Back in Staten Island after a year in Prague (
The Woman from Prague), a battered and bruised Ash McKenna is hired by local drug lord (and drag queen) Ginny to find Spencer, an addict friend who has disappeared. A mysterious Kid Vicious is trying to take over the heroin scene and frames Ash for the murder of Brick, the current kingpin. Then Ginny is kidnapped and Ash must try to rescue both her and Spencer while dodging two female bodyguards and several villains at an isolated drug lab. With help from high school best friend Bombay and fellow PI Turquoise Rose, Ash works hard at overcoming his past as a hired hit man to help people legitimately. At 25, he is trying to find himself, but his temper and introspection are less compelling than the action sequences; one wishes he would mature more quickly.
VERDICT The fifth and final tale in Hart's "Ash McKenna" series is a fast-paced, adventure-packed read. A mystery book editor and writing instructor, Hart knows his Staten Island setting well and makes strong use of it.
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