Paris City of Night

Michael Balter 7/16/2009 09:39:00 AM Culture
I blogged sometime back about this thriller by my friend and colleague David Downie, and now it is out. Here is my Amazon review:

"Okay, this book's hero, Jay Grant, whose father was a CIA man, has got two women in his life although only one of them really has his best interests at heart. It takes Jay quite a while to figure that out, however, as he is pursued from one end of Paris to another trying to figure out why both the CIA and a bunch of bad guys are after some daguerreotypes--could it be they contain the codes needed to blow up the city? Or to stop the city from being blown up? Only a longtime Paris resident writer like David Downie could weave City of Light street scenes so integrally into a fast-paced thriller like this and not lose the plot thread. And talk about your celebrity cameos! Adolph Eichmann, Jim Morrison--never mind that they are dead, they both play key roles. Downie brings both Paris and his characters alive with an economical but richly descriptive prose style reminiscent of Raymond Chandler and Eric Ambler. A must read!"

Need I say more?
Michael Balter

Posted by Michael Balter

I have been a working journalist for more than 40 years, beginning in Los Angeles as an investigative reporter and then in Paris as a travel, food, and science writer. For more than 20 years I have covered anthropology and archaeology writer for Science, Audubon, Scientific American, SAPIENS, and other publications. I have also covered sexual misconduct for The Verge, Scientific American, and others; I write about mental health, especially schizophrenia; and I engage in occasional media criticism. I returned to the USA in October 2017 after 30 years in Paris, and now live in the New York City area, where I currently teach journalism at City College of New York (I previously taught journalism at Boston University and New York University.) For more about me and what I do, copies of my articles, information about my book, and other goodies, please visit MY WEB SITE

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1 Comments

JordanS said…
As another friend and colleague, I'll enthusiastically second Michael's comments. Paris is affectionately nicknamed "The City of Light." But where there's light, there's inevitably shadow. Like many expat writers, David knows his adopted turf better than many locals -- witness the spot-on description of Jim Morrison's gravesite -- and he illuminates those hidden recesses, painting a vivid chiaroscuro portrait of the shady Parisian underbelly. Paris, City of Night recalls the complex intrigues of Le Carré, the psychological insight of Simenon, the cat-and-mouse tension of Highsmith, yet showcases David's unique voice and pitch-perfect perspective on his adopted city. After reading this twisting compulsive CIA actioner, you'll never think of Paris in quite the same way. For a sunnier view, however, read David's ode in essay form (Paris Paris) or one of his marvelous cookbooks (which also include delectable details of local flavor as well as flavors). Bravo, mon vieux! --Jordan Simon
July 16, 2009 at 3:27 PM
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