The Authentic William James (Sebastian Becker) - Hardcover

Gallagher, Stephen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1596067799 ISBN 13: 9781596067790

Publisher: Subterranean Pr, 2016

Synopsis

In the aftermath of a fiery tragedy that leaves dozens dead and England's leaders maneuvering for an answer to stave off political ramifications, former police detective Sebastian Becker is called upon to utilize his intimacy with the insane, and familiarity with working in the shadows. Tasked with evaluating the sanity of the confessed arsonist, known as "Wild West Showman, The Authentic William James," Becker travels from the shores of Sussex to the film studios of Hollywood. Delving into the circus world to unravel the mystery of a man who admits guilt and flees will pit Becker's appointed role to do his country's bidding against his compassion to do what is right for a family.

About this title

Review

"It's a blinding novel.. Each chapter had me chuckling with joy - if not at the acerbic wit, the brilliant dialogue - the sheer spot-on elegance of the writing: the plot turns, the pin sharp beats. Always authoritative and convincing, never showy. Magnificently realised characters in a living breathing world... Absolutely stunning" --Stephen Volk, author and screenwriter (Ghostwatch, Afterlife, Gothic,Whitstable, The Parts we Play)

"British author Gallagher gives Sebastian Becker another puzzle worthy of his quirky sleuth’s acumen in his outstanding third pre-WWI mystery (after 2012’s The Bedlam Detective). As the special investigator to the Lord Chancellor’s Visitor in Lunacy, Becker is charged with investigating “the psychology of anyone with a fortune or an income that might be put at risk by their erratic behavior.” When a fatal arson at a Sussex theater claims the life of a German prince, Becker’s superior is eager for him to demolish any claim that the prime suspect, showman William James, was insane when he set the fire. After meeting James, Becker is prepared to give some credence to the man’s claims of innocence. That comes back to haunt him when James manipulates him into facilitating his escape, leading the detective on a search for the fugitive—and the truth—that takes him to Pennsylvania and an apparent dead end. Gallagher makes the most of his unusual concept in the service of a twisty but logical plot line." --Publishers Weekly Starred Review

About the Author

Stephen Gallagher is the author of fifteen novels including Valley of Lights, Down River, Rain, and Nightmare, With Angel. He is a Stoker and World Fantasy Award nominee, and has received British Fantasy and International Horror Guild Awards for his short fiction.

About this edition

• Publisher: Subterranean Pr
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1596067799
• ISBN 13: 9781596067790
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 316