The Venus Deal

Ken Kuhlken

Tom Hickey is half owner of the hottest night club in San Diego during 1942 when the soldiers are pouring into the city on their way to the war. Their singer is a 17-year-old girl who becomes a siren on stage when she opens her mouth and sings. But Cynthia Moon is missing. She took a week's vacation at Thanksgiving and hasn't returned although it's been another two weeks after that.

Hickey hasn't given up his day job. The night club is new and may not last, but it certainly is bringing money to the Hickey family in the meantime. He also is a partner in a detective agency. That talent comes to use now. He has to find Cynthia Moon to bring the business back to the club. His hunt quickly leads him to some strange history for the girl.

Her mother is part of a religious cult that seems to worship one man. Her sister is a real estate agent with a grudge. Her father is in a Catholic rest home dying. When she was small they had been part of an evangelical Christian commune. Now each family member has gone different directions, although one daughter each stayed close to one parent. Cynthia watches out for her father.

Hickey's home life seems to be in crisis as well. He thinks his wife, Madeline, may be cheating with his night club partner. But then again, may be she isn't. Hickey is ready to do almost anything for her, including giving up his detective job that he enjoys - after he gets the Moon case finished. That is providing he can convince his wife that he isn't cheating with the sultry, young singer.

Kuhlken has infused The Venus Deal with the right atmosphere for the times. The military is always a presence in the background, but the civilians continue their lives with adjustments for the times, like black out curtains. The San Diego area of the 1940's is a minor background character, showing the small military city accepting it's growth yet the countryside is still right there.

Although The Loud Adios was written first, The Venus Deal takes place earlier chronologically. Although this book still has the noir feel, it isn't as dark as Kuhlken's first book. I like this one better. He has lightened up just enough to maintain the noir but to attract more of the female audience as well. It is difficult to keep all of the Moon family members and friends straight, but the story isn't lost. It is challenging. I enjoyed taking this novel on and am looking forward to reading my next one by Ken Kuhlken.

The Loud Adios
The Venus Deal
The Angel Gang
The Do-Re-Mi
The Vagabond Virgins
The Biggest Liar in Los Angeles