(Reviewed by JD Jung)
“…all the women he had known and loved, the idea of them was there in front of him…and once he had come to love then, had he not carried them about within him forever after, like open wounds?”
May 1997 -Private investigator Calvin “Bronze” Goldberg is obsessed with women and is always falling in love. Hired by a powerful political consultant to spy on his unfaithful wife, Bronze soon finds himself entangled in a series of perilous events. The discovery of a young congressman’s body sets off a chain reaction, leading to more deaths as well as the realization that Bronze himself could be the next target of a paid assassin.
While the plot is undeniably intriguing, it lacks the distinctiveness to truly set it apart from other works in the genre. The most captivating element is the protagonist’s personality. Bronze’s infatuation and obsession with women are central to his character, yet these aspects are not explored as deeply as they could be. This oversight makes the title feel somewhat misleading and underwhelming.
One of the book’s standout features is its gorgeous prose, which provides a striking contrast to the fast-paced crime narrative. The writing elevates the story, expanding the readers’ experience. The supporting characters also add depth and color, particularly like his landlady Iris, who writes romance novels under a pen name, but who’s true aspiration is to write crime fiction.
Still, Blood and Masara remains a solid read for fans of noir crime fiction. The engaging prose and memorable protagonist and supporting characters make it time well spent.
