Here Comes a Candle : Book Review

"Here Comes a Candle" written by Fredric Brown is an incredibly gripping and suspenseful mystery novel that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. The book revolves around a murder that takes place in a small town, and it is up to the local sheriff, Gene Haggerty, to untangle the web of evidence and reveal the truth. Brown's writing style is concise and fast-paced, creating a tense and exciting atmosphere that will captivate fans of the genre.

The characters in "Here Comes a Candle" are well-developed and relatable, each with their own quirks and motivations. Sheriff Haggerty is portrayed as a competent and dedicated law enforcement officer with a no-nonsense attitude, making him an intriguing protagonist to follow. The interactions between the characters are realistic and add depth to the narrative, while also providing moments of humor to lighten the mood.

One notable aspect of Brown's writing is his talent for crafting intricate plot twists that keep readers guessing. Just when you think you have solved the mystery, another shocking revelation emerges, forcing you to reevaluate everything you thought you knew. The suspense is palpable, and the pacing is relentless, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

What sets "Here Comes a Candle" apart from other mystery novels is the author's attention to detail and ability to create clever and unexpected solutions to the mysteries presented. Each clue and piece of evidence is strategically placed throughout the story, leading readers down a thrilling path of suspense and intrigue. The resolution of the murder case is both satisfying and surprising, leaving readers in awe of Brown's storytelling skills.

Overall, "Here Comes a Candle" is a must-read for fans of mystery and suspense novels. Fredric Brown's skillful writing, compelling characters, and unpredictable plot twists make this book an absolute page-turner. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of the genre or a casual reader looking for an engaging mystery, this novel is guaranteed to deliver a thrilling and enjoyable experience.

What are readers saying?

Fredric Brown's novel, "Here Comes a Candle," published in 1950, has received mixed reviews from readers. The book is a noir detective novel that follows the story of detective Ed Hunter as he investigates a murder involving a prominent Hollywood producer and actress.

Some readers praised the book, appreciating Brown's writing style and the unique atmosphere he creates. They found the plot to be fast-paced and engaging, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns that kept them guessing until the end. These readers particularly enjoyed the noir elements of the story, finding the dark and gritty setting added depth to the narrative. They also found Detective Ed Hunter to be a compelling and relatable protagonist with well-developed character traits.

On the other hand, there were readers who were less impressed with "Here Comes a Candle." They felt the writing style was outdated and not as polished as they would have preferred. Some found the plot to be predictable and lacking in suspense, claiming they saw the twists coming from a mile away. Additionally, a few readers mentioned that they found the characters to be shallow and uninteresting, which made it difficult for them to fully engage with the story.

Overall, the reviews for "Here Comes a Candle" reflect a range of opinions. While some readers enjoyed the noir atmosphere, fast-paced plot, and well-developed characters, others were disappointed with the writing style, predictability, and lack of depth. If you are a fan of classic noir detective stories and can overlook potential flaws, you may find "Here Comes a Candle" enjoyable. However, if you prefer more modern and polished writing styles, this book may not be to your taste.