In a remote spot outside L.A., a giant truck suddenly plunges in flames off a mountain road at midnight. It looks like an accident, but it isn't. Someone had fastened a bomb under the truck, killing owner-driver, Paul Myers, who was insured for $100,000. Crack insurance investigator, Dave Brandstetter is called in to find out what happened and why. Why was Myers hauling in that secluded spot at that hour and for whom. No one wants to answer Dave's questions but then another trucker's death arouses suspicions and a pattern begins to emerge. Gradually Dave's investigation carries him into the mysterious realms of independent trucking and corporate deceit, where smooth PR talk hides ruthless and widespread deathdealing. Although Dave finally uncovers a murder, his most startling discovery concerns a secret network poisoning all of our lives.
'The Brandstetter stories develop strongly with a striking quality of measured calm'
- Sunday Times
'After 40 years Hammett has a worthy successor'
- The Times
'Spare and stylish'
- The Financial Times
'The most exciting and effective writer of the classic private-eye novel working today'
- Los Angeles 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