Description: The final masterpiece by James Sallis, author of the cult classic Drive
When an old friend from his days on the police force makes a plea for him to come and help with what seems to be a murder case, jazz guitarist Bishop steps back into a former life. Two major problems, though. The job's in the town where he grew up, to which he vowed never to return. And his friend disappears, leaving Bishop with responsibilities he never anticipated or wanted. Not to mention a couple more murders. Bishop slips into his old role as easily as into well-worn, comfortable old clothes. Getting his bearings in the town's close society and among his own memories is a different matter. This breathtaking novel from grandmaster of noir James Sallis is both a resonant detective procedural and a poignant examination of human nature.Review Quotes: Praise for James Sallis
"Unlike those pretenders who play in dark alleys and think they're tough, James Sallis writes from an authentic noir sensibility, a state of mind that hovers between amoral indifference and profound existential despair."--The New York Times "The power of simplicity and the musical ring of truth as only Sallis can deliver it--as he has done bravely, consistently, for the last few decades."
--Los Angeles Times "Sallis's treatment is minimalist, stylish, and all the more evocative for it. Essential noir existentialism."
--The Guardian "Then there's James Sallis--he's right up there, one of the best. It is quite possible that speaking of Jim Sallis in the same tone as Poe and Dostoevsky is not overblowing on my part."
--Harlan Ellison