A fun atmospheric novel set in a rollicking, if a bit gritty, part of Portland. It's a nice start to a new series. Thanks to Netgalley for the arc.

A good story with some interesting characters that started developing nicely as the tale progressed. A little too much introspection from the main character who is evidently a philosophical zen tattoo artist type with a penchant for expensive scotch and violence.

I am interested in seeing where this series goes. Should get interesting. 3.5 Stars

A book that feels choreographed to a dark, noirish melody

Last year I read another superb book by author Jeff Johnson - EVERYTHING UNDER THE MOON - and I'm so glad I stumbled across this offering.

Both stories take place in Portland, Oregon - a city I love. This tale takes us to Old Town, a part of town I've walked around many times before and this author has a huge talent in bringing his story locales and his characters alive.

Darby Holland is now 40 years old but grew up, at least part of his life, as a street kid. He owns a tattoo parlor in Old Town called Lucky Supreme and has quite a unique mix of people working for him.

One of his past employees stole some tattoo renderings (called flash) from him and Darby has been looking for him ever since. He gets a call from another past employee from Southern California who has spotted the thief. So Darby heads down to California and his troubles really begin.

I loved this story. I loved everything about it, from characters good and bad, to descriptions of just about everything. The story is dark, quirky, made me think, made me laugh. I was thrilled to read that this is the first book in a trilogy about Darby Holland. Author Johnson's skill with the written word is top-notch.

"The inside of my mouth tasted like I’d been chewing on old cigarette butts scavenged from the lobby of a casino full of white wine drinkers."

I received this book from Arcade Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.