City of Brass: and Other Simon Ark Stories by Edward D. Hoch is a collection of three tales featuring Simon Ark, a unique supernatural detective. Hoch's writing style combines elements of mystery, fantasy, and horror, with a focus on clue-based, problem-solving mysteries. The stories follow Ark as he investigates crimes that initially appear to have occult elements but are ultimately revealed to have mundane solutions. The book is set in various locations, from a corrupt small town to the English countryside, and each story showcases Ark's expertise in unraveling mysteries through ordinary means.

The book explores the character of Simon Ark, a detective who claims to be over 2,000 years old and is cursed to wander the earth in search of evil, specifically Satan. Despite the supernatural nature of Ark, Hoch maintains a balance between the mundane and the supernatural in each story. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists, engaging characters, and a mix of magical realism that keeps readers guessing until the end.

Characters:

The characters include Simon Ark, a supernatural detective, and a narrator who lacks the charm of traditional sidekicks, along with recurring figures in the detective community.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by craftsmanship that presents complex puzzles, blending noir and cozy tones, while ensuring fairness to the reader.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features supernatural mysteries that are resolved through logical, mundane explanations, focusing on crime-solving with surprising reveals.

Setting:

The setting varies across a corrupt small town and atmospheric locations, providing a rich backdrop for the mysteries.

Pacing:

The pacing of the stories is moderate, combining suspenseful moments with thoughtful exploration to engage readers throughout.

He went through four years of college and three years of army life without appreciably changing his ways, and those who’d known him before were by degrees happy or discouraged that the “new” Henry pro...

Notes:

Hoofs of Satan is the only story in the collection narrated in the third person.

The story connects Simon Ark with Chief Inspector Ashly of Scotland Yard.

A set of one-legged hoofprints in the snow leads to a mundane explanation, not the supernatural one expected.

City of Brass features a corrupt small town called Baine City, owned by the feudal Baine family.

The protagonist Simon Ark travels from NYC to investigate a friend's death in Baine City.

The story includes local gangs, a corrupt cop, and a mad scientist.

The Vicar of Hell follows the search for a lost diary of a treacherous churchman.

The balance of character and mystery in The Vicar of Hell is praised as the best in the collection.

The stories feature a blend of the mundane and supernatural with ordinary solutions to seemingly weird mysteries.

Simon Ark is a significant character in the evolution of the occult detective trope, first appearing in 1955.

Hoch wrote over 900 short stories, mostly in mystery and detective genres.

The stories are narrated from the perspective of Ark's book publisher, who evolves from a journalist.

Hoofs of Satan is noted for its atmospheric and creepy storytelling.

The collection includes themes of human motivations behind alleged supernatural events.

Has Romance?

There is a moderate presence of romance, notably involving local characters that accompany Simon Ark.

From The Publisher:

Short Stories

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City of Brass: and Other Simon Ark Stories

Edward D. Hoch