ABOUT THE BOOK

Police Chief Ben Orton had a gift for making enemies. He was proud to count among them hippies, homosexuals, and subversives of every race and religion. When his body was found, head smashed in, the locals were shocked, less because of the gruesome murder than because someone had finally dared cross Orton.

The cops immediately nabbed gay activist Cliff Kerlee. He'd threatened the Chief's life at a heated demonstration. Case closed.

Until Dave Brandstetter steps in. Dave won't buy it. Nothing fits. Orton's family won't talk. Townspeople raise more questions than they answer. What is the newswoman hiding? Why does she send her attractive young assistant after Dave, even to his bed? Dave pursues answers to the seamy, intricate puzzle. Step by step he gets closer to the truth. Until he reaches it - and finds himself face to face with death.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

"The Brandstetter stories develop strongly with a striking quality of measured calm" - London Sunday Times

"After 40 years Hammett has a worthy successor" - London Times

'Unusual in two respects. One is that the insurance investigator, though ruggedly masculine, is thoroughly and contentedly homosexual. the other is that Hansen is an excellent craftsmen, a compelling writer.' - New Yorker

'The most exciting and effective writer of the classic private-eye novel working today.' - L.A.Times

'Spare and stylish' - London Financial Times

'Hansen is to gay detective fiction what Sara Paretsky is to feminist sleuthing.' - Pink Paper