About the Author Sam Kafrissen lives with his wife in Massachusetts. He has published several short stories in two collections called Mosaic and Mosaic Two put out by the Brooksville, Florida writers group. He also writes feature and sports stories for his local newspaper. This is his first novel. Read more
C**L
A smart noir, crackling with wit and style.
The Mill Town follows private eye Hugh Doherty from back alleys to bar-room brawls as he unravels a tangle of corruption and greed surrounding the disappearance of a political big-wig, and a shady real estate deal gone wrong. Doherty is forced to confront Rhode Island’s political machine, the mob, a slippery but stunning dame, and some strong-arm mill workers in this tale that combines a hard boiled mystery with a very human, sympathetic look at the decay of Rhode Island’s mill towns, and those individuals hit hardest by the one-two punches of World War II and the subsequent collapse of New England’s industrial economy. Kafrissen manages to maintain Doherty’s tough edge and an outlook that feels authentic to the time period while incorporating thoughtful historical details and highlighting concerns (such as treatment of women and cultural and religious tensions) in a way that is informative and compelling for a modern sensibility. As a result, The Mill Town is more than the typical noir mystery novel, but still manages the fast pace, wry banter, and intriguing plot twists of the best of that genre. – Carrie Russell, author of Drowning Cactus
M**R
A fun read with loads of Rhode Island references
I'm a fan of geography-based mysteries and The Mill Town is a good one. Doherty, the private eye main character, is a rich and well-developed character and the story has enough twists and turns to be engaging. The book is a window on a place and time. I also appreciated that the narrative is not as dark and perverse as some in the genre. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
R**E
Good Book. Very interesting.
I enjoyed the book vey much. I was brought up in this town. I knew and was related to some of the characters in the book. If you don't have any connection to West Warwick it's still a good read. Maybe four stars.
M**L
Five Stars
Really loved this book. Can't wait to read the sequel
C**Y
enjoyable read after slow start, loved the setting... Sam Spade type hero
I wish it had been first person! It was so much like a Sam Spade novel. I got a kick out of the setting because I know the area. The first couple of chapters were slow, but after that I really got into it. I'd like to read more by this author.
M**Y
Spot on Timepiece
Place,characters,dialogue drop you right in the middle of the town and era.Coming from a mill town it is all very familiar.The development of the characters is superb.Doherty is a tough guy with a soft side.I sense another Chandler writer emerging in this NOIR mystery.Sam Kafrissen has you on edge waiting for the big event as he steers you from step to step.You have to keep going on as you sense the build up.Great story ,particularly since the Political arena of that time was ripe for these events.Can't wait for Doherty's next case.
R**Z
An engrossing story
Interesting in that it tells of local highlights.I recommend it to all who want to enjoy a good detective story.Looking for more from thie series!Sam is a good writer, as is his brother Don Kafrissen.
M**
Enjoyed this book very much as it has interesting characters ...
Enjoyed this book very much as it has interesting characters at every turn and brings me back to the 1950's with it's authenticity.Super read!
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