‘The Antagonist: A Jake Slater Mystery’ by J.C. Macek III is a historical detective story that perfectly sets the scenes of 1947 with its atmospheric writing that conjured black and white scenes in my imagination.

P.I. Jake Slater is hired by McMasterton, a man of extreme wealth to watch over a sculpture named ‘The Eight’. It is being the main attraction at a San Diego museum after a private showing to only a very few people who have been specially invited. After the event, the sculpture disappeared. Jake himself has no clue how it has been done, who did it or even why. Jake’s investigation begins but he is slowed down by attempts being made on his life. Just who is the antagonist?

This is a story that just oozed the 1940s, even the character of Jake Slater truly fits the role and the story his voice is a very distinctive one. The shadowy corners and the black and white images brought the films I have watched in the past. Humphrey Bogart immediately sprung to my mind.

This is a book that is full of twists, turns and really is a story wrapped up within another story. There is even the added splash of science that I did read twice and was happy for the endnotes. Jake is a man whose sarcasm added to the story and I thoroughly enjoy that. His stories entertained me and I am intrigued to read more about him in the future.

Thanks to Random Things Tours and Dark Edge Press for the copy of the book and my place on the tour.