Havana Highwire - (Cuban Noir Novel) by John Keyse-Walker (Paperback)

About the Book

Cuba, 1957: When American PI Henry Gore snaps the wrong man's photo, he gets a fist in the face for his troubles - and a dark warning not to ply his trade in Havana in future. With money tight, Henry grabs a lucrative offer from Batista's military government with both hands - setting in motion a chain of events with dark and deadly consequences.

Book Synopsis

Introducing hardboiled PI Henry Gore, in this pitch-black noir novel set in 1950s revolutionary Cuba.

"Darkly atmospheric writing, an action-packed plot, plenty of suspense, and a sometimes-hapless hero caught between saving his own life and doing the right thing drive this outstanding, packs-a-punch thriller"- Booklist Starred Review

World-weary American Henry Gore was born in the cold Midwest. But a lucky connection - and a hundred peso bribe - scores him a license to operate as a private investigator in Havana, a place where he can finally get warm. Soon, he's trailing after cheating husbands to finance his permanent vacation in the land of sun, cigars and compliant se�oritas.

But when he snaps the wrong man's photo at a fancy casino, he receives a fist in the face for his troubles - and a dark warning from the Mob. Private dicks are bad for business. If he carries on working, his license will be permanently revoked. Capisci?

No work means no money. No way to eat. No way to pay the rent. Desperate to make ends meet, Henry grabs an offer of work from Fulgencio Batista's military regime with both hands - setting in motion a chain of events with dark and deadly consequences.

With its rum-soaked, revolutionary Caribbean setting, dark humour, glamorous femme fatales and chilling twists, Havana Highwire is crime noir at its finest.

Review Quotes

Plenty of action, entertaining and appealing characters, and colorful depictions of island life . . . A solid read-alike of AGATHA CHRISTIE's A Caribbean Mystery and BOB MORRIS's "Zack Chasteen" series-- "Library Journal Starred Review of Beach, Breeze, Bloodshed"

A principled hero, solid details of police work and the practices of Palo Mayombe and Sateria, and lushly described settings permeated by unease and possible supernatural phenomena combine to distinguish this ambiguous, unusual mystery-- "Booklist on Palms, Paradise, Poison"

A strong debut that vividly evokes its Caribbean locale-- "Booklist on Sun, Sand, Murder"

A tropical treat like no other-- "Kirkus Reviews Starred Review of Palms, Paradise, Poison"

An intriguing look at island life with a likable hero whom readers will want to get to know better-- "Booklist on Beach, Breeze, Bloodshed"

Darkly atmospheric writing, an action-packed plot, plenty of suspense, and a sometimes-hapless hero caught between saving his own life and doing the right thing drive this outstanding, packs-a-punch thriller-- "Booklist Starred Review of Havana Highwire"

Features a beautiful Caribbean setting, vibrant characters, lively plotting and pacing, and a memorable villain who will surprise you-- "Library Journal on Sun, Sand, Murder"

Keyse-Walker captures the feel and power dynamics of pre-Castro Cuba. Readers will eagerly await the sequel-- "Publishers Weekly on Havana Highwire"

Keyse-Walker smoothly integrates Caribbean lore and culture into the narrative, which is peopled with distinctive, well-wrought characters . . . Readers will look forward to Teddy's further adventures.-- "Publishers Weekly on Palms, Paradise, Poison"

Spectacular as a Caribbean sunset, Keyse-Walker's debut is a well-paced puzzler no one should miss-- "Kirkus Reviews Starred Review of Sun, Sand, Murder"

About the Author

John Keyse-Walker practiced law for 30 years, representing business and individual clients, educational institutions and government entities. He is an avid salt- and freshwater angler, a tennis player, kayaker and an accomplished cook. He lives in Florida with his wife.