Devils in Paradise by A.D. Price
Shadows of Secrets in Post-War L.A.
A.D. Price’s Devils in Paradise, a Comfort & Company Mystery, weaves a compelling narrative set in the sun-soaked yet shadowy Los Angeles of 1946. The novel follows Kit Comfort, a private investigator with a scarred past, and her partner Henry Richman as they tackle the disappearance of Marlene Overbrook, an assistant editor, and a rare first edition of Jules Verne’s From the Earth to the Moon. Commissioned by Marlene’s employer, Donald Dreiland, Kit delves into a case that intertwines personal trauma, professional intrigue, and a web of secrets tied to a valuable book. The narrative arc unfolds as a classic detective story, with Kit navigating a labyrinth of clues while confronting her own vulnerabilities, set against the backdrop of a city recovering from wartime scars.
The novel explores themes of secrecy, trust, and the lingering effects of war. Price deftly examines how hidden truths—both personal and societal—shape relationships and motivations. Marlene’s mysterious note and the coveted book symbolize concealed knowledge, reflecting the era’s paranoia about espionage and betrayal, a nod to the Red Scare’s early stirrings. The theme of post-war disillusionment is palpable, particularly in Henry’s struggles with his wife Bea’s mental health, which mirrors the broader societal struggle to find normalcy after global conflict. These themes are woven seamlessly into the plot, enhancing its depth without overwhelming the mystery.
The characters are vividly drawn, with Kit’s resilience and Henry’s quiet stoicism anchoring the story. Kit, marked by a physical scar from a past case, embodies determination tempered by vulnerability, her interactions with clients revealing both her sharpness and empathy. Henry’s personal battles add emotional weight, though his arc occasionally feels secondary to Kit’s. Marlene, though absent for much of the narrative, is a compelling enigma, her prodigious intellect and hinted mental instability creating intrigue. The Los Angeles setting is a character in itself, with Price’s meticulous depiction of its post-war bustle—complete with Santa Ana winds and cultural shifts—lending authenticity. Historical details, such as references to internment camps and Hollywood’s Red Scare anxieties, ground the story, enhancing its immersive quality.
The story’s pacing is engaging, with the initial chapters gripping readers through Marlene’s tense escape and Kit’s methodical investigation. The middle sections occasionally slow as Price delves into character backstories, but the momentum builds toward a satisfying climax. The writing style is clear and evocative, employing a third-person perspective that shifts between characters to offer varied viewpoints. Price’s use of period-specific dialogue and vivid sensory details, like the clatter of trash cans in the wind, enhances the noir atmosphere. The novel’s structure, alternating between Kit’s investigation and glimpses of Marlene’s perspective, keeps the mystery dynamic.
Standout elements include Price’s ability to blend historical authenticity with a tightly plotted mystery and her nuanced portrayal of Kit’s resilience. However, the novel’s occasional overemphasis on secondary characters’ personal struggles can detract from the central plot.
Overall, Devils in Paradise succeeds as a thoughtful, atmospheric mystery, appealing to fans of historical fiction and classic detective stories. Its blend of post-war intrigue and personal redemption makes it a recommended read for those who enjoy Tana French or Jacqueline Winspear.
—N3UR4L Reviews
