Book Review: Niagara Fall: A Novel of Crime and Comedy

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

Niagara Fall: A Novel of Crime and Comedy     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Stephen F. Wilcox
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Humorous
2002, IUniverse First, 304 pages

A suburban housewife decides to hire a novice hitman to get rid of her husband. This sparks a chain of mistaken identities, dishonour among thieves, romance and murder, in what is described as a ‘novel of crime and comedy’, taking place in the Niagara Falls area, swapping between Canada and the USA.

Whilst ‘Niagara Fall’ is an enjoyable book, one main problem could stop it reaching out to a larger audience. It is primarily a local book. Of course, when a book is written, it is necessary to have authentic locations. However, the locations are so much a part of the novel, and along with the various cultural references, this could make it hard for someone outside of the USA to read the book and understand everything.

This said, ‘Niagara Fall’ is a humorous novel that does not take itself too seriously. Wilcox has succeeded in creating some very interesting characters, and even those that appear flat on the surface soon take on more dimensions to become the driving force behind the novel. At times, it will have you laughing out loud, as Wilcox mixes his skilful characterisation with comedy.

Not a hardboiled thriller by any stroke of the imagination, ‘Niagara Fall’ is certainly to be considered if you have ever visited the Niagara Falls area, as it will make the novel seem even more real. If not, you may have some difficulties.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
http://lukecroll.translatorscafe.com