First published 2001
Earl Swagger arrives in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1946 with a mission to clean up the city's gambling operations. The decorated World War II veteran finds himself leading a special state police unit tasked with shutting down the illegal casinos that have flourished under corrupt local protection. Earl faces resistance from entrenched criminal organizations, crooked politicians, and dirty cops who profit from the wide-open gambling town. As he pushes forward with raids and arrests, the violence escalates. Powerful enemies strike back at Earl and his small team of honest lawmen. The investigation reveals connections between organized crime figures and respected community leaders. Earl must navigate deadly threats while trying to restore law and order to a city built on vice. His commitment to justice puts him at odds with forces that will kill to protect their profitable empire.
Genres: american-fiction, historical-fiction, 20th-century, mystery, crime, action
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-allies, fish-out-of-water
Setting: Hot Springs, Arkansas
Period: 1946
560 pages · Paperback · Arrow Books Ltd
Content warnings: violence