First published 2007
Ray Dudgeon left journalism behind to become a private detective in Chicago. He wants nothing more than honest work done well. Hollywood locations manager Bob Loniski approaches Ray in terror. While filming in Chicago, Loniski witnessed something that made him a prosecution witness against a suspected Chicago Outfit member. Ray's mob connections claim they have no interest in Loniski, so he accepts the bodyguard assignment. Bodies start dropping. Ray's investigation uncovers blackmail files connecting the sex trade, Washington political corruption, and a vicious power struggle between Chicago crime bosses. The FBI, Chicago police, and the mob all hunt him now. Ray possesses evidence that could destroy high ranking cops and politicians. The line between right and wrong dissolves. Doing the right thing means certain death. Staying silent means living with betrayal of everything he believes.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, detective
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, right-thing-means-death
Setting: Chicago, Washington
Period: 21st-century
352 pages · ebook · HarperCollins Publishers
Content warnings: violence