! However, this minor detail never overshadowed the extraordinary journey within.
As I reached the conclusion, I realized how deeply I’d fallen in love with the alternate history of this Los Angeles. The seamless blend of familiar landmarks with an altered reality that hinted at sorcery and unspoken alliances added richness to an already captivating tale. The idea that every good deed has its consequent punishment echoed long after I turned the final page.
Twice as Dead is perfect for fans of urban fantasy, crime noir, or simply anyone who enjoys a riveting story packed with characters who leap off the page. Turtledove has crafted a unique blend of mystery and magic, laying the groundwork for what promises to be an explosive series. If you’re looking for a read that keeps you guessing and lingers in your mind, then join Jack Mitchell in the City of Shadows—you won’t regret a moment of it. Happy reading!