Involuntary Flashback by Dave Garrett

Tapping into a classic noir vibe with a good dose of contemporary flair, Involuntary Flashback by Dave Garrett is a fast-talking, razor-sharp Big Apple mystery. When a young ingenue named Lilly seeks sanctuary with Rod Weyhengrubber and his partner, Ida, it becomes a race to crack the case before her wannabe kidnappers find out where she’s been tucked away, and Rod soon discovers that the conspiracy is much larger than he first thought, with extortion, espionage, and geopolitical consequences hanging in the balance. Garrett is wickedly sharp with a turn of phrase, and readers will find themselves smirking and nodding in recognition on nearly every page. This is a well-crafted read in terms of both plot and character, which requires diligent attention, as events are densely packed, but this is what makes the novel such an exciting, page-turning read with a truly satisfying payoff.