Vile Spirits

Set in 1925 Vancouver, Canadian author Gray’s enjoyable and propulsive sequel to 2017’s The White Angel begins with the discovery of the body of British Columbia attorney general Gordon Cunning, the head of the Liquor Control Board, martini glass in hand, in a ballroom chair the morning after a reception for HRH Prince George. Soon afterward, socialite Alga Crombie, a powerful politician’s wife, drops dead after consuming a drink at her book club. Det. Sgt. Calvin Hook investigates, aided by reporter Ed McCurdy and telephone operator Mildred Wickstram. When Ed gets too close to the truth, a sniper’s bullet narrowly misses him. Meanwhile, temperance advocates (notably American Daisy Douglas Tyler), Kanadian Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, and political rivals all clash over whether alcohol should be banned in Canada. Real-life artist Emily Carr makes an appearance as a friend of Mildred’s landlady in Victoria. The murder and mayhem is nicely balanced with witty banter, especially between Millie and Ed. Gray has the rare ability to make Canadian history intriguing. (Mar.)