The Haight is a murder investigation book that is more than murder investigations. The book is fast-paced, and we are introduced to many characters; almost all of them are fleshed out well with their distinctive traits. Although many names are thrown around, I don't have difficulty remembering them because they are not just names.
The story follows the main character, Jimmy Spracklin, to a case that is easily overlooked as suicide, but things are not what it seems. Besides the case, we learn about Jimmy's personal life, which relates closely to the case as we go deeper. His political views about the real troubles happening in the world during that time are well documented without disrupting the main storyline. I find all the details interesting and believable. The revelation of the case and the domestic trouble feels natural with the character's prowess and shortcomings. The only thing I find lacking is the supposed intelligence of Marie's character. The intelligence is mentioned a lot by Andy's character that it draws my attention to it, but I see none of it displayed in her actions or thinking. Yes, we are not privy to her view actively, but from the way she reacts to everything happening around her, I don't see anything that proves that statement. It would be fine if not for the repeated mentions.Overall, this is a good read. It's a very decent and interesting murder mystery. I like the main characters and the setting. As the title says, there is more to them in other books.
4.5 rounded up
