THE FAIRFAX INCIDENT

By Terrence McCauley

It is 1933 in “The Big Apple” and Charlie Doherty is a private detective who has been speaking with an elderly lady in regards to how her husband, Walter Fairfax, died. This new client wants Detective Doherty to prove that her husband was murdered, even though the original consensus was that he committed suicide. After all, that’s what it “looked” like. But looks can be deceiving and according to Mrs. Fairfax, Walter would not and could not have taken his own life. With that being said, Doherty has a new job; a job that includes dangers he certainly didn’t see coming.

Trying to uncover if the Fairfax marriage was a happy one, Charlie does ask the widow if there is any one place he should start his investigation. In response, Mrs. Fairfax gives Charlie an envelope containing the names of Walter’s known associates; all powerful men, they are also more than a bit sinister. Taking this, as well as a nice retainer check with him, Charlie is ushered out the door by the butler and his investigation begins.

As Charlie takes on tasks and meets up with these associates, readers will be glued to the pages. Detective Doherty is a great character to follow on his mission, as the complexities and the twists and turns commence. It is also a great background/location to have, as the author does a wonderful job recreating the trying times and wealthy habits that both played large parts in making 1930’s New York City an unforgettable time period and what some call, “the Gotham of yesteryear.”