Rielinger has populated his book with engaging characters—updated versions of figures from classic hardboiled mysteries. Luvello narrates in a laconic style: his bullet strikes someone "in what used to be his head." He's well-matched by the equally tough Hannah, who orders her boyfriend to "satisfy me for the entire night." But theirs is not an old-fashioned relationship because of the transitioning, and Rielinger handles the process sensitively, showing how the couple addresses the situation. Still, the story rolls out in classic police procedural format, and readers need to pay close attention, as the connections among the plot elements are often tenuous and motives can be hard to discern.
The supporting cast is a nice mix of the old and new. The traditional police vs. FBI rivalry pulses with witty tension, but some of the supporting players have been upgraded. For example, the typical P.I. sidekick is now an accountant-turned-hacker, Tomas, and his sharp banter with Luvello shows the depth—and problems—with their relationship. Indeed, Luvello continues the noirish P.I. tradition of not being a people person. Nevertheless, the bonds of loyalty remain unbroken, as Luvello et al. bring the story to an inventive and exciting conclusion, leaving readers eagerly awaiting their next adventure.
Takeaway: A P.I. and a reformed hacker uncover a massive financial conspiracy.
Comparable Titles: Donna Leon’s So Shall You Reap, L.A. Dobbs’s Sam Mason Mystery Series.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
