New for February 2010
Brooklyn Knight Reviewed
by Barbara Rearick
Brooklyn Knight Reviewed
by Barbara Rearick
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In "Brooklyn Knight," the world is introduced to Piers
Knight, a rather amiable curator at the Brooklyn Museum. Although not a
magic-user like so many characters, Knight is more a student. In other
words, he can make use of a Ouija board, but can’t cast a spell. As the
novel opens, it is learned that the site of the oldest human civilization
has been discovered. Before long, Knight becomes involved when a previously
thought-to-be-worthless relic in the storerooms of his museum is found
to be the key to translating the language of this forgotten city.
A true academic, Knight is quite pleased by this turn
of events. But, joy turns to nightmare as forces move to steal this relic.
The bodies begin to pile up as first thieves then demons are brought to
bear on the curator and his new intern (her first day on the job!). The
story builds slowly, but continually, until the fate of the world hangs
in the balance with a reluctant Knight forced to battle forces beyond mortal
ken.
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| "Brooklyn Knight" is a new supernatural investigator
book by C.J. Henderson. This will be welcome news for many since Henderson
is also the creator of the Teddy London hardboiled occult detective series.
He has a long history writing such characters. Not only does the first
printing of his London books pre-date the premier of "The X-Files," unlike
the plethora of such novels that followed afterward, but he is also the
author the estates of both Lin Carter and H.P. Lovecraft turned to when
they wanted characters from their respective stables fleshed out and revitalized.
Still, past success does not guarantee present success. Many a writer has failed miserably when trying something different. Such not seem the case here, however. Henderson is not long on flowery description. He’s the kind of writer who instead concentrates on setting a scene, then letting the dialogue of the characters move the plot along. In other words, those looking for the next J.D. Salinger will be disappointed. C.J. Henderson novels aren’t there to change the way a generation thinks. They exist to make train and plane rides more enjoyable. They are for doctor’s office waits, beach visits and rainy days. This is not to say they are not enjoyable or re-readable. They are typically face-paced, crisp and witty. And, each series he has produced has been able to stand on its own. His first, non-supernatural detective series starring hard-smoking and drinking P.I. Jack Hagee featured a relentlessly tough and gritty world so bleak it’s a wonder it was popular. London, on the other hand, didn’t smoke, might have a glass of wine on occasion, and possessed a much more philosophical bend than Hagee. Characters that followed, Lovecraft’s Legrasse, Carter’s Zarnak, as well as the college professors Blakely and Boles, the news team of "Challenge of the Unknown," and others, all possessed their own sense of style. Knight is no different. He comes from the end of the spectrum not often used by Henderson. He is not a man of action. Knight prefers to work in his office, relax with a good book. He smokes a pipe, goes out of his way to have a good meal, and frankly would appreciate it if the world would simply leave him alone. He doesn’t like being the center of attention and is certainly not a man of action (though pursued and threatened throughout the book by various menaces, he never once picks up a fire arm, and although I must admit I can not swear to it, I don’t believe he even makes a fist). Ultimately, my verdict is I’m hoping this is a new C.J. Henderson series. The character is likable and his supporting cast are seem likely to develop into people about whom I will enjoy learning more. Thoroughly enjoyable. A well-written book by a seasoned
professional which has left myself at the very least hoping there will
be more to come.
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