Prague Noir

The 14 crime stories set in Prague in this superior entry in Akashic's noir series offer armored car robbery, kidnapping, murder masked as suicide, and more--not bad for a burg that, as the editor notes in his intro, didn't even have 'the profession of private detective' until 1990 . . . In the varied and polished content of this volume, readers will find much to amuse.-- "Publishers Weekly"
Murder and mayhem erupt, even in fairy-tale Prague. Editor Mandys maintains that it may be hard to imagine dark doings taking place virtually in the shadow of Prague Castle, yet he manages to harvest 14 artful tales that speak directly to the contrary. Although there are few standard whodunits, Prague's long history provides fertile ground for evildoers . . . Perhaps nowhere but Prague do vice and enchantment live at such close quarters, and Mandys' collection captures both beautifully. A lovely addition to Akashic's venerable series.-- "Kirkus Reviews"
The collection includes some of the biggest names in Czech contemporary fiction and is full of surprises, offering us a Prague that lurches deliciously from the magical to the seedy, from a misty past to a hi-tech future.-- "Radio Praha in English, from an interview with editor Pavel Mandys"
The stories are strong and have heart. They don't mince words or try to make themselves look better. This is the Czech Republic as it is.-- "Journey of a Bookseller"