The "nameless" San Francisco detective and his partner Eberhardt are trying to prove that their client Thomas Lujack did not mow down his business partner with his car. Although he suspects his client's guilt early on, the 58-year-old gumshoe spends three weeks looking for flaws in the testimony of the hit-and-run's sole witness. Then Lujack is found murdered, the witness disappears, and the detective, instead of being asked to step up his investigation, is discharged by the victim's brother Coleman. In full moral outrage, the veteran detective bulldogs his way through the case, uncovering evidence about the brothers' employment of illegal immigrants.
"Pronzini makes people and events so real that you're living those explosive days of terror."—Robert Ludlum
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"A skilled writer working at the top of his ability."—Denver Post
"Pronzini delivers breathtaking suspense"—San Francisco Examiner
"His novels are packed with adventure, fresh characterization, and minute-by-minute suspense."—Chicago Tribune
"Pronzini is the master of the shivery, spine-tingling it-could-happen suspense story."—Publishers Weekly
"Pronzini is a pro."—The New York Times