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A Lou Tanner P.I. Mystery
No Requiem for the Tin Man
Author: T.E. MacArthur
Series: A Lou Tanner P.I. Mystery | Book Two
Genre: Dieselpunk | Hardboiled Detective
Page Count: 260
Word Count: 70,000
Library of Congress Control Number: 2024913948
ISBNs
Paperback: 978-1-64456-744-9
Kindle: 978-1-64456-745-6
ePub: 978-1-64456-746-3
Lady Gumshoe – Shamus in High Heels!
And Accidental Rebel with a Gun?
Dead broke. In trouble with the police. Shunned by the Swell Set. San Francisco’s Most Unwanted. She’s about to lose it all.
For Lady private detective Lou Tanner, just one case could fix everything. One case. Morals be damned. Ethics can go to blazes. Hold your nose and take the job? Or become an accidental Rebel with a Gun?
Hard-boiled Pulp Fiction meets Dieselpunk in this twisted take on 1935 San Francisco: from the chaos of its politics to the merciless march of the Nazi party. For P.I. Lou Tanner, her only need was a fresh case. What she gets is a nightmare of murder, intrigue, and colossus machines subjugating her City by the Bay.
BOOK REVIEWS
“No Requiem for the Tin Man” is a gripping, dieselpunk detective novel set in 1930s San Francisco. It’s absolutely dripping with atmosphere and intrigue. Lou Tanner, our protagonist, is a hard-nosed private investigator navigating a world of American Nazis and mysterious clients amid an undercurrent of political tension. The story kicks off when a disheveled, terrified man stumbles into Lou’s office. He warns of unseen dangers and mumbling about “Tin Men.” What follows is a twisty and action-packed investigation that dives into the darker corners of society. Lou Tanner’s sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude leads the charge. One thing I loved about T. E. MacArthur’s book is how she nails the voice of Lou Tanner. Lou is a true gumshoe. She’s complete with biting sarcasm and a rough-around-the-edges charm that readers will find hard not to admire. Her internal monologues are pure gold. They’re filled with dry humor and sharp observations that bring her character to life. This voice is what kept me coming back to this book, even when the plot delves into the convoluted politics of the time. The plot was engaging but it sometimes felt like it was juggling a lot. The introduction of various characters and subplots, like the mysterious “Tin Men,” the shady War Department, and the Gruber family, sometimes made it hard for me to keep track of what was going on. There were moments when I found myself flipping back a few pages to remember who was who. But the complexity of the plot also added to the book’s depth and the way everything ties together in the end is satisfying. What stood out to me was the setting. The dieselpunk version of 1930s San Francisco is familiar and alien at the same time with zeppelins hovering over Market Street and an undercurrent of fascism threatening to boil over. The author does a bang-up job of blending historical elements with speculative fiction to create a world that is detailed and immersive. The descriptions of the city, the constant tension in the air, and the creeping dread as Lou uncovers more about the “Tin Men” all contribute to a mood that is equal parts thrilling and unsettling. I highly recommend “No Requiem for the Tin Man” to fans of hardboiled detective fiction that looking for a story with a twist. If you are into strong female leads, adore noir settings, and looking for a story with a bit of dieselpunk flair, then this book is definitely for you. Lou Tanner is a character you will not forget and her adventures in this darkly imaginative world are gripping. - Thomas Anderson, Editor In Chief | Literary TitanRating: 5
Taut, tense, and suspenseful… A fun romp through and through.
Set in a retro-futuristic 1935 San Francisco, MacArthur’s second installment in the Lou Tanner Mystery series plunges the hard-boiled investigator into a labyrinth of murder and intrigue. Amidst the diesel-fueled chaos of a city on the brink of war, Lady Detective Lou Tanner finds herself entangled in a web of murder and conspiracy. With looming Nazi threats and ruthless politicians lurking around every corner, she must rely on her wits and sharp instincts to solve the case. Will she come out unscathed or succumb to the treacherous forces at play in her beloved Bay City? Witty dialogue and well-developed characters with unique quirks and idiosyncrasies add levity to the narrative, balancing its darker themes. Lou, a cynic to her core, navigates the treacherous waters of her profession with unwavering self-reliance, relying solely on her sharp tongue and cunning mind. Her witty internal observations of those around her and the absurdities of her situation add humor to her story. Meanwhile, the funny, resourceful, and capable Marley is a complete darling. MacArthur vividly depicts a grim San Francisco where cutting-edge technology and urban decay intertwine, with towering symbols of progress overshadowing dilapidated structures and the pungent odor of fish and coal lingering in the air. Futuristic self-driving cabs and crawlers provide a dramatic backdrop to Tanner’s detective work. The novel’s pacing is swift, and unexpected plot twists keep readers guessing. Throughout it all, the story delves into themes of self-discovery, friendship, moral ambiguity, resilience, and relationships. A humorous, entertaining read that grips from start to finish. = The Prairie Book Review Set in a retro-futuristic 1935 San Francisco, MacArthur’s second installment in the Lou Tanner Mystery series plunges the hard-boiled investigator into a labyrinth of murder and intrigue. Amidst the diesel-fueled chaos of a city on the brink of war, Lady Detective Lou Tanner finds herself entangled in a web of murder and conspiracy. With looming Nazi threats and ruthless politicians lurking around every corner, she must rely on her wits and sharp instincts to solve the case. Will she come out unscathed or succumb to the treacherous forces at play in her beloved Bay City? Witty dialogue and well-developed characters with unique quirks and idiosyncrasies add levity to the narrative, balancing its darker themes. Lou, a cynic to her core, navigates the treacherous waters of her profession with unwavering self-reliance, relying solely on her sharp tongue and cunning mind. Her witty internal observations of those around her and the absurdities of her situation add humor to her story. Meanwhile, the funny, resourceful, and capable Marley is a complete darling. MacArthur vividly depicts a grim San Francisco where cutting-edge technology and urban decay intertwine, with towering symbols of progress overshadowing dilapidated structures and the pungent odor of fish and coal lingering in the air. Futuristic self-driving cabs and crawlers provide a dramatic backdrop to Tanner’s detective work. The novel’s pacing is swift, and unexpected plot twists keep readers guessing. Throughout it all, the story delves into themes of self-discovery, friendship, moral ambiguity, resilience, and relationships. A humorous, entertaining read that grips from start to finish. = The Prairie Book Review