PW Publishers Weekly

Review Source: Publishers Weekly

Review Date: 2003-07-21

Copyright: (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

PI Duncan Sloan, who made his debut in Truluck's Street Level (2000), explodes back into action in this rapid-fire, tough-guy whirlwind of an adventure set in Orlando, Fla. Terry Sebring, a high-priced hooker, comes to Sloan because her Jaguar was stolen-and in the car was her Palm Pilot with her client list. Now someone is trying to shake down some of her customers and she's been followed and burgled. Naturally, the case isn't as simple as it appears. The body count will rise before Sloan, a dangerous and appealing blend of cool and cunning, can figure out what role the punks who stole Terry's car played and which of her clients (lawyer, accountant, mob guy, evangelist) has added blackmailer to his resume. Despite the up-to-date contemporary setting, Truluck's style recalls that of Mickey Spillane in its straight-ahead, get-it-done fashion. The dialogue crackles with staccato sentences, flip wit, the ever-present tension of violence and sex. Readers can expect a nonstop thrill ride with a skilled driver at the wheel, and lots of collateral damage before the checkered flag. Duncan Sloan shouldn't wait so long before his next appearance. (Aug.) FYI: Street Level won the St. Martin's/Private Eye Writers of America Best First Novel contest in 1999. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

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