Gray & Company, Publishers

#5 in the Saxon mystery series.

Saxon returns to his hometown, Chicago, where one of his oldest pals, cop Gavin Cassidy, has died of a lethal combination of drugs and alcohol in a cheap hotel. Saxon arrives for the funeral to find his old crowd—and the old town—much changed. He also encounters rumors that Gavin's death might not have been accidental. Had Gavin Cassidy, a career cop, finally “seen the elephant” (police parlance for becoming involved in a life-threatening situation), and been unable to extricate himself before it was too late? Saxon's unofficial investigation into his friend's death is hindered by the still strong Chicago police machine bosses—and by his long estranged, ex-con father.

Reviews

Facile but oddly touching in the father-son rapprochement scenes. A semi-hardboiled trip down memory lane, then, guided by a capable old pro. — Kirkus Reviews

Provides an intriguing overview of Chicago ward politics [and] the deromanticizing of an old relationship as well as an interesting mystery. — 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