Started out as a 2, but redeemed itself quickly with oddball characters and capers. Didn't really go anywhere, that's why I dropped the rating to a 3.

Henry Swann is approached by new guy Stan Katz at his regular poker game to track down Rusty Jacobs. Jacobs has run off with a $1 million dollars of their clients' money and investment banker Katz is in trouble. Swann reluctantly takes the case and his main lead comes via the woman who introduced Jacobs to Katz. So Swann goes to a glitzy film industry party in New York and the trail then takes him from New York to Hollywood where he finds Jacobs and gives him a deadline to return the money.

Through this, Swann finds himself in the midst of a midlife crisis. Swann is uneasy about his work and his partnership with fellow PI Goldblatt. Swann even questions his identity and what he has accomplished both in his professional and personal life. Between the Hollywood scenes, and Swann having to deal with his personal dilemna, I found this to be an easy and fun read.

I received an eARC via Netgalley and Down and Out Books.

No problem jumping into this series, though I haven't read a Swann before it was a smooth sailing. Henry Swann the NYC based private detective is at loose end, hanging out with buddies shooting the breeze. A series of cases pop up for him to work on, which he does, travelling out to LA. Those who've been following the series will be interested to see Swann's family make an appearance.

A very quick read, this contemporary noir crime caper features no violence and no sex, though there is plenty of lust in the air. The banter between Swann and his friends is a highlight of the book, along with detailed descriptions of a few typical NYC restaurants. I also enjoyed the depiction of investigations that end without being all wrapped up, though this may not be everyone's cup of tea.

Smoothly written, but breaking no new ground, if you like Swann please be sure to read Raymond Chandler and the other early examples of this genre.