Disclosure: I received a copy directly from the author.
Sunny Busco is a 55 year old private detective in L.A., prone to self-deprecation who prefers the conveniences of the 70’s over the technological progress of the .com age. Thus there is an innate irony when he is hired to deliver the most advanced self-forming steel to New Mexico.
I was very pleased to read an new hard-boiled detective story, and while the set-up suggests it will not be a series, it harkens back to the no-nonsense P.I.s who prefer to withhold their suspicions until there is enough weighty evidence before making a declaration and who have the good sense to refrain from revealing details to everyone involved in the case. Busco is embroiled in a case that pits him against higher authorities whose sole purposes is to complicate everyone’s lives and to prevent anyone from discovering the truth. Undaunted, the protagonist, an unwilling dupe, collects the puzzle pieces and is handsomely rewarded for his discretion and ability to dissect the elaborate scheme. The author, James Blakley, uses this opportunity to remind us all that life is more than just a little satisfactory when we appreciate the things we have, even if it’s only a beat up car, good mates and a modest roof over our heads.
I don’t want to come off as sounding like all this story has to offer is a slightly cranky P.I., there are brilliant moments of hilarity, coincidence and some terrific banter between all these strong characters. Plus, he does encounter resistance, complications and some characters that would drive a Dali Lama to lose patience. So, if you desire a quirky detective, colourful characters and a plot that might just explain why the world still needs spies, this could just be the book for you.
Publisher: Inkwater PressPublication Date: 3 September 2010Format: Paperback
Review originally appeared on the now defunct Bookworm's Buffet Blog
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