Fog City - (A Fog City Noir Mystery) by Claire M Johnson (Paperback)

About the Book

The Moore Detective Agency is two months and several fifths of whiskey away from closing its doors when the wife of one of the most prestigious bankers knocks on their door, asking them to look for her wayward stepson.

Book Synopsis

In 1930 San Francisco, the bridges haven't yet been built, and although Prohibition is still in effect, the speakeasies are thriving. The Moore Detective Agency is two months and several fifths of whiskey away from closing its doors. When the wife of one of the most prestigious bankers knocks on their office door, asking them to look for her wayward stepson, it could be the lifeline they need to keep the agency going. Unfortunately, Detective Nick Moore's current client is his bootlegger, and the only case he cares about is the one that contains twelve bottles of bathtub gin. Secretary Maggie Laurent takes the case and soon finds herself up to her neck in murder, arson, and the lies and double lives of San Francisco's wealthy elite, a world where she's seen as a nuisance at best and a threat at worst. Can she solve the murders before she becomes the next victim?

Review Quotes

"Claire Johnson has stepped right into the footwear of the Thirties, with her smart-mouthed secretary-turned-gumshoe taking over her boss's investigations and poking a well-powdered nose into all kinds of San Francisco chicanery. Fog City is a delight! I hope we see much more of Mags Laurent-oh, and that trouble-making boss of hers, Nick Moore." - Laurie R. King, NYT bestselling author of the Russell & Holmes series, The Kate Martinelli series, Back to the Garden, and others

"Claire M. Johnson's Fog City is the dark, dangerous, and delicious San Francisco of classic noir, a city of smoke-filled speakeasies and jazz singers with secrets to keep, of scheming families who built their fortunes on crime and the corrupt officials who cover for them. The twists come hard and fast in this one, and Maggie Laurent is a welcome addition to the city's rich history of private eyes." - Margaret Dumas is the author of the Movie Palace mystery series, Speak Now, How To Succeed in Murder, and The Balance Thing.

"A snazzy, snappy, delightful romp through early '30s San Francisco!" - Kelli Stanley is the Macavity-winning author of City of Dragons.

"When her P.I. boss goes on an extended bender, Maggie Laurent decides she can handle a simple case to keep the firm solvent. As in any great noir tale, the case turns out to be twisty, but Maggie's a quick learner who is happy to add the occasional rosary prayer to her innate smarts and willingness to ask for help from some intriguing characters. She's brave, shrewd, and a bit cynical. Perfect for this fog-drenched San Francisco noir. I loved FOG City and Maggie!" - Susan Shea is the author of Murder Visits a French Village (March '23), Murder and the Missing Dog (March 2024), and the Dani O'Rourke Mysteries.