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Sheriff John Le Brun is invited to New York City to solve the murder of Edward Pinckney. Pinckney was seen at his club, the Metropolitan, talking to his murderer; yet, the apparent murderer was in fact not at the club and had a valid alibi. Apparently someone dressed as this person simply to create confusion and hide his true identity. J.P Morgan, who appeared in THE JEKYL ISLAND CLUB murders, wants Le Brun to solve the crime. Le Brun unlike the local New York police officers is not on the take and will not allow bribery to influence his judgments. Although Le Brun and Morgan are enemies, Le Brun agrees to solve Pinckney's murder. This investigation will take him through the elite circles of New York as well as the play halls and slightly steamier side of the city. When another person is murder, Le Brun realizes that his simple case is in fact incredibly complicated. Le Brun must match his wits against a criminal intent on finishing his mission. THE MANHATTAN ISLAND CLUB does demonstrate Monahan's growth as a writer. Even though parts of his story are still blatantly contrived, he has improved the appeal of his characters and their situations. He is better able to capture the setting, plot and actions. In addition, his characters are beginning to grow. Le Brun has grown a lot as a character since THE SCEPTRED ISLE CLUB. He has finally realized that his judgment of people's innocence or guilt should not control his actions. Even though he may feel a person's actions although illegal should be overlooked, he has finally realized that there is a court of law set up by the government for that purpose. Le Brun does not have more power or influence than it does nor should he. It is refreshing for him to finally realize he is the same as everyone else. Parts of THE MANHATTAN ISLAND CLUBS seemed very contrived. All books are to some point; however, most authors attempt to hide their plans within the text of the story. If this was Monahan's goal, he was not successful. Sheriff John Le Brun has decided he needs to find himself a woman. So what happens shortly after he arrives? He finds himself a willing bed partner who might also be willing to live with him in the future. Le Brun finding himself a girlfriend is not in itself a problem; it becomes a problem when the goal is accomplished so blatantly and hastily as it did. THE MANHATTAN ISLAND CLUBS is Brent Monahan's ninth mystery. This is also the third mystery featuring Sheriff John Le Brun.
Reviewed by Sarah Dudley, September 2003
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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