In an alternate universe where the United States remains split between the North and the South, Private Detective Harry Flint is finally setting out on his own thanks to his benefactor, a major crime boss whose life he saved. Flint already feels as though he has taken more than he is comfortable with when a young slave, Friday, arrives at his doorstep as a "gift". Flint has no intention of keeping Friday, but he also knows that he needs to tread lightly--the key word in crime boss is crime, after all. And when a case falls in Flint's lap that Friday might be connected to, he finds even more reason to keep him close. The layers of danger that lurk for both of them are deeper and more complex than either could have imagined...and are just enough to draw them together in unexpected ways as well.

I was not quite sure what to think when I started this story, but I found myself pleasantly surprised as I worked my way through it. It reads like a classic detective story, and the images it painted in my mind were like a good old sepia caper. The twists and turns will keep you guessing, and the dynamic that builds between Flint and Friday pulls readers on their journey--understanding both sides of their situation. ( )

Alternate realities have always fascinated me, especially the ones that are cleverly done. In “The Case of the Insufferable Slave”, set in the Atlanta of a very-different-from-our-reality 1960s, the American South has won the war, and slavery has been incorporated into modern society. Businesses are run by using slaves instead of employees, so is the police force. Basically anyone in an “assistant” capacity is more likely to be a slave than a free person. Many people used to be slaves but have earned (or bought) their freedom, and slavery is not tied to any particular skin color. This world is dark and gritty, and detective Flint, while one of the main characters, is not a “morally unambiguous, clean hero”. He is, however, a fascinating and complex man, as is his newly acquired slave named Friday.

Flint, who also goes by several other names, depending on who you’re talking to, has recently established himself as a PI, and is looking for business. A mysterious and powerful man sends him Friday “since severe detective needs a salve”, but Flint is oddly resistant. As the story progresses, and I better understood what Flint’s issues are, Flint and Friday develop an odd relationship where Friday tries to prove his worth and Flint tries to prove he is better off without Friday’s help or companionship. As it turns out, Flint is the one with the bigger problem.

Friday has a mysterious past, but some of it was clearly abusive. He is very quiet about who he is or what he wants, but as the story progresses it becomes clear he is involved in some very shady machinations. Twist after twist follows, and Flint’s current case turns out to be far more than either Flint or Friday expect.

If you like alternate realities and are a bit of a history fan, if you enjoy detectives trying to solve murky cases, and if you’re looking for a gritty mystery with a touch of romance, then you will probably enjoy this free novella. ( )