Some Are Shadows

by David Sayre

Deadly Noir Detective Mystery

Some are Shadows is a richly dark crime novel in which Etta Childs, a renowned singer is brutally strangled.  The Miami police fail in their crime solving skills paving the way for Ms. Childs’ brother to recruit Ben Sheen, a former police detective turned private investigator to solve the murder.   Sheen’s past with the Miami Police make it difficult for him to make progress and another body is added to the mystery.  Sheen must overcome the politics of the police and the political leaders in the city before another murder happens.  This is a forbidden romantic crime mystery that is gritty and dark and written in classic noir fashion.

It is a reminder of how racism and inequality controlled the cities, politics and police departments in the 40’s and 50’s.  The author, David Sayre, skillfully tackles the ongoing threads of racism, corruption, politics in order to make his detective story more realistic and reflective of the times, both past and present. The romance piece of the story was handled well.  He was vivid in his details drawing the listener in with the authentic feelings and experiences of the time.

I found his character development to be complete and sensitive.  His story was well paced and reflective of the “gumshoe or noir” style of crime writing of the 40’s and 50’s.  There were several plot twists that added to the intrigue of the story and further development of the characters.  I enjoyed this book. 

The narrator, Steven Anderson, has a pleasant voice – not too gravelly and not too soft, seemed perfect for the character.  With the exception of the production/editing quality of the audiobook, this book was a good listen.  I enjoyed Anderson’s performance.  I would enjoy hearing him again.

The production had a few flaws as there were times the narrator repeated sentences, this happened in the last 30-45 minutes of the story.  At first, I thought it was an emphasis on something that was going on in the story but realized it was an editing issue.  Although it does not detract from the story.

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.