Review: "Ultra Noir"
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 18, 2013
Pay attention to the cover's description: "Ultra Noir".  Although the description of a homeless drunk figuring out a murder that has stumped the police would lead one to think there would be humor and absurdity, that would be in error.  There was some humor.  No absurdity.  For a lot of the humor, it was the sad sort where you laugh and shake your head at the futility of the character's condition.There is an eerie quality to this book.  I don't know how anyone could research the lives of these homeless characters without getting down dirty for an extended period amongst them.  The detail he includes about survival on the street is amazing (pilfered sugar cubes in perfume found in the rubbish makes a cocktail).So the backdrop is extremely well done.  The main character, Murphy, is unique in fiction and totally believable.  The supporting cast is equally unique and believable.With very poignant motivation (I don't want to play spoiler), Murphy decides he is going to get the $25,000 reward money by solving a murder in the neighborhood.  His efforts lead him on several paths, many of which are way off base.  How he learns to be a private eye is wonderful.This is a book unlike any other I recall reading.  I strongly recommend it for mystery lovers who enjoy getting deeply into a character, especially such a unique one as Murphy.