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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Contagion of the Night by Edward J. Leahy is a historical mystery set in 1943, following Detective Dan Brady as he investigates the murder of a woman found strangled in a churchyard. What begins as a seemingly random crime soon reveals deeper ties to organized crime when Brady connects a second murder to the first. As his investigation widens, Brady faces resistance from within his department and discovers the far-reaching influence of the mob. With growing threats to his life and family, Brady must balance duty and danger in his pursuit of justice.
Author Edward J. Leahy vividly captures the noir tone of 1940s New York, immersing readers in a gritty, authentic historical backdrop from the moment they open the book to the moment they close it. I felt totally transported as the novel's layered mystery unfolds with careful pacing, keeping readers hooked as the connection between the murders and mob activity becomes clearer. I found Dan Brady's character to be deeply human, balancing his moral compass with personal stakes, making him a relatable and compelling protagonist with a lot to lose. Leahy skillfully portrays the intricate influence of mob operations in mid-century America, adding tension and depth to the mystery while shedding light on a shadowy world with interesting subplots at play. The atmospheric period setting and complex plotting create a rich, immersive read that takes readers to a different era. Overall, I would highly recommend Contagion of the Night to fans of historical mysteries and noir fiction who appreciate a well-crafted, suspenseful tale set against a vivid historical backdrop.
