Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man (A Girl Friday Mystery)
Even if you’ve never been to New York (and I haven’t), when you read this novel you will feel that you know it. Set in 1950, it brings you the sounds, tastes and smells encountered by Viviana Valentine as she chases down her man or, in this case, men.
This is based on the old-fashioned New York gumshoe detective novel, but brought up to date and given a very feminine spin. Viviana and her team—actually the other tenants of Mrs K’s girls-only rooming house—are taking over a case because Viviana’s slightly seedy boss has disappeared. In his absence they must try to appease his client, the extremely wealthy but equally nasty Tallmadge Blackstone as they try to discover why his teenage daughter Tallulah refuses to marry his 60-year-old partner. They also attempt to discover why Viviana’s boss Tommy Fortuna is missing.
The reader is taken along through the brilliantly presented glamorous New York nightlife together with Viviana and Miss Tallulah Blackstone, who also visit Coney Island and Greenwich Village. Also vividly described are the sights and smells of garbage in less affluent, less tourist-oriented areas. In addition to the setting, the characters, from the New York cops to Mrs K and her son, are strongly presented. Their down-to-earth practicality comes to life to balance the glitter of the opulent nightlife.
This is an enjoyable romp of a book. Viviana has attitude even at a time when ladies were called ‘dames’ and expected to be subservient and agreeable. Her exploits maintain tension throughout, and there are few bouts of description or interior monologue to slow the pace. The novel was a pleasure to read. I look forward to more of Viviana and her exploits in New York.
