Hard Stop -- Chris Knopf

A while back I reported on Chris Knopf's Head Wounds. You should read that review, if you haven't already, because it'll give you the background on Sam Aquillo, the narrator of Hard Stop, and I won't have to repeat it here.

In this book, Sam gets a visit from his past in a dandy opening action scene. He finds out that he can't quite escape old life, and with big bucks in the offing, he takes on a job for his ex-employer. What he turns up is high-level chicanery and, of course, murder. Not necessarily in that order.

Sam's a tough guy, which is a good thing, since he takes a bit of punishment. He can dish it out, too, and when he gets on a case, he doesn't let up. His friends from the previous book, including his dog, Eddie, are all here, and a couple of enemies, too. Sam's not as depressed as he's been because things are going pretty well for him. He's still hitting the booze pretty heavily, but it's under control. Before the story's all over, Sam finds out the real reason he lost is former job. He doesn't get the big bucks, but he does get a measure of satisfaction.

Good writing, some humor, a complex mystery. If you haven't met Sam Aquillo yet, this would be a good book to begin with. Or go back and read the others first and catch up. You'll have a good time.