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With her first foray into crime fiction, Jill Downie offers us a well researched, carefully plotted tale of betrayal and revenge worthy of any 1800's adventure novel. But DAGGER AND MEN'S SMILES isn't an historical novel, at least, not on the surface. Downie introduces us to Detective Moretti, just returned to the Isle of Guernsey from Italy where he attended his godmother's funeral. Thinking he had left Italy behind is his first error. All things Italian, and death in particular, are about to be the focus of his work for the immediate future. Immediately on his return, his new partner Liz Falla informs him of a break-in with vandalism on the set of the film being shot at the Manoir Ste Madeleine, graciously rented to the production company by the socially prominent Vannoni family. Several costumes to be used in the WWII drama have been mutilated, and the obvious weapon, a decorative dagger, has been left behind. Bizarre, but not life threatening is Moretti's assessment. That is, until the temperamental author of the book that the film is based on reports an attempt on his life by- you guessed it - a dagger, thrown at him while he was on his patio. The case becomes even more serious when Falla and Moretti are called to the Manoir early the next morning. The son-in-law of matriarch Donatella Vannoni has been found dead: collapsed on the terrace with a dagger in his back. And that's how it begins. Will expertise and care, Downie draws us in to the story as if peeling an onion - layer by layer. Sub plots and characters are revealed and converge as the book progresses. What connection does the World War II story line of the book and film have with the Vannoni family? And what about the cast and crew, many of whom are Italian? The author offers us a dramatic, if stereotyped, opinion of the Italian temperament. The Vannoni family are portrayed as being secretive and fiercely protective of famiglia, (shades of Moonstruck!) and are no strangers to tradimento- betrayal. They have deep pockets and long memories. Think renaissance Italians full of passion and treachery, and you have the right idea. Cudos to Downie for resisting the urge to include the Mafia as well. The other pool of suspects, the film's production staff, are motivated by a much more practical motive- the money lost if the film cannot be completed. The setting of the Isle of Guernsey is a perfect backdrop for perfidy. Guernsey was occupied by the Germans in WWII, and has a u-boat refuelling bunker on the coast and an underground military hospital. This provides a perfect tie-in to the fictional film's story. One slight improvement to the book would be the addition of a map of the island. I found the French place names coupled with the Italian characters a bit confusing. The author has created an intriguing partnership with the main characters. Ed Moretti is an accomplished detective, who relaxes by playing jazz piano in a pick-up trio at a local nightclub. I suspect that this hobby would never be tolerated by his superiors if he lived in a larger city such as London, but it makes a nice counterpoint to his all work exterior. Moretti's world weary approach is freshened by Liz Falla's youth and weird combination of cheerful, cheeky cockney and go-to girl with amazing resources- she seems to knows everyone, and have connections everywhere. Downie revealed that Liz also has a musical interest, a thread I hope she develops in future books. If you enjoy a solid, substantial mystery with a lot to sink your teeth into, reminiscent of PD James, this is a read you will enjoy. DAGGER AND MEN'S SMILES has been submitted to the Crime Writers of Canada's Edgar award committee for 2012, and Downie is already working on the third book in the series. I think I'll add Guernsey as another place of interest to visit in the mysterious future. §Merrill Young lives on an acre in rural Langley, BC where she has given up trying to win the war on clutter, cat hair and blackberry vines, and has settled for losing as slowly as possible.
Reviewed by Merrill Young, September 2011
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