After reading Hugh McGinlay’s first book “Jinx” I snapped up a copy of “Silks” from Clan Destine Press with many thanks for such a great read set in the southern city of my birth.

An entertaining author and musician, Hugh McGinlay says he’s surprised that readers accept his imaginary friends. Imaginary or not, I was right there with them every step of the way. This is book four about intermittent milliner (hat-maker) PI Catherine Kint and her offsider barman Boris Shakhovskoy. They witness the death of aerial circus performer, Silver, during her silks (or ribbon/tissu) performance but was it accidental or murder?

Vespa-riding Catherine “felt cold and sad and couldn’t stop thinking about the sound.” Boris felt the same, and he’s shaping up to be my favourite character, right from the start showing his multi-talented skills. I am not really sure I like Catherine calling him “dear” because she sounds like a mother-in-law. But between examining leads and serious allegations their dialogue is often laugh out loud; and this time Boris has two romantic interests.

Experience palpable tension walking home after the late shift, Boris continually looking over his shoulder, checking corners, concerned about being followed by the bad guys seemingly as interested in Silver’s death as the police. And naturally it involves her missing mobile phone. At one point Catherine and Boris escape detection by literally hanging by their finger tips. Later Boris hangs around as Catherine is lured into a life-threatening encounter.

Earlier, Silver’s distraught father Anthony Barwick says to Catherine “You don’t have many rules, and you’re smart. That’s what I’ve been told.” He wants her to investigate his daughter’s death. Can he be trusted? Silver, or Mia, by all accounts was an enigmatic wildchild. A family in crisis, a culture of secrecy and this plot kept me reading far into the night.

The location is again firmly set in Brunswick, Melbourne (Australia) with rainy day scenes and several digs at the cold weather.

“The rain might be cold, but I only notice because I’m living.”

Ciara Beretta Silks chapter 2 page 13

Author Hugh McGinlay writes believable crime fiction and pragmatic lead characters with unexpected traits, edgy yet loveable, cool yet kind. Remaining true to its roots, this series can be habit-forming for crime readers.

❤ Gretchen Bernet-Ward