Mexico City Noir

December 21, 2009
Taibo's introduction, evocatively titled “Snow White vs. Dr. Frankenstein,” is more compelling than any of the 12 stories in this slim anthology in Akashic's celebrated noir series. The real-life examples of corruption Taibo cites, including a drug kingpin serving as head of an anti-narcotics police force, are almost beyond belief, but few of the contributors, including Taibo himself, do justice to Mexico City's rampant violence and cynicism. Eduardo Antonio Parra's “I'm Nobody” convincingly presents the perspective of a street person, who may or may not know the truth behind a murder. Óscar de la Borbolla's “Outside the Door,” which depicts how well-meaning neighbors become paralyzed despite suspecting that a rape or murder has been committed in a nearby apartment, comes closest to enabling the reader to understand the insidious effects on the soul of living in a society where those charged with keeping the public safe can't be trusted.

February 15, 2010
The latest entry in Akashics Noir series is centered on one of the largest and most violent cities in the world, Mexico City. For readers unfamiliar with Mexico Citys distinctive culture of crime and corruption, a short foreword by editor Taibo, himself a critically acclaimed crime novelist, provides background and sets the stage for the 12 stories. Set across Mexico City in a variety of neighborhoods, the stories feature a cast of characters as diverse as the city, from homeless people to young children to innocent passersby. This is a strong collection, both for the way it showcases outstanding short fiction in the noir style and for the way it demonstrates how a strong sense of place can drive a narrative. Contributors feature editor Taibo and an array of lesser-known but talented Mexican writers, including Eugenio Aguirre and Julia Rodriguez. Definitely one of the better entries in a sometimes uneven series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)