Entanglement: A Johnny Denovo Mystery

A little over three years ago, when I started writing the first Johnny Denovo mystery, which would ultimately be called, “Spam & Eggs,” I never once thought that by the end of 2010 I would have three novels on the market. At that point, writing one novel — to completion, with a satisfying cast of characters and a cathartic ending — seemed well beyond my skills.

Today, I approved the internal pages and cover for the third novel, completing a trilogy.

Nobody’s more surprised than I am.

From a few basic ideas, the series and characters have taken on a life of its own. I’ve mentioned before that some of the most enjoyable parts of writing these books is when the characters take over the plot, and I find myself describing surprising decisions and transcribing inspired dialog.

And while the trilogy wasn’t the goal, there is a magic about three books. In this case, there is also coincidentally an arc binding all three together — one that emerges in this newest novel, “Entanglement.”

So my bookshelf will have a little section now with three very special books in it — “Spam & Eggs,” which was my first completed novel; “The Green Monster,” which let me amp up the Denovo crowd; and “Entanglement,” which wraps up three cases which, in a way, were also one case.

Will there be another Denovo mystery? I don’t know. But I’m happy there are three.

Johnny debuts, February 2009

It was exactly one year ago when Johnny Denovo’s first mystery, “Spam & Eggs,” debuted. Since that time, the novel has been widely praised, I’ve held book talks and signings, and the second novel in the series has been published (“The Green Monster: A Johnny Denovo Mystery“).

Looking back, the most surprising thing has been the widespread acclaim for the book. Putting out a novel is a lot of work, and it’s easy to doubt yourself at so many points in the process. So, after publishing “Spam & Eggs: A Johnny Denovo Mystery,” it was incredibly heartening to get the first reviews in, and to have people responding favorably. I still have people stop me to tell me how much they’ve enjoyed both books, but with “Spam & Eggs” out longer, more people have read it, so it leads the polling.

Just as a refresher for those of you who haven’t yet met Johnny, Tucker, Mona, Wei, and the rest, here’s a selection of reviews to celebrate the anniversary of “Spam & Eggs: A Johnny Denovo Mystery”:

This is a book that in fact puts the writing of a lot of very seasoned and famous mystery writers to shame. . . . My fellow mystery fans, this book is not to be missed. If true talent rises to the top then this is not the last we have heard from Johnny Denovo and his creator Andrew Kent. — The Book Friar

. . . like a Dostoevsky novel, or Auster’s City of Glass, you get the sense throughout this book that the novel is about more than its subject. There’s an undercurrent of double meaning to the entire novel, which is an impressive accomplishment and makes you keep turning the pages to see what will be revealed. You get this sense of double meaning from the title itself – I won’t give away what “Spam and Eggs” is actually referring to, but when the detective Johnny Denovo pieces together the case that revolve around – yes – spam and eggs, the novel truly comes alive. . . . it’s recommended and I’ll be keeping an eye on whatever Andrew Kent puts out in the future. – Henry Baum, author of “North of Sunset”

Andrew Kent’s book is very fast paced and contains a cast of well-developed characters. The plot is unique, as is the writing style. This book is different from any other that I have read. “Spam & Eggs” is a clever, intellectual mystery that will leave you wanting more of Johnny Denovo in the future. I look forward to many more intriguing cases! – RebeccasReads.com

Andrew Kent has a brilliant command of language and is a clever word-weaver. He incorporates sophisticated vocabulary, clever word play, tongue-in-cheek realism, and soliloquies with brisk dialog to create a masterpiece of deductive challenge, engrossing reading, and engaging entertainment in “Spam & Eggs: A Johnny Denovo Mystery.”  – ReaderViews.com

Andrew Kent has created a character so memorable and distinct that he will surely dazzle on-screen someday as he dazzles in a book. . . . [the book has] a fast-paced, exciting plot involving vivid characters and geo-political interests. But what really sets this book apart is the author’s mastery of language, vocabulary and metaphor. Reading it is an utter delight, as much for the sheer pleasure in superb writing as for the story itself. Bravo to a new author whose originality explodes from these pages. Highly recommend. – The Urbane Dame

Wow! ‘Spam & Eggs’ is a fast-paced, intelligent thriller fueled by the author’s razor sharp observational skills, understanding of metaphor and psychology, and inspired intuition. It challenges you with an impossible puzzle, then resolves with delightful surprises and a satisfying soufflé of a finish. – Sharon Livingston, PhD

Andrew Kent successfully delivers in this debut both an interesting sleuth as well as a cyber-crime that surprises and challenges the thoughtful reader. . . . Kent writes a satisfying, literate, and neatly executed tale of detection. There is a balance in “Spam & Eggs” between the logical structure of the mystery form chosen by the author, and the nuances of perception and misdirection caused by the reader’s tendency to make assumptions (in much the same way that a detective is required to do in the course of his work). Indeed, the title itself playfully draws on words and symbols which percolate throughout the material. . . . The book avoids predictability, in part because of the running themes that deepen the story. Kent touches on the nature of metaphors, self-presentation in both a physical and virtual sense, the nature of detection, and the brain processes necessarily employed in solving puzzles. Recommended. – MyIndividualTake

Backword Books

Christopher Meeks, author of “The Brightest Moon of the Century” and a member of Backword Books, interviewed me recently about the Johnny Denovo mystery series, the writing process, the concepts behind the books, and other matters of interest to readers and writers. Here’s a brief excerpt:

CHRISTOPHER MEEKS: Your third book is due early next year. What are you discovering about your continuing characters as the series evolves? Do you have plans for any novels outside of this series?

ANDREW KENT: Well, Mona and Johnny have a relationship that’s getting more intense. That’s nice. I had them hook up early since I didn’t want the titillation of “will they or won’t they.” That’s overdone. They’re adults, so they will. Mona’s also not a helpless female, and she’s rather mighty in the third book, I’m finding. She’s getting the hang of the detective shtick. Other characters are developing or coming forward as needs arise, and other relationships are forming. Also, in the third book, the almost telepathic friendship Johnny and Tucker share gets tested. That’s fun.

I have ideas for other books, one in the fantasy genre and one non-fiction. I have initial outlines for the first, and about half an unstructured book for the second. But right now, I’m focused on finishing this little trilogy of Denovo mysteries. Oh, and I have an outline for a prequel for Johnny, a book about the case that changed his life. It’s pretty cool, so I might write that someday, too.

You can read the entire interview here.

In addition, you can enter a contest to win two books — a copy of “Spam & Eggs: A Johnny Denovo Mystery” and one of “The Green Monster: A Johnny Denovo Mystery” — just by guessing which Dr. Seuss book was my favorite as a kid. The contest ends Friday, November 13th. I hope your luck lasts through that ominous date.

UPDATE: A winner emerged Tuesday night, with the correct guess of “Fox in Socks” netting the successful reader two new books — “Spam & Eggs: A Johnny Denovo Mystery” and “The Green Monster: A Johnny Denovo Mystery.” Congratulations!