5 stars

This novel is set in Calgary during the Calgary Stampede, one of the author’s favorite times of the year – and mine as well.

Adam Cullen is a former newspaper reporter for the crime beat. He assists his friend, Mike Cobb, who is a private investigator, from time to time on his cases. Mike contacts Adam wanting him to do some deep research on Buckley-Rand Larmer, a virulent right-wing radio broadcaster.

Adam begins his research, but is stymied at several points. He feels that there is something in Larmer’s past, but can’t seem to get a handle on what it is. He is also distracted because his girlfriend’s daughter is very ill from an unknown cause. He also becomes somewhat fixated on the murder of a young girl several years earlier. Her murder remains unsolved.

Surprisingly, Larmer’s sidekick/bodyguard, Jasper Hugg is murdered. Larmer is taken into custody. Did he murder his friend as the police believe?

Mike wants Adam to help him prove Larmer’s innocence. Adam abhors the very idea. While he finally decides to work with Cobb on the case, he remains unhappy about it.

Following clues and making connections, this very fine book is drawn to a conclusion. The murderer is a surprise, and the denouement of the book is just great. The cops are competent and justice is swift.

This book is very well written and plotted. Mr. Poulsen’s characters are likeable and engaging. This is the first David Poulsen book that I have has the pleasure to read and it certainly won’t be my last!

I want to send a very big thanks to Netgalley and Dundurn for forwarding to me a copy of this wonderful book to read.