Historical fiction authors often make the mistake of putting too much emphasis on the historical aspect of their work at the expense of the fiction. They meticulously research real-life people, places, and events and cram the book with as much detail as possible. But their characters are stereotypes, and the plot exists solely to move the action from one actual place or event to the next. Author James Kestrel avoids this trap in his brilliant novel, “Five Decembers.” Much of the action occurs in the days surrounding the Japanese 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. But the historical events are secondary to a terrific noir mystery.
“Five Decembers” begins on Thanksgiving, 1941. Honolulu police detective Joe McGrady is sent to investigate a dead body discovered in a remote sugar cane plantation barn. He finds two bodies, a young man and woman, mutilated and tortured. He seemingly closes the case when the killer soon returns to eliminate any evidence. McGrady eliminates him instead. But the murder victim was the nephew of Admiral Husband Kimmel, commander of the Pacific fleet, who wants McGrady to stay on the case to find and punish everyone involved in the murders. McGrady discovers that the mastermind behind the crimes has fled Hawaii for Hong Kong. The detective follows the trail and arrives shortly before the Japanese invade the island. From there, it’s five long Decembers until 1945 before McGrady finds closure in the case.
The author uses the historical backdrop of “Five Decembers” well. He doesn’t overload readers with period detail just to create atmosphere. He only provides enough subtext to explain the characters’ actions and motivations. As McGrady makes his way west from Honolulu to Wake Island to Hong Kong, readers know what will happen on December 7. That historical deadline adds to the suspense as readers wonder how close McGrady will get to his quarry and what will happen if he doesn’t catch the elusive mastermind by then. I don’t want to spoil any of the book’s surprises by revealing McGrady’s fate once the war breaks, but it’s a harrowing, historically accurate ordeal. Ironically, recent events have given the wartime scenes even more impact. As I read the book’s middle third, the author’s description of the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong reminded me of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in some details.
“Five Decembers” is a classic noir novel with Joe McGrady, a prototypical hardboiled hero. He’s cynical but principled and dedicated enough to follow a case through for five years. He also gets involved with several women, with the war wreaking havoc on those relationships. McGrady makes Christmas plans with his girlfriend Molly, but doesn’t return home until years later. His relationships all have a melancholy, bittersweet feeling. These women are emblematic of the book’s complex characterizations. There are no black-and-white characters, and several people turn out to differ greatly from what they first seem. And behind everything is John Smith, the master villain. At least, that’s the name on his fake passport when McGrady pursues him to Hong Kong. Smith is one of the best literary villains I’ve encountered in a long time, a mastermind worthy of a James Bond story.
James Kestrel is the pen name of Jonathan Moore, who has written several good suspense novels under his own name. “Five Decembers” elevates his writing to a new level. The book recently won the Edgar Award for Best Mystery Novel and deservedly so. It’s a brilliant 21st-century noir that is true to its historical and thematic backgrounds. It’s a great mystery, hardboiled police procedural, historical war drama, thriller, and romance all in one. Fans of these genres should set aside about five hours for a thoroughly engaging and entertaining read.
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I loved it and I want more from this author!
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2022
Once in a blue moon a book just grabs a hold of you, and hits you just right. Maybe it’s just the mood your in, or timing in your life. Or maybe it’s just a really good book.This is one of those gems for me. Gripping, entertaining, and unexpectedly insightful. It’s 1941. Joe McGrady is a Honolulu detective on a murder case that takes him across the Pacific just as Japan heads towards Pearl Harbor. It is sharp and quick and the writing makes you agree with the character even when you see his honest dark side. It’s a story of regrets and what-ifs as it spans the entirety of WWII. A full circle tale with a satisfying ending. I loved it and I want more from this author!
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2022
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Top reviews from other countries
Graham G Grant
‘McGrady got up. The other man didn’t.’
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 12, 2023
Malcolm R
Updated pulp fiction
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 18, 2023
paul lumsden
A Star For Each December
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 10, 2022davefr
Great story and writing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on January 9, 2022
