I almost decided to stop reading this book early on in the first chapter. I found the negative suicidal attitude of the principle character too depressing to force myself to visualize the environment as his slanted view perceived it. Now, I'm glad I persevered! As the story rolled on, the self destructive nature of Mo (Moses) balanced the grimy climate of the strip clubs, porno sites and Nevada legal prostitution houses where Mo sought answers to explain the brutal torture death of the one girl who he believed to be a genuine friend, not just another hooker trading for service. The rest of the book is spent dancing with Armenian and Russian`` Gangsters, Mafia, Federal Agents and purveyors of porn from Los Angeles to San Francisco, from Vegas to Reno then on to San Jose finally back to L.A. for the finale. A book of action where the suicidal hero becomes homicidal and collects the debt owed, punishing the guilty in a manner unlikely to occur in the bent legal system. Just another damaged Marine cut loose on the system! ( )

First, let me say that I was more-than impressed with the caliber of writing in this novel. Stallings has a first-rate way with the written word, so much so that I found myself wanting to highlight passages while reading – a rare occurrence with me and one that speaks volumes towards the exacting prose.

I’ll skip the synopsis, because that’s what blurbs are for.

Told from the perspective of the novel’s main character, Moses, the language is clean, cutting and often insightful. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book with such a complex and flawed character (read: REAL) and at times I could practically hear his voice in my head as the story was told. There are some seedier elements in this novel, a couple of adult situations, but they are not numerous, nor are they just there for gratification, it’s all just part of Moses’ life.

I’d be hard pressed to name another novel where the central voice was as authentic as it is in this one. I’ll be on the lookout for other works by Stallings, because I know this isn’t just a one-hit wonder and more great book will follow. ( )