Gray & Company, Publishers

#4 in the Saxon mystery series.

Wealthy and unlikable real-estate developer George Amptman hires Saxon to determine whether his young wife, Nanette, is having an affair. Saxon hates domestic cases, but the client seems so pathetic—and offers so much money—that Saxon agrees. And when her lover, a petroleum engineer, is found strangled with a silk scarf, Saxon finds himself hip-deep in the oil business.

Saxon's nemesis, Lieutenant Joe Di Mattia of the LAPD, thinks Nanette Amptman murdered her lover. But there's no shortage suspects: The crusty old wildcatter who's made and lost fortunes. The mysterious East Indian with a nasty pet cobra. The powerful oil baron who fired the victim because of his womanizing. And the exquisite movie actress more famous for her private performances than her on-screen ones. And there's no shortage of motives, either—thirty-two million of them, all with dollar signs.

Saxon ranges up and own the oil-rich beach areas of Los Angeles's South Bay, facing a second murder, an attempt on his own life, and a wrenching examination of his own courage. A tender love affair with a strong, independent woman brightens his life, and his teenaged adopted son, Marvel, provides some much-needed moral support when the going gets toughest.

Reviews

Another smooth page-turner from Roberts, who keeps the action moving and still fits in some wry observation on parenthood, teenagers, and marriage. — Kirkus Reviews

As Roberts matures in his writing, Saxon matures as a character in this, his most complex story to date. — Mystery News

Roberts . . . writes expert procedural novels, colorfully narrated by an L.A. private eye named Saxon, a likable tough guy with a soft heart. — Publishers Weekly

About Les Roberts

Les Roberts is the author of 16 mystery novels featuring Cleveland detective Milan Jacovich, as well as 11 other books. The past president of both the Private Eye Writers of America and the American Crime Writer's League, he came to mystery writing after a 24-year career in Hollywood. He was the first producer and head writer of the Hollywood Squares and wrote for The Andy Griffith Show, The Jackie Gleason Show, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E., among others. He has been a professional actor, a singer, a jazz musician, a teacher, and a film critic. In 2003 he received the Sherwood Anderson Literary Award. A native of Chicago, he now lives in Northeast Ohio. More About Les Roberts