The Stone Angels

Stuart Archer Cohen

Orion £7.99

Rel Jan 2004

Reviewed by Ayo Onatade

James Ellroy wrote L A Confidential and in Stuart Cohen’s debut crime novel we have what can be seen as BA Confidential. The Stone Angels is a gritty, atmospheric thriller full of corruption set in the heartland of the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires. Comisario Miguel Fortunato has been a member of the Buenos Aires police force for far too long. Like most of his colleagues he has received his far share of bribes. Recently widowed and nearing retirement he is asked to investigate the murder of an American novelist which took place six months ago and which he was also involved in. To the public it was a drug deal gone wrong but Fortunato knows better for he was the one who fired the fatal bullet. The Americans have decided that they are not content with the official result and decide to send a human rights professor to investigate. The case is therefore reopened much to everyone’s dismay. The professor soon finds out that when it comes to the truth it is very low on the list of anyone’s priorities.

Corruption is the backbone of this novel and it oozes from every corner in Buenos Aires. No one can be taken at face value, and no one is what they claim to be. As for your heroes? What heroes? I am reminded of the title of my favourite Sergio Leone film staring Clint Eastwood The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. However, in this case since there is not really anybody that can be considered good in this novel I would rephrase it and say the bad, the extremely evil and the downright nasty. The actions of the police give much food for thought. The dénouement is as exciting as ever.

This is a noir novel that is gritty, dark and a tremendous delight to read. An excellent sinister debut novel that has been skilfully put together.