Part of Dismas Hardy, book 1
First published 2005
Dismas Hardy pours drinks at the Little Shamrock, trying to forget his past as a cop and lawyer. He left both careers behind after a devastating personal loss that still haunts him. Now he finds solace in whiskey and darts, seeking the peace that has long eluded him. When word arrives that Eddie Cochran is dead, Hardy's quiet new life shatters. He cannot ignore Eddie's pregnant widow Frannie, who needs answers Hardy might be able to provide. The investigation pulls him back into the world he abandoned, forcing him to confront old secrets that people would kill to protect. As Hardy digs deeper, he discovers that Eddie's death connects to dangerous passions that threaten more lives. He must choose between the safety of his bartender's existence and the risks of seeking justice for his dead friend.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, detective
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: redemption, second-chance
Setting: Little Shamrock
432 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Berkley