(Reviewed by JD Jung)
Mark “Slag” Ferguson, an unlicensed private investigator and part-time bartender is always trying to make ends meet. However now in his mid-thirties, he finds himself thrust into a pair of cases that quickly spin beyond his control.
In his primary case, the gorgeous Kelly Mason is certain that her wealthy husband is in danger and wants Slag to find out who the culprit is and why. She believes that someone may be blackmailing him or something even worse. She has no information to help Slag, other than her husband routinely disappears without explanation. The obvious answer—that he’s cheating—seems clear to Slag, but that’s not what he’s being paid to uncover. Additionally, to help a friend, he is taking on a pro-bono case, which he can’t really afford to do.
Both these cases bring Slag into dangerous situations, as he finds himself involved in more than what he bargained for. Could these go deeper than a seemingly routine case?
It’s a classic noir setup: a heavy drinking, self-destructive “private Investigator”, disillusioned with love, a femme-fatale, and friends who aren’t the best influence on him. With that in mind, I was sure I figured out this whodunnit. Well, I was wrong. The author gives this sub-genre a modern, believable plot.
Filled with twists, sharp dialogue, and a cast of interesting characters, Rat Town Blues offers a brisk, engaging read with multiple surprises. It will appeal to fans of both classic and contemporary detective fiction.