After Pearl

Nicholas Bishop Mystery, #1

by

Stephen G. Eoannou

Entertaining WWII-era noir-vibed murder mystery introducing gumshoe Nicholas Bishop.

After Pearl is the first book in author Stephen G. Eoannou’s new private investigator mystery series, and the 1940s noir vibe is strong and sure with this one. When PI Nicholas Bishop awakens on the floor of his room after a five-day bender with two bullets missing from his .38, a strange one-eyed dog at his feet, and the coppers on their way to his door, he doesn’t need to be much of a detective to realize he’s got trouble. Suddenly, he’s got three cases to solve involving the missing shots, his missing car, and the missing chanteuse who was last seen driving off in it with him passed out in the passenger seat. 

Nicholas Bishop, seemingly known by everyone in Buffalo as “Nicky the Weasel,” has had some great success as a PI. However, a taxi-induced injury to his foot, which prevented him from serving in the war currently raging in Europe and the South Pacific, has led many in town to label him a coward. His alcohol intake isn’t doing him any good, either. While his appalling condition and circumstances at the start of the book are largely his own doing, I couldn’t help but like this guy and really root for him to come out on top the entire time. He’s truthful with himself about how he got to where he is, and his internal monologue is mostly open and honest. He’s wonderfully witty besides. I liked how the author reveals Nick’s backstory, piece by piece, whenever something relevant requires it rather than a long opening exposition. 

The plot progresses quickly, even with the necessary world-building required for the first book of a series, as it introduces friends, family, acquaintances, rivals, mobsters, the local police, and a detailed layout of the town and various settings. The author ups the ante for Bishop with the addition of a new paying client via his attorney partner, Fat Ira Weiss, whose office has been targeted by anti-semitic vandals. The latest case soon crosses paths with Bishop’s own troubles, which go from curious to deadly in a hurry. Thankfully, he’s got his former Girl Friday/PI-wannabe Gia Aletti to take him in hand at his lowest point and get him back in the game. Their banter is an absolute laugh-out-loud delight and a highlight of the story. With quite a few moving parts to coordinate, this story proves more complex than I originally expected and a completely compelling and satisfying reading experience. 

I recommend AFTER PEARL to readers of mysteries and private detective fiction, especially those who enjoy a 1940s timeframe and a noirish vibe. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.