China Basin

The Cyrus Skeen Series

By: Edward Cline

Narrated by: Aaron E. Tucker

Cyrus Skeen, private detective, scours 1928 San Francisco in search of the man who stole a priceless medieval artifact. The thief, who is also a pathological killer, is not Skeen's only obstacle. The exquisite Frenchwoman and retured British colonel who are searching for the artifact also prove to be obstructions. Helping him in his search is his loyal and adoring secretary, Dilys Jones. Complicating the search are two Yale classmates, one of whom has penned a hit play that is headed for Broadway, but who has a secret about its true authorship. This is the other side of Sam Spade's San Francisco.

©2011 Edward Cline (P)2012 Aaron E. Tucker

Preachy

The author is enamored of his own views and often falls into a political polemic that fails to enhance the story . Descriptions of the novel suggest that it involves a mystery about a medieval chalice. It doesn't. It is just a weak detective story. Disappointed

A Great Read!

A perfect example of the hardboiled detective novel that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. The characters are real and interesting each with their own agendas and the story is intriguing right up to the last page. Although a serious novel it is not so gritty that lovers of the cosy mysteries cannot enjoy.
The reader is good but mispronounces words so often, hence the four stars. However he is such a perfect choice for the voice Cyrus Skeen it becomes a minor gripe.