Whenever you pick up a Blair Howard book, you can count on it being one of the very best. You may not know why until you start reading it. This book, second in the Harry Starke detective series, is no exception. This is written in the first person, as seen through Starke's eyes. But, I can't help but wonder how much detailed information isn't from Blair Howard's past. Could he have been a cop or p.I. in a prior life? How does he have so much valuable insight into the perps and their motives? And, if you are looking to read the identical book number one all over again, sorry. Although this is second in a series, it makes for one incredible stand alone mystery adventure onto itself.

Mr. Howard has a way of going deeper into his characters' minds than most authors. There is a richness that gives even the most hardened criminals a touch of real humanity; even if the world would be better off without the likes of Sal Deluca or his goon, Gino, in it. Harry may be one tough hombre himself, but his softer side shows through.

What I truly love most about this series is that no matter how hard you try, you never see who actually dunnit until it is finally revealed to you at the very end. The characters are each very well written, and even their often times bizarre body language still does not give it away. Another encore, please, Mr. Howard. This is one series worth singing accolades about. This book absolutely does not disappoint.

I was given a free copy of this book in order to read and give my honest review. ( )