The Cut

When valuable things are stolen, investigator Spero Lucas is the one to find them. Tired of his modest job working for a Washington, DC, defense attorney, he accepts a proposal from a drug lord. A 40 percent commission may be profitable, but it moves him into the shady side, where ensuing double-dealing produces violence and a growing body count. Audie Award-winning actor Dion Graham infuses life into a large cast of characters that include Washington professionals, street punks, and Spero's ex-military buddies, but keeping track of everyone in this short novel becomes a challenge. Fast moving and hard edged, this first episode in a new series is not for everyone, but those who appreciate contemporary urban thrillers can expect a fine listen. [The Reagan Arthur hc, published in August, was a New York Times best seller.—Ed.]—Janet Martin, Southern Pines P.L., NC