Playing the Dozens

Smart, suave assistant D.A. Michael Holden leads a team of detectives in a search for the killer of a Washington, D.C., policeman, a search that uncovers police corruption, Mafia influence, and an extensive drug ring Read more Continue reading Read less FROM PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Vivid characters and strong writing keep this thriller moving briskly. The murder of a Washington, D.C., cop puts an assistant U.S. attorney on the trail of drugs and corruption in Pease's stylishly gritty debut. Apprehended immediately, the killer asks to speak with Michael Holden, whose investigation of Washington's mayor had failed to bury either the pol or his pal Milton Higgs. The killer, who promises to hand over the goods on Higgs, is found hanged before the night is out. Holden is freshly determined to nail both Higgs and the mayor, and to find out who in the P.D. is in their pockets. With the help of veteran detective Eddie Nickles and a bright rookie, Holden orchestrates an investigation of money-laundering that uncovers Higgs's involvement in a huge heroin shipment; Higgs is also connected to the murder of a male prostitute. The many angles of the case are neatly resolved as the story ends with a seamlessly introduced, thought-provoking surprise that is not a tribute to the legal profession. 50,000 first printing; $50,000 ad/promo; author tour. (Sept) .
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. FROM SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
YA-- When an apprehended cop-killer says he'll talk only to Assistant U. S. Attorney Michael Holden, a trail of politics, drugs, money-laundering, and murder begins to unravel. As the trail widens, Holden worries about whom he can trust with the growing information: his boss, never seen without a glass in his hand or an aide by his side; the seasoned detective who pursues the investigation in a menacing yet effective way; or the new detective, an unknown who goes by the book. Snitches talk, but they too play a game. The well-crafted plot moves briskly and steadily and is peopled with an assortment of good guys, bad guys, and those you just can't figure out. YAs won't put the book down until the last page, which holds the final surprise.
- Judy Sokoll, Fairfax County Pub . Lib . , VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. FROM LIBRARY JOURNAL
U.S. attorney Michael Holden and Washington D.C. homicide detective Eddie Nickles are called in when a cop killer says he will confess only to them. What he reveals leads them to a maze of organized crime, murder, and a massive money-laundering operation. The plot is further complicated by an informer within the higher echelons of the judicial system, who is feeding all reports directly to the crime boss. Pease, a former federal prosecutor, uses his knowledge to provide authentic background for this fine first novel of betrayal and corruption, complete with absorbing characters, and a tidy, unusual rendering of justice, 1990s style.
- Jo Ann Vicarel, Cleveland Heights-University Heights P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. Read more Continue reading Read less