There are many larger-than-life, hard-boiled superheroes, some more believable than others. Then there is Joe Pike: A strong, contemplative, quiet, unassuming protagonist. And his sorrowful and anguished side-kick, PI Elvis Cole, adds a more human touch. Together, they make a great team, and in this, the third thriller in the series with Joe in the lead (Elvis is upfront in 11 others), they come together like ham and swiss or hand in glove.
It all begins when by chance Joe observes two gangbangers beating up a cook in a po’boy sandwich shop in Venice, California. Killing one ( the other runs off), he meets the cook’s niece and becomes attracted to her, deciding to meet with the gang jefe to prevent further violence in what appears to be a protection racket. This leads to all sorts of events involving the Mexican drug cartel, Bolivian drug lords, and a psychopathic killer, among others.
Each novel in the series is notable, with this entry among the best. The author has written a solid book, with ironic observations and a plot that swerves back and forth to keep the reader wondering what follows. He has shown that the series is a long way from running out of steam, and I can’t wait for the next one.
Highly recommended.
