Synopsis (from
the publisher):
On his grandfather’s death, writer Seb Rolvenden inherits papers
which reveal that his grandfather was involved in the disappearance of
a painter and his masterpiece. Seeing a book in this, Seb pursues a
trail of clues in the papers.
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The Ruffian on the Stair
Non-series
Gary
Newman
Soho Press (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 1-56947-543-1 (1569475431)
ISBN-13: 978-1-56947-543-0 (9781569475430)
Publication Date: November 2008
List Price: $25.00
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Review:
Freelance writer Seb Rolvenden investigates his grandfather's role in
the disappearance of a painter and his masterpiece in The Ruffian on the Stair, a most
intriguing mystery by Gary Newman.
Following the death of his grandfather for whom he was named, Seb is
excited when he receives his Sebastian’s papers from his lawyer.
As a writer, he sees this as a book in the making. The notebook is not
complete, however, as pages have been torn out and are missing. What is
clear, though, is that his grandfather, at the age of 24, was in France
and wanted to become an artist. He had become friends with well known
impressionist painter Julian Rawbeck. Together they lived an unsavory
life dealing in drugs, alcohol, illicit love, and more. Sebastian had
fallen in love with Carrie Bugle, a saloon dancer and strip-teaser.
Another friend, “Vickybird” had enjoyed the company of both
men and women. The woman was usually Carrie. On an April night in 1899,
upset with the road his life was taking, Sebastian drugged himself into
a stupor. When he awoke in the night, naked, he fumbled around for his
clothes and in doing so found the body of his friend Julian. His throat
had been slashed and his latest masterpiece, The Ruffian on the Stair, was
missing. Seb begins a pursuit in search of the truth. Did his
grandfather kill Rawbeck and steal the picture? Where is Carrie, and
who is “Vickybird”? During his travels to the places
mentioned in his grandfather's notebook, it soon becomes apparent that
there are others who are also seeking the old haunts of Sebastian for
they, too, want the truth. But not as much to determine what actually
happened as to finding Rawbeck’s masterpiece.
The Ruffian on the Stair
is a complex, intricate, and ultimately very satisfying story of love
and hate, trust and betrayal. But is also combines the past with the
present illustrating striking parallels between grandfather Sebastian
and grandson Seb's lives. There are a multitude of mysteries here, and
surprises in abundance. Seb's enthusiasm for his quest, and the dangers
that result, will have readers eagerly turning the pages to see what
happens next.
Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of The Ruffian on the Stair and to Soho Press for providing a copy of the book for this review.
Review Copyright © 2009 — Hidden Staircase Mystery Books — All Rights Reserved
Have you read The Ruffian on the Stair? How would you rate it?
Novels by this author …
The Ruffian on the Stair
Soho Press (Hardcover), November 2008
ISBN-10: 1-56947-543-1 (1569475431)
ISBN-13: 978-1-56947-543-0 (9781569475430)
Omnimystery keywords for The Ruffian on the Stair ...
Location(s) referenced: London, England.
