James Grady’s debut novel Six Days of the Condor, was a smash hit in 1974, the basis for the classic Robert Redford film Three Days of the Condor. Since then, he has written a string of successful novels, covering espionage, noir and more. At 77, he proves he is still a writer to be reckoned with in his latest, Shadows on Sidewalks, which combines elements of neo noir and erotic thrillers. It’s an accomplished effort full of bang-up-to-date cultural references, and even though it might be telling stories similar to what we’ve seen elsewhere on page and screen, it feels like it has a point to make.
Successful writer James Traven returns to his small Montana hometown after some time away to care for his elderly mother. He finds at once that much has changed and nothing at all, quickly settling back into his old haunts and childhood home, reminiscing about the years that have lapsed. When the enigmatic Lana LaBuff enters his life, his quiet existence takes a turn, drawing him into the scheming of her married family. Can he save Lana and himself from their plans, which could well lead to murder?
Grady crams a lot into a relatively slight novel, with commentary on the state of America today and small towns. It has earned comparisons to the likes of The Last Picture Show, a 1971 film itself set in 1950s small-town America. The sequences reflecting on James’ return and absence feel like something Ray Bradbury could have written, showing Grady’s writing ability. It’s a departure from his usual style. For something labelled as an erotic thriller, it is perhaps relatively light on romantic elements, taking a while for that part of the story to become a core focus.
So many spinning plates are what hold this book back from being one of Grady’s best. For all the impressive writing and acute references, the genre mismatch and commentary on ICE and other political topics feel shoehorned in, at times. Several of the resolutions of the plot come too suddenly and are not wholly earned, particularly surrounding James’ mother and her care home. It’s frustrating when others are so well handled.
James is a unique narrator, frustrated but not wholly reliable. With twists aplenty, some more expected than others, Shadows on Sidewalks is a compelling read that even with its faults showcases Grady’s strengths as a writer and storyteller. This feels like a novel that will please noir and neo noir fans more so than those who like erotic thrillers. It is a twisty, engaging read that shows the evolution of towns like this.
It’s also a fast-paced read and James and Lana are likeable protagonists. Given the style of the Condor novels and some of Grady’s best-known work, it is a refreshing change of pace, finding thrills in a more mundane setting. It is perhaps less steamy than might be expected of an erotic thriller but there is still plenty to admire in the characterisation and depiction of sleepy American towns, the whole novel set in James’ town, giving a real feel for the layout of the community. Even approaching 80 James Grady still has plenty to offer and this is further proof of his place within the contemporary thriller landscape, it feels fresh and shows Grady still has finger on the pulse both culturally and politically.
Also see our review of another contemporary thriller by James Grady, This Train.
Pegasus Crime
Print/Kindle/iBook
£23.99
CFL Rating: 3 Stars
