Charles Salzberg Books In Order

Publication Order of Henry Swann Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Charles Salzberg
Charles Salzberg is an American nonfiction, fiction, and mystery author with a good number of crime novels to his name. He attended Barnard School for Boys in 1963 and later joined Syracuse University, where he majored in a bachelor’s degree in English. Salzberg is the author of the Henry Swann series, which was nominated for the Shamus Award.

Salzberg doubles up as a visiting professor in S.I. Newhouse School, where he teaches in the Public Communications Department. He has also taught in Sarah Lawrence College and a host of other higher learning institutions. His other works include the numerous articles published in New York Magazine, Elle, and The New York Times, among other reputable publications.

Devil in the Hole
Devil in the Hole is a mystery thriller that comes with a good dose of detective work. The story starts with the discovery of bodies in a Connecticut mansion. The police find four bodies downstairs and another two upstairs. All the bodies come with a single shot in the head. These shocking murders take out an entire family, three teenage children, their mother, and an elderly parent. The family dog is not spared either. The only people in the household missing is the husband, the father, and son to the elderly lady. John Hartman, the man suspected for the killings, has gone missing.

James Kirkland is not a nosy man. He notices that all the lights in the neighbor’s house are on, but he does not think much about it. However, when he realizes that the lights are burning out, he calls the police. Close to two dozen other characters recount the events before and after the crime as they help the police solve the crime. From interrogating the neighbor who reported the killings to Hartman’s mistress, the police leave no stone unturned.
This book takes the reader on an investigative journey as law enforcement officers work to solve a crime that shakes the entire community. The story also highlights how the main suspect manages to escape capture while explaining the reasons that drove him to commit such a gruesome crime. The author gives the reader an unusual insight by getting the story from the eyes of the characters. From the senior investigator in charge of the case to his past workmates, the reader gets to know the murder better through the people he directly or indirectly interacted with.

Devil in the Hole is a fascinating fictional recreation of a notorious true story. In 1971, a man named John List killed his wife, children, and mother and disappeared without a trace. The murders were so meticulously planned that it took almost a month for anyone to notice that something was wrong in the family home in New Jersey. By then, the murder had already acquired a new identity. The list turns into a fugitive who escaped capture for close to eighteen years. The criminal was brought to book in the end and joined the missing dots in this horrifying case.

If you are looking for a crime story that will take you on an emotional roller-coaster, this book is ideal. Salzberg has authored an engaging multi-voiced narrative that allows the reader into the mind of a ruthless killer. The pace is consistent throughout, and the tale is intriguing.

Swann’s Last Song
Swann’s Last Song is the first book in the Henry Swann series. The story stars Henry Swann, an investigator who goes to extra lengths in search of the truth. Swann has not had it easy, and sometimes, the peanuts he earns from his job are barely enough for his survival. Detective Henry is an entertaining character who is fond of solving puzzles whenever an opportunity presents itself. His life takes an interesting twist when a beautiful woman enters his rundown office in New York.

Sally Janus is a gorgeous woman. She shows up in Swann’s office after the brutal murdering of her husband. Sally wants to get to the bottom of this murder and find whoever is responsible for taking her husband’s life. For Sally, money is not a problem, and she is willing to part with a hefty sum in her search for the truth. Swann takes up this case and travels across the continent as he tries to find out who Harry Janus is and the reason anyone would want him dead. Aside from his love for adventure, Swann puts a lot of effort into this story as it could potentially change his fortunes.

Swann will soon realize that finding Harry’s killers is going to be harder than he anticipated. Janus is not what he seems, and as Swann tries to unravel the man’s character, he will get himself entangled in a complex web of lies, deceptions, drugs, and multiple identities. Swann travels from Mexico to Berlin, and with every journey he makes, he will just be tightening the noose of the danger he has around his neck. Swann is going to encounter walking, crawling, and flying creatures that would kill him without giving their actions a second thought. Swann knows that he has to be careful; otherwise, Janus’s killers would finish him.

Away from the story, the author has done a great job of describing the mysterious and exotic areas mentioned in the story. From seedy hotels to Hollywood glitz, Salzberg’s description is perfect. The narration is outstanding, and the suspense is on another level. This is in addition to the compelling characters that Swann encounter in his journey. All these turn this book into a masterpiece. While a lot is going on in the story, this book is not overwhelming in any way. The author’s voice is also great, and this being a first-person narration, it is safe to say that Salzberg delivers beautifully.

If you are looking for a private investigative story somewhat out of the ordinary, Swann’s Last Song is highly recommended. Swann’s Last Song is a thrilling read packet with action. There are interesting characters to meet as well as exotic places to visit. This is a worthy read that will leave you entertained