“Spam & Eggs: A Johnny Denovo Mystery” by Andrew Kent

Saturday, June 13th, 2009 | Posted in: Our Books

When a mysterious spam email lands in his in-box, Denovo already is a world-famous detective, known for his aura of invincibility and A-list clients. What’s hidden in the email sets in motion his newest case – of technological wizardry, Fabergé eggs, defense secrets, and rhyming couplets. Attempting to thwart a crime not-yet-committed and elude its mysterious perpetrator, Johnny and his cohorts ricochet from the familiar haunts of their Boston home turf to a Virginia horse farm to the narrow streets of Montpellier, France, culminating in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game.

“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 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

Buy it from the Backword Bookshop.

Read an excerpt: