Forests of the Night - (Johnny Hawke Novels) by David Stuart Davies (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Forests of the Night introduces the intrepid John Hawke, an exciting new detective operating in London during the Blitz.

When World War II breaks out in London, young policeman John Hawke enlists in the army. His dreams of fighting for his country, however, are cut short after he loses an eye in rifle training. Invalided out of the army and offered a desk job with the police, John sets up as a private investigator in London instead, hoping for excitement and danger.

In the autumn of 1940, John is engaged to investigate the mysterious death of a young woman. What is the connection between her brutal murder and the fading film actor Gordon Moore? Johnny also becomes involved in the plight of a runaway boy who may have witnessed something terrible.

Told with wit and humor, while evoking an atmospheric picture of the home front during the dark days of the Second World War, Forests of the Night is an impressive U.S. debut for David Stuart Davies.

Review Quotes

"Skillfully crafted." --Baker Street Journal on THE TANGLED SKEIN

"A thundering good yarn which scores in pace and incident....I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves a good, old fashioned page turner." --Sherlock Holmes The Detective Magazine on THE SCROLL OF THE DEAD

"Davies is prepared to put his own inventive stamp on a traditional...story in order to raise it above the usual expectations to provide a different perspective and yet remain true to the spirit of the original." --Sleuthing the Shelves on SHADOW OF THE RAT

"David Stuart Davies, an expert on recreating the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, has a style so similar to Conan Doyle that a reader could be fooled." --The Library Association Record on SHADOW OF THE RAT

"An incisive portrait of a troubled man, and one which comes highly recommended." --Yorkshire Post on BENDING THE WILLOW: Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes

"Absorbing story - one of those hard-to-put-down books with a smashing finale. I do not hesitate to recommend it." --Classic Specialties on THE VEILED DETECTIVE

"Brilliant." --The District Messenger on THE VEILED DETECTIVE

About the Author

David Stuart Davies is the former editor of the crime fiction magazine Sherlock and the author of several books on Sherlock Holmes. He is internationally recognized as an expert on Sherlock Holmes and Conan Doyle, and edits the Crime Writers' Association's monthly magazine Red Herrings. He lives in West Yorkshire, England.