Not the first book with this title, nor the first to be set in this era. But I was intrigued. The theme of old Hollywood, detectives (or PIs), a mystery, an author with a connection - who could not be hooked.

The fact this that is a prequel - and that I had not read any in the preceding series - was a good omen. It meant that I was starting at the beginning, I hadn't missed anything, and I had something more to look forward to. And I will be seeking out this series.now that I have read these three "cases". I also enjoyed the first person narrative - which reminded me of two of the genre's other great detectives - Spade, Marlowe.

I am returning to my roots - so to speak - of detective fiction, and have read extensively over the last few years, some old favourites and some new works. This is one I would happily add to my own collection - and the rest in the series.

I really struggled with this. It was trying hard to be hard boiled but the story wasn't engaging and the style was uneven. It felt like it needed a good editor and a re-draft or two.

Tom Logan is the quick fisted, tough talking detective looking for the killer of his old cop buddy "Red". It wouldn't be a noir without a femme fatale and a wifely woman: Mei-Ling, a young Chinese woman who's being kidnapped in broad daylight and Lisa, Logan's on-off date and confidante. To complete the picture there should be a syndicate: "The Syndicate".

The story was ok but, for me, the telling needed work. It was all too deliberate and over-written. Descriptions of cars could have come from the sales brochure and characters don't just speak they reply sincerely or answer shortly. I've seen very positive reviews and I have to admit I find original hard boiled novels tough going too but this one wasn't for me.

1930's, LA, the mob - need I say more? I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest review. Great 1930's PI mystery set in LA with incredible characters including the mob. What more do you need? Loved the narrative that made me feel as if I was actually at the scene.

3 short stories featuring Private Eye Tom Logan with the action set in 1930's Hollywood.

The main story (which takes up almost 3/4 of the book) sees Tom coming to the rescue of Mei-Ling, a young Chinese woman who's being kidnapped in broad daylight. Logan is already trying to find out who killed his old cop buddy "Red", gunned down in a late night ambush.
Mei-Ling turns out to be a friend of a prostitute named Roxie, one of Red's snitches who had a "black book" listing the names of many pillars of the Los Angeles community who have been using The Manor - a high-class brothel run by "The Syndicate". Tom recovers the book and aims to expose corruption in high places. But who can he trust? It seems his pursuers are not only gangsters but also corrupt cops while some in the LA District Attorney's office are also in the pay of The Syndicate.

On the run with Mei-Ling, he is stalked throughout the city as more people die.

Fans of movies such as "Chinatown" and 1940's noir thrillers will enjoy this fast paced tale. My only criticism is that the action tends to flag towards the end as the various threads of the story are explained in a lengthy scene in which the "good guys" talk about who they can and can't trust. A great read for fans of old-style private eye stories.

Set in LA in the early 1930’s this is a gold old fashioned detective story. The author,Tony Piazza has written a ripping yarn in the vein of Sam Spade Et al. It’s a quick read with corrupt cops, murder, prostitution, and gang rivalry. Tom Logan calls Women ‘Doll ‘ and has a female friend who is too independent for him to consider as wife material.....so comes across as a little dated but overall it’s great pulp fiction.

I would like to thank the author/publisher/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review

Tony Logan is the main character in three stories in this book all set in 1930's Las Angles. The first being the longest and in my opinion, the best. In this first, longer story, Tony just founds out his good friend Red is dead. Killed by the Syndicate. He is contacted to investigate the murder of a prostitute, Emily, who is known to have a "black book" with a list of clients and syndicate members. Tony is being tailed by numerous people, but he does not know whom to trust and along the way, he makes more than one mistake. He meets up with Mie-Ling another prostitute who was friends with Emily and might know the location of the Black Book. If you are a fan of 1930's mysteries, these three stories will be a treat. I am giving this 3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars.

Love the 1930s theme of this book. There is a little black book missing and the Syndicate wants it back. The girl who took it is dead but she hide it away and nobody seems to be able to find it. Tom Logan was a cop but now a PI who has been asked to look into his friend's murder. There are dirty cops involved so who can he trust. Then he is trying to protect Meling who everyone thinks knows where the book is. Can he help her? Can he unravel this twisted case to find the answers to find out who killed his friend?

Three cases for ex-cop Private Investigator, Tom Logan set in 1930 Los Angeles. In the first story after the death of a close friend from the force he investigates an organisation called 'The Syndicate'. The following two cases are short stories where he tries to locate a missing woman, and finally he is looking for the 'Full Moon Killer'.
Enjoyable stories with good dialogue and fine characters. What I didn't like was the use of some characters speaking in the vernacular. Very off putting.