Kim Fielding's Conned is a gripping tale that seamlessly blends the gritty realism of a post-World War I setting with the ethereal allure of the supernatural. Set against the backdrop of a fog-laden San Francisco, the novel explores themes of loss, deception, and redemption through the eyes of two compelling protagonists: Thomas Donne, a war-weary private investigator, and Abraham Ferencz, a magician whose tricks are more than mere illusions.

At its core, Conned is a story about the search for truth in a world shrouded in lies and half-truths. Thomas Donne, the stoic World War I veteran, embodies the archetype of the hard-boiled detective. His character is meticulously crafted, with Fielding delving into the psychological scars left by the war. Donne's shell shock and the haunting memory of a lost love add layers to his character, making him a deeply relatable figure. His stoicism is not just a personality trait but a survival mechanism in a world that has shown him its darkest sides.

In contrast, Abraham Ferencz is a character who thrives on deception. As a magician and medium, he is a master of illusion, yet his life is anything but magical. Fielding does an excellent job of portraying Ferencz as a man caught between two worlds—the tangible and the spectral. His séances, though staged, hint at a deeper connection to the spiritual realm, a connection that brings him more anguish than solace. Ferencz's struggle with the spirits that haunt him adds a layer of supernatural intrigue to the narrative, making the reader question the boundaries between reality and illusion.

The dynamic between Donne and Ferencz is one of the novel's most compelling aspects. Initially, they appear to be polar opposites—Donne, the rational detective, and Ferencz, the enigmatic conjurer. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that they are two sides of the same coin, both grappling with their own demons and seeking redemption in a world that offers little of it. Their partnership is fraught with tension and mistrust, yet it is this very tension that propels the narrative forward, creating a gripping tale of suspense and intrigue.

Fielding's portrayal of post-war San Francisco is both vivid and atmospheric. The city's foggy streets and shadowy alleyways serve as the perfect backdrop for a story steeped in mystery and deception. The setting is almost a character in itself, reflecting the murky moral landscape that Donne and Ferencz must navigate. Fielding's attention to detail in depicting the era's social and cultural milieu adds authenticity to the narrative, immersing the reader in a world where the past is never truly past.

Thematically, Conned delves into the nature of truth and deception. The novel raises poignant questions about the lies we tell ourselves and others, and the lengths we go to in order to protect those lies. Donne's investigation into the missing young man becomes a metaphor for his own search for truth and meaning in a world that seems devoid of both. Similarly, Ferencz's staged séances reflect the human desire to believe in something beyond the tangible, even if it means embracing a comforting illusion.

Fielding's narrative style is both engaging and evocative. Her prose is crisp and precise, yet she does not shy away from exploring the emotional depths of her characters. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with wit, providing moments of levity amidst the tension. The pacing is well-balanced, with the plot unfolding at a steady pace that keeps the reader invested from start to finish.

In comparison to other works in the genre, Conned stands out for its unique blend of historical fiction and supernatural elements. While it shares similarities with classic detective stories, such as those by Raymond Chandler or Dashiell Hammett, Fielding's incorporation of the supernatural adds a fresh twist to the genre. The novel also bears resemblance to works like The Alienist by Caleb Carr, which similarly explores the intersection of crime and the supernatural in a historical setting.

Overall, Conned is a masterful exploration of the human condition, wrapped in a mystery that is as intriguing as it is haunting. Fielding's ability to weave together complex themes, rich character development, and a captivating plot makes this novel a must-read for fans of both historical fiction and supernatural mysteries. It is a story that lingers long after the final page is turned, leaving the reader to ponder the nature of truth and the ghosts that haunt us all.

In conclusion, Kim Fielding has crafted a novel that is both thought-provoking and entertaining, a testament to her skill as a storyteller. Conned is a journey into the heart of darkness, where the line between reality and illusion is blurred, and the only certainty is that nothing is as it seems.