Michael Simon (1)

This is one of the best books I haven't read in a long time! Seriously. I listened to it - on CD on my commute and towards the end, it was hard to get into work and hard not to sneak a listen in the middle of the day. This is Simon's first and I sure hope it isn't his last. New York native, Dan Reles is a detective on the Austin, Texas police force. The story is set in 1988 and Reles picks up the case of a drugged up hooker part of who's body was found in the woods. Those body parts started a wild story that was beautifully read by an actor named Scott Brick. It's a good thing I take the bus to work - driving and listening to this would have been dangerous to all.… (meer)

Note: A copy of this book will be raffled off at http://j-kaye-book-blog.blogspot.com/ on the 2nd.

My Thoughts:

Michael Simon’s "The Last Jew Standing" is his fourth book starring Dan Reles. In the first three books, "Dirty Sally", "Body Scissors", and "Little Faith", Reles was a detective for the Austin, Texas Police Homicide Squad. In this latest installment, Dan Reles has made lieutenant, and bought a new house for his live-in girlfriend and son. Things are looking up. That is until his father, Ben, an ex-mafia leg-breaker, shows up on Dan’s doorstep with a prostitute, both fleeing from mob boss, Sam Zelig. Now Dan is torn between what’s right and helping his father. As Zelig closes in, it becomes a struggle to stay alive and keep his family safe.

Suspense and thriller enthusiasts will enjoy this tightly woven, dark tale. I found myself so submerged in its pages, life stopped around me and I couldn’t do much else. Not good when you have appointments.
… (meer)