cover image Deadly Negatives

Deadly Negatives

Russell Hill. Pleasure Boat Studio/Caravel (SPD, dist.), $16 trade paper (210p) ISBN 978-1-929355-84-6

Set in California, Edgar-finalist Hill’s fifth novel opens as a tribute to a bygone era in photography, then segues into a cinematic, fast-paced thriller. On a visit to his local equipment shop, professional photographer Michael McSwain thinks he’s found a great deal in a classic Leica camera, which once belonged to the late, celebrated photojournalist Aaron Sturgis. His luck turns after he discovers negatives hidden in the camera box and, ignoring advice to destroy them from Aaron’s seductive widow, Emma, develops what proves to be documentary evidence of American atrocities in Vietnam. Thugs soon appear intent on destroying the photos, while Olivia, Emma’s equally enticing daughter, enlists him to blackmail the now wealthy politician depicted among the young soldiers. Skinner, a cunning sociopath and the book’s most arresting character, takes over Olivia’s blackmail scheme. Hill (The Dog Sox) delivers another lean, satisfying exercise in hard-boiled fiction. Agent: Bonnie Nadell, Hill Nadell Literary Agency. (May)