Novels have definitely changed since The Rat Began to Gnaw the Rope but was nevertheless a fast paced and intriguing book. It was refreshing to go backwards in time but one thing that most authors do a lot more of now is creating the scene and giving you a sense of being present. That may be because of the audience the author was writing for at that time or rather how crime novels were written then - I haven't read any other crime novels from the 1940's to ascertain if that's a true statement.

What started out as one thing for dear Gil to investigate turned into an ever-widening net of dangerous situations and he surely got more than he bargained for. C.W. Grafton did an excellent job at keeping the action up and preventing me from guessing the culprit(s) until the very end. Gil is definitely unassuming and entirely to pesky for his own benefit but his personality and doggedness win over several people within the story. Despite his quirks I rather like him too. Since the other characters were kind of like a revolving door (even if they came back round again) there wasn't a lot of background for them and left them a little flat. Gil's attitudes (and most of the other men) towards the women of the story are pretty and unfortunately on the nose for the 40's - the only one that really gave Gil a run for his money was Janet.

I actually learned something new, the rental car business was around far earlier than I thought - as far back as 1916. I appreciated the footnotes for era specific subjects, having these helped clarify slang, prominent people etc. that were common in the 40's. Gil's thing towards kissing women is hilariously awkward and so odd to read about in current times. As a historical crime novel this book does contain the prejudices of the people that lived in that time period.

Even though it shares a common theme with our modern mystery/suspense/thrillers it's not really of the same essence as they are. If you are looking for a historical crime novel with a lawyer as a main character that reads a little like a private eye novel I would recommend this book. I enjoyed this title enough that I would actually read the sequel The Rope Began to Hang the Butcher and find out what sort of trouble Gil can get himself into next. Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for opportunity to read a digital ARC of The Rat Began to Gnaw the Rope - all opinions are my own.

Content warning: racism, sexism

My surprise " hit" mystery novel of the year so far! Eminently-readable, and a page turner in the true sense of the phrase. It is well-written, with a skilful plot. The characterisation is neat, and it has the most endearingly-bumbling, yet somehow, acute, amateur detective, Gil Henry as its "hero".

It is humorous and "soft-boiled"- I lost count of the number of times Gil was rendered unconscious- and has insights into life in the USA on the eve of war, being first published in 1943. I would love to read this writer's two further crime novels.

I have no hesitation in recommending this book. However, I found the footnotes exceptionally irritating, somewhat patronising, and of little real use in enhancing my enjoyment of the story. In these days of readily accessible information, there was nothing which could not have been elucidated, if need be, online.

4.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the digital ARC.