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There are a lot of moving pieces to account for in this gritty historical novel, but the authors manage the characters and the action like virtual puppetmasters. Set in 1939 Los Angeles, the noir-style novel starts with the grisly discovery of the bullet-riddled body of a gambling clerk who has washed up under the Santa Monica pier. The plot quickly escalates as four young women are found slain, apparent victims of a serial killer. Couple that with corrupt politicians and the ruthless reach of the mob and you’ve got all the elements for an enticingly good read. While Santa Monica detectives Lou Gomez and Randy Williams work the homicide, LA deputy district attorney Cliff Thoms heads up a special task force on the serial slayings. Numerous suspects, a high-octane pursuit, and gunfights abound.
It’s clear to readers that the two cases will eventually overlap, but discovering how is just as intriguing as it is for the characters. With the possible exception of a character whose psychic abilities conveniently help propel the plot from time to time, the authors are otherwise able to weave the plot threads in convincing fashion. The authors’ painstaking attention to detail, police and forensic procedure is evident throughout, creating a level of authenticity reminiscent of the best Law & Order episodes. In the book’s acknowledgements, the pair wisely credit former LA county deputy sheriff Robert Cobos for his insights into the world of law enforcement. Readers will also be thankful for the handy Cast of Characters at the start of the book given the sheer number of players in its 300 pages.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review