I am a Sam Spade fan and when I saw this book – I knew I wanted to read it. The author sent me a link to his website and an intriguing book trailer video. Watch it HERE. I couldn’t get it on my kindle fast enough.

Immediately the story lulled me into the comfortable world of what I thought was a ‘50’s detective story. I could hear Sam’s voice in my head. Some dame was in trouble, there was drinking and smoking and a bar fight – fedoras and raincoats – I was hooked. But then the twist – the main character carried a jack (a what? Like for a car?) no it was a phone, computer, unlocked his door to his apartment and when he got home he told the hub to turn on the lights – WAIT WHAT?

So not 1950 maybe 2050? All the elements that I love from the Sam Spade era are there but the world and technology are in the future and while that might have thrown me at first – I totally enjoyed it. The supporting cast – barmaids with class, bar owner with heart, ex-wife that still loves this messed up drunk of an ex cop and an old partner – all add the wonderful read.

And the ending – well no spoiler here – but it did leave me surprised and in awe. This author is a wonderful storyteller. Now I need to pour myself a bourbon (on the rocks because it has been that kind of day) and wait for the next book!

SUMMARY

Former Homicide Detective Maxwell Floyd has hit rock bottom. Broken. Bleeding. A New York minute changed his life forever—his marriage, career, and sobriety lost in the aftermath. He thought he could still make a difference as a private eye, but was dead wrong. He copes with his ongoing failures in love and life the only way he knows—with a bottle. But all the alcohol in the world can’t keep the ghosts of his past from haunting him.

Enter Mr. Fletcher, a secret envoy from the Police Commissioner’s office. He offers Max an opportunity to make things right and hires him to solve the recent and brutal murder of a famous young socialite. The catch: Max will need to use his own resources while staying out of the NYPD’s way. Max is wary but jumps at the chance, desperate for redemption.

The investigation becomes a race to stay one step ahead of the detectives assigned to the case. But while clues are scarce, personal problems abound, forcing Max to contend with his most dangerous enemy. It doesn’t help that Mr. Fletcher hasn’t told him everything. With so many distractions, Max struggles to unravel the mystery, himself becoming the target of the vicious killer.

Click Here to buy A Cold Blooded Rain: From the Files of Maxwell Floyd, Private Eye on Amazon