Wish I could give half stars as this one would rate 3 1/2 stars but since I cannot I moved reluctantly gave it 4 stars. This is a good, good read. During the first hundred pages, I felt like I was reading a book version of the television series, Dragnet, but as the novel moved along I lost that feeling (perhaps because I became so involved with the tale). However, I did unravel the plot about two thirds through the read because the author gave many clues to help the reader.
It begins with a wealthy antiquities dealer named Tommy Rennesler being murdered in a bizarre way. He is injected with cobra poison and his organs are removed, an ancient Egyptian ritualist killing method. His daughter, Temple who is tall and beautiful with world class legs, hires one Jimmy McShane, private investigator, to find her father's killer.
As the investigation unfolds, Jimmy uncovers a child prostitution center and several wealthy men who frequent its services. Other murders are committed and Jimmy has three attempts on his own life. Interwoven into the novel's story is Jimmy's romance with Henderson, a lovely chiropracter, who shares office services with his own and Temple's disfunctional family. The investigation continues and Jimmy discovers a mysterious Rex who serves as a go-between with Temple's father, his brother and the disreputable sellers they encounter.
Several suspects make McShane's list: Rex; Temple's mother, Helen; an antiquities collector named Brand; her father's brother; and the mysterious 'Cobra,' an unknown but vicious killer. Read this one yourself and see if you can uncover the plot before the unexpected ending.
It begins with a wealthy antiquities dealer named Tommy Rennesler being murdered in a bizarre way. He is injected with cobra poison and his organs are removed, an ancient Egyptian ritualist killing method. His daughter, Temple who is tall and beautiful with world class legs, hires one Jimmy McShane, private investigator, to find her father's killer.
As the investigation unfolds, Jimmy uncovers a child prostitution center and several wealthy men who frequent its services. Other murders are committed and Jimmy has three attempts on his own life. Interwoven into the novel's story is Jimmy's romance with Henderson, a lovely chiropracter, who shares office services with his own and Temple's disfunctional family. The investigation continues and Jimmy discovers a mysterious Rex who serves as a go-between with Temple's father, his brother and the disreputable sellers they encounter.
Several suspects make McShane's list: Rex; Temple's mother, Helen; an antiquities collector named Brand; her father's brother; and the mysterious 'Cobra,' an unknown but vicious killer. Read this one yourself and see if you can uncover the plot before the unexpected ending.
Intriguing psychological story. Set in England and filled with interesting characters. We're unsure who is good and who is bad until the very end.
