Former cop turns writer looks into the 20 year old murder of his younger self's favorite rock star. What he turns up, causes the murder and mayhem and the occasional belly laugh. Fun new series from a prolific author who doesn't hesitate to plug his own non-fiction works in the narrative.

Well written, well edited, fast paced, with characters you're bound to remember long after you've finished the book. Oh, and did I mention there are more plot twists and turns than a mountain road in the Rockies? All in all, I was utterly blown away that this was a debut novel (yes, you read that right). I can't wait to see what else Mr. Buck brings us.

Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down. - Ray Bradbury

I loved this book. Loved the story, loved the characters, loved the humor.

Nenad "Nob" Brown is a tabloid writer - kinda. He's an ex-cop, ex-husband. His friend with benefits, LAPD police detective Gloria Lopes (rhymes with hopes), gets Nob the case file on dead rock singer Lana Strain, who died under mysterious circumstances twenty years ago.

Now Nob really needs this material for a story. He's behind on payments to his ex-wife and is about to lose his house. But he really wants the story because Lana Strain was his teenage pinup girl and he wants to find out how she really died.

I thought Gloria Lopes was a great character, with her hot pink powder-coated handcuffs and her free and easy lifestyle. I also liked Nob's part-time assistant Melody Elvinstar, who can twist herself into pretzel shapes and is always there when Nob needs a helping hand.

Sisters (who are the daughters of the dead Lana), the porn industry, an aging rock star father, an attorney for the mob, a psychiatrist with no morals, incest, murder - all wrapped up in a whodunit that was tons of fun to read.

I am thrilled to read that there is to be a sequel to this book - GO DOWN SCREAMING.

NOTE: I received this book from Brash Books through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. (I also received a copy of the book from the author and will be keeping it in my library to read again one of these days.)

This is a good hard-boiled piece of noir. If you like interesting characters, a smart struggling reporter protangonist, and a roller coaster plot, then this book is for you. Nothing like a good murder invovling sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll!

Better than I thought it would be, two mysteries in one, quirky characters made this book a good read.

There were an awful lot of characters though, so it you had to be on the ball to keep up with it sometimes, and I am sure there were some questions left unanswered, unless it was me?? What happened to Gary the lawyer and the Russian mobster??

Recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

I am happy to say, I picked a really good book to read & review. I truly enjoyed this story because it was a nice mix of crime, sex, humor & great characters. Plenty of twists & turns, I didn't find it at all predictable. I loved the sassy dialogue, yet felt quite sad & close to tears at other parts. I also enjoyed the atmospheric "feel" & added history of LA. I look forward to reading more from Craig Faustus Buck & would definitely recommend it.