Denise Mina: The Second Murderer, a Philip Marlowe Mystery, Vintage/ Penguin Random House, 9781787302846, large paperback, upcoming pub date: August 2023 

Denise Mina is an accomplished crime writer herself but to step into the shoes of Raymond Chandler is a tall order to follow.  Having just finished "The Second Murderer",  I think she has done a pretty good job in capturing the boozy, noir, hot, laid back LA Marlowesque atmosphere throughout the novel.  

There are of course damsels in distress, a shady family history, corrupt policemen,  a second female PI who has also been hired alongside Marlowe to find  the wealthy heiress, Chrissie Montgomery, who has gone missing . The novel contains all the standard Chandler ingredients. 

It is light reading, perhaps thats why I lost my focus sometimes and  had to remind myself occasionally who was who in the plot  as I did not read the book in one go. A fun summer read, but  however well done it is impossible to replicate Chandler.